Swimming Pool Chemicals
Inground swimming pools are a desirable component for any home, but before you can decide to make the investment, you probably want to know what the average costs are and what you are getting yourself into first. Like any major home addition, the costs can vary greatly across the country and across the block. Inground is almost always more expensive than above ground, but how much more expensive depends on the size, the materials from which it is constructed, extra features, and the geographic location where it is installed.
Materials
Generally speaking, there are three choices for inground swimming pool material: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete (or gunite). Comparing similar sizes with similar options, the average prices in the United States are as follows:
– Vinyl-lined pools are generally between $7,000 and $16,000
– Inground pools with a fiberglass shell start between $15,000 and $25,000
– Concrete or gunite pools are the most expensive, ranging between $17,000 and $45,000 at the low end and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars for the high end projects.
Optional Features
Another factor that affects the cost is the features that you select to add on. These features are almost innumerable and make it challenging to compare one quote to another, as the can vary from one company to another. Some of the optional features you may encounter include:
– Tanning ledges
– Waterfalls
– Umbrellas
– Diving boards, slides, volleyball posts, etc
– Heating systems (solar, etc)
– Electronic controllers
– Filtration systems (including more high-tech ones)
Landscaping
A major factor that many potential buyers often overlook is the cost of landscaping. Your contractor may or may not offer landscaping as part of the package. For those that do, you should carefully review what type of landscaping you need. Otherwise you will be looking for a landscape contractor, and for anyone who has ever worked with one of these professionals before you know that their services are not often cheap. So make sure to read the fine print and understand whether or not you will be able to afford the extra landscaping you want to make sure your project turns out the way you hope.
Location, location, location
There is one factor that will affect the price of your pool over which you have no control: and that is where you live. Part of the cost of installing an inground pool is the labor that goes into installing plumbing and excavating the land. If you live in an area with very rocky soil, a lot of water in the ground, or poor soil quality for any number of reasons, you will pay more because it will take more work to install it correctly.
There are many factors that affect the price, but it is important to remember that price should not be the only factor you consider. Often, companies advertise exceptionally low prices to attract customers’ attention and then raise the price dramatically once they have assessed your site or added optional features. Hiring a respected and reputable company to install your pool is the best choice because they are more likely to be around when you need help or have questions down the road. Consider cost, but don’t let it dictate the choice completely – a good deal now can cost a great deal later in repairs!
by Matthew James
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