How Much Does It Cost to Run a Pool Service Round in Australia?

The real costs most pool techs underestimate

Many pool service operators set their prices based on what competitors charge — without calculating their own actual costs. This leads to underpricing, especially when chemical costs, fuel, and vehicle expenses are factored in. Understanding your true cost per pool is the foundation of a profitable business.

Chemical costs per pool

Chemical costs vary by pool size, condition, and season, but here are typical ranges for Australian conditions.

• •Chlorine (liquid or granular): $3-8 per visit depending on pool size and demand
• •pH adjusters (acid/soda ash): $1-3 per visit
• •Stabiliser (cyanuric acid): $2-5 per visit (seasonal, not every visit)
• •Salt (for salt chlorinated pools): $5-15 per top-up (every few months)
• •Algaecide and specialty treatments: $5-20 per treatment (as needed)
• •Average total chemical cost per regular visit: $5-15

Fuel and vehicle costs

Driving between pools is your second biggest expense after chemicals. A typical pool tech in suburban Sydney or Melbourne drives 60-120 km per day.

• •Fuel: $15-30 per day at current prices (depending on vehicle and distances)
• •Vehicle servicing: $2,000-4,000 per year for a ute or van
• •Tyres: $800-1,500 per set, replaced every 40,000-60,000 km
• •Registration and insurance: $2,000-4,000 per year
• •Depreciation: $3,000-8,000 per year depending on vehicle age and value

Equipment and insurance

Ongoing equipment costs and business insurance add up.

• •Test kit supplies: $200-500 per year
• •Replacement parts (filter cartridges, O-rings, etc.): $500-1,500 per year
• •Public liability insurance: $500-1,200 per year
• •Professional indemnity: $400-800 per year
• •Business registration and accounting: $500-1,500 per year

What should you charge?

With all costs factored in, a solo pool tech servicing 60 pools per week needs to charge $50-80 per regular visit to maintain healthy margins. Premium services (green pool recovery, equipment repairs) should be priced at $100-200+ depending on scope. The key is tracking your actual costs per pool — not guessing. Logging every chemical purchase, fuel receipt, and kilometre driven gives you the data to price confidently.