How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost?

Thinking about putting a pool in your yard? There’s plenty to consider first – starting with the price. Installation, maintenance, insurance and utility costs for putting a pool in your yard can run fairly high. But, as many pool owners will tell you, the benefits of having a pool are often well worth the steep price. So, how much does a pool cost? Here’s the 411 on installing a pool in your yard this year.

How much does a swimming pool cost?

So, how much does a pool cost? Installing an inground pool in your yard won’t be cheap. Curious how much you should save? According to HomeAdvisor, the typical cost range for installing an inground pool is between $38,837 and $66,563. Like we said, not cheap. The overall average cost is $51,700. The website also notes that adding custom features (think: hot tubs, spas and waterfalls) could add up to $8,000 to the total cost, depending on the scope of the project. Maintenance and upkeep for an inground pool averages anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800 a year. In addition, don’t forget that adding a pool to your property will almost certainly increase your utility costs (think: water bills) and insurance costs. In most areas, pool owners are also required to have some sort of fence around the pool or yard to prevent drowning accidents. If the yard does not already have a fence around it, you may end up having to foot the bill for this as well.

Overall, it’s safe to say that while installing an inground swimming pool comes with a number of upsides (and is certainly useful and fun in the summertime), it’s an expensive endeavor. If your dream is to have a pool in the yard, then we recommend you start saving now.

How can I pay for a pool?

If you don’t have the cash to install an inground pool on your property, you’ll need to explore other financing options. Several ways to go about financing a pool include: taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), where you can borrow against the equity in your home; a Cash-Out Refinancing, which refinances your existing mortgage and allows you to borrow money; putting the pool payment on a low-interest credit card that you can work down; and taking out a private loan from a lender, such as a bank or SoFi.

Does having an inground pool increase the value of your home?

While pools are expensive to build and maintain, we will note that having a pool in your yard does tend to increase the overall value of the home – particularly if you live in an area where most other homes have an inground pool on the property (i.e. Florida). So when it comes to resale value, the steep cost of installing a pool in the yard could pay off. According to Bankrate.com, “one HouseLogic study suggests an increase of 7 percent, at most, under ideal conditions, while HGTV reports that the average inground pool can up your property’s value by 5 to 8 percent.”

How much does it cost to purchase an above ground swimming pool?

How much does a pool cost when it’s an above ground pool? HomeAdvisor states that the average cost to buy and install an above ground pool is around $2,557. The typical price range is between $737 and $4,431. Homeowners can also purchase ready-made kits from stores, such as Target, Walmart and Academy Sports, that are less expensive.

What to consider before putting a pool in your yard

What else should you consider before putting a pool in your yard? In addition to the installation, maintenance, utility and insurance costs, here are several other things to think about before planting a pool in your yard.

• Safety concerns – Before putting a pool in your yard, it’s important to consider swim safety – particularly if you have young children. We recommend enrolling babies, toddlers and children in a swimming course prior to installing a swimming pool. You will also want to consider fencing options and door alarms when young children are in the home.
• Resale value – If you plan to sell your home in the future, consider whether or not adding a pool will truly improve your resale value. In many cases, it probably will – especially if all the neighbors have pools as well. However, in some areas of the country, it might not make much of a difference.
• Space and planning – Do you have the space for a pool in your yard? Make sure to carefully consider your property’s terrain and landscaping before making plans for a pool. For instance, if your yard is located on a steep hill, this may make it tricker and more expensive to install a pool, as it will require more foundation and particularly careful planning. Also, consider the size of your pool. If you have a large backyard, then you have plenty of space for a big pool. However, those with small yards will need to ensure that the pool size is proportional and appropriate.
• The type of pool you want – What type of pool do you want? We recommend perusing Pinterest and other sites to figure out what you want your pool to look like (i.e. materials used) and what type of water you want to use. There are pros and cons to both chlorine and saltwater pools. In general, saltwater generating systems tend to be more expensive than traditional chlorine systems.
• Zoning rules – Zoning rules regarding private pools vary from city to city, so be sure to check with your local zoning office for details. Typically, most towns and cities do have rules regarding safety. Oftentimes, a city will require the homeowner to place a fence or barrier around the pool for safety purposes. This fence must be within a certain distance of the pool. Homeowners will likely be required to seek a permit from the city to install a pool on the property as well.
• Contractors – When it comes to hiring someone to handle the pool installation, do you have a certain contractor in mind? Be sure to interview and seek bids from at least three different contractors to compare pricing and services.

Ready to move?

Before you start making big pool plans for the new home, you’ll need to figure out your moving logistics. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!