A swimming pool is a great addition to most any home. It can provide a fun, relaxing environment to host parties, or provide a low-strain workout for people. But most homeowners wonder what the cost of swimming pools turns out to be in the long run. Here’s a quick rundown on the different types of pools and what they cost, in order of low to high models. Use this guide to help make your swimming pool decisions.
”Believe in yourself, not only in swimming, but in life itself. You always have to have fun. You have to have an open mind. If you're not enjoying it, don't do it. Life's too short.” - Debbie Meyer
Low Cost Options
Most lower priced pools tend to be a fixed model. You can usually choose between two or three variations, but for the most part the pools tend not to vary greatly in appearance. With that being said, the cheapest option is also the easiest to install. With these types of inground pools, it’s really just a matter of digging an appropriately sized hold in the ground, and properly fitting the cast to the hole. If budget is a major concern, there are several ways you can reduce the cost of installing an in-ground swimming pool.
- Build a smaller pool
- Get several quotes (at least 3)
- Pool kits
- Building in the off season
- Semi inground pools
- Pre-built options
Fiberglass
When it comes to low-cost pool options, fiberglass is the #1 material that comes to mind. It’s flat out the cheapest, it’s the easiest to install, and it will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. The downside is that there aren’t a lot of options for the material. Most fiberglass pools fit just a few choice molds, depending on the location. So it’s really a “buy once cry once” deal. Otherwise, fiberglass has the following benefits:
- Low maintenance
- Lifetime warranty
- Quick installation
- Non-abrasive siding
- Built in features
Stock Tank Swimming Pool
Surprisingly, one of the fastest trending pools is the stock tank. Not only is it a simple installation process (simply place it wherever you want), but it also works incredibly well in a rustic style setting.
Furthermore it’s one of the cheapest above ground pool ideas around today. When you think of a stock tank, it’s not hard to imagine the old dunk tanks found in carnivals and festivals. But they also work for just regular backyard pools. There are a few issues homeowners have found regarding these pools, and here are some solutions.
- Mosquitoes - Unfortunately a stock tank can be a breeding ground for the little insects, who favor shallow stagnant water. Simply put up a mosquito net around the pool to combat this.
- Algae - The buildup of slime can be taken care of with a pool vacuum. Or if the buildup is around the edges, a simple scrub can handle that.
- Rusting - To avoid rust, simply give the pool a seal before use each summer.
- Temperature - As most units tend to be made of metal, it makes sense to store the pool in a cool, shaded location to avoid overheating.
- Winter Storage - You can actually just flip over the pool and that will prevent any harmful buildup of snow and ice from damaging the unit.
Medium Priced Pools
With more moderately priced pools, you find yourself with a few more options than the lower grade pools but you’re still in the budget friendly territory in terms of options.The high end models can really get out of control with the price options, so usually it’s best to stay middle of the road when it comes to pools. Not only will this ensure a cap to the amount you can spend, you also still get a quality product. And you’ll still get a few more types of pools, design-wise. The main “go-to” material for middle of the way pools is vinyl.
Vinyl
Vinyl pools are very akin to fiberglass, but they offer a lot more in terms of design options. Because vinyl is so versatile, there’s a lot more you can do with it. So getting different types of swimming pools is a natural part of going with vinyl. The only downside is that vinyl doesn’t quite have the same lifespan as other pool materials, and may need to be replaced at some point. These pools also come with the following benefits:
- Low install cost
- More customizable
- Low maintenance
- Non-abrasive
Medium Priced Above Ground Pool
For the ultimate balance between price and decadent features, try an above ground pool with a custom deck built around it. Adding features like a Jacuzzi or slide can increase the value of your home and provide fun entertainment for both kids and adults. The pool cost breakdown usually translates to a pretty decent return on investment for such home additions.
High Cost Dream Pools
With high end pools, the sky's the limit. You can literally have anything conceivable built in your yard and get water running through it. Want a fun slide for the kids? Done. A mischievous grotto for adults? Just as easy. Want a volcano themed water feature that rivals a water based amusement park? There’s really no end to the amount of customization that you can get when it comes to pools.
With that being said, you should be aware as a homeowner that the cost of swimming pools can get astronomically high, even though it’s the dream pool you always wanted. So buyer beware when it comes to high end pools. Keep in mind that in an effort to keep customization high but total costs low, the key material is nearly always concrete.
Concrete
With concrete, you get a lot of options with building and the material itself helps keep the costs low. So you can go ahead and build that foux sand beach, swim-up bar, or separate jacuzzi area connected to the main pool. Also size doesn’t really become a factor as the material is also the foundation. Concrete inground pools are also the longest lasting kinds on the market today, essentially being able to live as long as the property itself with fairly limited maintenance. Essentially However they are easily the most expensive out of any other pool type available.
The Ultimate Above Ground
Typically above-ground pools are associated with low-costs and time saving installations. But other variations are much more extravagant. For the best swimming experience money can by, try out a truly custom above-ground pool feature with multiple luxury add-ons. Imagine swimming in an infinity pool with its very own arbor and interior lighting. Amongst the different types of swimming pool construction, this is sure to be the absolute most eye-popping pool feature.
Wondering what a pool might cost your home? Get some quotes from a professional ASAP!
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