Water Repellent Treatment Cost Calculator
Make informed decisions about water repellent treatments with our comprehensive cost analysis tool. Compare total ownership costs, performance ratings, and environmental impact across all major treatment types.
Table of Contents
💰Total Cost Analysis
Calculate true 5-10 year ownership costs including maintenance and replacements
📊Performance Comparison
Compare effectiveness ratings across all major treatment types
🌱Environmental Impact
Understand sustainability implications of different treatment choices
🎯Personalized Recommendations
Get tailored advice based on your specific use case and priorities
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose a preset or enter your garment’s initial cost
- Select treatment type based on your performance needs
- Adjust usage parameters to match your actual usage patterns
- Review results and personalized recommendations
- Compare options using the breakdown analysis below
Performance Calculator
Calculate total cost of ownership and compare water repellent treatment options
Input Parameters
Cost Analysis Results
Understanding Your Results
Total Cost of Ownership
This includes your initial garment purchase, all maintenance treatments over time, and replacement costs if needed. It reveals the true financial commitment beyond the sticker price.
Performance Score
Based on water repellency effectiveness, durability, and real-world performance data from industry testing standards (AATCC 22, ISO 4920).
Environmental Score
Considers PFAS content, biodegradability, manufacturing impact, and end-of-life disposal factors.
Smart Recommendations
Personalized advice considering your budget, usage intensity, and environmental priorities to optimize value.
Treatment Types Explained
Consumer Spray-On
Duration: 6-12 months Cost: $15-30/year Performance: Good for light use
Best for: Urban commuting, occasional outdoor activities, budget-conscious users
Wash-In Treatment
Duration: 12-18 months Cost: $25-40/year Performance: Good for regular use
Best for: Regular hikers, everyday outdoor gear, balanced performance needs
Factory DWR
Duration: 2-5 years Cost: Higher initial, lower maintenance Performance: Very good durability
Best for: Serious outdoor enthusiasts, professional use, long-term value
Premium Membrane
Duration: 5+ years Cost: High initial, minimal maintenance Performance: Excellent for extreme conditions
Best for: Mountaineering, extreme weather, professional outdoor work
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my total cost higher than the initial price?
The calculator includes ongoing maintenance costs, retreatments, and potential replacements over your selected time period. This “total cost of ownership” approach reveals the true long-term investment.
How accurate are these calculations?
Calculations are based on industry data, manufacturer specifications, and real-world testing. Individual results may vary based on specific usage patterns and care practices.
Should I always choose the cheapest option?
Not necessarily. Consider your usage intensity, environmental values, and performance needs. Sometimes investing more upfront saves money long-term and provides better protection.
How do I know when to retreat my gear?
Water no longer beads on the surface, fabric feels “wetter” during light rain, or drying takes longer than usual. Most treatments need renewal every 6-18 months depending on use.
What about PFAS-free alternatives?
The calculator includes both traditional and PFAS-free options. Environmental scores reflect the sustainability benefits of newer bio-based and silicone alternatives.
Can I save my results?
Take a screenshot of your results or bookmark this page with your inputs. We recommend recalculating periodically as prices and technologies evolve.
Learn More About Water Repellent Treatments
Complete Water Repellent Guide
Comprehensive guide covering science, applications, maintenance, and the latest PFAS-free innovations. Read Full Guide
Treatment Selection Flowchart
Interactive decision tree to help you choose the perfect treatment for your specific needs. Use Flowchart