The Real Cost Of DIY Pool Servicing
Owning a pool in Cairns is a dream come true—until the water turns cloudy, the filter clogs, or the chlorine balance goes haywire. For many pool owners, the first instinct is to roll up the sleeves and handle it yourself. And sure, with the right know-how, some regular cleaning and basic maintenance can absolutely be a DIY job.
But too often, what starts as a cost-saving exercise ends up costing more—in time, money, stress, and sometimes even in repairs.
So let’s break it down: what’s the real cost of DIY pool cleaning? And when is it smarter (and cheaper in the long run) to call in the pros?
1. Time vs. Expertise: The Hidden Trade-Off
DIY pool maintenance often seems simple—scoop the leaves, check the chlorine, brush the walls. But Cairns’ tropical environment adds a whole other layer of complexity. Between the monsoon season, intense UV exposure, and higher organic debris from nearby foliage, pool chemistry here changes rapidly.
What DIYers often miss:
- Adjusting for seasonal changes in water temperature and rainfall
- Fine-tuning salt chlorinator output to suit variable usage
- Spotting early signs of algae before it blooms
- Identifying equipment issues and fixing then before they do costly damage
Time cost: 1–2 hours per week
Missed problems: Often not caught until too late
💡 Pro tip: Our technicians at Allan’s are experienced at identifying early warning signs that most pool owners would miss.
2. Chemical Costs: Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Effective
Buying pool chemicals from a hardware store might seem more affordable—but off-the-shelf “one-size-fits-all” products can be less effective or even damaging if misused.
Common DIY chemical mistakes:
- Overdosing chlorine and causing skin or eye irritation
- Adding salt when the pool needs chlorine – or vice versa
- Incorrect balancing leading to corrosion, scaling or damage to pool surfaces
- Using cheap salt that leaves brown or black stains on pool surfaces
- Missing signs of chemical imbalance until it’s expensive to fix
- Forgetting seasonal chemicals, such as algae preventers
Typical monthly DIY chemical spend: $60–$100
Typical chemical spend with pro servicing: $30–$80 (right chemical, right amount, right time)
✅ At Allan’s, we customise treatment based on your pool size, filtration system, and current conditions.
3. Equipment Wear and Tear: A Silent Wallet Killer
One of the most overlooked costs of DIY pool cleaning is damage to the pump, filter, chlorinator or plumbing due to improper maintenance.
Examples we see often:
- Backwashing too often (or not enough)
- Not cleaning the salt cell, leading to early failure
- Ignoring tiny leaks that later need costly repair
- Not fixing flow issues, causing pump or cell damage
- Overlooking cost-effective specialty chems that protect pool surfaces and equipment
DIY repair cost (average): $150–$1500
Prevention cost with servicing: Often $0
🛠️ Our team checks your equipment every time we visit, preventing breakdowns before they happen.
4. Health and Safety: Clear Water Isn’t Always Safe Water
Just because your pool looks clean doesn’t mean it’s safe. Bacteria like E. coli or Cryptosporidium thrive in poorly balanced pools—especially during Cairns’ hot summer. And poorly balanced water can ruin pool surfaces, fixtures and equipment over time.
DIY risks:
- Cloudy water reducing chlorine efficiency
- Incorrect chlorine levels harming skin and eyes
- Unbalanced water damaging pool surfaces
- Bacterial growth causing ear, eye or skin conditions
🧪 At Allan’s, we test your water in-store for free, with precise digital analysis—not guesswork.
5. The Real Decision: When Should You Call in a Pro?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
| Situation | DIY or Call Allan’s? |
|---|---|
| Skimming, brushing, checking water level | ✅ DIY |
| Persistent cloudiness, algae, or staining | 🚨 Call a Pro |
| Salt cell looks crusty or discoloured | 🚨 Call a Pro |
| Equipment is noisy, leaking or losing pressure | 🚨 Call a Pro |
| Hosting a party or guests | 🚨 Call a Pro to prep it right |
Why More Cairns Pool Owners Are Choosing Allan’s
✔ Locally owned, with decades of tropical pool expertise
✔ Free in-store water testing and expert advice
✔ Fully qualified technicians who know Cairns conditions
✔ Friendly service that’s tailored to your pool and your schedule
Still want to DIY? We’ll support you every step of the way.
Need a hand? We’ll get your pool crystal-clear and healthy in no time.
Ready to Take the Pressure Off?
📞 Call Allan’s Pool Shop today to book a one-off service or start a regular servicing plan.
✅ Local expertise for Cairns conditions
✅ Trusted by homeowners, Airbnb hosts and property managers
✅ Flexible plans to suit your lifestyle and budget
