Whether your building an in-ground swimming pool or an above-ground pool, considering the cost should be foremost before going ahead to construct it. Your budget will determine which type of pool would be just right for you and your loved ones.
If you are planning to sell your house, a pool would definitely increase the re-sale value and add appeal to your home. Bankers and lenders are favorable to financing pool construction as they view it as improving homes, increasing their value for re-sale.
All in all, an in-ground pool is more expensive to construct than an above-ground pool. This is because building the pool involves installation, designing and constructing the pool. Filtration is also necessary for in-ground pools and is quite expensive. Regular maintenance and necessary equipment is also a big consideration.
If you are set on building that pool and you do not have the cash to begin construction, you can apply for long-term financing which allows you to stretch the paying period, thereby, making your monthly payment small enough to build that pool.
Pools with some patio and surrounded by safety fence, you are looking at more or less $20,000. More intricate designs will cost $40,000-$100,000+. On the average, a pool may cost as low as $10,000 to as high as $40,000, which depends wholly on its size, builder accessibility, and optional additional features. You can discuss these features with your constructor. It is better to have information before entering into an agreement with a contractor.
The cost all depends on the materials and extra features that you want to add. Landscaping would be nice to add more appeal to your new pool, together with lighting and fountains. You may also want to add water slides, tiling designs and vacuums. All these would determine the over-all cost of your pool.
When setting your budget for the pool, you should consider the following points. How much can you afford? Determine how big a pool can fit into your yard and the zoning restrictions in your area. Canvass for contractors and how long construction will take. Ask around also for insurance and the all-important safety guidelines of pool making.
For maintenance, it is important to know the cost of the following, chemicals for water treatment, budget for a pool man who could do regular cleaning for you if you don’t have the time to do it yourself and the updating of pool interior every 5-7 years or 10-15 years. Vinyl liners require replacement every 5-7 years while plaster finish on concrete requires 10-15 year intervals.
It is also good to consider costs for building permits. In-ground permits usually require a building permit fee of 1%of the total cost of the pool construction.
Once you have decided on your pool design and contractor and you are about to start construction, make sure that you stick to your budget. Your budget should also include maintenance in the future. Finally, you have to make sure that you really want it and you can afford it.
Now that you are ready for construction, this is the perfect time to go scouting for sales and bargains. There are many ways that you can cut down on the costs. Shopping off-season gives you the opportunity to buy some materials at a relatively lower cost than normal. Specialty pool stores seasonally offer bargains to increase their sales during off season. With your available budget, you can afford a better model.
Shopping off-season, like during winter, also gives you enough time to complete that pool just before summer starts.
It is tempting to buy that new trendy model items on display. However, these would really add to your expenses. Why not select a model with a similar design but has only the basics, you will definitely save up on this.
Don’t scrimp on the safety features your pool will need, like pool barriers, automatic locks and alarms. They could mean the life of a loved one. Choose good-quality brands that may cost more but is sure worth the price.
Spending on that dream pool is a big decision to make. Weigh the pros and cons of your decisions. If you want it all that much, then go for it! After all, it would add value and beauty to your home. Be ready, though, for the expenses that come with it, it is not cheap but definitely is worth it all!!
