How Much Do Add-On Features Add to Pool Cost?

An inground fiberglass pool can bring a lifetime of family fun and togetherness. If you’re considering creating a private swimming pool oasis in your backyard, your first concern is probably going to be fiberglass pool cost. As you’re building your budget and planning your financing for your new inground fiberglass pool project, remember that you have the opportunity to really make it your own with ideas and add-ons that will really enhance your swimming experience and add excitement, beauty and style to your pool area at the same time. Let’s take a look at some of the awesome add-ons available to make your pool unique as well as approximately what they might add to your pool cost budget.

Lighting– LED lights provide a mood-enhancing atmosphere that allows you to enjoy your swimming pool long after the sun goes down, whether you’re in the pool or simply relaxing poolside. You’ll need a minimum of eight lumens per square foot of pool water surface area (which is roughly equivalent to one watt per square foot.) Depending on your pool’s size and the light output (or lumens,) you may need multiple LED pool lights to get the effect you’re after.  Keep in mind that the pool surface color can also impact light visibility. The darker the pool surface color, the more the light will be absorbed.

What it will add to your pool cost: LED lights can cost anywhere from $800 -$1200 each.   

Pool Tile– Perimeter tile (also called waterline tile) and inlaid pool tile can dramatically impact the look and feel of a swimming pool. Tile can also be used functionally to designate steps, depths and ledges to enhance safety for swimmers. Pool tiles are typically available in ceramic, porcelain or glass and come in multiple sizes, patterns and designs. All of these options will impact the cost of your pool tile.

What it will add to your pool cost: On average, waterline pool tile costs $2500-$3500 (for an average-sized pool.) Inlaid tile and mosaics can be quite a bit more expensive. You’ll need to get an estimate from your pool builder for these tile types.

Water Features– Water features can be incorporated into your swimming pool project in a number of ways. Deck jets and bubblers are simple water features that add ambiance and fun and are relatively inexpensive. If you’re looking for a water feature that’s a little more high-end, you could have your pool builder design a custom rock waterfall for the ultimate resort-like experience.

What it will add to your pool cost: Simple water features like bubblers and deck jets range from $800 to $1200 each. Custom rock waterfall features can add anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 to your pool cost.

Pool Heaters (and Chillers!)- Pool heaters extend your pool swimming season and allow you to enjoy a quick dip even when temperatures start to fall. Having the ability to control the temperature of your pool water means maximum enjoyment for everyone in the family. Some heat pumps even offer a chiller option if you live in a warmer climate, or just want to keep your pool water cool and refreshing in the hottest part of the summer.

What it will add to your pool cost: Natural gas or propane heaters cost, on average, between $1500 to $2500. Electric pool heaters or heat pumps typically about cost twice as much as natural gas or propane pool heaters; they’ll run between $3000 -$5000. The chiller option typically adds about $800-$1500 to the cost of a standard heat pump.

Pool Covers –Most pool owners in areas where the seasons change opt for some type of pool cover. There are three basic types of pool covers to consider: traditional winter covers, safety covers and automatic safety covers. Traditional winter covers consist of a tarp and use water tubes or water bags to secure the cover in place. Safety covers are a little more secure and durable– they consist of a heavy duty mesh or solid fabric that is snugly and securely anchored the pool deck using straps and springs. Automatic pool covers are the top of the line. They provide the security of a safety cover with the additional bonus of being able to automatically open or close the pool cover more quickly with the touch of a button. They can also save you money by keeping heat in and debris out, reducing your heating bills and chemical costs.

What it will add to your pool cost: Standard winter covers will cost between $100 and $300, depending on the size of your pool and quality of the material. Safety covers are custom made to fit each pool. They fall in the $2000 and $4000 price range, (considerably more if your pool is multi-tiered.) Installation will be added on to that cost. Automatic safety covers can range between $8000 and $15000 depending on the size of your pool and the mounting style you choose.

Slides-Pool slides bring out the kid in all of us. If you’re looking to create a fun atmosphere for your kids, their friends (and yourself!), a slide might be a great pool add-on for your family. They bring the fun of the waterpark home. Pool slide options have come a long way in the last decade. Traditional pool slides have been replaced with extreme slides and custom designs.

What it will add to your pool cost: Traditional pool slides cost between $2000 and $2500. Some of the more robust pool slides that give your pool that waterpark vibe can range from $3500 to $5500.

Automatic Pool Cleaners– It’s important to keep your pool clean, and nothing makes that task easier than an automatic pool cleaner. Robotic pool cleaners can help save you pool maintenance, time and energy so you can relax and enjoy your pool! There are dozens of automatic pool cleaners on the market, and the choices can be overwhelming. Be sure to consult with your pool builder about which brands or types are recommended for your pool.

What it will add to your pool cost: Most automatic pool cleaners range from $700 to $1500. Many of them will also come with optional storage and transportation carts at an additional cost.

Where Do You Start?

Remember that you can start small. Once your inground fiberglass pool is installed, you can enhance your pool with many of these add-ons in the years to come. Every pool is unique, and every family has different needs, wants and priorities when they’re getting a new inground pool. No matter which add-ons you choose while budgeting for your pool, you’re sure to enjoy having your own backyard swimming oasis when it’s done.