5 Steps to Understand the True Cost of Inground Pools

When considering the addition of an inground pool to your home, understanding the true cost of inground pool is crucial. It’s not just about the upfront cost—there are a lot of things that add to the total expense. The cost of an inground pool can vary greatly, no matter where you live, from South Florida to Orlando and beyond. Thinking about an inground pool? Epic Watershapes brought you this article that will break down everything, from building to running it.

1. The Initial Cost of Inground Pools

What Influences Inground Pool Prices?

Inground pool prices are influenced by a variety of factors, such as:

Pool Type: The material you choose—concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass—can significantly affect the cost. Concrete pools are typically the most expensive, while vinyl and fiberglass offer more budget-friendly options.
Size and Shape: Larger and more complex designs will naturally increase the price. A standard 12×24 inground pool might be more affordable than a custom-shaped lagoon pool.
Location matters: Costs for labor and materials can vary a lot depending on where you live. For instance, inground swimming pools in West Palm Beach might have different price ranges compared to other cities like Parkland.
Features: Additional features like lighting, heating, waterfalls, or spas can add to the overall cost.

Average Cost Breakdown

The average prices of the inground pool depend on the type of pool that you want in your backyard.

Concrete Pools: Typically range from $50,000 to $100,000.
Fiberglass Pools: Fiberglass or built-in pool costs range between $20,000 and $60,000.
Vinyl Liner Pools: Usually range from $25,000 to $50,000.

These costs are just an estimate, and they can vary a lot depending on the pool’s size, the materials you choose, and where you live.

However, from all these types, customers call us every day asking how much a 12×24 inground pool costs. Here at Epic Watershapes, our 12×24 in-ground pool price starts at $53,000. However, this price might be higher depending on the water features that the homeowner wants in their pool.

Another common question is about a small pool cost. Many homeowners with small backyards want to install a cocktail pool, and the cocktail pool prices start at $40,000.

2. Installation Costs of Inground Pool: What to Expect

The Process of Installing an Inground Pool

Adding an inground swimming pool to your backyard is a dream for many homeowners. It transforms your outdoor space into a private oasis for relaxation, recreation, and entertainment. But before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand the journey ahead.

The Inground Pool Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

It takes a lot of careful planning and coordination to build an inground pool. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:

1. Dream It Up: The Design Phase

The Vision: This is where the fun begins! You’ll sit down with a qualified pool builder to discuss your vision for the perfect pool. Do you envision a sleek, modern design or a more traditional, free-form shape? How big should it be? Do you want a shallow end for the kids or a deep end for diving?
Considerations: Your pool builder will work with you to create a pool design that perfectly suits your needs and your property.
Space: How much space is available in your backyard? Is there enough room for the pool itself, as well as surrounding features like a deck or patio?
Sunlight: How much sunlight does the area receive throughout the day? This will change the water temperature, which will affect how much you enjoy your pool.
Slope: The slope of your yard will influence the excavation process and the overall design.
Budget: Setting a realistic budget early on will help guide your design choices and prevent unexpected costs.
Creating the Blueprint: After we talk about what you want, the pool builder will draw up a detailed plan for your pool. This will include the size, shape, depth, and any additional features you’ve chosen, such as water features, lighting, or a spa.

2. Digging Deep: The Excavation Phase

Getting to Work: This is where the heavy machinery comes in! Powerful excavators will carefully dig the hole for your inground pool, ensuring the proper depth and slope for the chosen design.
Unexpected Challenges: The excavation process can sometimes encounter unexpected challenges. These may include:
Soil Conditions: Rocky soil or clay can make excavation more difficult and time-consuming.
Underground Utilities: If we find hidden pipes or cables while digging, it can cause delays and we may need to change the plan.
Weather Conditions: Heavy rain or sudden storms can disrupt the digging and lead to delays in the project.
Safety First: Safety is our priority during the construction. The pool builder needs to keep everyone safe – both their workers and your property.

3. Building the Foundation: The Pool Shell Installation

Pool Type Matters: The installation process will vary depending on the type of pool you’ve chosen:
Vinyl Liner Pools: These are typically the most affordable option. A vinyl liner is fitted over a rigid, pre-formed shell.
Fiberglass Pools: These come pre-made in various shapes and sizes and are typically installed quickly.
Concrete Pools: Offering the most customization, concrete pools are built on-site and can be designed in virtually any shape or size.
Plumbing and Electrical: During this phase, the plumbing and electrical systems are installed. This includes the filtration system, pumps, heaters, and any necessary lighting.
Quality Control: The builder will regularly check the work to make sure everything is built right and matches our plan.

4. Finishing Touches: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Deck It Out: Once the pool shell is complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This often includes installing a pool deck made of materials such as concrete, pavers, or wood.
Landscaping Magic: Landscaping around the pool can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. This may involve planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as adding decorative touches like rocks or boulders.
Safety First: Safety features are crucial. This may include installing a fence around the pool, adding non-slip surfaces to the deck, and providing easy access to safety equipment like life preservers.
Filling the pool: Finally, the pool is filled with water! This is an exciting moment for homeowners, as they begin to see their dream pool come to life.

5. Beyond Installation: Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Building an inground swimming pool is a significant investment. To keep enjoying your pool for years to come, it’s important to properly care for and maintain it. This includes:

Regular Cleaning: Keeping your pool clean is crucial for both hygiene and equipment longevity. This involves regularly skimming the surface, vacuuming the pool floor, and shocking the water to kill bacteria.
Water Chemistry: Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential for swimmer safety and equipment health. You’ll need to regularly test and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to keep your pool water clean and healthy.
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater.

How Much Does an Inground Swimming Pool Cost?

One of the frequently asked questions that we receive is, “How much does it cost to install a pool?”. The answer is: The installation cost can range widely. On average, pool installation might set you back between $50,000 and $120,000, depending on the complexity and location of the project.

3. Additional Costs to Consider

Maintenance and Upkeep

Owning a pool is not just about the initial purchase. Remember the ongoing cost of keeping your pool clean and running smoothly.

Regular Maintenance: Includes cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks, which can cost around $1,200 to $1,800 annually.
Repairs and Replacements: Over time, you may need to replace liners, pumps, or filters, which can add to the annual maintenance budget.
Utilities: Running the pump and heating the pool can increase your electricity bills.

Insurance and Permits

Adding a pool to your property may impact your homeowner’s insurance. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance company to see if your premiums will change. Also, getting the permits you need for installation can really add to the cost.

4. Budgeting Tips for Potential Pool Owners

Plan for the Unexpected

Always include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses when budgeting for a pool. This could be anything from unexpected problems digging up the ground to extra costs for landscaping.

Compare Quotes

Get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may not include all necessary components or could compromise on quality.

Consider Off-Peak Installation

Sometimes, installing a pool during the off-peak season (fall or winter) can save you money as contractors may offer discounts during these times.

5. Conclusion: Is an Inground Pool Worth the Investment?

In conclusion, the cost of an inground pool extends beyond the initial sticker price. By knowing what goes into the cost of a pool—from building it to keeping it clean—you can decide if it’s a good investment for your home.

Remember, an inground pool is not just an expense but an investment in your lifestyle and property value. By planning ahead and setting a budget, you can finally have the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re looking for a pool builder in Alhambra, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, or elsewhere, understanding these costs will help you confidently dive into your pool project.