If you can take a little time each week to skim the surface, clean out the baskets, scrub the walls (the most time consuming), you will be in good shape. Just take the pool water to the store for testing every couple of weeks and you are ready to splash away!
There is the cost of buying the chemicals and any equipment maintenance like rubber gaskets and brushes, etc. But that is nothing compared to what you would spend every month on a pool cleaning service. Local area pool cleaners charge anywhere from $100-$175 per month, depending on the size of your pool and the condition. You will NOT spend that on chemicals each month if you use my tips and don’t let it get away from you.
If you are in the market for a pool home, check out this list of area pool homes that are for sale under $300k!