The pool construction cost refers to the overall amount required to construct a pool in the backyard area. This comprises the different materials used, wages paid for labor, and other extra factors such as landscaping, ornaments, or heating to keep the swimming area warm. There can be many factors affecting the cost.
Are you wondering how much your dream pool is going to cost? Pool designs vary greatly in cost according to their size, style, and materials. The more know-how you have about the exact details, the more you can prepare your finances for the costs involved.
In general, building a pool can cost anywhere from about $20,000 to $100,000, and that price can vary greatly with pool type, location, and custom features. Standard pricing for average single in-ground pools would be anywhere from around $30,000 to $50,000.
Average costs to build a pool
Cost Category |
Amount |
| National Average Cost | $44,688 |
| Average Range | $32,175 to $58,541 |
| Low-End | $200 |
| High-End | $162,531 |
Factors that influence the cost of building a pool
The cost of construction varies according to a multitude of factors. The most prominent considerations are size and style: whether above-ground or in-ground. Understanding the difference helps you make the right decision for your family’s needs and budget.
Above-ground vs. In-ground:
If in any doubt about such commitment, then an above-ground pool would make a good consideration. They are cheaper, easy to set up, and require little maintenance. In contrast, an in-ground pool is an expensive proposition yet offers a long-term solution for your swimming needs with a touch of customization.
Size:
The cost depends directly on the size of the pool. Bigger pools require more excavation, material, and labor, which drives costs higher. They also get more involved with landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting, all contributing to the entire expense. The following breakdown will assist in identifying the right pool size for your needs you can afford.
Size Category |
Cost Range |
| Up to 300 square feet | $18,646 to $33,925 |
| 301 to 600 square feet | $23,059 to $41,955 |
| 601 to 900 square feet | $29,273 to $53,261 |
Materials
The actual construction material of an inground pool greatly determines its initial costs and future maintenance. The most common are fiberglass, shotcrete (gunite), and vinyl.
- Fiberglass Pools: Fiberglass pools are preformed, allowing for immediate installation. They are viewed durably and low-maintenance, with costing $18,646-$53,261. Size and shape can be somewhat modified.
- Gunite Pools: Gunite pools can be almost any shape and size, making design and customization highly flexible. Installation costs range from $23,417 to $127,817, remaining at the higher end of the price scale. Maintenance includes resurfacing every five to ten years.
- Vinyl pool: installation is inexpensive and rated very custom in shape, with costs ranging from $20,762 to 57,076. However, since replacement of the vinyl liner is needed every 7-9 years, they’re much more costly down the line.
Geographic Location
The geographical location significantly influences the cost of constructing a swimming pool. For instance, the California pool costs approximately $35,000, while Florida’s average shot is around $37,700. Urban areas have higher-priced pools because these are affected more by the labor charges associated with the overall cost of living; hence, the pricing becomes more exorbitant than in rural areas. Local regulations, climate, and material availability can also affect the price during swimming pool construction.
Labor Costs
Labor cost accounts for excavation, plumbing, electrical work, and installation. In merely general terms, these charges vary depending on the size of the project, generally hovering within the range of 5,000 to 30,000 dollars. A unique custom design or installation of custom pool features will most likely demand a lot of skilled labor and time, elevating labor costs.
Permit Costs
Permit fees are necessary to allow construction in any area in compliance with local building codes and safety regulations. This can vary from site to site and across different pool types of approximately $200-$2000. Some locations may even ask for extra inspections, which can help increase the final bill.
Filter Type
Pool filters keep the water clean by filtering all impurities and debris. Filters vary according to type, costing anywhere between $30 to $2,000. The best filter option guarantees good water quality and low maintenance costs.
Filter Type |
Cost (Material Only) |
| Cartridge | $200 to $1,600 |
| Diatomaceous Earth | $520 to $2,000 |
| Glass | $500 to $1,500 |
| $30 to $100 | |
| Sand | $300 to $1,200 |
Types of Pool Construction
- Family Leisure In-ground Pool: Families usually spend from $45,000 to $85,000 for a pool in their backyard. The leisure family pool comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Usually, the deep end is for diving and the shallow end for lounging. An extensive deck and an outdoor kitchen make it a wonderful spot for family gatherings and enjoyment
- Spool/Cocktail/Plunge Pool: A spool, cocktail, or plunge pool is small, seldom larger than 12×14 feet. It typically has built-in benches and jets, making it a hot tub. Without these features, it would be a plunge pool to cool off. A DIY spool can be built for $5,000, while professionally installed ones may start at $25,000.
- Endless Pool: Jets in an endless pool create a continuous current in which one swims in place. This type is ideal for exercising in a compact area. Endless pools are around $34,859.
- Walk-in Pool: Walk-in pools provide an easy, beach-like entry where no ladder is needed; they are friendly to people with mobility issues. This entry style can be added for costs ranging from $5,040 to $9,170, besides the price of the pool itself.
- Lap Pool: A lap pool is narrow and long, generally around 50 feet. It is meant for exercise. You can customize it with jets and other features. The cost of a lap pool ranges from $23,059 to $41,955.
- Saltwater pools use a salt chlorinator to clean the water. They are gentler on your skin and hair when compared to chlorine. The addition of a saltwater system actually costs between $1,008 and $2,620, depending on the pool.
- Lagoon Pool: The lagoon pool is found in free-form designs, often consisting of curves, surrounded by landscaping, giving it a natural, near-beach feel while blending together with the backyard environment.
- Natural Pool: Natural pools need plants, stone, and sand for filtration and to mimic a natural body of water. This one calls for twice the space of a conventional pool. Approximate costs are estimated at $36,000 to $117,900.
- Infinity Pool: Infinity pools somehow feature the effect that the water looks as if it is cascading over its edge to a minor basin below. They are going to cost $20,000 to $26,000 extra after the construction itself due to added setbacks for their design and retaining walls.
- Olympic-size Pool: The Olympic-size pool is specified as 50 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 2 meters deep. These lengths and widths will cost anything from $470,556 up to $1.9 million or more due to the size involved. The Junior Olympic pool is 25 meters long, costing less money in comparison.
- Indoor Pool: Indoor pools allow swimming throughout the year, though their construction involves additional costs for stainless steel or copper pool shells or liners, humidity control, and dehumidifying systems. The whole project could cost between $200,000 and $245,625.
- Custom Pool: The custom pool will be built following your requirements. It may range from small plunge pools to an Olympic-size pool. Attributes may include bench bubblers or waterfalls, jets, and more, and the cost will vary with the size, materials, and design specifications.
Additional Pool Features and Costs
- Waterfalls: A waterfall is charming to add to a pool area. The cost will generally work out to be anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on its size and complexity.
- Slides: Pool slides are a good source of fun for families and children. Prices for slides vary widely, from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on design and installation considerations.
- Diving Boards: There is nothing like a diving board to add excitement to your pool. Depending on type and installation, the cost will typically run from $300 to $5,000.
- Pool Lighting: LED lighting is good when it comes to illumination and ambiance for those late-night swimming. The price per light will run about $200, with installation costs on top of that.
- Pool Fencing: This is extremely important for safety, especially in the presence of children. Depending on materials and design, pool fencing can take between $1,500 and $10,000.
- Decking: The area surrounding your pool is essential for functionality and aesthetics. Depending on the material, concrete finish, or natural stone, decking can cost between $3,000 and $12,000.
- Heating Systems: Heating systems provide for comfortable swimming in cooler weather. The installation price usually ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Water Features: Other water features, such as bubblers or deck jets, enhance the aesthetics of your pool area. The costs are between $1,000 and $2,500 for bubblers and $1,00 and $1,5000 for deck jets.
These features provide enjoyment for you and value for your inground pool and increase the construction cost.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pool
Pros
- Convenience and Privacy: Swim at your convenience in your home pool without considering public pool schedules and crowds.
- Health and Fitness: The very existence of pools promotes fitness, with less strenuous and relaxing workouts.
- Entertainment: Perfect excuse for hosting parties and family gatherings primarily in the summertime.
- Property Value: A pool may increase a property’s resale value and curb appeal in warm climates.
- Family Fun: Provides endless recreation for kids while also bonding time for the entire family.
Cons
- High Costs: Installation costs generally vary between thousands and over $100,000, while maintenance costs $3,000-$6,000 annually.
- Maintenance is time-consuming: Regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and repairs are required.
- Safety Concerns: Pools can pose harm to children and pets, so safety features such as fencing or alarms need to be installed.
- Summer-Season-Use: In colder climates, pools are often usable for only a few months during the year.
- Insurance Costs: Liability risks greatly affect the premiums of homeowners’ insurance.
Knowing all these factors will help you decide whether pool ownership coincides with your lifestyle and budget.
Benefits of Building a Pool
Having a pool not only adds to the fun but also enhances the lifestyle and value of your house. Read on for the merits mentioned:
1. Increased Home Value
An elegant pool with a design suiting the overall site can appreciably increase the home’s worth, especially if the culture of outdoor living is well-founded in that region. A pool may be an added advantage to the potential buyers and help sell your home faster.
2. Personal Relaxation and Entertainment
A pool in your backyard offers a rectangular oasis for undisturbed relaxation and recreation. For swimming laps, chilling poolside, or entertaining family and friends at pool parties, it’s all about making memories.
3. Health and Fitness
Well, a pool is perhaps the best choice for low-impact workouts. Swimming is a full-body workout, in that it gets your heart pumping, builds muscle, and improves flexibility while being easy on the joints. Good for anyone with arthritis or injuries.
4. Family Bonding
A pool brings families together. The works, from swimming lessons for the little ones to the summer barbecue or pool game, are all events that build socialization and fitness, thus enhancing family ties.
5. Entertainment and Socializing
A pool encourages some good times at home. Be it a family gathering, some summer barbecuing, or a pool party with friends, the possibilities for entertainment are endless.
6. Stress Relief
Swimming is a well-known stress reliever. The calming effect of water and movement can ease anxiety, lift spirits, and foster mental health.
7. Convenience and Privacy
A home pool affords you maximum convenience and privacy. You can drop in for a swim without ever leaving home; this is great for those who prefer private recreation or wish to steer away from public pools packed with people.
8. Long-Term Cost Savings
While the pool may be a costly investment in itself, it offers the opportunity for long-term savings in that it provides an alternative space for private relaxation and recreation in turn, costing you less on memberships/entry fees to public pools or gyms.
Money-Saving Tips for Pool Construction
It is a huge investment, and there are many ways to save costs on installing a pool without compromising quality. Here are certain cost-cutting strategies:
- Go with the Above Ground Pool Installation: Above-ground pools are way cheaper compared to an in-ground pool. Although they do not add a lot of value to your home, they provide good fun and relaxation at an economical price.
- Keep Your Dirt: In case an in-ground pool is your choice, keep the dirt excavated from the hole on your property instead of paying the price of hauling it away. This will help offset project costs.
- Postpone Extras: Features like diving boards, custom lights, water features, patios, and decks can add thousands to your pool’s price. Consider postponing those upgrades to save on upfront construction costs.
- Get Several Estimations: Insist upon having at least three estimates done by qualified pool builders to be able to land the best deal possible. This will help you negotiate a fair price and stay within your budget.
- Do Take Care of Your Pool Yourself: In the long run, it can become expensive to hire a pool cleaning company. You can save yourself from the burden of such ongoing maintenance costs by learning how to maintain your pool.
- Build a Smaller Overall Space: While you may be strongly tempted toward going for a big pool, smaller pools can be quite a bit of fun too. Stick with a size that fits your needs and budget.
- Warranty Considerations for the Home: Having the pool repairs covered through a home warranty could save you in the long term. Providers like Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield have pool coverage designed to offset repair costs.
- See Options for Financing: If paying for a pool outright is impossible at this time, consider options like home equity loans, personal loans, or even pool-specific financing programs to ease the cost over time.
Conclusion
Constructing a pool can be an exhilarating and rewarding thing, but it is vital to take into consideration all the factors that have any impact on costs-the size, material, installation, and maintenance. By learning about the different kinds of pools and financing options, you can make an informed decision that accounts for your budget and lifestyle. Whether using it for relaxation, exercise, or entertainment, a well-planned pool will enhance your home and give several years of enjoyment.
FAQS
Q1. Is it worth the money to put in a pool?
There are certainly many benefits of having a pool, like increasing the value of the home, having fun with the family, and so on. However, it is quite an investment, and you can consider whether it will suit your budget and how much you would use it in the long run.
Q2. How much is the cheapest pool to build?
Above-ground pools would be the cheapest to place. The average cost for these would range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size and features.
Q3. How much does it cost to build a 50-meter swimming pool?
50-meter pools are Olympic-sized pools. The bottom line price should vary by site and design, ranging between $500,000 and $2 million.
Q4. How do you estimate a pool?
To estimate the costs associated with a pool, one has to consider its size, type, and location. As an additional step, try to get a quote from at least three contractors to gain a good perspective on labor, material prices, and any extras you might want.
