Eight Factors that Effect the Price of a Pool

Essentially, eight factors will effect your pool project’s price: type, size, location, terrain, access, materials selected, any extras like a spa, and any municipal requirements (such as fencing).  We hope that learning about each of these factors will help you make knowledgeable choices when designing your ultimate backyard and talking to a builder.

Type of Swimming Pool

 Above Ground, Inground, and Semi Inground

Swimming pools can be above ground, inground, and semi inground. Most of the builders in our Network specialize in building inground swimming pools.  As the names suggest, above ground pools are designed to sit above the ground, and inground pools are built below ground level. Semi inground pools, also called recessed pools, are above ground pools placed partially inground. Both inground and semi inground pools require excavation.  While above ground pools are typically much less expensive than an inground pool, a large above ground pool will need a water circulation system, just like inground pools.

Concrete, Vinyl, Fiberglass

There are three types of inground swimming pools: concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. Large above-ground pools are generally vinyl liners with supportive walls made of resin, aluminum, or steel.  Semi-inground pools are above-ground pools installed partially in the ground.

Size of the Swimming Pool

A larger swimming pool is more expensive than a smaller pool because it requires more construction and more materials. In other words, a larger pool is more costly because of materials and labor. However, sometimes fiberglass pool builders run sales on specific shapes and sizes and may offer a discounted price for a larger-sized pool. Another consideration when thinking of your overall pool size is the depth of the swimming pool. 

Location of the Swimming Pool

While it may not surprise anyone that a swimming pool’s cost can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, the pool’s price can also vary by geographical region. For example, in colder climates, concrete pools require thicker walls due to the soil’s expansion and retraction during freezing and thawing, thus adding to the overall cost of labor and materials. 

Terrain

In some instances, soil types can effect the overall cost of construction. For example, if the land is sandy or unstable, the builder may use piers to connect with the underlying rock to support the pool properly. If the ground contains a lot of clay, the builder may have to compensate for the dirt’s expansion by adding more fill materials.  Another terrain-related factor that may effect the pool price is the slope of your yard. As slope effects the movement and stagnation of water, the builder may have to compensate for any irregularities. Depending on your specific issues, you may need a new water drainage system, or you may just need to add more topsoil. A good contractor can design a beautiful swimming pool that integrates your yard’s slope with the pool. 

Access

The cost of building your pool will vary depending on how easy it is for the construction crew to access the build site and how easily accessible your water and electric services are.

In general, you will want to plan for about a 10-foot wide clearance to enable trucks and other large pieces of machinery to access the build site to excavate. Access is also needed to remove what’s left after the construction (dirt, rocks, etc.). The build may require the removal of existing trees and shrubs.

 You will need water and electric services during and after the build of your swimming pool. You can expect to hire an electrician to run dedicated circuits to the pool area because you will need electricity to properly run the pumps and filters needed for your swimming pool, as well as any other accessories such as outdoor and pool lighting. If your electric panel is full or nearly so, you may have to upgrade your panel.  

 You will need access to water to fill your pool and to maintain it and your pool pumps and filters.  If your pool and equipment are near your home, a garden hose is usually efficient. However, if the pool and equipment will be installed farther away, it is best to install a water line while building your pool.

 Materials

Selecting the materials on a pool project is a lot like choosing a kitchen countertop: you have many choices, and each can vary significantly in price.  After you select the essential material, that is, whether you will build a concrete, fiberglass,vinyl pool, there are many other choices to make. Some material selections include: what you will use for coping, your surround patio, your pool finishes or the top layer of concrete and fiberglass pools, or the design of your vinyl liner. If you are building a concrete pool and are adding a few rows of tile along the upper edge of the walls, you will have to choose the type of tile, size, and color.

 There are many other design considerations, but selecting one material over another can quickly alter your bottom line. 

The Extras

While the extras are so much fun, they are, indeed, “extra.” Some standard extras to consider are water features like fountains, slides, waterfalls, spas, hot tubs, lighting, sound systems, heaters, automatic pool cleaners, patios, gazebos, or other shade areas; outdoor kitchens; landscaping; and chemical feeders. You can add some of these extras after you’ve built your pool, so you don’t have to add everything you want all at once. 

Municipal and HOA Requirements

Municipalities and (or) your neighborhood or homeowner associations may require you to obtain a permit before you can start building your pool. If you require a permit, your project will need to pass zoning and building laws. Some laws have safety requirements that make sure your project has adequate electricity, as well as decking and fencing surrounding your swimming pool.  Find more on our blog >>