The first question on every homeowner’s mind from the moment they start thinking about installing a new swimming pool is how much will it cost. The reason for this is obvious, in many cases the price of the fiberglass pool is the make or break factor that will determine if you will actually purchase a new swimming pool for your home.
There are many factors that go into determining the price of installing a swimming pool in your backyard. Do you want a vinyl liner pool? A fiberglass pool? Or a concrete pool? For the purpose of this article we’ll focus on fiberglass but since we install all three types of pools we’ll touch on them all a little bit.
Fiberglass:
People who aren’t familiar with fiberglass pools tend to think that they are limited in what they can choose from but fiberglass pool manufactures have made amazing strides in the last few years in regards to sizes, shapes and colors.
To say a fiberglass pool is going to cost you x amount of dollars is impossible. You have to start somewhere and usually that somewhere is size. You can get a pool as small as 8’ x 14′ or as big as 16’ x 42’ and the price is directly related to size. An 8’ x 14’ with 4’ of concrete decking, 1 LED light & a salt chlorinator can cost as little as $17,000. A 14′ x 30′ might cost about $33,000. A 16’ x 42’ would be closer to $40,000 – $45,000.
Options, Options, Options!
Here are some of the variables that can drive a price up or down depending on if you include them or not:
• Salt Chlorine Generator: Like the fiberglass pool, Salt Chlorine Generators have become very popular over the last few years. They have a higher upfront cost but much lower yearly chemical costs. Prices can range from $750 – $1500 depending upon pool size.
• Concrete Deck: A beautiful concrete deck is almost as important as the pool itself. Many homeowners make the mistake of treating the deck as an afterthought. You will spend as much time on your deck as you will in your pool. Most pool builders will include 4’ of concrete deck (with a cantilevered edge) in the cost of your pool. Chances are you will want more deck than this and it will cost you per square foot. Decorative stamped concrete, integral colored concrete, flagstone and pavers are all deck options that can dramatically enhance the beauty of your pool deck and the cost as well.
• LED Lights: Multi-colored LED lights are a great addition to any pool and could cost from $400-$600 per light.
• Waterline Tile: Waterline Tile will make a pool look stunning, especially on a white shell. You pay for the tile by linear foot so depending on the tile chosen and the size of your pool the cost can be from $1300 – $2000.
• Water Features: Deck Jets, Spa Jets, Sheer Decents, Waterfalls, etc. The price depends on what you do and varies greatly.
• Automatic Pool Cover: Open and close your pool with a push of a button. Keeps, leaves, critters & the neighborhood kids from falling in your pool. Can cost from $8,000 – $13,000 depending on the size of the pool.
• Safety Cover: This cover is anchored to your deck and goes on in the winter and off in the spring. Usually about $1,500 – $3,000
• Heat Pumps or Gas Heaters: $2,000 – $5,000 plus electrical and/or gas connections.
• 2 Speed or Variable Speed Pump: These are a great energy saver and offer a 1-2 season pay back on the initial investment. $350 – $1,200 (above base pump price).
These prices are by no means written in stone but it should give you an idea of what a new fiberglass pool installation will cost you as you begin the pool buying process. I hope this has helped and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Happy Swimming!
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