Some places record all-time high temperatures that mostly occur during heatwaves.
Even though it might not get as hot in other places, there’s nothing better than a dip in your very own backyard pool to keep you and your family cool and help your friends stay entertained all year round.
While pool parties sound fantastic, you might be thinking- aren’t swimming pools super expensive to build? Will they break your bank? Are they even worth it?
There’s no denying that swimming pools add loads of aesthetic value to any property. However, as with any fancy, big-ticket item, the costs of installing a pool can largely vary.
There are many variables that need to be considered before making the decision to install a pool at your residence. Other than the type of pool you want (above or in-ground), there are other cost factors that must be kept into consideration.
These include the cost of material, maintenance, chemicals and filtration, repair, equipment, and labor costs. While these sound like a small percentage of the costs, they tend to add up and account for thirty to fifty percent of the total expenses.
Below is a pool cost breakdown to help make your decision easier. There is no denying that even though swimming pools might cost a lot, they are worth every penny.
They brighten up your home’s surroundings, add to the aesthetic, are a fantastic place for your children to enjoy in, provide an always-ready spot for your friends to hang at, and last but not least, increase the value of your property significantly.
When you go out to sell your house, having a pool in your backyard will attract other homeowners, and chances are, you will not have to wait too long before you have a bunch of offers lined up!
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How Much Does Building Your Own Pool Cost?
On average, installing a swimming pool costs approximately $24,800. However, the range is massive; you could spend anywhere between $1500 to $65,000 depending on how fancy you want your pool to be and the number of features you want to invest into.
For most homeowners, the average price of a pool can oscillate between $12,800 to $37,400 for both above and in-ground swimming pools.
For those wanting some special features, such as a waterfall, spa, lagoon-style layout, and patio, they will have to pay extra. This could cost around $100,000. Sounds hefty, but think about how beautiful your pool area will look!
There is no denying that aboveground pools cost less than inground swimming pools when it comes to installation. An above-ground pool could cost approximately $1,500 to $15,000, while a super basic in-ground one would cost $35,000 to $65,000.
Think of it as $50 to $125 per square foot. These prices are for the most basic pools with no additional features or add-ons. Labor cost is not included.
Types of Pool: Aboveground vs. Inground
There are two main types of swimming pools. These include aboveground and inground.
As mentioned before, aboveground pools are cheaper than inground pools. This is because there are generally fewer options available for aboveground pools in terms of the pool’s depth, shape, and size.
Most homeowners opt for aboveground splash pools for their kids that are 4-feet deep. However, aboveground pools of higher quality can also be bought if you have a flexible budget.
Aboveground Pool Cost
An aboveground pool can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000.
These pools are sold as kits by pool companies, so they do not call for severe excavation or site preparation. However, leveling the area and providing access to electrical service will be your responsibility.
You will require a pump that is powered by electricity so that you can ensure that the water in the pool is properly circulated and cleaned. Moreover, you will need a filter system, ladder, and pool cover.
It is important to note that an aboveground pool does not add value to your home the same way an in-ground pool does as most home buyers are not impressed by it.
Inground Pool Cost
As you might have guessed, an inground pool calls for professional pool builders. You can expect to spend approximately $42,000 on the pool construction, including on materials and labor.
However, you can exceed this limit based on additional features that you would like to apply. You can either opt to pay as low as $20,000, or you could go as high as $78,000.
When constructing an inground pool, extensive site preparation, and a large amount of materials are required.
Here’s some good news for you to ease the burden- an inground pool increases the value of a property by almost 5%. This means that if you opt for an inground pool and wish to sell your house in the future, you are likely to boost your curb appeal.
Costs of Material
There are three main inground pool lining materials commonly used. These include vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Vinyl is the least expensive, with a cost of 25,500. Fiberglass may cost $31,500 on average, while concrete may range between $30,000 to $85,000.
These types of pools usually require patio installation, along with fencing. In fact, fencing pools may be a requirement by law in some parts of the world!
Concrete Pools
Concrete pools are constructed with wet concrete called gunite and shotcrete. These are applied with a pressurized spray to a structure made of wire and steel reinforcement bars.
The best part about concrete pools is that you can shape them any way you want and even include curves. It’s even better if you line your pool with ceramic tiles since they cannot be destroyed and will actually last you for fifty to a hundred years.
However, the downside of concrete as a material is that it has a porous surface that attracts algae. This leads to more maintenance each year. Concrete is known to be alkaline-based, which is why it affects the pH of water inside the swimming pool.
It is important to monitor the water in a concrete swimming pool as the pH values need to be balanced. Hence, it is important to replaster concrete annually. The cost usually amounts to approximately $10,000.
To install a 14 x 28-foot concrete pool, you will have to invest $50,000. The lifespan of concrete is 10 to 15 years.
Fiberglass Pools
As compared to concrete pools, fiberglass pools cost slightly less. Luckily, the one-piece surface of fiberglass is non-porous. This means that algae and bacteria do not accumulate on it.
While this may not sound like a big deal, it predominantly affects costs in the long run, as you do not have to spend on maintenance. Fiberglass pools have a multitude of shapes and depths available, including features that include wide edges, tile surfaces, and even built-in spas.
However, the downside of fiberglass is that it is not as sturdy and durable as concrete. Moreover, you will not have as many custom options available.
To lower one piece of fiberglass into the pool, a crane will have to be used. This will limit your access to the entire yard. You may also have to pay extra for the delivery costs of materials.
To install a 14 x 28-foot fiberglass pool, you will have to invest $46,000. The lifespan of fiberglass is 25-years.
Vinyl-Lined Pools
Vinyl-lined pools are the most inexpensive option for inground pools. Made from a series of rigid steel, plastic, or composite panels that are placed into an excavated hole to help form the walls.
After this, the final shape of the pool is lined with a thick layer of vinyl to ensure a smooth finish. Sometimes, vinyl-lined inground pools are assembled on-site in the form of kits.
The downside is that vinyl isn’t as sturdy as concrete or fiberglass. This means that you will have to replace the vinyl liner every ten years. This will cost somewhere between $3000 to $4000.
To install a 14 x 28-foot vinyl-lined pool, you will have to invest $35,000. The lifespan of a vinyl-lined pool is 5 to 10-years.
Costs of Site
Before you decide to invest in constructing a pool, you need to consider whether your property is easily accessible, or would it be difficult for excavation equipment to access the pool site.
Moreover, you need to check whether your land is undulating. In this case, there would be loads of excavating, and you would also have to invest in a retaining wall. All these necessities would shoot up the price of installing a pool in your backyard.
Costs of Design
Obviously, the cost of constructing a basic rectangular pool is less than that of constructing some complex-shaped pool customized to the design you saw on Pinterest.
You could opt for a backyard oasis, a unique pool, spa, and different landscape features, such as a waterfall. All these extra features add to the beauty of your swimming pool, but you can also expect the costs to ride up significantly.
If you opt for these additional features, consider hiring a landscape designer to ensure that you get the very best.
Costs of Pool Materials
There are lots of pool materials that you may require. These include a pool pump to manage your pool’s filtration system. This can cost anywhere between $150 to $800, depending on the size and quality you choose.
Another thing that you might need is a pool heater. This ensures that the pool temperature is kept at a comfortable level. Pool heaters can cost anywhere between $1,700 to $3,100.
While this may seem like something, you do not immediately need, believe us when we say that energy-efficient pumps and heaters will save you loads of money in the long run.
Not only will they help adjust temperatures in the winters, but you can also use them in the summers to ensure a comfortable swim all year round.
Do not forget that you will have to pay for permits and property taxes when installing a pool based on the laws set by your local municipalities. Liabilities also include the homeowner’s insurance, water bills, and of course, electricity bills.
Costs of Pool Accessories
Investing in a pool does not mean you can forget about its accessories.
You will need some lighting so that you can use your pool in the evening. You can choose between a halogen, fiber optic, and LED pool light system, depending on what kind of design you want to go towards. This will require you to invest an additional $500.
If you are constructing a pool for your kids, getting a slide will help double the fun. This will only cost an additional $1,675 and will ensure that your kids are always entertained!
Last but not least, how can you invest in a swimming pool and not get a diving board? A diving board in the deep end is an absolute necessity, and will only cost you approximately $390.
You can also opt for additional accessories, such as an infinity-edge, swim jets, plunge pools, and lap pools.
These will only help increase enjoyment for members of your family. If you are planning on renovating the area around the pool, maybe consider buying some new outdoor furniture.
This could include a chaise lounge, a table, a couple of chairs, and a cute umbrella. You can also use some planters to make the little area around the pool more attractive. If you are feeling super fancy, add an outdoor kitchen!
Costs of Labor
Before you make your final decision to install a swimming pool, make sure to take a few bids from a couple of contractors to ensure that you get the best price. Do not forget to contact their references to be 100 percent sure that your project will go as expected.
Please consult with your contractor and ask how much warranty they offer for their work, how long the warranty lasts, and what all it covers. This will help safeguard not just your interests, but also make it less likely for people to fool you or rip you off. You can never be too careful, right?
The standard labor cost for installing a pool from scratch can run anywhere between $2 to $6 per square foot.
Pool Maintenance Cost
There is no denying that maintaining a pool is hard work. Pools require constant care. Whether it is chemicals or minerals used to condition the water to cleaning equipment and annual repairs, the cost of a pool does not end even after it has been installed.
Chemicals, including chlorine and muriatic acid, have to be checked regularly to ensure that the pool is safe to swim in.
Moreover, you will have to keep an eye on the water quality, pH, walls, and make sure to sweep the bottom of the pool and remove accumulated debris.
You may also require some significant items, such as a skimmer, vacuum, pool cover, and filtration supplies. The best way to protect your investment is to conduct routine checks on your pool so that the cost of maintenance does not pile up at the end of the year.
Generally, pool maintenance costs can range between $180 to $200 dollars a month, while pool cleaning can require around $165 a month.
It must be noted that if you opt for a vinyl-lined pool, you will have to pay for repairing the liner every few years. This will cost up to $1,900. In case you opt for fiberglass or concrete-lined pool, replastering and resurfacing the pool will cost merely up to $7 a square foot.
Conclusion
Even though the cost of building, maintaining, and equipping a backyard pool can be pretty hefty, we assure you that it is worth the investment. In fact, many pool owners will vouch for the fact that spending thousands of dollars on a pool has changed their life.
The best part is that having a pool in your backyard can significantly increase your home’s value. It can also add beauty to your home’s architecture and make a cool spot for friends and family members to hang out.
If you are thinking about installing a pool in your backyard, we don’t blame you. After all, it is quite an attractive investment. Don’t forget to find out the market value for each of the pool’s features before investing in different items.
Do your research on the brands that you want to invest in, read up on reviews, and always buy from reputed sellers.
Moreover, make sure that everything you buy comes with a warranty so that in case of any malfunction, you can exchange your product and opt for a better-quality one. Who wants to waste even more money after spending so much on a swimming pool, right?
