Is installing in a pool something you want to do? It could be an exciting new venture that can add value and enjoyment to your home. However, inground pool installation is a significant investment decision for any homeowner.
Before making the step, you should consider several factors to make the right choice for your family and yourself. With careful planning and consideration, you can find the perfect inground pool for your home and lifestyle. If you’re considering installing an inground pool, here are some things you need to know upfront.
1. Your Desired Pool Type
Before installing an inground pool, one crucial factor is your desired pool type. Common inground pools type include concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.
Concrete pools are customizable and can be in any shape. However, they’re expensive and require the most maintenance. Fiberglass pools are pre-formed and require less maintenance, but they are limited in size and shape options. Vinyl pools are the most affordable option but have the shortest lifespan.
Consider your budget, maintenance preferences, and desired features when deciding a pool type. A professional can help you assess the pros and cons of each material and make a recommendation based on your specific needs and preferences.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an acceptable option for an inground pool. It is a pre-formed material that is molded into a specific shape and size and then installed in the ground.
The initial cost of a fiberglass pool is typically lower than that of a concrete pool, but it is still a significant financial investment. These pools can range from $20,000 to $85,000, on average, $52,500. The cost usually depends on the size and shape of the pool. Additional features or accessories can also increase the total cost.
In terms of maintenance, fiberglass pools require less maintenance than concrete pools. It can last up to 25 years with minimal staining and algae growth. Because the surface is nonporous, it requires less cleaning!
They do not require regular resurfacing, and the smooth, nonporous surface is resistant to algae and bacteria. However, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance, such as filtering and adding chemicals to the water.
Fiberglass is a good option for those who want a low-maintenance inground pool at a moderate cost.
Concrete
Concrete pools are more durable and long-lasting than other materials, such as vinyl, but require more maintenance and care. They have endless design possibilities and are great for artistic-minded homeowners. On average, a concrete inground pool costs from $20,000 to $50,000, with some high-end pools costing even more.
In terms of maintenance, concrete inground pools require regular cleaning and maintenance, such as filtering and adding chemicals to the water. They also need traditional resurfacing to prevent cracking and damage, which can add to the overall cost of maintenance.
The lifespan of a concrete inground pool can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years. It requires resurfacing approximately every ten years. A concrete inground pool may be a significant financial investment, but it offers the most customization and durability.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liners are the most affordable option for inground pools, as their cost is lower than that of concrete or fiberglass. They’re also the easiest to install since the liner goes into place easily and quickly.
However, they have the shortest lifespan of all inground pool materials. They tend to deteriorate over time and need frequent replacement. They last about five to ten years before a new liner is needed. The cost of the vinyl liner will vary depending on the size, shape, and additional features or accessories of the pool. Most pools cost between $10,000 and $20,000, but some are even more expensive.
Vinyl liner inground pools are a good option for those who want an affordable pool with a shorter lifespan. Families and group setting pools may not enjoy it due to the vinyl liner’s tendency to puncture.
2. Your Budget
Plan out your budget carefully. Swimming pools cost varies depending on several factors. Considering excavation costs (digging the hole for the pool and removing the lawn), installation costs and ongoing costs such as pool chemicals and equipment is essential.
Additionally, when installing a pool, you must factor in covers, decking, landscaping, and heating systems costs. There are also ongoing costs like filter replacements (run and service pumps and filters) and chemical and saltwater chlorination (self-cleaning units and suction cleaners).
On average, the cost of an inground pool ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, with some high-end pools costing even more. Concrete pools are typically the most expensive option, as they are the most customizable and durable. Fiberglass pools are a moderate cost option, as they are pre-formed and require less maintenance. Vinyl liner pools are the least expensive option but have the shortest lifespan.
Carefully research and compare options to find the right inground pool for your home and budget.
3. Hidden Costs
Water and electricity bills will increase with the maintenance of a pool, and so will chemicals (chlorine or salt). In an average-sized pool, running the pump consumes 2000 to 3000-kilowatt hours of power each year, costing between $800 and $1200. Pump types, place of residence, and electricity plan will affect this figure.
Pool heating and professional cleaning will add to the ongoing costs. Then there’s the expense of maintaining or replacing pool equipment and machinery as it ages. Pool owners spend, on average, between $80 and $150 every month to keep their pools in good condition, according to Homeadvisor.com.
Be sure to factor those maintenance costs into your decision before installing an inground pool. You should consider building a swimming pool if you’ll use it frequently. It may be worth looking at the cost per swim if you only swim in it several times per season.
4. The Construction Process
Before any work can start, an in-ground pool installation requires consultation, a site evaluation, design, engineering, and council authorization. The whole operation could take several months.
Building an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool requires the consent of your local municipality. Receiving permission ensures that your pool complies with all state and federal safety regulations and structural requirements. It might take four to eight weeks to get a council permit.
Digging out the area for the pool is the first step. You must remove vegetation and soil to grade and level the site properly. After the excavation is complete, the pool wall and base installation follow.
Pool wall materials include steel or polymer, providing structural support for the pool. The base can be a layer of sand or gravel to create a level and stable foundation for the pool.
Vinyl Liner Pool
When the pool base is ready, workers will install the vinyl liner. After carefully unrolling the liner, it’s attached to the pool wall using a unique adhesive. Once the vinyl liner is in, the next step is to fill the pool with water. A hose or any other water source comes in handy here. From start to finish, composite/vinyl-lined pools take about 11 weeks.
Concrete Pool
Once the pool base is ready, workers pour the concrete. In most cases, they use a concrete truck to bring the concrete to the job site and pour it into the pool’s formwork. After the concrete sets, workers polish it to create a smooth and long-lasting surface. There is an average 16-week completion time for concrete pools.
Fiberglass Pool
After the pool base is ready, it’s time to deliver the fiberglass pool shell. The workers will use a crane or other heavy-lifting equipment for this. Upon delivery of the pool shell, the next step is to install it in the excavated area. The pool shell is carefully lowered into place and secured to the pool’s base using a unique adhesive.
Once the pool shell is in, workers fill the surrounding area with dirt. Backhoes or other heavy machinery come in handy here. Grading is then done around the pool once the backfill is complete. The completion for fiberglass pools takes about 12 weeks.
The last step to complete any pool type is to install the steps, ladders, or handrails. Workers will also install any necessary filtration or circulation equipment.
5. Insurance Requirements
You should inform your insurance company if you install a swimming pool. Homeowner’s insurance usually covers pools under the “other structures” clause. However, damage claims may require additional coverage, despite most homeowners’ insurance policies providing primary coverage.
It’s also vital to ensure you’re free from liability in case of an accident. Remember that homeowners may be held liable for injuries caused by their pools. It’s a requirement of all pool insurance policies that the policyholder complies with local bylaws.
The type and location of a pool determine the level of insurance coverage required. You must be aware of any requirements your insurance may impose to be eligible to file a liability claim.
Install a Pool You’ll Enjoy
These are the key factors you should consider when installing an inground swimming pool. You’ll likely get more information from the professionals you work with, which will help in better decision-making and a smooth swimming pool installation.
Finding a reputable and experienced pool contractor can help ensure a smooth and successful installation process. With the proper planning, an inground pool can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment.
