How Much Does A Swimming Pool Cost?
Sep 13, 2023
As pool industry experts, the question we are asked most often is “How much does a swimming pool cost?”
Now, of course, your local area will differ in construction costs slightly.
However, in most pool-saturated areas like Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, swimming pool costs are all relatively similar.
A basic pool only (without a spa or any of the fancy add-ons) typically starts out at $60,000.
To add a simple spa and heater is another $10,000 - BUT before you shout “WTF! Why so much!” and give up on that dream of a backyard pool, I want to share with you a little secret that can save you thousands of dollars.
What most people don’t realize when they get an estimate for a pool is that the actual construction cost is much less than they are being quoted.
WHY?
Well… The pool company has to make a living, too! Pool companies are like travel agencies - they take care of the scheduling and ensuring everything is in order… and for their services, they mark up the cost.
Yes, that's right. Pool companies don’t actually build your pool.
Just like travel agencies don’t fly you to your vacation spot and put you up in their hotel.
Pool companies hire subcontractors to build your pool, and then they charge you a premium for managing the project and scheduling the subcontractors.
So, how much are pool companies making on your job?
Anywhere between $20,000 - $30,000, depending on the scope of the project!
This is not a joke…. Or a Typo.
This is how much more expensive it is to build your pool through a pool construction company.
How do we know this?
Our family has owned and operated a pool construction company in Southern California for over 30 years. We saw that the current limiting paradigm of pool construction could only serve the elite or very well-off families. Leaving most hard-working and deserving American families feeling defeated or disappointed at the enormous cost of their dream yard.
That’s why we decided to do something crazy, we became our family-owned pool companies worst nightmare.
We started a new type of pool company called DIY Pools and Spas to help everyday hard-working American families avoid the expensive middleman and build their dream yard (without a pool company or any construction experience!)
We developed an interactive program that walks homeowners through the entire process of pool construction from beginning to end.
We provide you with the best subcontractors in your area so you don’t have to find them yourself and establish your own DIY pool-building team. We guide you through each step of the process with video guides and construction checklists that keep you and your subcontractors informed and on point to ensure that no one is cutting corners or missing a beat.
Alongside our DIY Homeowner Builder Program, you also receive direct access to our team of pool experts to answer any of your questions and help you along the way.
If you’re wondering, “How do we do this? And can I learn more?” - Check out this Live event we are hosting this Friday "How to build your dream pool for $20k less and in just 8 weeks."
Don’t let pool companies take advantage of your dreams. Running your own pool construction project is MUCH easier than you think. You don’t need any construction experience or special skills.
With our Homeowner Builder Program, you can Do It Yourself!
Breaking Down Cost To Build Swimming Pool
There are a lot of factors that raise or lower your inground pool cost. Unfortunately, over the last few years, the inground pool installation companies saw their opportunity to raise prices has grown, and there really isn't any indication that this is going to change. That's why our company has chosen to pursue the path we're on and help you save money when at all possible.
Since swimming pool installation has so much that goes into it, here's a look at what you can expect:
Design
Here is an area where you can count on stability. Regardless of size or details, such as water features and landscaping, you can expect a detailed 3D design to cost somewhere between $950 and $1800. You don't want to skimp on maintaining your custom pool because it is the foundation for everything that comes after. It helps if you have an idea for what you want in a backyard pool.
Land Prep
On average, excavation costs $3,500. This changes with every size, area, and work type.
Size is a big factor because many contractors charge by square foot. A simple example is: that plunge pools aren't as expensive to excavate a space for a lap pool.
Materials
An inground pool that uses vinyl will cost you $30,000-$40,000 and is probably your least expensive option. Fibreglass inground pools range from $45,000-$60,000, so not that different from vinyl. Concrete pools, our specialty and recommendation, last the longest and are the easiest to maintain, but their range is a little higher, sitting at $40,000-$70,000.
Maintenance
Pool repairs can range quite a bit in cost, but the average repair is about $900.
Fixing a leak in your pool is one of those repairs that you never quite know about. It really depends on the specifics of the leak. It could cost as little as $10 and as much as $3,500. The higher end usually includes draining the pool and refilling it to fix the leak.
The cost of replacing pool equipment can provide you with some more stability because it has more to do with market, brand, and type. Quality pool filters cost between $1500+ aa new pump can starting around $2,000.
How Much Does It Cost To Build An Inground Pool?
On average, you're looking at spending $39,000 to $90,000 on a quality, inground pool. Your vision will be what determines where on this scale you fall.
More complicated pools, of course, are going to cost more. It all depends on what size, shape, water features, landscaping, and material you're thinking.
We know it can be tricky, so that's why we work with your dream and your budget until they are reconciled.
How Much Does It Cost to Build An Above Ground Pool?
While the average cost for an above-ground pool is only $2,500 to $11,000, you cannot count on it to last. Above-ground pools don't have the same durability as concrete pools, for example, they're not as appealing, and they don't raise your home value.
How Do Our Prices Differ From Competitors?
Our services are constructed around saving money. Because of our many years of experience in the industry, we know how to save you up to (often more than!) $20,000 on your pool project. How do we do that?
We have what we call the Homeowner Builder DIY Pool Installation Program. It takes all of our pool-building experience and hands it to you so that you can cut out the expensive pool companies and manage your own project with complete confidence. This package is a start-to-finish walk-through so detailed that you will never feel out of the loop.
Here's what is included with this program:
Personal Consulting and Support
Because we want this process to be as stress-free as possible, we are always available to you. Throughout the whole project, you have access to one-on-one coaching.
3D Rendered Design
You will receive a to-scale 3D image of your dream pool with a video walkthrough. It's all specific to your yard and accurate to the yard's measurements. We give you daytime shots as well as nighttime so that you can see everything lit up.
Permit Ready Construction Plans
Our construction plans are so detailed that they're 100% permit-ready. This is such a time and money saver for you, the homeowner.
Engineering Plans
We work with licensed pool/spa engineers in the following states: CA, AZ, ID, LA, UT, CO, NM, OR, WA, NV, TX, MA, FL, AL, GA, TN, VA, NC, and SC. If you are not in one of these states, you will have to find the engineer, but we will still be there with you through the whole process.
Video Guided Program
We include step-by-step videos that walk you through each phase of construction. Not every client of course, feels like this step is necessary, but they're nice to fall back on, and they're so in-depth that you can walk the construction site and know, per square foot, what you're looking for.
Construction Check Lists
Our checklists are thorough, easy to follow, and keep you and your sub-contractors in alignment with industry standards and best practices.
Sub Assistance
This is probably the most intimidating step for homeowners. However, there's no need to worry. We help you find your subcontractors and review their bids to ensure accurate pricing.
Wholesale Equipment Costs
Working with us gives you access to wholesale costs on top-of-the-line pool equipment. This is a key point because you actually save a minimum of $3,000 by purchasing the best on the market.
Can You Adequately Build Swimming Pools on a Budget?
Absolutely. That's what we do! We've seen through personal experience how pools can bring families closer together and create memories that last, and we want to share that with everyone we can. Because of our passion, we've created a program that builds high-quality pools without breaking your budget.
We specialize in gunite inground pools, but we also do fiberglass pools. Our custom pool work covers almost whatever you can dream up - hot tub, standard chlorine pool, saltwater pool, endless pool, and so on.
Does It Cost More To Hire Someone Or Build A Pool On Your Own?
It's important to understand that the pool companies most people hire aren't often the ones doing the pool building. Their job is to satisfy you with a design, hire the least expensive subcontractors they can, and keep a large profit margin for their pockets. Hiring out a pool company means adding another team of people to pay and often settling for less than you wanted.
"Why is working with DIY Pools and Spas any different?" you may ask. That's a fair question. At first glance, we may look like just another pool company looking for a fat profit, but that's not the case with us. We empower you to do the job while giving you a helping hand whenever you need it. Doing things this way allows everyone involved to get higher quality for a lot less money and less stress.
We are the perfect balance between hiring a pool company and doing everything entirely on your own. We save you tens of thousands of dollars and get you exactly the pool you've dreamed of.
How Long Will an Inground Pool Last?
A well-maintained concrete pool should last you a lifetime. 50 years is the minimum for a well-constructed, cared-for pool. The pool's liner/finish won't last as long but will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Surface materials can last up to 30 years if you avoid chlorine and instead use salt systems, and also if you care for the pool properly by brushing the surface weekly.
How Much Does it Cost To Resurface an Inground Pool?
On average, you're looking at spending around $7,000 to resurface your pool. It is something you can do on your own, so there's no need to stress about finding a provider.
How Long Will An Above-Ground Pool Last?
Above-ground pools last about as long as the liner/finish of an inground pool, usually 10 years.
Some above-ground pools, with lots of effort, money, and time dedicated towards maintenance, can last up to 25 years, but that's not terribly common.
Is it Best to Use Gunite or Fiberglass to Build a Pool?
We always recommend gunite as the best, most durable option for an inground swimming pool.
Attend one of our free weekly seminars that will answer all of these questions and any more that you have!
Save up $20,000 on your pool build with our Homeowner Builder Program.
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