What do pools cost to install

Tami Pardee , a top real estate agent in California the state with the most swimming pools in the country , has seen an even higher demand for pools, spas, and hot tubs in Some pool contractors have as many as 40 to 85 pool builds scheduled out.

We talked with a top California real estate agent, contacted several pool contractors, and researched cost estimates from multiple reputable online sources to help you navigate the budgeting process. Just as no two houses are identical in cost, every pool comes with its own unique price tag. The total expense varies widely based on area, chosen materials, and any added features. The average cost to put in an inground swimming pool in the U. For example, Pardee breaks down the average pool prices in her Los Angeles market:.

Aquamarine Pool Company in Cincinnati, Ohio offers estimates in those same ranges:. Finally, Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist at Fixr. When it comes to budgeting for a pool, size makes a big difference. According to Pool Pricer, some other common dimensions are:. The standard shapes for backyard swimming pools are rectangular, round, and oval. Rectangular pools are typically the least expensive because of their straight angles.

Curved shapes — freeform, kidney, or custom — tend to be more challenging thus more expensive due to their irregular angles. Also keep in mind that your selected pool material will determine which shapes are available. According to Miguelez, the three most common types of materials used to construct inground swimming pools include:. 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. 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.

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. The main advantage of a saltwater pool is that you don't need to check the pool's chlorine level every day. If you want a heater, pool lights, a waterslide or any other features, expect additional installation and maintenance fees.

Once you've determined the price of an inground pool that fits your needs, it's time to evaluate your financing options. You should consider the state of your personal finances and the number of years you plan on living in your home.

If you've added value to your property "equity," as we call it , you could use some of it to finance your swimming pool. And since mortgage rates are generally lower than other financing options, you may be able to save on interest. Note that equity is the difference between the value of your home and the balance of your mortgage loan. A line of credit is the perfect option if you need some flexibility when considering available funds and a repayment schedule.

You can access a pre-authorized amount at any time. What's more, the interest rate is often lower than that of a personal loan or credit card. A line of credit generally lets you reuse the funds you've already repaid. You have the freedom to use it based on your needs, via your debit card, online, or at an ABM.

Although the monthly repayment required on a line of credit is limited to the interest, you will need to make sure that you also plan to repay the borrowed capital in order to limit the interest paid to finance your pool. A personal loan also offers a lower rate than a credit card. Unlike a line of credit, you will have to make regular payments according to a repayment schedule in order to repay the interest and principal borrowed within a predetermined time frame.

Some retailers can offer financing at their store, allowing you to spread out the payments for your inground pool. Ask for National Bank financing from one of our partner merchants.

Make an appointment with a mortgage advisor to get answers to all your questions and make an informed decision. Have a great swim!

Before giving up on beloved features, however, find out if the builder can delay certain add-ons for future installation. For example, you can complete an attached fireplace or a fun rocky waterfall feature later when you have more money in your budget. Just like any other construction project, the size of your new pool will significantly impact how much it costs to build a pool.

Smaller pools cost less than larger ones unless you opt for more expensive amenities like massaging features or custom lighting.

Take a close look at your backyard. You might discover that a smaller pool will work better so you can preserve some of your backyard space for other activities. Perhaps the builder will need to level out the space before construction can begin and figure out how to get machinery into your backyard. No inground pool is complete without beautiful decking to go along with it.

Of course, this addition increases the overall price of the project. The layout of your deck and the materials you use impact the bottom line. While these amenities add costs, they make more of your backyard enjoyable.

Plus, your pool will look unfinished without a well-designed and installed deck around it. For decades, a chlorine pool was the only option for homeowners. Today, saltwater pools are becoming a popular choice thanks to a few extra benefits. A saltwater pool used added salt to keep the water clean through electrolysis. If you want your new pool to use the salt water method, the cost is approximately the same as an all-chlorine pool but with lower maintenance costs.

The location of your home also impacts how much it costs to build your pool because materials are more expensive in some states. Another significant factor is when you choose to build your pool.