Building an inground swimming pool -- not to mention maintaining it -- can cost a lot. Is it worth it, though? How much does it cost to build a pool? Read more.

With millions of private and public swimming pools across the US, you might be ready to get your own. Having your own pool means you get to control the environment and have as many or as few people in the pool as you like.
If you're asking, "How much does it cost to build a pool?" and trying to figure out if it is in your budget or not, we're here to help. Continue reading this article to learn more about how much money you'll have to put into building a pool.
Decide What Type of Pool You Want
Before you can figure out the cost of a pool, you have to figure out what type of pool you want. Asking the cost of an inground pool or above ground pool is similar to asking the cost of a house. It depends on the size, design, materials, and more.
Above-Ground Pools
Pools above the ground are easier to price than inground pools. You can buy simple kits for them and have your pool up in no time. If you're going to do the job DIY style, you might start out looking at $1,700 and the bigger you go with the pool, and if you all professional installation, it could be as much as $4,000
Inground Pools
Inground pools are pricier, but they also last longer than their above-ground counterparts. Since they are sturdier and they usually look fancier, they are going to come with a higher price tag.
Even if you just get a small plunge pool in your yard, you might be looking at $20,000. If you get an average inground pool, you're looking at $30,000 to $50,000 out of your pocket.
What Am I Paying For?
You might be wondering what is taking the biggest bite out of your wallet. Here are the biggest things you're paying for when it comes to your swimming pool.
- Excavation
- Pool Materials
- Installation
- Landscaping
Most of the time, these expenses come out in the above order, from the most expenses to the least expensive. While you could save money by not having the landscape done nicely after the pool is in the ground, the extra touch makes the whole yard look so much better.
Becoming a Pool Owner on a Budget
If you want to be a pool owner, but you don't want to break the bank, you need to remember that size adds dollar signs. The smaller you can comfortably make your pool and still enjoy using it, the less money it will cost you. Plunge pools are becoming a popular option because they are so much less expensive larger pools.
The less complicated you can make your pool design, the more money you'll be able to save on man-hours and service fees as well.
Preparing for Your New Pool
Before you call the pool construction company, you need to prepare yourself for your new pool. Learning about how to take care of your pool should be part of the preparation process. If you don't know how to take care of your pool, this can put a real downer on your pool time.
You might have a clear and clean pool on week one, but if you don't know how to take care of your pool -- when week two rolls around, you're likely to find yourself with a cloudy and debris ridden pool.
Learning Chemicals
To keep your pool looking bright and clear, you need to learn what chemicals your pool needs. One of the best ways to learn about your pool's specific needs for your area is to go to the local pool supply store. You can ask them what you need to buy and how to use it properly.
Keep in mind when you're using these chemicals, you should always wear gloves. If chemicals get on your hands, you should immediately wash your hands with warm water and soap.
Getting Algaecide Ready
Algaecide is your friend since it helps you keep the millions of little organisms from growing in your pool. If you don't use algaecide, the algae in your pool can take over, and you'll feel like you're swimming in a swamp.
Readying a Pool Vacuum
Skimming your pool with a skimmer isn't going to do the job long-term. You need a pool vacuum to get the debris you can't reach off the bottom of your pool. You can find different types of pool vacuums that will allow for different levels of ease of use.
Learning to Backwash
Another important part of being a pool owner is learning how to backwash the pool filter. Backwashing the pool filter is when you reverse the water in the pool and push everything out of the pool filter.
If you have a lot of debris that makes it to the pool filter, these things can get stuck and cause problems. Every 4 to 6 weeks is a good schedule to backwash your pool and make sure everything is cleared out.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?
Now you have the answer to your question, "How much does it cost to build a pool?" You can start saving toward your new addition, or you might even look into a loan to get your pool right away.
Do you want to learn more about designing your home's landscape and other things? Our site is full of articles to help you as you're working on improving your home.
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