A monthly budget, line by line
| Item | Per month (estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pump electricity | $10–40 | Variable-speed at the low end, an older single-speed at the high end |
| Chemicals, chlorine pool | $25–65 | Fixr: $300–800 a year (Fixr) |
| Chemicals, salt pool | under $10, plus a cell reserve of $3–20 | Under $100 a year; a $200–700 cell every 3–5 years |
| Top-off water | a few dollars | LUS summer Tier 2 water is $3.31 per 1,000 gallons (LUS) |
| Weekly service (optional) | $87–217 | $20–50 a visit (Fixr) |
| Heater (optional) | varies widely | Only in the months you heat |
Our estimates for a typical residential pool, built from the LUS rate sheets and Fixr's national figures (updated January 2025). Your pool size, run time and habits move every line.
Electricity on an LUS bill
LUS residential service (Schedule R1) charges $12.00 a month plus $0.05093 per kWh (LUS, Nov 2024), and a separate fuel charge that has been $0.0535 per kWh since September 2025 (LUS). Together that is about 10.4¢ per kWh before tax. In practice, every kWh your pool equipment uses each day adds about $3.13 to a 30-day bill.
| Pump use per day (example) | About per month |
|---|---|
| 3 kWh | $9 |
| 6 kWh | $19 |
| 12 kWh | $38 |
| 18 kWh | $56 |
The pump is the big user. ENERGY STAR points out that running a pump at half speed takes about one-eighth of the energy (ENERGY STAR), which is why a variable-speed pump turned down for long, slow filtering costs so much less. Federal efficiency rules for most new filter pumps took effect on July 19, 2021 (Jandy), so a new build will usually get a variable-speed model. Ask your builder to set its schedule, and check the watts on the pump's display. Homes outside the LUS area are usually on SLEMCO or another utility, with a different rate.
Filling the pool
A 20,000-gallon pool is a typical medium size. LUS has three ways it can end up on your bill:
- Summer, through your meter: water above your winter average is $3.31 per 1,000 gallons (about $66). Sewer is billed on your winter average or actual use, whichever is less, but never less than 75% of what you actually used, at $7.47 per 1,000 gallons (LUS). That can add up to about $112, so around $180 in all.
- Winter (December to March): water is $2.09 per 1,000 gallons and sewer is billed on actual use, so the same fill costs about $191.
- Bulk from a hydrant: LUS sells pool water at $2.53 per 1,000 gallons plus a $75 charge, only for pools within 300 ft of an LUS hydrant (LUS Schedule W5). That's about $126, and the schedule lists no sewer charge. Your builder may arrange it.
Taxes are extra on each. If you're on a private well or another water system, ask that provider.
What Acadiana weather does to upkeep
Lafayette averages about 62.8 in of rain a year, with June the wettest month at 7.09 in, and August highs average 92.3°F (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). Heavy rain dilutes your sanitizer, stabilizer and, in a salt pool, the salt. Long, hot months keep algae busy. Expect to test more often in summer and after every downpour. A pool that fills up after a storm may also need some water let out, which is a job to ask your builder about first (see groundwater and relief valves).
Repairs to save for
- Vinyl liner: replaced about every 5–9 years (Fixr).
- Plaster or pebble: resurfaced every 10–15 years on a gunite pool.
- Salt cell: $200–700 every 3–5 years if you go salt (Fixr); see salt vs chlorine.
- Filter: a replacement runs $150–1,500, depending on type (Fixr).
A fiberglass shell skips the liner and plaster cycle, which is a big part of its lower upkeep.
Common questions
How much does a pool add to an LUS electric bill?
About $3.13 a month for every kWh the equipment uses each day, at LUS's base energy rate plus the current fuel charge (LUS). How many kWh depends on the pump and its schedule; most variable-speed pumps show their watts on the display, so you can check.
Is it cheaper to fill a pool in winter or summer in Lafayette?
Summer is slightly cheaper through your own meter, because LUS bills summer sewer on no more than your winter average, with a floor of 75% of actual use (LUS). Bulk water from a nearby LUS hydrant is cheaper still, about $126 for 20,000 gallons.
Do I need a weekly pool service?
No, many owners test and dose the water themselves, which costs only chemicals and time. A service makes sense if you travel, or would rather not handle chemicals, and it typically runs $20–50 a visit.
What is the cheapest pool to own over time?
Usually fiberglass with a variable-speed pump: no liner swaps and no resurfacing, and less chemical demand on a smooth surface. Vinyl costs less to build but needs a new liner every several years.
Sources & further reading
- LUS Schedule R1, residential electric (Nov 2024). $12.00 a month + $0.05093/kWh
- LUS monthly fuel charge (from Sept 1, 2025). $0.0535/kWh
- LUS Schedule W1, residential water (Nov 2024)
- LUS Schedule S1, residential wastewater (Nov 2024)
- LUS Schedule W5, bulk water for swimming pools (Nov 2024)
- ENERGY STAR: pool pumps
- Jandy: DOE pool pump rules. Effective July 19, 2021
- Fixr: pool maintenance cost (Jan 2025)
- Fixr: saltwater vs chlorine pool
- NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Lafayette Regional
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.