How Much Does It Cost To Install An Inground Pool

Initial Cost Vs Lifetime Cost

When it comes to adding a pool to your back yard, there are two types of costs you need to take into consideration. The first is the initial cost of the pool. This is the amount of money it takes to install a pool in the back yard and complete the landscaping around it. The second cost you need to consider is the lifetime cost of the pool. This cost includes the daily, monthly, and annual costs of running and repairing the pool. It is important to consider your budget for both during the initial planning process.

Determine your budget for the initial installation. If you are financing the pool, that would include the monthly cost of the loan. Secondly, consider the ongoing costs associated with the pool you choose and make sure you can afford those in addition to the initial cost.

There are some things you can do to keep the lifetime costs of the pool lower. You can use an insulated pool cover between swims to lower the heating costs. Choosing a smaller pool will lower both water and heating costs, as well. When planning the initial design, the professionals you hire can help you adjust the design to accommodate your budget of both the initial cost and the lifetime cost.

Concrete / Gunite / Shotcrete

Concrete pools, also known as gunite or shotcrete, are the most expensive pool type, costing most homeowners between $31,000 to $71,666 to install. You can shape your concrete pool into a customized design, and concrete pools last nearly a lifetime.

Keep in mind that concrete pools are high maintenance. Algae has no problem growing on concrete. To keep your concrete pool less green and more clean, youll need to perform an acid wash every 3 to 5 years, usually costing between $290 and $400.

Concrete is susceptible to cracking and needs to be replastered every 10 to 15 years. Acid washes also increase the need for replastering the pool. Replastering a concrete pool typically starts around $2,500 and can cost as much as $13,000.

Pros:

It can last for more than 50 years. Shape and size are customizable. Durable

It is usually the most expensive pool type to install High maintenance Requires high amounts of electricity and chemicals to stay clean and swimmable Susceptible to mold and algae It has an abrasive surface that can make feet bleed. Childrens soft feet are especially vulnerable to the harsh surface. Not compatible with saltwater systems. It can take months to install

Extra Costs To Consider

The main reason there is such a wide variation in pool costs is because there are so many extra expenses aside from the pool itself. When creating your budget, be sure to take these essentials into account:

Yard prep

Not every backyard is pool-ready. If your lawn has big drops or rises that require leveling or the construction of walls, the costs can be as high as $7,500 to $12,000. If youre unsure whether your yard can accommodate a pool, or how much time and expense will be required to prep for excavation, speak with a pool builder to get their professional opinion.

Pool decking

The pool decking is the area surrounding the pool itself. Most pool owners use this space for sunbathing, relaxing, and entertaining. Its important that the deck has enough room for any furniture you want to use around the pool, such as lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, and a grill or outdoor kitchen. It should also be a safe, non-slip material.

The average pool deck size ranges from 600 to 700 square feet. Aquamarine Pools breaks down the approximate costs for the common types of decking materials:

• Basic concrete: $10 per square foot
• Colored concrete: $11.50 per square foot
• Stamped concrete: $16 per square foot
• Travertine/natural stone: $24 per square feet

Miguelez estimates that the pool deck can start at around $2,000 and go all the way up to $10,000 or higher, depending on size, design, and materials.

Pool cover

Safety barriers

Hot tub combo

Heater

Waterfall

Diving Board

Slide

Landscaping

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How To Convert A Pool To A Saltwater Pool

Cost Of Inground Saltwater Pools

The average cost of an inground saltwater pool is $35,000 for the pool and another $1,100 to $2,200 for the salt water generator, bringing the total cost to around $36,100 to $37,200. Saltwater pools do not need any chemicals added, are easier to maintain, and don’t have a chlorine smell.

For homeowners who would prefer not to use traditional chemicals in their pool, a saltwater swimming pool uses a system that converts the salt in the water to chlorine, but the levels are much lower than in a chlorine pool, so it is kinder to clothes and your skin.

Estimating Long-Term Salt Water Pool Costs

• Replacing the cell in the generator every 36 years at the cost of $800 .
• Adding salt to run your saltwater pool An average pool measuring 14 by 28 with a depth of 6.5 feet has a water volume of just under 20,000 gallons, and for that much water, you will need around 11 x 40-pound bags of salt, which should total just under $100.

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Swimming Pool Filtration Cost:

This is the equipment which keeps your pool clean and safe for swimming. With filtration, you have the choice of upgrading from a standard cartridge filter, which has a lot of cleaning maintenance, to a sand filter or glass media filter. Both sand and glass filters look similar from the outside and are less maintenance than cartridge filters. The glass media filters also last longer and clean a finer grade of suspended particles from the water.

The cost of running your filtration will vary depending on how often you run your equipment, but based on average energy consumption of a 1 to 1.5 horsepower pump the table below can be used as a guide. Individual results may vary depending on your energy provider and equipment installed.

*This is an estimated cost and will change based on variable factors. Please check with your electrical company for a quote.

How long you should run your pool filtration depends on:

• The size of the pool
• The filtering equipment
• How much the pool is used and by how many people
• Varying environmental factors, e.g sunlight or wind hitting the pool

As the number of people who swim in the pool increases, the more filtering the pool will need. It is recommended that you run the filter for four to six hours a day in summer, and two to four hours a day during winter. For larger pools, you may need to run the filtration for up to 8 hours.

Cost Of A Gunite Shotcrete Or Concrete Pool

A gunite or shotcrete pool can cost anywhere from $39,000 to $75,000 for a basic pool, with the average cost for a 14 by 28 pool being around $60,960 without a deck. Concrete pools have the highest long-term cost of ownership of any pool material, averaging $27,500 over ten years.

When it comes to unique pool shapes, you have more alternatives. To keep them swimmable, they usually require extra chemicals and electricity. Every four years, an acid wash may be required to eliminate any mold or algae. The approach employed to remove the algae will compromise the concretes structural integrity. It will also be necessary to resurface it sooner.

• Every 10 to 15 years, gunite pools must be completely replastered, which costs roughly $10,000.
• The procedure of applying concrete to a form that will create your pool shape is known as gunite, and it involves spraying a concrete and sand mix over a metal shape constructed of rebar.

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Other Factors That Affect Cost

When estimating your new in-ground pools price, average installation costs and long-term maintenance expenses are great places to start. While pool type and design customization have a significant impact on your total bill, many expensive factors come with building an in-ground pool on your property, including:

• Size of the Pool: Like many outdoor services, the bigger the job, the higher the bill.
• Location: Want to build your pool in an area thats hard to access? Pool installers may charge you more depending on the difficulty of excavating the site.
• Soil Condition: If your soil is rocky, you can expect to pay more in excavation fees.
• Increased Property Taxes: An in-ground pool can increase the value of your home, often leading to an increase in property taxes.
• Increased Homeowners Insurance: Having a pool in your yard increases the chances of someone getting hurt on your property.
• Permit: Most homeowners will need to acquire an expensive permit to build a pool.
• Package: What features are included in the job? Some pool installers may offer installation package plans with attractive pool features at a lower cost.

How Often Should You Drain Your Pool In Az

Arizona has a desert climate. During the summer months the triple digit temperatures and lack of moisture can crack your pool. The exact timing will depend greatly on the weather and how well youve been maintaining your pool, but the general rule in Arizona is to drain your pool and change your water every 2-3 years.

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Small Inground Pools Cost

Small inground pools also known as Cocktail Pools or Spools are typically a 10×16 plunge pool or a 10×20 small pool costs around $14,500 to $24,500 to install and are usually 5 ½ to 7 feet deep. The cost of a spool or small inground pool can rise if you select something like concrete instead of vinyl, add a deck, install a cover, or add a privacy fence.

Beach Entry Pool Costs

Beach entry pools cost an average of $87 per square foot, with most pool buyers paying between $50 and $125 per square foot. Beach entries are also known as a walk-in pool or a zero-entry pool. A beach entry has a gradually sloped entry into the swimming pool identical to the way you would walk into the water on a beach. Normally the water at that shallow end is warmer than it is in the rest of the pool.

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The Cost Of Pool Heating:

The addition of heating to your swimming pool can extend your swimming season. Price factors to take into consideration are your location and size of the pool. If you have the roof space, and the sunshine, then Solar Heating is the most cost-effective form of heating. For those looking for an alternate, the new models of electric heaters are quite efficient.

The cost of running swimming pool heating equipment, whether it be solar, electric or gas, has come down a great deal over the last few years as the technology has improved. Below is a table of very broad running costs for different heating equipment for an average 8m x 4m swimming pool based on the average cost of electricity and gas.

* This is an estimated cost, please check with your gas/energy company for a quote

Cost To Build A Shipping Container Pool

The cost of a shipping container pool starts at around $17,000. This does not include the water or deck you may want to include. Shipping containers can come in many sizes and have a modern sleek style, which many find attractive. They can be sunk into the ground or used as an above-ground pool with proper ladders. Depending on the shipping containers age and type, you may need to line the container to safely hold water long term. Things like chlorine or saltwater may harm the container if not lined.

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How Much Does It Cost To Purchase An Above Ground Swimming Pool

How much does a pool cost when its an above ground pool? HomeAdvisor states that the average cost to buy and install an above ground pool is around $2,557. The typical price range is between $737 and $4,431. Homeowners can also purchase ready-made kits from stores, such as Target, Walmart and Academy Sports, that are less expensive.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pool

Theres nothing like jumping in cool, clear water and soaking up the sun in the comfort of your own backyard. A swimming pool can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful oasis where the entire family can take a dip and enjoy nature. If youre considering a pool of your own, the first question that enters your mind may be: how much does it cost to build a pool?

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Planning Your New Swimming Pool

Planning is all about the practicalities of your new pool. This includes working out:

• The size and shape of your pool. Have a think about who will be using it, and what you want to get out of your pool – is it for fitness, entertaining or just so the kids can have a dip?

• Where you can site your pool. Your soil type, trees and how rocky your area is can all influence where it can go, as well as how much your swimming pool will cost.

• Council requirements. You might need a permit to build a pool where you live. Your local council will also have regulations, such as how far you can build from the boundary.

• Safety. You pool fencing needs to be up to spec, otherwise your pool installation could be illegal and dangerous.

It goes without saying that the more complex these issues are, the higher your final swimming pool cost is likely to be.

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One Last Thing To Think Of When Comparing Pool Prices

Finally, another thing to consider when weighing up the cost of a pool is how much of your initial investment you are likely to get back when the time comes to sell your home.

Generally speaking, there are two types of buyers in the realty market. People either like the idea of having a pool or they are apprehensive of it. The main reason the latter group have concerns is that they dont want to be caught in the trap of constantly working on their pool, or paying someone else to do it.

A fibreglass pool minimises the effort and cost required to own an in-ground pool. A Compass fibreglass ceramic pool with the optional and exclusive Vantage in-floor system, takes that concept to the next level with almost hands-free pool care.

It makes sense that you think about the future and consider which pool option is going to be the best for you. When the time comes to sell your home, youll want your pool to add to the appeal, not take away from it.

The bottom line is that there is more than the initial price tag to consider before you make a decision on which pool to go with. Sometimes the options which appear cheaper up-front can end up costing more than expected . On the flipside, options which have the potential to be more expensive sometime dont offer the assumed value that goes with the extra price tag.

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How Does Size Impact The Cost Of A Pool

When it comes to budgeting for a pool, size makes a big difference. Pools are sold and priced by the square foot, and Aquamarine Pools estimates that the dimensions drive about 75% of the overall price.

Miguelez says the average size of a backyard swimming pool is 12 x 24, but they can be made in virtually any size. According to Pool Pricer, some other common dimensions are:

• 10 x 20

When selecting a pool size, ask yourself the following questions:

• How will you use the pool?If you plan to use it for swimming laps and other exercise, youll want a longer pool. But if its primarily intended for sunbathing and quick dips to cool off, you can probably get away with a smaller size. If youll be adding a diving board, the pool will need to have a deep end of at least eight feet.
• Who will be using the pool?If its for adult use only, you can probably opt for an overall deeper pool, but if a mix of children and adults will be swimming, you may need to incorporate a shallow end and zero-entry access. If you have a larger family or plan to entertain guests, you should plan for more swimming space.
• How much space is available?Ultimately, the potential size of your pool will hinge on the size and suitability of your backyard. Make sure there is enough room to accommodate not only the pool itself, but also the surrounding deck, patio, and landscaping.

How Do Pool Materials Impact Cost

According to Miguelez, the three most common types of materials used to construct inground swimming pools include:

Vinyl This is the lowest-cost material, and also the fastest and easiest to make. Vinyl pools can be made into many different shapes, but the material also requires the most maintenance, as the liner will need to be replaced every seven years on average. Vinyl is also the least likely to enhance your property or provide a good return on investment, Miguelez adds.

Fiberglass As a mid-range material, fiberglass is quick to install and also highly durable. The shell of a fiberglass insert can last up to 25 years, and the material is easy to maintain and resistant to algae. However, the sizes and shapes are more limited because the fiberglass must be made into a mold, and each manufacturer has a set number of molds they can pour.

Concrete The cost of a concrete pool will vary depending on whether you use gunite, shotcrete, or another method. Most are finished with plaster or an alternate material. Pardee sees a lot of L.A. homeowners using Pebble Tec, a high-end aggregate pool finish. A concrete pool takes the longest to build, usually up to 12 weeks.

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