Any large construction project will require a big fat budget. Having an in-ground pool is one of those large projects and the cost of which includes delivery, installation, pool filtration, maintenance, and cleaning equipment.
So, while explaining why are in-ground pools so expensive, you need to understand what it takes to get such a pool including the maintenance requirements.
I will talk about those factors that make the price tag so high in this article.
Reasons Why In-ground Pools Cost So High
Later in this article, I will talk about how to lower the cost of an in-ground cost. And if you find above-ground pools trashy, you will find the steep cost of an in-ground pool totally worthy.
But for now, let’s talk about those factors that lead to the average cost of such pool cost around $40K to $70K:
- High Installation Cost
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average installation cost of such in-ground pools is $51,800. Whereas the average installation cost of above-ground pools is somewhere between $1,200 to $4,000.
Of course, it will depend on in which region you live but the installation cost is the biggest component of the total cost. It takes specialized expertise, equipment, and huge time to complete the installation.
- Expensive Materials
Your in-ground pool can be made of fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl liner. All of them are expensive materials.
However, out of the 3, the fiberglass pool requires low maintenance. It will keep other costs lower as well but the problem with fiberglass pools is that they are not customizable.
If customization is a big issue for you, you can go for the concrete pool. But it will require higher maintenance costs and labor costs as well as higher chemical usages.
Vinyl liner pools can be a good answer to all these problems to keep the cost lower but you need to replace the vinyl every 5 to 10 years.
- Pool Accessories
If you need a heated pool or if you live in a colder climate, you will need a pool heater. You will need a pump and filters as well.
Usually, it costs around $1,500 to $2,000 for the pool heater installation costs. And the operative cost of such heater ranges between $100 to $500.
- Weather Constraints
Unless you plan to install a fiberglass-made in-ground pool, the weather will contribute to the increased cost.
You can install fiberglass all year round but both the concrete and vinyl require optimal weather conditions for installation.
To avoid contraction or expansion, vinyl should be installed on a day that is not too cold or too hot.
- Hidden Costs
Some of these hidden costs won’t be revealed in the estimation. Hidden costs like a concrete patio, lighting, divining boards, pool floats, slides, etc. will lead to the increased costs eventually.
- Higher Maintenance & Repair Costs
As per the regulation of many cities and counties, you can’t have an in-ground pool unless it is properly fenced-in as a safety measure. The pool fence alone will cost you at least $1k.
If you have kids, you will need a pool alarm as well.
Besides, once the installation is done, it will cost you around $120 each month as the maintenance cost.
Even the DIY maintenance cost is not cheap. You will need a pool vacuum, skimmer, H kit, chorine, filters, etc. if you decide to maintain your pool yourself.
Your pool pump will add around $300 as increased electricity cost each year. More so, the pool pump motor can be busted anytime.
Repairing such a pump will cost you around $400. Replacing the pump will cost you more than $800.
Even replacing the pool filter may cost you roughly $600. If your pool is leaking, resurfacing your pool will cost you around $3K!
- Increased Insurance Cost
Without any doubt, an in-ground pool is simply beautiful. But it also increases the possibility of injuries and deaths.
With increased risks, you will have to pay an increased insurance premium too. As per the recommendation of the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners with an in-ground pool should have insurance coverage of at least $300k to $500k.
Your in-ground pool will cost you around $300 more in insurance cost each year.
- Increased Property Tax
Yes, it depends on your state tax laws but upgrades like adding an in-ground pool will increase your property tax most likely.
How To Lower The Cost of In-ground Pool?
There is nothing like an in-ground pool. So, if you have the budget and space, you should have one.
And there are some ways to keep the cost lower. Here are some of those cost-saving ideas:
- Forgo Optional Upgrades
Having an in-ground pool is like having a new car. The optional upgrades can almost double the cost of your car.
If you can avoid the optional extras presented to you by the pool contractor, you can lower the total cost by half almost!
You certainly don’t need an ozone generator, AOP system, pool ionizer, or UV system. They are less effective but will break your bank account.
Keep it basic. Go for a rectangle pool with an entry-level pump, filter, and a concrete deck at the corner. You can always have the optional extras later when you have money for that!
- Say No To Pool Slides And Diving Boards
Diving boards are expensive and their installation charge is insane. Most of the residential in-ground pools are not deep enough for those dangerous diving boards.
Just like the diving boards, pool slides are also dangerous and responsible for most pool injuries.
You can easily save thousands of dollars skipping those optional pool slides and diving boards.
- Avoid The Fancy Patio
A fancy patio with a gorgeous mosaic will cost you a lot. You should start with a basic concrete deck. You can always get your fancy patio later.
- No Automation System Is A Must
Don’t get me wrong. The pool automation system is great but it is not mandatory for your in-ground pool to run.
In fact, the pool automation system is a 100% luxury upgrade. Just get a budget-friendly salt chlorine generator so that you can avoid going to the store to buy chlorine every week.
- Maintain Yourself
Keep the skim baskets, pool drains, and filters clean. Clean them once a week. If you can upkeep your pool yourself, you can keep the maintenance cost at a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average installation cost of an in-ground pool is $35000. But it may cost you around $65k depending on the need of your customization like hot tub and lighting.
The additional patio of your in-ground pool will cost you mostly.
No. Apart from your social value, it increases the value of your home too. In an estimate, a swimming pool like that can increase the value of your home by more than 7%.
Both the rectangle or oval shape in-ground pools are the least expensive.
The only way to keep the cost lower is doing it yourself. You can also seek the help of your friends who are handy at DIY projects.
Closing Remarks
You now know all the reasons why are in-ground pools so expensive what it takes to have one for your house. I have mentioned a couple of its cheap alternatives too.
But nothing can defeat the beauty and pleasure of having in-ground pools. Simply nothing!
So, if you have a decent budget, call your local PB and get an estimate based on your requirement. I am pretty sure you can figure something out!
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