Average cost of a swimming pool

Summary: How much to install a swimming pool, average swimming pool installation cost and average labour costs.

Installing a pool is definitely a considered purchase which means that you will have many things to think about if you are able to maximise its use and enjoy your investment as much as possible. Having your own pool is not something we will all be able to enjoy because of space limitations and our wonderful weather! But if you are able to extend your property or you are fortunate to have a large enough outside space, then a pool is a definite possibility. Apart from the obvious entertainment aspects, you will also be able to keep-fit in the comfort of your own home and add value to your property while having fun.

Pool living does not come cheap though, so the following information is intended to give you a brief guide and points to consider if installing a pool is going to be your next big project.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

Having a pool will offer a wonderful change to your lifestyle, so getting it right is crucial. Doing your homework thoroughly before embarking on your project will prepare you and provide you with all the necessary information you will need, making the task run smoothly and without any unexpected hurdles. Firstly, will your pool be an indoor or outdoor pool? Indoor pools can be situated in basements as they offer an ideal and, being at the bottom of the property, there will be no worries about all that extra weight being above you. Indoor pools can also be installed by extending your property, but this will obviously incur more expense. Outdoor pools can be designed in many shapes and sizes to suit your budget and your available space.

Will your pool be an inground pool or an above ground pool? Outdoor pools can be either, but an inground pool will require excavation and the building of a shell, whereas above ground pools will require a concrete base to be constructed for the pool to sit on. Pools are also available pre constructed in the form of spas and hydrotherapy units. These might be ideal for anyone with limited space. Above ground pools can be constructed from steel or wood and finished with either a pool liner or a shell pre made from fibreglass.

If you would like something a bit special, you could opt for a unique design by way of a deck level or a negative edge pool. These require precise engineering and so will come at a premium. The cheapest form of inground pool uses a block and liner design (with the liner in a design of your choice) and this type of pool can be used both indoors as well as outdoors. For convenience, wooden pools can be sourced and come in complete packs which, if all necessary preparation has been done, can be assembled ready for use in as little as 5 days.

Costs to consider

Maintenance is an important consideration and should be undertaken if you want to prolong the life of your pool. Issues such as water balance and algae could jeopardise the life span of your investment, so it’s important that your pool is looked after. During the winter months, pool equipment could suffer from frost damage but there are many companies who offer regular maintenance packages to prevent any mishaps.

Planning permission and permits will need to be sought, especially if you intend building your pool in your outside space, or if you intend to extend your property. Making sure you have the necessary permits and permissions in place before you start your project will save you time and money and will give you the peace of mind that you won’t be ordered to remove it, should permission be refused after you have carried out the work.

You can see from the above brief guide that there are many different options when it comes to installing a pool and of course, prices will vary depending on which type of pool you choose. It’s difficult to put an actual figure on a job of this nature, especially when you consider that things such as heating systems, air ventilation and canopies for outdoor pools have not even been considered.

The best advice would be to source reputable companies who have years of experience in fitting pools and get detailed estimates for everything you are looking for in your new pool. If you make sure you do your homework and give some thought to all the finer points, your estimates should be very detailed and include everything. Once this is done, you can start your preparation and get ready to enjoy your new pool!