Having a pool in your own backyard may be a luxury you've dreamed about since you were a kid, but as an adult you have to worry about the significant expenses that can come with pool maintenance. You can spend more than $1,000 per year in some areas to heat a pool (check out EnergySavers.gov for heating costs in your area), and then you have to consider the cost of water filtration and chemicals. Fortunately, there is good news for budget conscious pool owners and wannabe home swimmers: you can save a lot of money by learning a few DIY pool maintenance tips.

DIY Pool Maintenance Tips
 

Use a Pool Cover—Even During Swimming Season

You may already use a cover to protect your pool during winter months, but using it all year when you aren't swimming can save you money. You'll conserve water, reduce chemical consumption, cut potential heating costs and keep the pool cleaner.

A large sheet of plastic can cover the pool and save you some money initially, but a cover designed specifically for a pool will provide the most protection and last longer. There are different types of covers that offer a variety of pool maintenance benefits.

• Transparent Bubble Covers: let the sun heat up the pool water during the day
• Vinyl Covers: block more of the sun rays but have a longer life expectancy
• Insulated Vinyl Covers: designed with a layer of insulation between two vinyl layers

Backwash Your Pool—But Only When Needed

Backwashing is the process of cleaning your filter by running water backwards through it. It only takes a couple minutes to do and keeps your pool's filter working properly, as well as ensuring your pool stays as clean as possible.

To backwash your pool filter:

1. Shut off all power to the pool, especially the pool filter power.
2. Attach the backwash hose to the pool filter and roll the hose out to an area that won't flood.
3. Turn the valve to "Open." If you have a sand filter, you'll turn the valves to "Backwash."
4. Turn the pool filter on again.
5. Let the pool filter run until the water running out of the backwash hose is clear.
6. Shut off the pool filter.
7. Run the rinse cycle. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific filter.
8. Turn the pool back on and switch the valve back to "Close" for DE filters or "Filter" on sand filters.

Do not backwash more often than necessary or you won't allow your filters to reach their full potential, which costs you money in the long run. Wait to backwash your pool filter until the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI from clean.

Learn How to Close Your Pool

Closing the pool properly at the end of the swimming season protects it from damage that can be caused by freezing, moisture and debris. It can also save you money next season when it's time to reopen your pool because you'll spend less on chemicals and energy for cleaning.

Clean your pool, filter, skimmer and pump basket thoroughly at the end of the season and consider investing in a winterizing kit. Lower the water level to below returns and skimmers, but don't drain the pool completely. Put Anti-Freeze made for pools (not vehicles) to plumbing lines and plug the return fittings. Secure an air pillow in the center of the pool and cover the entire pool and pillow with your pool cover. Your pool is now ready for its winter rest and next year's pool maintenance budget is protected!