There are plenty of reasons to install a swimming pool in your home. Pools are beautiful and certainly make a hot summer afternoon at home more fun. Installing a pool can also be an investment in your home. Some estimates say that a pool can raise your property value up to 7%.
So if you decide to install a pool in your home, what swimming pool costs can you look forward to? From your chemicals to your pool fence, the costs can really add up. See this breakdown of key costs to consider when you are thinking about being a pool owner.
Installation
The cost to install a pool can vary massively depending on the type of pool you’re putting in, who’s installing it, and how much work is involved with the installation. When setting a budget for your swimming pool costs, it’s important to be very specific.
Above-ground pools are typically much cheaper to install than inground pools. On average, a homeowner will spend between $725 to $3,318 for their above-ground pool, depending on the size and material it’s made from (according to Home Advisor). Most above-ground pools don’t require professional installation, but they’re unlikely to add much, if anything, to your property value.
Inground pools can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $65,000. Home Advisor reports that average homes spend around $49,696 to install an inground swimming pool. While this cost is significantly greater than the above-ground option, it can lead to a greater increase in the value of your home.
Pool Equipment
Once your pool is installed, you’ll need to make sure it’s suitable for swimmers. This means keeping it clean with filters and pumps, and making sure the water is a comfortable temperature with pool heaters. These features are small, yet very important, and keeping them up and running will contribute to your ongoing swimming pool costs.
Filters and pool pumps are necessary to keep your debris and dirt out of your pool water, and most models are built to last around 12 years. However, installing one can cost anywhere from $300 (for a DIY model) to $2,900 (for a high-end model with professional installation). And don’t forget: you’ll need a replacement ($150-$800) eventually.
There are several different options you can choose from to heat your pool, and they each will have a different impact on your budget. Options like natural gas ($1500-$2500) and pool heater pumps ($2500-$3500) involve both installation cost and an increase in your monthly utility bill. By comparison, solar heating costs between $1,500 and $2,000, with no impact on your utilities.
Water Chemicals
So now you have a pool. It’s been installed, you have filters in place to keep it clean, and you’re filling it up with water. You’re good to go, right? Not quite. Before you can take a dip in your pool, you need to treat the water with chemicals to keep it clean. Testing for proper chlorination, alkalinity, and pH balance in your water will help prevent algae growth and keep your skin, hair, and eyes irritant-free.
Testing your pool water should be a regular part of your routine, happening at least once a week (maybe more during periods of high use). However, testing your water and maintaining balance will add to your total swimming pool cost.
Depending on where you shop, which brand of chemicals you use, and the type of pool you have (pools with salt water filtration systems have different needs) you can spend anywhere from $5 to $150 per month on your pool chemicals. Thankfully, pool chemicals aren’t too expensive, but those costs can add up.
Safety Tools
Of course, all the pool chemicals and filters in the world are not as important as the proper safety equipment. About 10 Americans drown in pools every single day — and according to the CDC, 76% of those deaths involved children under five years old. If you are planning to put a swimming pool in your yard, you must have some kind of safety barrier.
This is where we come in. At All-Safe, we provide various fences and covers that help prevent your loved ones from getting in the water without supervision. Our products are custom-made to fit pools of any size, and there’s something for every budget, too!
If you want a cost-effective option, our pool fencing and pool nets will keep little ones out of the water when it’s in place. Our mesh covers prevent folks from getting in the water and keep errant dirt and debris away, while our automatic covers make closing the pool easier than ever. With our products, you’ll be able to keep your friends and family safe without increasing your swimming pool costs too much.
Make sure your swimming pool area is safe for everyone that uses it. Visit All-Safe Pool Fence & Covers online to schedule your free quote today. We look forward to helping you find the best pool cover or fence for your family.