In the heat of the summer, very little sounds better than taking a break from responsibilities and jumping into a private swimming pool in a gorgeous yard. Unfortunately, many people wrongly assume that this vision of theirs costs massive amounts of money that they could never afford. While it’s true that installing a swimming pool and jazzing up your backyard is an investment, it is absolutely possible to find a pool and backyard set up that fits your budget. If you want to find out if your dream pool and backyard can be yours within your budget, read further to see how much it really costs to install an in ground swimming pool, complete with a yard to match.
What other costs are associated with swimming pool installation?
Typically, many of us rely on a quick Google search to tell us just how much something we want is going to cost us. Unfortunately, when you’re talking about something as substantial as a pool installation, prices can be a little unclear. Firstly, you may think that going for a plunge pool instead of a large pool saves you a lot of money but it is not always the case. One big worry that clients have is not what the face value of the pool is, but rather what hidden fees may be lurking in the form of things you don’t always consider when planning to install a pool. By looking into what features you may want or need to add to your swimming pool, you can calculate what the cost of your swimming pool will actually be after all of the little details are taken care of, meaning that you are never blindsided by the cost of your project. Read on for a breakdown of the various features and extra expenses that you may need to consider in addition to your above ground pool cost, in ground pool cost, concrete pool cost, or general pool installation prices.
1. Fencing to go around your pool
Swimming pools bring tons of fun throughout the year, but there are important safety measures that must be put in place in order to ensure that all goes well during your fun in the sun. One of these safety measures is building a fence around your pool. Safety regulations mandate that some kind of fence borders your pool to prevent unsafe or unauthorised access, and so this is a cost that you will definitely want to be aware of before taking the leap to install a pool. Building a fence will help make sure that any animals or children that may stop by can be safe, and it is definitely an investment that pays off. Your pool fence can also help to bring you additional privacy so that your backyard pool never feels like it’s public.
Two of the most common material choices for pool fencing are glass and aluminium. Glass fences cost on average anywhere from $300 to $450 dollars a metre. Aluminium fences are a little bit more affordable, costing roughly $130 to $150 per metre. These estimates reflect the average cost of pool fencing, but it is important to consider other factors that may make the price of your fence rise. For example, rough or uneven areas of your yard or areas that are difficult to access, will cause the price to increase. This steps or trees that may be in the way, or any retainer walls. If you can clear a path before your fence is installed around the pool, you may save money on the project.
2. Paving around your pool
One of the bigger expenses of building a pool is adding pavement around it. An efficient way to pave your pool is to use coping; slabs of stone or concrete which can be used to cover the area surrounding your pool. Depending on the kind of coping that you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $60 per piece. You have some flexibility in your choice, so you can choose the size that is the best fit for your space. Most commonly, these stones are found in sizes of 300 millimetres, 450 millimetres, and 500 millimetres. If you do wish to use a different size, these stones can be found in either larger or smaller sizes. The number of stones you will need to purchase will depend on the dimensions of your pool, so keep that in mind when selecting the pool length that is right for you.
Once you have determined how many coping stones you need, you will be able to quickly define the purchase price. However, this is only part of the overall cost, and you must also consider how the stones will be laid. If you choose to hire someone to handle this task for you, then you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500. Although that may seem pricey, this it provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the job was done correctly.
Because there is not an exact dollar amount for how much either of these things will cost you at the time of completion, it can be difficult to say how much paving will cost before you make your final pool selection. With both of these expenses in mind, however, the average seven metre pool will cost between $6,000 and $10,000 to pave. You can choose whether you want to pave only the area immediately surrounding the pool, or extend the paving outwards to create a larger area. Many clients choose to pave more ground so that they have more space for poolside furniture and for lounging around in. While this might raise the cost a bit, it may also pay off by giving you more ability to enjoy your investment.
3. Installing plumbing
Plumbing isn’t exactly the most exciting cost to pay for when it comes to building a swimming pool, but it is certainly an important one. After all, this is one job that you will want to make sure is done correctly. While the price will vary depending on the plumber that you choose to hire, as well as the specific tasks you need carried out, make sure that you leave room in your budget to pay for plumbing to be installed.
A licensed plumber will be able to connect your backwash to your sewer line, and they can also set up your drainage system, although this task can also be completed by a knowledgeable landscaper. If you choose to heat your pool, your plumber can also connect the gas to the heater so that your water stays warm on cooler days. Remembering to budget for the hire of a plumber can help you to get a more accurate idea of what your swimming pool will cost after all of the installation fees so that you can budget appropriately and not be blindsided during the experience.
4. Building a retainer wall
If you have a sloped backyard, don’t think that that will stop you from building a pool on your own property. There are some great solutions that are available for future pool owners, including infinity swimming pools. Those who are dealing with uneven ground can look into building a retainer wall which can help you to make your dream of owning a pool come true. Retainer walls can be built from different materials, with the most common choice being stone, and your choice of material will alter the price that you’ll pay to build a wall. Generally speaking, a retainer wall will cost between $7,000 and $20,000, depending on the size and materials used.
5. Adding a pool house
Just the words “pool house” might sound costly to your ears, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed just yet. Your swimming pool is an important investment, and pairing it with a pool house can be the detail that makes project worth all that work and cost. You may also be surprised at how affordable a pool house can be. Building a pool house gives you a place to change into and out of wet clothes so that you are not constantly messing up your floors and having to spend your days mopping up the excess water. This can be the difference between enjoying your pool or feeling frustrated about it on a daily basis.
Depending on your budget, your pool house can be built as grandly or as simply as you want. Those who are willing to invest more deeply in their pool house will find a wide array of options, including building a pool house that has similar architecture to your own so that the two pair together well. The pool house can include multiple rooms for different purposes, electricity, and a restroom so that you do not have to wander back inside whenever you need a bathroom break.
While building a pool house like this is probably everyone’s ideal, we understand that investing in a pool can come with a lot of costs, and this can be one place to easily make savings. If you are on a lower budget, a pool house can still be built to accompany your swimming pool that is more affordable, provided you approach the project in the right way. A cheaper option for a pool house could include just one room intended for changing clothes so that you can prevent tracking water and grim up into your home. The definition of a pool house is very flexible, and so you can make yours to be anything you want. Due to this diversity, the price can vary greatly. Most clients spend an average of between $5,000 and $30,000 building a pool that fits all of their needs.
Is there a way to cut pool prices so that I don’t spend quite so much on my pool?
While the features listed above are important enough that you won’t want to cut corners, there are a few adjustments you can make that can help to keep costs low. Having a backyard swimming pool can mean a lot of different things, and you do not have to completely transform your yard if that isn’t in your budget. Just one way to cut costs is to eliminate the idea of a retainer wall, which typically costs $7,000 to $20,000, in favour of having someone come in to level out your yard before installing a pool, which instead costs around $1,000 to $4,000. This small switch can end up saving you $6,000 to $16,000, which makes a huge difference to anyone’s budget. We feel that we can help you find the right pool and backyard set up to fit your means, and so we hope that you won’t hesitate to reach out when you are trying to make the right decisions for your project.
Should I plan a backyard redesign and pool installation?
While all of the information listed above may seem a little bit overwhelming, don’t worry! We are here to help you make this important decision, and we are prepared to give you honest information so that it is possible on your budget. Building a swimming pool can be a bit of a long process, but the end result of years of memories under the sun make it so worth it in the end. So hold on tight for the journey. You’re sure to be happy with what is a life-changing addition to your property.