Inground Pool Cost Archives - Page 3 of 3

Ask the General; What Can I Expect with New Pool Costs and Accessories?

Posted on August 14, 2018July 31, 2024 by Karen

Dear General:

You can’t possibly imagine how badly my family wants a pool. But we don’t know where to start. What can I expect with new pool costs and accessories? How can I get us from the dreaming stage to the swimming stage?

Signed;

Pool-less in Plainfield

Dear Pool-less;

Don’t despair. You have to start somewhere. As is the case with any big project, you have to break it down. While I can’t tell you exactly what your new pool will cost and what you might need in addition to the pool, I can give you some advice to help you get started. You’ll need to get in-home estimates from your local pool professionals and decide how you’d like to finance your pool. So let’s break down how you can get a little closer to that “swimming stage.”

Pool Cost

On average here in the Midwest, a basic inground fiberglass pool or inground vinyl liner pool installed with a pump, filter, chlorinator with a simple concrete deck surround (and don’t forget, water) will typically fall somewhere between $25,000 and $65,000 without the optional accessories we’ll discuss later in the post. That said, there are many factors that will affect the overall cost of your pool.

Your location. Unless you happen to have a backyard that’s perfectly level, full of easy-to-dig soil and unobstructed on all sides, your pool builder will have to factor in the challenges of your particular installation location into the price of your pool. You might need to have dirt hauled in. You’ll most likely need to have dirt hauled away.
Pool size. Obviously, a larger pool costs more than a smaller one. You could ballpark estimate about $1800 per linear foot. Also take into consideration how you’ll be using your pool and how much room you’ll need in the rest of the yard for decking, furniture and landscaping.
Pool design and features. A rectangular pool with basic features will be less expensive than a freeform pool with added features such as a beach entry or tanning ledges. Again, think about what’s important to you and your family–do you want to be able to exercise in your new pool? Play games? Or just relax in a little cool water at the end of a long day. Make a list of the features you want and communicate those priorities to your pool estimator.
Your pool builder. Pool companies range from small, independent builders who will oversee every step of your project from start to finish, to big companies with multiple crews that are juggling numerous installations at once. One type is not necessarily better than another. It all comes down to which company you have a good feeling about. Do your research, and always get more than one estimate. Ask for references. Consider experience, honesty, quality, reputation, referrals and design ability. Also ask yourself–”Do I like these people? Would I want them to build my pool?”

Accessories for Pools

The term pool accessories refers to everything other than the pool itself, and there are plenty accessories for pools to consider. There are cool built-in features, like tanning ledges, beach entries for freeform pools, beach entries for rectangular pools, infinity edges, wading pools, wet decks and bubblers. There are great add-on features to pump up the atmosphere and fun, like wall and step jets, waterfalls, fountains, custom lighting, diving boards, slides, pool floats and sports equipment. There are convenient ways to keep your pool covered, comfortable, clean and safe, using heaters, chillers, automatic cleaning systems, alternative water purifiers, solar blankets, winter covers and automatic pool covers. And then there’s everything that will surround and enhance your pool, such as landscaping, concrete decking, patio furniture, fencing, ledge loungers and designer handrails. It’s quite a list, isn’t it? You might not need all of those things, but you’ll need to factor in what you do want when you’re thinking about cost.

Of everything I’ve listed above, probably the biggest consideration in terms of cost is concrete decking. (And fencing, if you need it.) There are so many concrete styles, coatings, and stamping options to choose from, and you’ll probably end up wanting a little more patio than you originally thought. Remember though, it’s a one-time investment, and you want to make sure you’ll have plenty of room to party around the pool. Keep in mind that any accessory that is structural needs to be done during construction, so you’ll need to talk to your pool builder up front about that. Many of the other accessories are optional, and you can always add them in the years to come, while you’re enjoying your pool.

In future posts, we’ll go into more detail on all of these accessories. There’s so much to talk about, so stay tuned! But for now, it’s once again time to for me to grab a float and enjoy my pool.

Until next time…

The General

Who is The General?

The man, the myth, the legend….we just call him The General. His organized, systematic approach to pool installations over the years had his crew members calling him “The General” and it stuck. The General has over 30 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, working for one of Pool and Spa News’ “Top 50 Pool Builders.”

Over that time, he designed, sold, project-managed and installed over a thousand inground swimming pools. As a pool owner himself, he’s the perfect authority to give you the inside scoop, with amazing tips and tricks to make pool ownership a breeze!

6 Tips to Reduce Inground Pool Operating Costs

Posted on June 28, 2018September 19, 2024 by Karen

Buyers often only look at upfront costs when pricing and comparing inground pools. However, ongoing pool operating costs can add up over the lifetime ownership of your pool. While all pool types have some of the same expenses, understanding the differences in operating costs among fiberglass, vinyl liner, and gunite pools can help you make smarter choices to keep the costs in check. From testing your water chemistry to maintaining equipment, check out our tips on reducing your inground pool costs.

Tip 1: Test Your Pool Water Regularly

According to HomeGuide, annual pool chemical costs average $175 for a fiberglass pool, $400 for a vinyl pool, and $750 for a concrete pool. However, your actual cost will depend on the amount of chemicals you need to maintain balanced water chemistry. Trying to correct problems after you have “lost your pool” can result in extra, unnecessary expense, so test often to help maintain better control. Regularly test your water using a DIY test kit, take a sample to a pool store, or use a professional pool service for a more thorough analysis. In addition to the usual pH and chlorine levels, professionals assess a wider range of factors, such as alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels, ensuring that any imbalance is detected before it becomes a costly problem.

Tip 2: Add Chemicals in the Evening

To get the most out of your pool chemicals, regardless of pool type, add them in the evening or at night when the sun is down. Adding pool chemicals in the evening is ideal for all pool types to help ensure that they work optimally, extending their efficacy and reducing the frequency of reapplication. Chemicals like chlorine degrade quickly under sunlight, so evening application allows them to work overnight without UV interference, ensuring better absorption and balanced water. This timing also improves the overall effectiveness of algaecides, pH adjusters, and other treatments, keeping your pool water clear and properly maintained.

TIP 3: Keep Your Pool Clean

When you regularly backwash, skim, brush, vacuum, and monitor your pressure gauge, you’re less likely to have prematurely expensive repairs. Fiberglass pools are more algae-resistant than other pool types, so you’ll automatically save time and money on cleaning. Maintaining a clean pool improves the efficiency of your pool’s filtration system, reducing wear and tear on equipment. Costs for pump replacements, filter repairs, and other common issues vary depending on the pool type and equipment brand. Considering all pool types, HomeGuide estimates that replacing a pool pump motor averages $150 to $800, and repairing it costs $50 to $300. A new inground pool filter costs $385 to $1,600. Repairing minor issues in your heater or heating tubes can cost $100 to $300, and replacing your heater averages $1,600 to 5,200. Set reminders or regularly schedule cleaning to save money in the long run.

TIP 4: Save Water by Managing Usage and Covering Your Pool

Water conservation is a critical aspect of reducing inground pool operating costs. During the swim season, pools require refills as they lose water due to evaporation, improper backwashing, and kids splashing. On average, pools lose about two inches of water per week, up to around 2,000 gallons per month. Depending on local water rates, this ongoing cost can range from $4 to $20 monthly. Pool covers can dramatically reduce evaporation by up to 90%. They also help maintain your pool’s temperature, lowering heating costs. Monitor splashing and limit it by setting clear rules for pool play. Not only does this save water, but it also reduces the need to add and rebalance your pool’s chemicals. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for filter backwashing to avoid unnecessary water loss.

TIP 5: Heat Your Water More Efficiently

Heating your pool can be one of the most significant ongoing expenses, so it’s important to manage it wisely. Fiberglass pools retain heat better than other pool types due to their insulating properties, making them more energy-efficient and less costly to heat. Electric resistance heaters consume a lot of electricity, with operating costs ranging from $175 to $600 per month. Gas pool heaters quickly warm up the water, but they average between $200 to $500 or more per month to run. On the other hand, heat pumps are much more energy-efficient, costing about $50 to $150 per month, though they take longer to heat the water. Solar pool heaters use electricity only to circulate water, making them the most cost-effective at around $10 to $25 per month. Regardless of your pool heater type, set your pool heater between 78-82 degrees to maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking the heater.

TIP 6: Save Energy 3 Ways

Your pool pump plays a vital role in water circulation and filtration, so efficiently running it can save money. Consider switching to a variable-speed pump, which uses less energy than a single-speed pump and allows you to adjust the flow rate based on your pool’s needs. A timer can automatically control when the pump runs, optimizing usage during off-peak hours to reduce energy consumption. This simple addition can significantly cut down your electric bills. It’s easy to forget to turn off your pool lights, especially after an evening swim. Unfortunately, keeping the lights on when the pool isn’t in use can unnecessarily add to your electricity costs. Make it a habit to check that all lights are off before heading inside for the night. Accidentally leaving the backwash running or overfilling your pool wastes water and incurs additional heating and chemical balancing costs. Set reminders or timers when performing these tasks to avoid costly errors.

Get Your Pool Cost Questions Answered

Keeping your inground pool operating costs low is all about regular maintenance, efficient use of equipment, and smart choices. Whether you choose a fiberglass, vinyl, or gunite pool, taking proactive steps can significantly lower your ongoing expenses and keep your pool running smoothly. If you have questions about inground pool costs or are ready to take the plunge and purchase, consult a pool dealer near you.

Ask the General: How Do I Control Heating Costs in My Pool?

Posted on June 11, 2018April 3, 2024 by John Wigand

Dear General;

I absolutely LOVE my new inground fiberglass swimming pool. What I’m not sure I’m going to love is my pool heating bill. Do you have any tips and tricks for controlling swimming pool heating costs?

Signed– Don’t Want My Dollars Going Down the Pool Drain.

Dear Dollars;

I hear you. No one wants to see their hard-earned money going down the swimming pool drain. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of heaters and ways you can save your money for more fun things.

______________________________________________________________________

Four types of heaters

First of all, pool heaters are NOT the most energy efficient appliances you’ll ever run across. The most popular options are electric and gas. Some folks also use solar or, in rare cases, wood burning. Which is best? That depends on who you ask. Let’s break it down.

Electric

Electric heat pumps use electricity to capture heat and move it from one place to another. In other words, they take the ambient heat surrounding your pool and transfer it into the pool. The electric heat pump manufacturers report that they are the most efficient.

Gas

Gas pool heaters use either natural gas or propane. As the pump circulates the pool’s water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and then to the heater. The gas burns in the heater’s combustion chamber, generating heat that transfers to the water, and that water is returned to the pool.The gas heater manufacturers report they are the most efficient.

Solar

Solar heating units take the heat from the sun and introduce it to the water. They involve a solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun. A filter removes debris before water is pumped through the collector. Then, a pump circulates water through the filter and collector and returns it to the pool. Solar heat manufacturers report they are the most efficient.

Wood burning

Wood burning heaters also use a heat exchanger (similar to gas units) to heat the water. Cold pool water is pumped from the pool via a submersible pump into a coil of copper pipe mounted above the fire, inside the fire pit or grill. By the time the water makes it out of the pipe, the fire has heated the water. This is similar to how a standard hot water heater works.This system is most often used in rural areas. The wood burner manufacturers report they are the most efficient. (Have you noticed a pattern here?)

So which one is the best and most efficient? Well, that’s a tough question to answer. It really depends on pool heating costs in your area and what you already have in your home. Regardless of the heating option you choose, here are some tips and tricks to save money on your pool heating costs:

Cover it up. When the pool is not in use, close it off with an automatic safety cover or a solar blanket.
Limit run time. Water features like fountains, waterfalls and bubblers are wonderful, but you really only need to run them when you’re in the pool. Turn them off when you get out.
Maintain your landscaping. Trim trees and bushes that restrict sunlight from your pool.
Block the wind. Install barriers, such as fences or shrubs, that will keep wind from hitting your pool surface and cooling the water.
Mind your thermostat. Keep the temperature set between 78-82°. Each degree over that adds about 10% to your pool heating costs.

Maintenance is Key

Ultimately, the key to successfully and efficiently heating your swimming pool is to be proactive with your heater maintenance. You also need to keep your water balanced for optimal performance. Have a certified technician give the heater, along with all your pool equipment, a health checkup every year. Most pool companies will perform a thorough check when they open your pool (or at regular intervals if you live somewhere where your pool is open year-round.) Whether you choose a large service or a one-man show, make sure they are honest, on time, established, insured, heater-certified, knowledgeable and professional. Ask for a checkup report, just like the one you get from the company that services your furnace and air conditioner. They come in handy when you’re dealing with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Now, it’s time to grab a float, relax and enjoy the pool.

Until next time…

The General

______________________________________________________________________

Who is The General?

The man, the myth, the legend….we just call him The General. His organized, systematic approach to pool installations over the years had his crew members calling him “The General” and it stuck. The General has over 30 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, working for one of Pool and Spa News’ “Top 50 Pool Builders.”

Resolve to Spend it Wisely

Posted on January 30, 2018May 15, 2024 by John Wigand

We’re closing in on the end of the first month of the new year. So it’s a good time to circle back around and check in on our new year’s resolutions. Have any of them stuck? January is great time to assess our goals and plans. Whether your plans are large scale (like going on vacation or getting a new fiberglass pool in your backyard by summer,) or small scale (like stashing away enough money each month to get some new lounge chairs for the patio by Spring,) minding your pennies now can add up to a big deal later. The secret is in keeping track.

None of us really likes to document what we do every day, whether it’s how many cups of coffee we drink, how many cookies we’ve eaten, or how much money we spent on things that weren’t in our budget. But accountability is key to staying on target with any goal you’re working toward. If you want to end up with more money at the end of the month, you need to know where your money goes every minute of every day. You’ll be surprised at how much you can actually hold onto if you track it.

Mint.com is a great site for managing your day-to-day finances, and there’s an easy to use mobile app for managing your money on the go. There are also investment tips and analyses of the best bets for interest-free credit cards, banks and IRA rollovers.

If that’s too high tech for your taste, you can at least get a good idea of where and how you’re spending your hard-earned dough by reading your credit card statement thoroughly at the end of the month. Most of them at least break down your expenditures by category.

Remember that cash can be a friend or an enemy. If you’re in a good habit of spending only what you have, that’s great. But taking cash out of the ATM just to have some “walking around” money can get you into trouble. If, at the end of the day, your pockets are empty, you might not even be able to remember what you spent it on.

So, would you rather have a week’s worth of nothing you can remember? Or would you like to have a lifetime of memories with something wonderful for your family, like a new backyard oasis with an amazing, new fiberglass pool?

The choice is yours. Resolve to spend it wisely.

Try Our Pool Cost Calculator

This is the Year You DO It!

Posted on January 12, 2018November 4, 2019 by John Wigand

The new year is here. We’ve all got plans for how we’re going to make 2018 our best year yet. Does your plan for the new year include a big new purchase, like an outdoor playground or fiberglass swimming pool?

You can make 2018 the year that you actually DO these things instead of just dreaming about them. The difference lies in your approach.

One way to achieve your goals is to write them down, and break them into manageable chunks. Post them where you can look at them daily, and get your whole family on board.

If you’re thinking of getting a fiberglass pool this year, post a picture of the pool you’ve chosen on your refrigerator and refer back to it every time you’re thinking of making an unessential purchase. Keep your eyes on the prize! If you’re not sure which pool might be the best fit for your family, check out this handy pool selector tool.

Productivity gurus also like to talk about the SMART principle. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Time-bound. It’s a tried and true way to define your goals and finally achieve them.

If, for example, your goal is to save the money for a down payment on a new fiberglass pool, and you decide to set aside $100 per week, your budget might look like this:

Eating at home one night per week instead of going out= a savings of $75.00 per week

Giving up that daily latte: $5.00x 5= a savings of $25.00 per week

Using these criteria to quantify and delineate your action plan to work toward your goal can make all the difference in whether you’re swimming in your beautiful, new fiberglass pool in your outdoor paradise by the time the summer heat kicks in or sitting on the patio with a popsicle in front of a fan.

This is the year you DO it!

Wondering how much a new fiberglass pool might cost? Check out this article.

How Much Can an Inground Pool Cost?

Posted on October 5, 2016September 19, 2024 by cargo

After looking into inground pool shapes, one of the most common questions for prospective pool buyers is, “How much do inground pools cost?” Determining the cost of an inground pool involves several factors. You might start with the pool type—vinyl-liner, gunite (concrete), or fiberglass—as each has unique pricing structures and associated installation and maintenance costs. Ballpark estimates for initial costs should consider pool type, shape, size, and features.

Inground Pools Material Types

Fiberglass Pools average between $30,000 and $85,000. They are pre-manufactured and quick to install but offer limited customization compared to concrete pools.
Vinyl Liner Pools average between $25,000 and $65,000. They have a lower upfront cost, but the liners need replacement every 5-10 years, adding to long-term expenses.
Gunite Pools average between $50,000 and $120,000. They allow for custom shapes, features, and finishes but require higher maintenance and can take several months to complete.

Pool Shape

Shape Adds Cost to Vinyl Liner Pools. The cost depends on the pool shape because the vinyl liner must be custom-fitted to the specific shape of the pool. Simple shapes like rectangles are easier and cheaper to line than complex shapes like freeform or kidney designs, which require more precise measurements and installation efforts. Custom liners can add significantly to both material and labor costs.

Shape Adds Costs to Gunite Pools. Concrete pools offer the most customization in terms of shape, size, and design features. Each pool is custom-designed and hand-shaped using rebar and concrete, allowing for unique, intricate designs. However, this flexibility comes at a higher price since complex shapes require more labor, additional materials, and longer construction times. The more complex the shape, the more it will cost due to the detailed work necessary to form and finish the pool correctly.

Shape Does NOT Add Cost to Fiberglass Pools. The shape of fiberglass pools is predetermined during production, as they are manufactured as one-piece shells. Since the manufacturing process uses molds, the cost of producing a different shape does not significantly vary once the mold exists. Therefore, fiberglass pools generally have a fixed price for each model regardless of shape. The installation process is also straightforward, further stabilizing the cost across different shapes.

Pool Size

Size Adds Cost to Fiberglass Pools. Larger fiberglass pool shells are more expensive than small shells because they require more materials and excavation. However, since fiberglass pools are typically limited to specific sizes (usually up to 16×40 feet), options for oversized pools are not available, which naturally caps the cost variation.

Size Adds Costs to Vinyl Liner Pools. The cost of vinyl liner pools scales more directly with size because the liner needs to be custom-made to fit the pool’s dimensions. Larger pools require more liner material, increasing the cost of the liner itself and the labor needed to install it. Additionally, larger pools require more structural support, excavation, and backfill, contributing to higher costs.

Size Adds Costs to Gunite Pools. Gunite pool costs can increase significantly with size. Larger gunite pools require more materials (rebar, concrete, plaster) and significantly more labor hours for excavation, shaping, and finishing. The more extensive customization and longer installation times for bigger pools also contribute to higher costs. The size also impacts the ongoing maintenance costs, as larger pools require more chemicals, cleaning, and potential repairs.

Features & Options – Fiberglass

Built-in Steps Add No Additional Cost to Fiberglass Pools. Most fiberglass pools come with built-in steps as part of the shell, so there’s no additional cost for steps. However, the overall pool price might be higher if you select a model with more elaborate step designs. Any upgrades, such as non-slip surfaces or custom shapes, can add a few hundred dollars to the base price.

Tanning Ledges Are Available in Many Fiberglass Models At No Additional Cost. Tanning ledges are a common built-in feature of fiberglass models. With this feature integrated into the mold, there is no additional cost for the pool shell.

Beach Entries Add No Additional Cost in Specific Fiberglass Models. Beach entries are highly desirable in fiberglass pools. The gentle sloping zero-entry is built into the mold for models such as the Thursday Pools Grace and Sandal Beach Entry pools.

Features & Options – Vinyl Liner Pools

Steps Add $200 and $2,500 to Vinyl Liner Pools. Steps in vinyl liner pools are often a separate installation, typically made of plastic or fiberglass, and then, sometimes, they’re lined with vinyl to match the pool’s aesthetic.

Tanning Ledges Can Add $2,000 to $3,000 to Vinyl Liner Pools. Tanning ledges in vinyl liner pools are custom-built with additional structures covered by the liner. These ledges are less expensive than gunite but more costly than fiberglass due to the need for precise fitting of the vinyl liner.

Beach Entries Add Cost to Vinyl Liner Pools. Finding information about the cost of a beach entry in vinyl liner pools is challenging. That’s because while it’s possible to create, builders and installation experts recommend concrete or fiberglass if a beach entry is an important feature for a buyer.

Features & Options – Gunite Pools

Steps (Some Designs) Can Cost to Gunite Pools. Custom-built steps are standard in gunite pools and integrated during the pool’s construction. The cost for steps is a part of the overall price, but intricate designs (like curved or multi-level steps) can add cost to the project.

Tanning Ledges Cost $2,000 to $4,000 in Gunite Pools. Gunite pools offer the most flexibility for tanning ledges, allowing customization of any size, shape, and depth. Costs for tanning ledges average around $2,000 to $4,000, but can be more depending on the complexity, finishes (like tile or stone), and additional features such as bubblers.

Beach Entries Add $5,000-10,000 to Gunite Pools. Gunite pools provide realistic and customizable beach entry options but are also the most expensive to construct. Costs for beach entries can start at $5,000 and go up to $10,000 or more, depending on size, shape, and finish options like pebble or tile surfacing. Beach entries require careful grading and finishing, which adds to the overall cost.

Connect With a Pool Builder for a Detailed Estimate

Purchasing an inground pool is a significant investment. For many, it’s one of the most important purchases outside the cost of their home. Onsite evaluations help determine initial costs. Find a pool builder near you that offers a complimentary assessment and estimate for more insight into your pool options and help you make informed decisions.

If you need more time to contact a pool builder, consider using tools like our fiberglass pool cost calculator, an estimator designed to give you an idea of costs based on your specific project preferences.