5 Tips to Keep Your Pool Construction Budget Afloat
Who doesn't want to have access to a swimming pool? A pool is ideal for cooling off on hot summer days, entertaining guests, exercising, and simply having fun. Purchasing a pool, like purchasing a car or a home, is an investment. That means you'll need to do some research before diving in — pun intended. Take a deep breath and dive right in with these five pool-building suggestions!
I'll go through five things you should think about before jumping in: zoning restrictions, safety precautions, pool and hot tub type’s available, prospective costs, and investment worth.
Let's get this party started.
Verifying zoning regulations
Check your local zoning rules before digging a hole in your backyard to be sure you can build a pool on your property. Find out whether there are any constraints on your plans, such as the location of your pool, its size, or any safety regulations. Before breaking ground, make sure you understand all of the zoning rules and have all of the essential permissions.
Safety measures
Local codes usually require the installation of a safety fence or barrier around the pool, but you may wish to include extra safety equipment, particularly if you have children. Consider child-proof gate locks, security alarms on windows that lead to the backyard, or alarms that sound when someone enters the water. Keep in mind, however, that no security gadget can substitute a responsible adult's attentiveness.
Types of pools
Today's pools come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Updating yourself on all of your options can help you better understand your pool contractor's terminology and feel more secure in your decisions.
In-ground pools are often more expensive to construct, and the process might take a long time. These pools, on the other hand, are considered more opulent, have a longer lifespan, can be customized to fit a yard of any shape or size and come with a variety of accessories and features.
Above-ground pools are less expensive than in-ground pools, but their lifespan is shorter. Aluminum, resin, or steel sidings with vinyl liners are used to make these pools. The pools are simple to make and dismantle, and because they are not permanent structures, they can be moved with you. Above-ground pools may be the best option if you have limited yard space.
Estimated costs
A 600 square foot concrete or gunite pool would set you back around $30,000 to install and equip. When you factor in safety gates, water features, diving boards, lighting, slides, a patio, landscaping, a heater, and possibly a spa, you're looking at a budget of around $100,000. Of course, you'll have to factor in additional energy and maintenance expenditures to your budget.
Expect to pay $20,000 to $40,000 for a pool contractor to install the pool, without including decking or patio. Optional additions like a heater, lights, water features, decking, and other accessories will drive up the cost.
A typical above-ground swimming pool kit costs between $1500 and $4500, depending on the quality. Above-ground pool installation expenses typically range from $1000 to $3000, depending on the size and style of pool. Big box stores, such as Wal-Mart and others, have recently begun offering above-ground pools, which normally cost $100 to $800 and last one to three years before needing to be replaced.
The cost of a portable spa ranges from $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and features. In-ground spas cost between $15,000 and $20,000 on average. Building them in conjunction with an in-ground pool is frequently more cost-effective.
Does a pool increase house value?
In most cases, a pool is not the best approach to increase the value of your home. Other renovations, such as siding replacement or bathroom remodeling, are better investments. A pool, on the other hand, might add value to your property if you reside in a higher-end area with homes that commonly have pools in a warmer climate. In that instance, not having a pool may make it more difficult to sell your home. Even then, the value of your home may only grow by roughly 7%.
Of course, a pool can improve your quality of life and make your home more enjoyable and that's something you can't put a price on.