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What Are Fiberglass Pool Prices?
As the summer heat continues to swelter, do you find your dinner (and breakfast, and lunch) conversations centering around how nice it would be to have a pool? If you’re thinking fiberglass, an important question is, “What are fiberglass pool prices?”
We’re glad you asked. Fiberglass inground pools are a marvelous investment, both in the value of your home and in the quality of family togetherness time. Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance, and owners love the fact that their pools give them a place where their kids can bring their friends, and everyone can relax, unplug and get reconnected. Once you’ve experienced the fiberglass pool lifestyle and all the health benefits of swimming, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. And, while you’re considering fiberglass pool prices, think of all the money you can save on vacations when every warm, sunny day can be a staycation in your own backyard!
So, let’s take a look at a basic formula for ballparking fiberglass pool prices as well as some potentially hidden costs you should consider. Armed with that information, you can start creating a budget and collecting information about fiberglass pool financing that will get closer to making your fiberglass pool dream a reality.
A ballpark fiberglass pool cost formula
Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consider how much pool your yard will fit (and how much pool you really need and want). You should also think about how you’ll use your pool, and choose a pool that fits your family’s personality. As you get further along in your research, check out the handy Pool Cost Calculator and Pool Selector Tool on our website, and get a better idea of how much your total pool project might be. In the meantime, try using this simple formula:
For most people in the US (with the exception of the Sunbelt states) the basic installation of a standard fiberglass pool will be approximately $1500 per linear foot.
So, let’s take a look at how that formula applies to a few Thursday Pools designs…
The Sea Turtle is 19.5 feet long. So, at an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $29,250
The Lil Bob is 27.5 feet long. So, at an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $41,250.
Our Goliath design is available in three sizes. Let’s check out the largest, which is 41 feet long. Applying our formula of an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $61,500.
What does a basic fiberglass pool installation include?
The definition of a basic installation varies from one pool builder to the next. So it’s crucial to inquire about what’s included (and more importantly, what’s not) as you’re collecting fiberglass pool prices, to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
For example, some pool builders include lighting, heaters, a set amount of pool decking, or even an automatic pool cover in all their quotes as standard. Others will price these items ala carte. Additionally, there are costs involved in installation that may or may not apply to your pool project, based on where you live and how accessible your backyard is. You’ll want to inquire about these costs as you’re interviewing prospective builders.
Potentially hidden costs of installing an inground fiberglass pool
- Site Preparation: Site preparation refers to anything that would obstruct setting the pool into the ground. For example, the removal and/or relocation of under and above-ground utility lines or cables such as gas, phone, sewer and septic would fall under site preparation, as would moving irrigation systems and downspouts. And once your pool builder starts to dig, any “surprises” underground, such as a layer of rock that no one expected to find, could add to your bottom line. If additional equipment needs to be rented, or the excavation ends up taking several days longer than expected, that expense may well be counted by your pool builder as “additional site preparation”, and they will pass that cost onto you. You should ask your pool builder to clarify what factors of your pool installation project could potentially cause site preparation issues.
- Access: Your new inground fiberglass pool will be delivered in one piece, and your pool builder needs clear access to your yard for the pool and necessary construction equipment. Access issues could include trees, brush, or fencing that might need to be moved or removed prior to installation. Your pool builder might also need to build a “temporary driveway” with gravel or protection mats to gain needed access. These costs could also end up on your total bill, so be sure to ask each pool builder to include in the bid what accessibility issues might need to be addressed on your project.
- Permits: As with any other building project, permits must be obtained to install an inground swimming pool. Some builders take on that task for you and include it in the contract. Some don’t. So during the project estimate, be sure to ask if they’re taking care of procuring and paying for the permits or if that’s on you. If you’re responsible for obtaining the pool permit, call your local municipality for pool permit prices. There may also be other costs involved, depending on your local ordinances. For example, you may also be required to put up a temporary fence during construction or implement erosion control measures.
- Fencing: Fencing or other barriers-to-entry that might be required by law are not usually part of your pool contract. Start getting estimates now for your project fence costs. If you have an existing fence, you need to make sure that it meets state residential pool requirements. In some states, an automatic pool cover will meet the barrier-to-entry requirements. Ask your pool builder about the codes in your area so you can plan your fence and/or pool cover purchase.
- Restoration: Heavy construction equipment can cause sidewalks and driveways to crack. Unless otherwise stated in the pool contract, the repairs of your existing driveway and/or the removal of any temporary driveway installed for accessibility to the site will be your responsibility. You’ll also want to think about new and existing landscaping after the project is complete. A “rough grade” is typically part of your pool contract but a “finish grade” is not, and a finish grade is what you need to seed or sod your lawn. You might also need to add top soil. Large landscaping and hardscaping designs can often cost as much as the pool, so it’s important to have a complete plan and estimated costs ahead of time. Remember, not everything has to be done at once. You can start enjoying your pool right away and add on to your landscaping over the years.
- Electrical: An electrician will have to run the wiring for the pool equipment and lights. Few pool builders include electrical in their quotes because they don’t typically have an electrician on their team. If you already know an electrician you trust, you might prefer him or her to do the work to the pool builder’s specs. Your current electrical system may or may not have enough power or space in the breaker box to meet the needs of the pool equipment, so you may need to add a sub-panel or upgrade your electrical system.
- Dirt Hauling: When you dig that big hole, you have to put all that dirt somewhere. If you don’t have a spot for it (or don’t know someone who wants it), then you’ll have to pay someone to haul it away. The cost of this will be determined by how many truckloads of dirt there are and how far away the dump site is. Your pool contract might specify that only a certain amount of dirt will be hauled away, or it may say that dirt hauling is your responsibility. Unless you have a plan for the dirt, be sure to read your contract closely and ask your pool builder how much dirt will result from the excavation as well as how much of it is up to you to remove.
Ready to take the plunge?
Once your new inground fiberglass pool is installed, you’ll realize all your research, investment and yes, a little bit of stress and mess, was totally worth it. You’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from your new fiberglass pool.
Are you ready to take the plunge and get a FREE estimate on your very own fiberglass pool? There’s only one way to find out the true cost of your dream pool… Contact a Thursday Pools dealer today!
Thursday Pools designs and manufactures the world’s most durable and elegantly crafted fiberglass pools. We are ISO 9001 certified, which means that fiberglass pool shells are made with the highest standards and from the best quality material available. We are also ISO 14001 certified, which means we are committed to environmental stewardship. Our one-piece, inground fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing facility is located in Fortville, Indiana. At Thursday Pools, we aspire to be the world’s most respected fiberglass pool manufacturer and to help our customers create a lifetime of memories with their family and friends.
The world’s first truly zero entry fiberglass pools
Thursday Pools is the creator of the world’s first beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry are currently available to order, so you can bring the shore to your door with your new fiberglass pool.
The world’s first sunken living area fiberglass pools
Thursday Pools has also recently unveiled the world’s first sunken living area fiberglass pool. These exclusive designs will be available to order in 2020.
All of us at Thursday Pools are excited to show off our new beach entry designs at the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in New Orleans in November! If you’re in town, please come and see us. And dealers, if you’d like to be able to sell the most innovative fiberglass pools in the industry, we’d like to talk to you! See you in New Orleans!