2023 Labor & Equipment survey results

News

June 14, 2023

Responses to our survey came in from 22 states. As we have come to expect, responses were heaviest from the areas with the highest number of pools. The top states in order of participation were California, Florida, Texas and Arizona.

For statistical purposes, we divided the country into seven geographic regions, based on their location and the number of responses we received.

The following is the way we broke it down:

Northern California — From the Oregon Border south to Bakersfield. Northern California represents 14 percent of the responses we received. We also included Oregon in this region.

Southern California — From the Mexican Border north to Bakersfield. Southern California represents 30 percent of the responses we received.

Southwest —Arizona; Colorado; Nevada; New Mexico; Oklahoma; Texas; and Utah. The Southwest represented 20 percent of the responses we received this year.

Florida —The Service Industry is large enough in this state for it to qualify as a separate region. Florida represents 13 percent of the responses received.

Southeast —Alabama;Arkansas; Georgia; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maryland; Mississippi; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee; Virginia; and West Virginia. The Southeast represents 12 percent of the responses we received this year.

Northeast — Connecticut; Delaware; Maine; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; and Vermont. The Northeast represents 5 percent of the total number of responses that we received this year.

Midwest — Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; North Dakota; Ohio; South Dakota; Wisconsin; and Wyoming. The Midwest represents 6 percent of the responses we received this year.

The average is actually the median Whenever possible, we use the median figure for determining averages. So, the “average” price for the various levels of service represents actual prices that someone is charging. Half of the reported pricing is higher than the median, and half is lower.

When responses from a region were considered insufficient to give us an accurate reading, we dropped that region from our pricing survey. And whenever possible, we provide “highs” and “lows” for each level of service, to give you an idea of the ranges of pricing that we were dealing with.

When considering dollar amounts, we rounded up or down to the nearest whole dollar. Disclaimer Although it is not a purely scientific survey, we believe that our results present an accurate picture of the state of our industry in 2023.

When reader participation was deemed sufficient, we reported information on a variety of categories that were supported by adequate data.

Information contained in this survey is for informational and historical purposes only and is not meant to encourage readers to set prices in restraint of trade or in violation of any laws. ——— General hourly repair charges are as follows: Northern California — “Average,” $125; High, $168; Low $98.

Southern California — “Average,” $100; High, $165; Low $45.

Southwest — “Average,” $120; High, $165; Low $65.

Florida — “Average,” $100; High, $125; Low $75.

Southeast — “Average,” $123; High, $220; Low, $75.

Northeast — “Average,” $138; High, $165; Low, $105.

Midwest — “Average,” $120; High, $196; Low $95.

To make it easier to evaluate business practices, all labor fees are organized by region.

Not all regions of the country respond to this survey section at the same level, but those that did may find these pricing guidelines useful in evaluating their business practices.

In general, the data that inspires the most confidence is based on higher participation and came from both halves of California and the Southwest.

The following is a regional breakdown for standard services, with percentages of firms that perform them. We also include the “Average” price charged for the service as well as “High” and “Low” charges whenever possible: Northern California

Responses from service firms in Northern California provided information on more than 6,000 swimming pools. These pool maintenance companies have a median account size of 175 swimming pools and spas that are serviced each week. Service firms from this area reported that pool finishes tend to be cementitious, 96 percent, with nearly 2 percent of pools made of fiberglass and less than 2 percent vinyl lined.

A summary of the services and

labor charges for Northern California is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $125; High, $168; Low $98.

Acid Wash — 17 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1,650; High $3,000; Low $300.

Pool Painting — Only 8 percent of the participant in our survey reported that they paint pools. The “Average” charge to paint pools is $5,000.

Winterizing — For this region of the country, the participants in our survey do not provide this service.

Spring Openings — For this region of the country, the participants in our survey do not provide this service.

New Pool Startup — 75 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering pool startup as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to start up a pool: $500; High $800; Low $200.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt water chlorine generator; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement— “Average” $475; High, $800; Low, $250.

Pump Replacement— “Average” $650, High, $900; Low, $250.

Heater Installation— “Average” $1,000, High, $1344; Low, $392.

Cleaner Installation— “Average” $130, High, $420; Low, $0 (included with purchase).

Salt System— “Average” $500, High, $880; Low, $375.

Ozone Generator—Results on ozone generators were insufficient from the region to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

UV Unit— “Average” $500, High, $850; Low, $375.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — Results on liners were insufficient from the region to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

Southern California

Beginning at the border between San Diego and Mexico, continuing north to Bakersfield, Southern California makes up a huge share of the pool and spa industry. Within Los Angeles County alone, the latest estimate is that the region contains 250,000 swimming pools, high by any measure.

Survey participation from Southern California accounted for 30 percent of all responses received.

Responses from service firms in Southern California provided information on nearly 5,000 swimming pools. These pool maintenance companies have a median account size of 92 swimming pools that are serviced each week.

Service firms from this area reported that pool finishes tend to be cementitious, 95 percent, with about 4 percent of pools made of fiberglass and 1 percent vinyl lined.

A summary of the seasonal tasks and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $100; High, $165; Low $45.

Acid Wash — 52 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1,000; High $2,250; Low $700.

Pool Painting — Less than 1 percent of the participant in our survey reported that they paint pools. Results for this service were insufficient to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

Winterizing — For this region of the country, the participants in our survey do not provide this service.

Spring Openings — For this region of the country, the participants in our survey do not provide this service.

New Pool Startup — 52 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool startup as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to start up a pool: $650; High $850; Low $150.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average” $250; High, $600; Low, $100.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $350; High, $650; Low, $180.

Heater Installation — “Average” $600; High, $1,250; Low, $250.

Cleaner Installation — “Average” $75; High, $150; Low, $0 (Included with purchase).

Salt System Installation — “Average” $350; High, $750; Low, $180.

Ozone Generator—“Average” $312, High, $400; Low, $187.

UV Unit— “Average” $275, High, $375; Low, $187.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — Results on liners were insufficient from the region to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

Southwest

The Southwest made up 20 percent of those responding to our survey.

Respondents in the Southwest provided information on more than 2,000 swimming pools. These pool maintenance companies have a median account size of 94 swimming pools that are serviced each week. Service firms from this area reported that pool finishes tend to be cementitious, 88 percent, with about 8 percent of pools made of fiberglass and 4 percent vinyl lined.

The full breakdown of the responses received concerning seasonal jobs and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $120; High, $165; Low $65.

Acid Wash — 47 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $500; High $1,700; Low $350.

Winterizing — 24 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer winterizing as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to winterize a pool: $250; High $400; Low $225.

Spring Openings — 18 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer spring openings as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to open a pool in the spring: $250; High $450; Low $200.

New Pool Startup — 47 percent of survey participants reported offering pool startup as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for a startup: $500; High $1,100; Low $150.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt system; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average”$200;High,$400;Low,$85.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $318; High, $1,000; Low, $125.

Heater Installation— “Average” $690; High, $1,620; Low, $200.

Cleaner Installation — “Average” $120; High, $270; Low, $0 (Included with purchase).

Salt System Installation — “Average” $360; High, $660; Low, $95.

Ozone Generator— “Average” $200, High, $375; Low, $135.

UV Unit— “Average” $250, High, $375; Low, $157.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — Results on liners were insufficient from the region to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

Florida

Florida captures a large share of the pool industry and is thus treated as its own region, accounting for 13 percent of those responding to the survey.

Survey responses from service firms in Florida provided information on nearly 2,000 swimming pools. Service firms from this area reported that pool finishes tend to be cementitious, 95 percent, with 2 percent of pools made of fiberglass 3 percent vinyl lined.

The full breakdown of the seasonal services and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $100; High, $125; Low $75.

Acid Wash — 45 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1,000; High $1,500; Low $400.

Pool Painting — less than 1 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool painting as part of their service package. The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Winterizing —Participants in our survey do not provide data for this service.

Spring Openings — Participants in our survey do not provide data for this service.

Pool Startup — 64 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering pool startup as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to start up a pool: $538; High $1,000; Low $100.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt system; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average” $425; High, $675; Low, $125.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $560; High, $880; Low, $250.

Heater Installation — “Average” $935; High, $1,600; Low, $500.

Cleaner Installation — “Average” $125; High, $700; Low, $0 (Included with purchase).

Salt System Installation — “Average” $500; High, $680; Low, $250.

Ozone Generator— “Average” $680, High, $800; Low, $500.

UV Unit— “Average” $625, High, $850; Low, $425.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — Results on liners were insufficient from the region to be able to include it in this portion of the survey.

Southeast

The Southeast region of the country represents 12 percent of those responding to our survey.

Survey responses from service firms in Southeast provided information on nearly 2,000 total swimming pools. These pool maintenance companies have a median account size of 85 swimming pools that are serviced each week. Service firms from this area reported that they see a greater variety of pool surfaces than in other areas of the country. Roughly 52 percent of the pools serviced are cementitious, with about 28 percent of pools made of fiberglass and 20 percent vinyl lined.

Due to the seasonal weather variation experienced in these areas, survey respondents from the Southeast reported among the highest incidence of additional services such as winterizing, spring openings, and vinyl liner replacement.

The full breakdown of seasonal services and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $123; High, $220; Low, $75.

Acid Wash — 10 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1200; High, $1,600; Low, $500.

Pool Painting — less than 1 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool painting as part of their service package. The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Winterizing — 70 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer winterizing as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to winterize a pool: $325; High, $530; Low, $200.

Spring Openings — 60 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer spring openings as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to open a pool in the spring: $325; High, $400; Low, $200.

Pool Startup — 50 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering pool startup as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to start up a pool: $670; High $800; Low $400.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt system; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average” $586; High, $850; Low, $275.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $641; High, $850; Low, $500.

Heater Installation — “Average” $870; High, $1,650; Low, $400.

Cleaner Installation— “Average” $150; High, $240; Low, $100.

Salt System Installation— “Average” $500; High, $868; Low, $250.

Ozone Generator— “Average” $700, High, $825; Low, $500.

UV Unit— “Average” $625, High, $850; Low, $425.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — “Average” $6,500; High, $10,000; Low, $3,000.

Northeast

The Northeast area represents 5 percent of those responding to our survey.

Survey responses from service firms in Northeast provided information on nearly 2,000 swimming pools. Service firms from this area reported that 76 percent of the pool finishes they see are vinyl lined, while 21 percent are cementitious, and 3 percent are fiberglass.

Northeast service professionals spend a lot of time readying pools for freezing conditions and winter storms and then opening the pools up in the spring for the swimming season. A full 100 percent of those responding to the survey reported pricing for these services.

The full breakdown of seasonal services and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $138; High, $165; Low, $105.

Acid Wash — 29 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1,225.

Pool Painting — less than 1 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool painting as part of their service package. The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Winterizing — 100 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer winterizing as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to winterize a pool: $560; High, $625; Low, $325.

Spring Openings — 100 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer spring openings as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to open a pool in the spring: $540; High, $850; Low, $300.

Pool Startup — 53 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool painting as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to start up a pool: $475; High, $750; Low, $100.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt cell; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average” $165; High, $210; Low, $150.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $220; High, $760; Low, $180.

Heater Installation — “Average” $500; High, $750; Low, $350.

Cleaner Installation — The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Salt System Installation — “Average” $420; High, $890; Low, $200.

Ozone Generator— “Average” $250, High, $700; Low, $225.

UV Unit— “Average” $625, High, $850; Low, $425.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Midwest

The Midwest region of the country represents 6 percent of those responding to our survey.

Survey responses from service firms in the Midwest provided information on over 1,000 swimming pools. Service firms from this area reported that many pool finishes tend to be vinyl lined, 47 percent, with about 51 percent of pools made of cementitious material and 2 percent fiberglass.

The full breakdown of seasonal services and labor charges is as follows: General Hourly Labor — “Average,” $120; High, $196; Low $95.

Acid Wash — 60 percent of survey participants from this region reported offering acid washes as part of their service package. The “Average” charge for an acid wash: $1,300; High, $2,000; Low, $600.

Pool Painting — less than 1 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer pool painting as part of their service package. The data was insufficient to report an average charge.

Winterizing— 100 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer winterizing as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to winterize a pool: $350; High, $745; Low, $304.

New Pool Startup — 40 percent of survey participants from this region said they offer new pool startups as part of their service package. The “Average” charge to startup a new pool: $670; High, $1,500; Low, $400.

For this next portion of the survey, we asked our readers to tell us how much they charge — in labor fees only — to do the following tasks: replace a pump motor; replace a pump; install a heater; install an automatic cleaner; install a salt cell; install an ozonator; install a UV sanitizer; and replace a vinyl liner.

Pump Motor Replacement — “Average” $325; High, $600; Low, $150.

Pump Replacement — “Average” $412; High, $879; Low, $238.

Heater Installation — “Average” $980; High, $1,700; Low, $570.

Cleaner Installation — “Average” $95; High, $125; Low, $0 (Included with purchase).

Salt System Installation — “Average” $600; High, $879; Low, $250.

Ozone Generator— “Average” $825, High, $1,760; Low, $520.

UV Unit— “Average” $610, High, $750; Low, $475.

Vinyl Liner Replacement — Average” $3,500; High, $10,000; Low, $1,500.