At the height of summer, there's nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in your very own swimming pool before soaking up the sun on a lounger. So, as the mercury rises, you may wonder, how much does it cost to build a pool?
Installing a pool is a big job with many factors and costs to consider. Stylish pool ideas done properly will undoubtedly need a healthy budget – particularly if you want to surround your swimming pool with landscaping, a deck, your dream poolside cabana or more elaborate pool house ideas.
But for many, the investment is worth it. The promise of precious family moments, poolside parties, and outdoor fun is hard to resist, making a pool one of the most enduring backyard ideas around.
How much does it cost to build a pool?
Building an outdoor pool is not something you can do on a whim – or a small budget. According to Scott Rajeski, President & CEO for Latham, The Pool Company, a new pool can range between $50,000 - $110,000 depending on its size, type and features.
Alex Kemsley, the lead designer at Compass Pools, agrees, adding, 'You should also budget upwards of 30% of the pool cost for the surround and pool landscaping ideas as well.’
Scott M. Rajeski has served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Latham Pool Products Inc since October 2017 and as Chief Executive Officer and Director since December 2020. He previously served as Latham Pool Products’ Chief Financial Officer and Vice President since August 2012.
How Much Do Different Types of Pools Cost to Build?
There are numerous factors that can affect the cost of building a new pool and these will vary depending on its size and the features you require. Here's a general overview of what to expect from the most popular types of swimming pool:
Block and Vinyl Liner Pool
'Created using concrete blocks as the base with a vinyl liner, this is one of the cheapest ways of creating a permanent pool, but it's not without its drawbacks,' says Alex Kemsley from Compass Pools. 'Concrete is unforgiving of any ground movement, so the base can crack.'
Vinyl liners are also prone to punctures and will likely require replacement every 6-12 years depending on how well the pool is cared for.
Estimated build costs: $50,000 to $70,000
Alex started his career in the hot tub industry and has since built Waterstream, a prominent player in the market whose brands include Compass Pools and EVi Pools. Today, Waterstream is the largest pool installer in the UK. Alex's industry influence extends to serving on the ISPE council and the SPATEX board, reflecting his commitment to shaping the future of the sector.
Fiberglass and Polyester Pools
Fiberglass pools are extremely durable and low maintenance. On average they can have the lowest cost of lifetime ownership. In fact, you can even buy fiberglass pool shells on Amazon, though they're probably not high-quality. These types of pool are delivered in one piece and craned into an excavated hole, explains Alex Kemsley. 'This means they are quick to install and require little maintenance.'
The downsides? 'Unfortunately, they are prone to osmosis. This is when ground water passes through the shell and into the pool, which can cause staining and sometimes even failure of the shell.'
Estimated build costs: $70,000 to $90,000.
Ceramic Pools
Just like the fiberglass pool, ceramic pools are lifted into an excavated hole. Alex says: 'Installation is quick and easy, and ceramic pools feature the same benefits of one-piece fiberglass pools but without the risk of osmosis. This makes them a much more durable option.'
Estimated build costs: $70,000 to $210,000
Concrete Pools
'Concrete pools have the advantage that they can be built into any shape or size,' says Alex. 'They're extremely stylish and durable, but also very costly, time-consuming to install, and the weather can play havoc with installation, too.' Moreover, concrete pools may require complete resurfacing every 10 years.
Estimated build costs: $60,000 to $210,000+
What Are The Main Outdoor Swimming Pool Costs?
'The cost of building an outdoor pool can vary greatly depending on several factors,' explains Jakub Kozlowski, sales and construction manager at People For Pools. 'The materials used, the complexity of the design, and the location of the pool are all significant factors that can impact the cost of the project.'
Jakub oversees day-to-day operations at People For Pools and coordinates all construction and renovation crews. He is directly involved with all new pool installations and has extensive knowledge of pool build costs.
Excavation
'This involves digging the hole with heavy machinery and then removing and hauling away existing soil if it can't be spread anywhere on site,' says Mindy O'Connor of Melinda Kelson O'Connor Design. Sometimes, this task will include the removal of trees and rocks, so be prepared for this quote to be higher than you initially anticipated.
Mindy O’Connor is the principal of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture and Interiors, LLC. A Registered Architect in Pennsylvania, and LEED Accredited Professional, she received her Master of Architecture degree from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University
Deck Surround
'A new pool will need to be well situated in the landscape, often involving an additional patio or deck beyond the immediate 3-4" surround for the pool, with seating areas, paths and patio planting ideas for interest and shade,' explains Mindy O'Connor. 'Additionally, most township codes require fencing around a pool, so garden fence ideas also need to be thoughtfully addressed and included in the budget from the outset.'
All of these pool patio ideas have varying labor costs as well as distinctive looks, safety, and maintenance demands. The cost of pool decking can alone range from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the material and size.
Lighting
Lighting should always be factored in, both within the pool and in the surrounding landscape and patio elements. Pool lighting ideas to consider include pool deck in-ground lighting, uplighting surrounding trees, washing surrounding walls with lights, and step lights.
These ultra-slim lights fit seamlessly into any inground pool. They can be controlled from a phone or a remote, and even from an Amazon Alexa or other smart home assistant.
You can control these lights from your phone, and they have 12 different light patterns. Best of all, they have a lifetime replacement program.
For a colorful pool these lights can glow multiple different colors at once.
Pool House
From a simple summer house to a brick building incorporating an outdoor shower, toilet and changing area, you'll need to factor in the cost of a pool house if you are tempted by the prospect of a garden room to sit beside your swimming pool.
Security
In order to keep your pool safe for everyone in the family, you should consider installing security measures such as alarms and motion-detection cameras.
'Pools also require safety covers for winterization,' reminds Scott Rajeski from Latham. 'Automatic pool covers are an important safety feature to consider as they ensure the pool is protected when not in use to prevent children and pets from accessing the pool unsupervised. And in some municipalities, automatic pool covers may eliminate the need for fencing.'
A cheap outdoor security camera like this is all you need to keep an eye on your pool. It runs off batteries, so you don't need to wire anything.
A leaf net cover like this will help to keep your pool secure, especially in the winter.
This kit from Life Saver Fencing has all you need to put up a protective fence around your pool, with easy-to-fit panels and a gate.
Labor & Permits
The cost of labor and any necessary permits or inspections can also add to the overall expense. Depending on where you live, you should expect to pay $150 – $500 for a pool permit and remember that labor will likely make up 25% - 50% of your total budget.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Many people overlook ongoing costs. These may include an increase in insurance premiums, higher utility bills, and expenses required for regular maintenance.
'Chemicals, for example, need to be replenished regularly to keep water balanced and sanitized, explains Jakub Kozlowski from People For Pools. 'Depending on usage, expect to spend $50-100 per month on chlorine, pH adjuster, algaecide, etc. Filter cleanings or replacements are needed every few years as well, which can run $200-500 each time. You’ll also want to budget for periodic pump and motor maintenance to keep things running efficiently.
'And don’t forget electricity - the cost of running a pool filter and heating consistently can really drive up utility bills. I’ve seen some customers shocked when they see their first summer electric bill after installing a pool.'
All in all the annual maintenance costs typically range from $1,500 to $2,700.
FAQs
What is the most affordable type of swimming pool?
'In my experience, the most affordable type of swimming pool is an above-ground pool,' explains Jakub Kozlowski. 'These pre-fabricated pools are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and require less maintenance than in-ground pools.
'With an above-ground pool, you avoid the high cost of excavation and concrete work involved in building an in-ground pool,' he continues. 'The vinyl liner and wall panels come ready to assemble on a level surface. I've installed above-ground pools for as little as $3,000 for a 15-foot diameter pool. That's a fraction of the $30,000+ cost of a basic in-ground pool.'
'Maintenance is simpler too. Above-ground pools use cheaper sand filters instead of expensive cartridge or DE filters. The pools are shallow, so they require smaller pumps and heaters that use less energy. And repairs are easy - just drain the pool and patch holes in the liner. You can easily install a new liner yourself for a few hundred dollars after 5-7 years of use.'
How can you save money on the cost of building a pool?
'Do your homework,' urges Scott Rajeski, President & CEO of Latham. 'There are many resources out there to help educate homeowners on installing a pool. Homeowners can also save money by doing some of the backyard prep work themselves like clearing brush and trees or removing old fencing. They can also obtain municipality permits themselves or contract electrical services on their own.'
'While installing a new pool may seem like a lot of work and a big expense, homeowners should think about the short- and long-term benefits,' Scott adds. 'Adding a pool offers a completely new lifestyle whether it’s entertaining more, creating the ultimate stay-cation experiences or simply the chance to spend more unplugged family time together which is priceless. Swimming pools also provide a great form of daily exercise which can reduce costly gym memberships.'
Can you build a swimming pool for under $20,000?
The answer is yes, but it won't necessarily be a sleek, stylish addition to the garden, and certainly won't incorporate any extravagant pool area ideas.
'You could probably build a DIY liner pool for $20,000 as long as you can leave all the soil on site and not have to truck it away,' says Alex Kemsley from Compass Pools.
Before diving into your swimming pool project, try to find a reputable pool builder who can provide detailed cost estimates and help you make informed decisions about the materials and design features that will best fit your budget. The costs of building a pool can quickly add up, so working with a professional will help you stay on track.
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