How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Alabama?

Thursday Pools fiberglass pools are a unique combination of durability, elegance and affordability. 

On average, there are well over 200 sunny days per year in Alabama. With its southern latitudes, the climate is temperate, and a backyard pool can be enjoyed for much of the year. It can be an investment in your health, in your family lifestyle, and in the way you entertain neighbors and friends. If you’re considering the lifetime of fun an inground fiberglass pool can provide, the next logical question is, “how much does a fiberglass pool cost in Alabama?” 

Why choose a fiberglass pool for your Alabama home? 

Before jumping into the cost of a fiberglass pool, it’s good to talk about value. In other words, what are the features of an inground fiberglass pool that make it worthy of your consideration? If you haven’t looked at the latest fiberglass pools available, you might not be aware of how far they have come in the last decade. Modern fiberglass pools feature stunning color, ease of maintenance, low lifetime maintenance costs, algae resistance, and expansive design options. 

An inground fiberglass pool is: 

 

• Flexible enough for Alabama’s various soil types. Alabama’s soil ranges from clay to sand to “Bama soil,” a dark brown sandy loam which is a mix of clay, sand and silt. When assembled with a Geo-Anchoring Pool System, fiberglass pools are better equipped than other pool types to deal with the shifting temperatures and the contraction-expansion cycles in the soil and groundwater.  

• Easy on feet and clothing. The beautiful gelcoat finish on Thursday Pools’ fiberglass pools not only provides a striking shimmer on the water’s surface, it also provides a durable, non-skid, non-snag finish that’s easy on feet and swimsuits. Perhaps most importantly, it’s pet-friendly too! 

• Unmatched durability. Fiberglass pools require less maintenance and fewer chemicals. They are structurally sound and resistant to the accumulation of algae and other mineral deposits that plague other pool types. 

• Diverse design options. Fiberglass pool manufacturers are innovating. Where just a decade or two before, there were few options for pool designs, the variety of fiberglass pool sizes and shapes available today is much more extensive. 

• Feature-rich. Fiberglass pools, with their diversity of styles and sizes also offer features that homeowners love. Options like zero-entry pools (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839), tanning ledges, wrap-around benches, swim-outs and bubblers make fiberglass pools feel luxurious and custom. 

 

How much does it cost to install a fiberglass pool in Alabama? 

Let’s dig in! Costs will be impacted by geography, local statutes, the amount of site prep necessary, environmental and landscaping work, and the rehabilitation required after installation. A dealer familiar with the local rules and your site can provide a tight quote, but for general guidelines, you can use a figure of $1,800 per linear foot (pool length). For example, if you’re asking “how much does a 12×20 inground pool cost,” then at $1,800 x 20’, your ballpark cost is $36,000. Now, let’s look at some specific Thursday Pools’ pool designs. 

 

Sea Turtle

The Sea Turtle is a small pool that maximizes swim space. Even in a small backyard, you can install a pool with plenty of room to splash around. The Sea Turtle is 19.5 feet long and 9.5 feet wide. At an average cost of $1,800 per linear foot, a basic installation is estimated at $35,100. 

The Sea Turtle works in so many settings! Check it out!

 

Lil Bob

We call it Lil Bob, but it’s plenty big. Lil Bob’s flat bottom makes it great for an active family, and full-length steps and long benches are great for courtside viewing. This design is 27.5 feet long and 13.5 feet wide. With our average cost per linear foot formula, the Lil Bob is estimated to cost around $49,500.

Lil Bob keeps things rolling. See how!

 

Goliath 

Go big or go home (or stay home for that matter). Install a Goliath, and enjoy its big, wide-open swim space. The largest is 41 feet long and 16 feet wide. By applying the formula of average cost per linear foot, a basic installation is estimated to be $73,800. 

Goliath takes a clean, modern approach to backyard style. 

What does a basic fiberglass pool installation include? 

What is standard may be driven by market demand, dealer capabilities and factors unique to your state or municipality, so it’s best to find a dealer in your area for details.

Some items you’ll often see in standard quotes include heaters, lighting, a base level of decking, and a pool cover. Additionally, most of these standard options can be upgraded in some fashion, through greater quantity, automation, or other means. 

Are fiberglass pools worth it? Are there downsides or hidden costs? 

Fiberglass pools are unique in that they are manufactured off-site, brought to your backyard, and then installed. Some requirements to install an inground fiberglass pool are unique to fiberglass pools, and some are true for all pools.  

 

Site Preparation. Before your fiberglass pool shell arrives, there is work to be done in the backyard. Your installer must check for utility lines and accommodate or remove them when considering the installation site. Irrigation, downspouts, and other geological impediments must be noted and considered. Excavation may be included in your install, but depending on the age of your home, the type of construction, and the structure of the site, you might find some elements of site preparation that require extra time and money. 

 

Access. Your pool arrives in one piece. Imagine you’re delivering a grand piano to a high-rise apartment. In some ways, the task is like that. It’s a large piece of furniture delivered to your backyard. Your installation crew needs space to access and move around in the install site. Costs might include the construction of a temporary driveway for equipment or removal of branches or fencing that is in the way. 

 

Permits. As with many building projects, permits may be required before the installation of your pool. It may be a simple matter of filling out paperwork, or it may require on-site inspections. This can add time and costs to the process. Your dealer should know the local ordinances, and you may also want to check on any HOA guidelines to which you may be subject. 

 

Fencing. Fencing may be factored into your dealer contract. Alabama state law does not require fencing around residential pools, but some municipalities and counties do. These laws evolve, and it’s good to check in with your dealer to understand what pool cover or fencing requirements might be applicable. 

 

Restoration. Heavy construction equipment is required to deliver your fiberglass pool. Dirt has to be removed and hauled away. Decking and other materials must be brought to the site. A “rough grade” might be part of your basic installation project, but a “finish grade” might be what you want to complete the job. Plan ahead as you think about the landscaping of your backyard. It may be a project that you want to quote and budget for separately, or even something you plan out over the next few years. 

 

Electrical. An electrician will need to run wiring for filtration and lights. This may require upgrades or the addition of a separate breaker box to meet the needs of your pool’s operation. Dealers don’t always include electrical in their quotes and may specify that you contract with an electrician. 

 

Dirt Hauling. A backyard pool can require the removal of dirt equivalent to the volume of a one or two-car garage! That’s several truckloads of dirt that needs to be hauled away. Read your contract closely to be clear on how much dirt hauling is included. The proximity of your home to the dump site may also impact your bill. 

Does a pool add value to a home in Alabama? 

Swimming pools are popular in the state of Alabama, and according to Bankrate, they add value. For you, it’s about finding a fit. Thursday Pools has a fiberglass pool design for every family. It’s up to you to consider how you’ll enjoy your pool and make the choice that fits your wants and desires. The Pool Selector Tool is a useful resource in making that decision, and the Pool Cost Calculator can provide an idea of what that choice might cost. For the most accurate estimate, contact a Thursday Pools dealer in your area.