Six Money-Saving Tips to Lower Your Pool Installation Costs

You have decided to purchase a fiberglass inground pool—congratulations! As you’re narrowing your choices and making plans for your backyard’s new addition, you may want to consider a few ways to save money on your pool installation cost. What you pay for a  fiberglass pool can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, but a few options can help lower the overall price. Getting the right fiberglass inground pool is a big decision, and homeowners need information on their options. This blog post explores advice and ways to help lower your initial construction costs.

1. Choosing the Right Pool Pros

Everyone has their specialties and things at which they excel. As a homeowner, there’s no expectation that you’re an expert in pool installation. Trusting a fiberglass pool dealer you’ve researched and feel comfortable working with can help you save money in the long run.

If the pool dealer is established, highly experienced, and comes personally recommended, that can help save you from many potential headaches (or even swimming pool buyer’s remorse). Trying to save a few bucks on your inground pool cost upfront can result in significant repairs and maintenance expenses in the long run. 

2. Buy Your Pool in Winter

The winter swimming offseason is a great time to buy a pool. While dealers can install pools year-round in the southern and western regions of the country, colder weather can slow down pool installations in the Midwest and similar climates. You might even be able to take advantage of additional cost-savings if you’re willing to commit to a spring installation but make your pool purchase the fall or winter before. It’s always worth asking.

3. Select a Simpler Design

While springing for the largest and most elaborate fiberglass pool design is tempting, opting for a more straightforward shell and fewer additional features can significantly reduce costs. Consider selecting a smaller design without intricate surroundings or extra elements like attached spas or elaborate water features. Scaling back such amenities saves homeowners money on the initial purchase, required materials, and the labor involved. A conservative approach to your backyard pool project makes for a more affordable installation and a faster, hassle-free experience.

4. Build Your Perfect Pool in Phases

Maybe some features and options you’re interested in aren’t the cheapest inground pool options. That’s okay! You don’t have to pay upfront for every bell, whistle, and additional feature.

If your pool budget is tight, ask the dealer to design the project so you can add additional features later. Maybe the fire pit or some of the surrounding landscaping can wait until next year. While options like robotic pool cleaners and automatic pool covers are great, you can always upgrade and purchase them later.

5. Can You DIY Anything?

Thursday Pools does not recommend DIY installations for fiberglass pools. 

However, some homeowners, who may be electricians or skilled tradespeople, could perform electrical work or pour concrete into the patio. Green-thumbed homeowners can likely do some grading, seeding, and landscaping. They may even be able to purchase building permits and variances as needed. Others may remove trees, install fences, build retaining walls, move sprinkler systems, lay electrical lines, reroute water lines, move septic systems, remove old wood decks, or install gas lines.

You could save on pool installation costs if you have the necessary training and skills. However, if you’re not an experienced contractor, you might cost yourself more in the long run. Ultimately, having an insured, independent dealer do the dirty work is probably best.

6. Explore Your Financing Options

Explore various financing options for managing installation costs and making your dream pool more attainable. Many dealers offer financing plans that spread pool costs over several years with a competitive interest rate, making monthly payments more manageable on your budget. Look for special promotions, low-interest offers, and flexible terms to find the best deal for your financial situation. Home improvement loans or home equity lines of credit are other cost-effective possibilities to finance your pool through your bank, credit union, or specialized lender.

Save Money with Thursday Pools 

The sooner you do it, the more money you may be able to save on your pool installation cost. Like most other great things in life, industry watchers don’t project the price of pools to drop anytime soon. It goes without saying, but the sooner you do it, the more money you’ll save. Ready to go ahead, take the plunge, and make a splash?

If you’d like to receive a ballpark pricing estimate for your dream fiberglass pool project, check out our innovative inground pool cost estimator! The  Pool Cost Calculator can give you an idea of how certain factors impact pricing.

Learn more about the options and possibilities for financing a fiberglass pool project with our free ebook, “Financing the Pool of Your Dreams,” and reach out to book a design consultation and learning session with a local independent dealer in your area.