Setting A Budget For Your Inground Pool

You’ve been thinking about it for a while now, and you’ve decided you really do want an inground pool. One of the first things you have to do is set a budget for your inground pool. We’ve been installing inground pools in the Baltimore area for more than 25 years, so we have a better idea than most of what you need to budget for.

For some of our clients, the budget is an afterthought. But for others, it’s crucial to have a realistic budget for your inground pool. To get you started, we’ve outlined several factors to take into consideration to help you find the inground pool package that turns your backyard into an outdoor oasis, but doesn’t break the bank.

Upfront Costs of an Inground Pool

The first thing to understand is the upfront costs of fiberglass pools are less than the initial costs of concrete pools. This is because there is a lot more planning, preparation, labor, and materials costs involved with designing and installing a concrete pool. We don’t say that to scare you away. We love concrete pools. It’s just something to be aware of.

The upfront costs of an inground pool can vary widely based on how big the pool is, where you want it located, custom features, and more. But in general, fiberglass inground pools cost between $45,000 and $85,000 upfront. Concrete pools will run between $50,000 and $100,000 upfront

Inground Pool Maintenance Costs

Again, your inground pool maintenance costs will vary depending on the type of pool, and it’s size, as well as any special features you might have. Costs will also vary based on if you decide to do routine pool care yourself, or hire a pool maintenance company.

When planning a long-term budget, you will want to take into account the cost of utilities, pool chemicals, repairs, and the cost of opening and closing your pool.

Pool Extras

When you start looking at all of the options available, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. Adding a hot tub, spa, waterfall, slide, diving rock, tanning ledge, etc. can add big dollars to the installation cost. Decide which features matter most. You can always add pool lighting or a waterfall later.

Pro tip: Going with a slightly smaller pool may make it possible to get ore of the added amenities you want. Just make sure the pool is big enough for your family.

Inground Pool Financing

If you’re like most people, you won’t have all the money to pay cash for your new inground pool. But there are a number of options for inground pool financing. This includes:

• Applying for a pool loan to finance part or all of your inground pool costs. With good credit, you can get a loan up to $100,000 at a 5% to 10% interest rate. You pay back the loan over a fixed repayment period.
• Get a home equity loan. If you have already built equity in your home, you can apply for a loan equal to a portion of your equity. These loans have a fixed interest rate, specified repayment period, and monthly payments.

Woodfield has teamed up with HFS Financial to help our clients with swimming pool loans.

Hiring a Pool Contractor

Staying within your budget means working with a pool contractor who gave you a well thought out and accurate estimate. When hiring a pool contractor, ask friends and family for references. If you like a neighbor’s pool, ask them who installed it. Research pool contractors online, and select a few to give you estimates. Compare their bids, and determine who you most want to work with. You’re investing in your home, and investing in your own future relaxation, so make sure you choose a pool contractor who does quality work.