The family was swimming within the pool lower than a 12 months after paying a deposit to their pool builder. However, the method wasn’t at all times smooth. “We originally estimated $80,000 and they laughed at us,” says Rubinoff. “There are costs you do not take into consideration, [and] cheaper will not be at all times higher.”
If you are concerned about an inground pool, you must know that there are lots of aspects outside of the pool itself that affect the general cost. There are quite a few decisions about pool design, shape, size and pool surfacing that have to be made up front, and every of those will affect the value, which may vary greatly from supplier to supplier. As with most major purchases, it is best to buy around, do your research and get detailed written estimates before signing a contract. This guide will walk you thru the method.
Vinyl, fiberglass or concrete pool: what’s the very best option?
Most pool buyers start by selecting one in all the three most typical pool materials: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete (also called shotcrete or gunite). Each type has benefits and drawbacks by way of cost, construction, and maintenance, which may vary depending on the frequency of pool use, quality of maintenance, and quality of pump, filter, and plumbing systems. Here are some average price ranges to make it easier to make that initial decision:
| Vinyl liner pool | Fiberglass pool | Concrete pool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation costs | 60,000 to 100,000 US dollars | 70,000 to 120,000 US dollars | 100,000 to 250,000 US dollars |
| Installation time | A number of weeks | One week | A number of months |
| Seasonal maintenance costs | Up to $2,000, including $475 for chemicals | Up to $1,800, including $325 for chemicals | Up to $2,500, including $695 for chemicals |
| Long-term maintenance costs | • Replace vinyl liner every 8 to 10 years: $4,500 to $6,500 | • Crack repair (as needed): $3,000 • Replace interior gel coat every 20 to 30 years: as much as $15,000 |
• Acid wash pool every 3 to five years: $2,000 • Resurfacing pool surface every 10 to 12 years: $12,000 to $15,000 • Replace pool cleaner parts: $500 |
| Per | • Lower acquisition costs • Easy maintenance • Customizable shape and size |
• Lower maintenance and lifelong costs (most economical) | • Many shapes, sizes and designs available |
| Disadvantages | • Higher lifetime costs • Some vinyl pools usually are not suitable for salt water • Possible holes or tears within the liner (e.g. attributable to pets) • Liner guarantees will be calculated pro rata • Lower resale value |
• Higher acquisition costs • Limited shapes, sizes and designs (no wider than 16′) • Repairs to coloured surfaces may not match |
• Most expensive to construct • Requires more maintenance • Requires more chemicals and pump running time (consumes more electricity) for disinfection |
Build an “outdoor living room” to match your pool
If you would like your pool to be the centerpiece of an outside oasis, you could need extras corresponding to fire pits, tables, a cabana, a roof or other covering on your patio area, an outside kitchen or bar. These items usually are not included in standard pool packages and their costs can vary widely depending on the pool builder.
Pool terrace, water features and landscaping
Pool coping is the fabric that covers the bottom across the pool. It is typically known as landscaping together with the trees, flowers or shrubs around your pool area and will be just as expensive because the pool itself – possibly much more.
Marc Luff, co-owner of Betz Pools in Stouffville, Ontario, points out that his company charges a mean of $30 to $35 per square foot for high-quality interlocking stone, while imported natural stone can cost about $40 to $50 per square foot. Stone slabs laid over concrete cost about $55 to $65 per square foot, and natural Canadian stone costs $75 to $95 per square foot.
Deck prices vary by pool and landscaping company, so these prices are only examples of the value you could pay. You could also be surprised to learn that wood decking is the costliest option. That’s because wood rots quickly from pool water alone, so concrete should be poured underneath. A low-end wood deck produced from cedar or pressure-treated wood will cost $50 per square foot, while premium woods and premium wood composites will cost $75 to $90 per square foot.
Water features like waterfalls and fountains add a zen atmosphere, but even a small element can add about $5,000 or more to the general cost, depending on the materials you select.
