What's The Difference in Cost For Pool Size

 There's no better way to transform your summer than getting an inground pool. The late-night swims, the parties, the sunshine... it's all well worth the trouble and expense.

But, you may be wondering what exactly the trouble and expense (emphasis on "expense") will look like for an inground pool. If you're the homeowner looking for answers, you're in the right place. We're here to provide you with some straight answers and realistic pricetags.

It's so important to be fully informed before you make a decision about something as big as a pool, which is why we've collected this information for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the inground pool cost and process.

What are the Benefits of Getting Custom Inground Swimming Pools?

Inground pools come in several premade shapes and sizes. However, when you choose to go the custom route, you're expanding your options from what someone else thought was a good fit for your family to anything your heart desires. Specifically, here are some ways choosing custom inground pools will make your pool experience superior to that of the premade options:

You Can Monitor the Entire Process

When you choose from a pool company's three options, everything is already set before you walk through the doors, all the way down to the "per square foot" overall cost. Because of this, you don't have any say beyond picking the overall package you like best. For some people, that's good enough. For others, they want a little more elbow room and more accountability for the company.

When you choose custom, you choose to be heavily involved with a say in each part of the process, from the inground pool installation to the first chemical balancing. You get to oversee it all and make final decisions. The pool can become whatever you want it to be.

Fits Your Aesthetic

If you've invested any time in your backyard, it's likely you have a tone or a vibe that you would rather not disrupt. If that's the case, you will want a pool that enhances and embraces your vision, not destroy it by looking exactly like everyone else's pool.

A custom pool can either fit your aesthetic, or it can take things to the next level. The only question is, "How far are you willing to go?" You are the only limit when it comes to custom pools.

Some people take their hosting up a notch by adding swim-up bars and diving boards. Others create serene environments by adding fountains, waterfalls, sculptures, or a combination of the three! No matter what vibe you're going for, there's something out there for you.

Individualistic Pool Designs

If you're going to go to the effort of having a backyard pool, you want it to be impressive. Your guests might be expecting a standard inground pool or a semi-inground pool at best. How gratifying will it be when they walk through the house and see something stunning and so unique to you?

Perhaps the best part of going custom is that there's not another pool like the one you're going to create. When you bring your creativity, needs, and desires to the table, the pool that gets created is an extension of yourself. Because of the individuality of your pool design, there is also value added to your home. This is especially beneficial if you consider selling the house at some point in the future.

Peace of Mind

Custom pools are incredibly versatile. You can host massive pool parties with friends and families one day and have an oasis for yourself in the next. You can use the pool as a beautiful venue for weddings or graduations, or you can use it as a way to stay cool during your summer workout sessions.

No matter how you plan on using your pool, you can rest assured that it will be up to the task. Custom pools are beautiful, calming, and under as much of your supervision as you would like since it's at your home with only the people you want! No more public pools for you and the kids if that's not your scene! All the memories you could want are waiting right in your backyard.

What Factors Affect Overall Inground Swimming Pools Cost?

Custom pools are gaining popularity as a home improvement project. They bring up the value of the home, they promote a healthy lifestyle, and they're wonderful for hosting summer parties. The biggest question homeowners ask before signing up is, "How much will this cost?" Expanding on the following factors will give you a good idea of what goes into inground pool costs.

Pool Size

It will come as no surprise to you that the size of your pool is a big part of what it costs. There isn't really a limit on how big your pool can get, but you do want to be sure that your pool doesn't clash with your home. For example, unless you live in a mansion, you'll want to keep the size tame. However, there's a lot of range within the word "tame." You can do something small and discrete - the size of a hot tub, maybe? Or, if you want to swim laps and host big parties, you will want to go with something quite a bit bigger.

Pool Style

Pool "style" mostly refers to the material and the style of construction. For example, a fiberglass pool will cost less than a concrete pool because the concrete pool will last longer. More complete designs will cost more because of the necessary time and care that goes into getting something right. As far as style goes, the most expensive is an infinity pool due to the unique and attractive edge that looks like it could go on forever. Pool installation costs are just as broad as the styles themselves, so make sure you know what your top priorities are and what you're willing to cut out if you're working with a specific budget.

Energy Efficiency

Many pool owners are looking for ways to keep their carbon footprint as small as possible. Because of this noble priority, these homeowners are choosing to install their pools in a way that's a little different. The energy-efficient route includes extra costs for things like oversized filters, custom-engineered piping systems, and multi-speed pumps. That being said, there are benefits that keep those costs in check, such as reduced energy bills, long lifespans for your equipment, and easier maintenance. After a while, you'll find yourself coming out ahead.

Location

Everyone who has ever bought a house or rented an apartment with a realtor has heard the saying, "Location, location, location!" It's a simple saying, but it gets the point across.

In terms of pools, location doesn't always carry massive implications, but it's worth looking into. In the northern states, pool installation costs approximately 15-25% more than it does in the southern states. Also, it is standard for urban areas to be more costly than rural areas due to labor costs.

Backyard Conditions

When a professional member of the pool industry visits your home for a consultation, one of the things they'll look at is the condition of the backyard. They will look to see if there are any trees or big rocks that will need to be removed. They will look at slopes and how easy the ground will be to work with. Labor costs will account for 25-50% of the total cost of your pool, so keep these things in mind when you're choosing what space your pool will occupy.

Pool Heating Options

Most people in warmer states don't have to worry about heating their pools, but if you live in a cooler climate, you will want to make sure your pool doesn't freeze during the winter. You do this by installing pool heating. Freezing causes much damage, so it's important to take precautions. Solar-powered heaters are the most expensive up front, but energy costs will stay much lower compared to gas or electric heaters, so it does balance out.

Landscaping Costs

Since a pool upturns the backyard anyway, many homeowners decide to include a renovation of the landscape in the project. This may not add to the cost of the swimming pool itself, but it should be included in your budget if it's one of your priorities. Your pool installer may be able to help you work out some details, but this aspect of the job will need to be handled by a landscape designer.

Additional Features

The more of your own features you add to the pool, the more costly it will be to build. That being said, features such as waterfalls, fountains, sunbathing chairs, and lights are all wonderful things that will add layers of depth to what's most likely going to be a large part of your life.

How Much Does a Pool Cost?

On average, you can expect to spend around $100-$250 per square foot. That typically amounts to $35,000-$100,000 total cost. Because all custom pools are unique, it's impossible to give you an exact estimate, but thankfully, most people offer consultations for exactly that reason.

Above Ground Pool vs. Inground Pool Cost

Inground pools typically cost around 40k-100k, as stated above. Above-ground pools will usually cost between 4k and 12k. That's a big price difference, we know. But you see the value of an inground pool by how long it lasts and how well it endures. Additionally, above-ground pools are hard to clean and often don't have a uniform depth. All in all, inground pools are almost always a better value though the upfront cost is higher.

Inground Pool Average Cost by Size

As you saw in the section above, inground pools will usually cost anywhere from $80-$250 per square foot. This will have to do with who you hire, where you live, and what material you choose. Some places will also give a discount per square foot if your pool project is large enough.

Above Ground Pools Cost By Size

The pool itself will, on average, cost something like $800-$4,500. Installation can cost anywhere from $1,600-$7,500.

How to Find the Right Contractor to Build Your Inground Swimming Pool?

There are many things that go into choosing the right contractor, but above all, make sure they are a reputable person with honest associations. You can do this by checking the contractor's insurance to see what they cover. Find honest reviews about the contractor online and, if at all possible, in person. If you know someone who had a custom pool made, ask if they enjoyed their experience. Compare costs between companies - if one company is charging a lot more for their services than the others, that's a good sign that something is up and you don't want to be a part of it.

Why Should You Choose DIY Pools to Build Your Custom Swimming Pool?

DIY Pools and Spas is the perfect way to get a custom pool without all the worry and insecurity of doing it yourself. We help with all kinds of inground pools (concrete pools, gunite pools, fiberglass pools, etc...) that have all kinds of features. Whatever you want, we can help you achieve it.

How to Calculate My Pool Cost Using DIY Pools Cost Calculator

This pool calculator is incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is answer the questions and you get an expected pool company cost and what we think we can save you. All you need is a rough idea of what you want and five minutes to have a general idea of what your dream will cost.

Conclusion

The cost of a pool is broad and based on many different things. It's important to know what you want before you commit to a design, that way you can work your priorities into your budget. Consider working with one of our team designers to better understand what custom pool will work perfectly for your family!