How Much Does a Custom In-Ground Pool Cost?
Custom pools are often the preference for those who are going to add a swimming pool to their property. For many people, they have an exact swimming pool design that they have always wanted to install on their property, and a custom pool is the only way to make sure that this is the kind of pool that they end up with.
A skilled pool contractor can help walk you through everything from the design process to the installation work that will need to be done. You will need to have a budget in mind before you start working with a pool builder, however. Lots of people get to the design step and receive the bid for the pool they want and are startled at the cost of the job. This is something that you can avoid by being prepared in advance for the realities of the cost of an in-ground pool.
How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost?
The size and complexity of your swimming pool will impact the total cost for the project. This is not surprising information, but people who have never built a swimming pool before are not prepared for what that information really means.
A small pool that is about 12’ X 24’, for example, could cost as little as $25,000. Standard or complex pools could cost north of $100,000. Most pool builders tell homeowners to expect to spend $100,000 for any kind of custom or uniquely designed swimming pool.
At the end of the day, there are lots of little factors and details that go into the total cost of a pool building job. You need to understand where the costs are coming from so that you can be prepared for the total budget that you need to have on hand to complete the pool you have always wanted to enjoy.
What Things Increase the Cost of a Swimming Pool Build?
There are various factors that can increase the cost of your swimming pool build.
1. The Depth and Shape of Your Pool
Complex swimming pool designs or pools that are quite deep at the deepest end will cost more to build. There is more time that goes into excavation, prep, and materials when you select a unique design style or when the pool has a deep end.
2. Materials
The more unique or upgraded your building materials, the higher the total bill will be for the job. Unique tiles, decking that is sourced from far away, unique or upgraded pool liners, all of these things can add cost to your pool project. Concrete itself is quite expensive, but it is so durable that it is worth the cost to use it for your swimming pool build.
3. Pumps, Heaters, and Other Systems
Many people don’t think about the supportive systems and devices that make a pool enjoyable to own when they are creating a budget. The heater, the pump, the cover, and other accessories can add a lot of cost to your project. The type of pool heater that you choose and the size of your pool impact the cost of this added device, but usually a heater is needed to enjoy your pool for anything other than the hottest parts of the summer months.
The pump and related systems can cost a few thousand dollars minimum. If you have a larger pool or you want a very efficient pump, you will pay far more in most cases. Another cost that is associated with these additions to your pool build is the electrical system that needs to be added to the pool design to run the pump, lights, and heater. This can cost as little as a few thousand dollars or in excess of $10,000.
4. Labor
One of the other aspects of budgeting for a pool building project is that you need to factor in labor. The cost of labor can vary widely all across the US, and specific kinds of highly skilled work cost far more to access than basic labor. You will need to ask your pool designer to break down the costs for labor and make sure that you have enough money in the budget to cover this part of the construction project without causing yourself undue stress.
5. Unique Elements
Fountains, seating areas, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment spaces can all add to your budget. It can be a great idea to make your pool area an entertainment space, but you do need to budget for this part of the job. The more complicated the area that you are creating for entertainment, the higher the cost for the construction work.
If you are not working with just your pool designer to create this part of the build, be sure that you also get an accurate estimate for the cost of things like outdoor kitchen areas or covered patio spaces from the contractor and designer who are working on this part of the job. It’s easy to overlook this part of the work and come up short once the pool has been completed.
Budgeting is Critical to Reduce Stress and Worry During a Pool Construction Project
There are lots of things that you have to attend to when you are having a swimming pool built on your property. You need to be sure that you also think about the budget so that you are prepared for any surprise costs or challenges that could crop up during the build. Having a realistic grasp of the cost of a pool build is key. Lots of people go into the process of having a pool added to their property blind, and they are shocked when costs keep coming at them.
An experienced pool builder will be able to advise you about all of the various steps and stages of the work that needs to be done, and they should have no trouble giving you an exact budget estimate for the cost of the work that needs to be done. If you are not clear about the cost of the swimming pool they are planning to build for you, you need to regroup or ask them to break down the entire job into an estimate. Being prepared for the cost aspect of a new swimming pool can make the entire process of having one built much less stressful.