When a new pool goes in, a lot of homeowners assume the maintenance will be simple. Skim the surface, add a little chlorine, and you’re good to go, right?

That might work for a short while, but anyone who’s tried to handle pool care on their own quickly learns there’s a lot more to it.

From water chemistry to equipment upkeep, small mistakes can quietly turn into expensive problems. What starts out as a way to save money often ends up costing more in repairs, wasted supplies, and time you never planned to spend troubleshooting pool issues.

At Rising Sun Pools, we’ve seen nearly every pool problem you can imagine over the last 50 years. And more often than not, those problems trace back to well-meaning DIY maintenance that went a little off track. Below are some of the most common hidden costs of handling pool care yourself. and why professional service can actually be the more affordable option in the long run.

Chemical Imbalances That Do More Damage Than You Think

Keeping pool water properly balanced is one of the hardest parts of ownership. It’s not just about chlorine. pH, alkalinity, stabilizer, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels all need to work together to keep water clean, safe, and comfortable.

When chlorine levels are too high, liners and plaster can deteriorate, vinyl and tile can fade, and swimmers may experience irritated eyes and skin. Too little chlorine allows algae and bacteria to take hold. Even small imbalances can corrode metal components, strain heaters and pumps, and leave water looking cloudy or dull.

Many DIY pool owners rely on basic test kits or online charts, but those tools don’t always account for real-world conditions. Sun exposure, heavy rain, water temperature, and even residue from sunscreen can throw chemistry off balance faster than expected.

Professional advantage: With Rising Sun Pools’ professional water testing, our technicians use advanced analysis to dial in the exact balance your pool needs. That means fewer unnecessary chemicals, less guesswork, and reduced risk of costly damage from scaling or over-chlorination.

Equipment Wear and Costly Pump Issues

Your pool’s pump, filter, and heater do most of the heavy lifting behind the scenes. When they’re properly maintained, everything runs smoothly. When they’re not, problems can escalate quickly.

One common DIY mistake is improper pump run time. Some homeowners leave their pumps running nonstop, thinking more circulation is better, only to burn out motors and drive up energy bills. Others don’t run the pump long enough, allowing debris and algae to build up in the system.

Filters can also become an issue. When they’re not cleaned correctly or often enough, they restrict water flow and put added strain on the pump, leading to inefficiency or early failure.

Professional advantage: Rising Sun Pools’ technicians inspect and maintain your equipment regularly, catching early warning signs like pressure changes, unusual noises, or small leaks. Addressing these issues early often prevents major repairs or full equipment replacement down the road.

Leaks That Go Unnoticed Until It’s Too Late

Not all pool leaks are obvious. Some show up slowly as dropping water levels, higher water bills, or damp areas around the pool. Over time, even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water and cause damage to decking, soil, or the pool structure itself.

DIY maintenance often leads homeowners to top off the water without realizing there’s an underlying issue. That cycle of refilling, rebalancing chemicals, and ignoring the root cause can quietly become expensive.

Professional advantage: Our team uses specialized leak detection tools to locate and fix problems early. Whether it’s a worn seal, a cracked line, or a structural issue, early intervention saves water, money, and headaches.

The Time and Stress Factor

Pool maintenance takes more time than most people expect, especially during North Carolina’s long swim season. Vacuuming, brushing, skimming, backwashing filters, and testing water can easily eat up hours each week.

Many homeowners eventually realize they’re spending more time maintaining the pool than enjoying it. When issues pop up, the time spent searching online for answers or experimenting with fixes adds even more frustration.

Professional advantage: With Rising Sun Pools’ service plans, maintenance is handled by trained professionals who know your pool inside and out. From routine cleaning and chemical balancing to equipment inspections and seasonal care, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your pool.

The Real Cost of DIY vs. Professional Service

DIY pool care may look cheaper on paper, but the numbers add up quickly. Chemicals, test kits, cleaning tools, replacement parts, and higher utility bills often total several hundred dollars a year before factoring in your time. One or two avoidable repairs can erase any savings entirely.

Professional maintenance offers predictable pricing and peace of mind. Regular service helps prevent breakdowns, protects warranties, and keeps your pool operating efficiently year after year.

A Smarter Way to Protect Your Pool Investment

Your pool isn’t just a backyard feature. It’s an investment in your home and how you spend your time. Protecting that investment means giving it the care it deserves.

Rising Sun Pools has been helping homeowners throughout the Triangle area enjoy worry-free pool ownership since 1972. With five decades of experience and award-winning service, we handle everything from custom builds and renovations to routine maintenance and repairs.

Contact Rising Sun Pools today to learn more about our maintenance plans and schedule your first service visit. When it comes to your pool, doing it yourself can cost more than you expect, but doing it right often costs less than you think.