Pricing
How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?
Let’s face it; this is a question that is both hard to answer and it is one of the first questions that every potential pool owner asks. The short answer is that it all depends on what you are looking for in a pool project. But we both know that is not very helpful so I am going to do my best to shed some light on the subject.
When comparing the category of purchase a swimming pool is I think of other large purchases such as a new vehicle. There are just so many options available on new cars that it is hard to put a solid number on that car until you take into account what options you are interested in. Now since I am more of a truck guy than a car guy I know that a base model Chevy pickup truck can start in the low $40’s and hit $80-100k very easily once the customer adds some options such as 4-wheel drive, extended cab, chrome package, bigger rims & tires, sunroof, power windows, power seats, CD player, Navigation, Heated seats, etc, etc. Now take into account that most people don’t keep their vehicle very long – 4 to 5 years on average, why do so many people buy so many of these upgrades? It is because most people understand how important it is to get what you want the first time so there is no regrets down the road. Since most people spend at least 30 minutes a day in their vehicles, they want to make sure their vehicle will give them the peace of mind that they want. Things that are Paramount on consumers’ minds when shopping for a vehicle are things like comfort, quality, style, longevity and ease of use. These are the same key points that are on the minds of in-ground pool shoppers as well. This is because they know that they will see this pool every day as long as they live in their home. Knowing this most pool shoppers elect to go with the pool that will make them the happiest for the long haul. Some others – unfortunately – will focus their attention on finding the cheapest contractor. By doing this they are sacrificing things such as; low-maintenance, quality, warranty and style. This will lead to regret down the road, but unlike their vehicle you can’t trade your swimming pool in. You are stuck with it.
Hopefully this analogy between vehicles and swimming pools made sense.
So what are some common options that you can purchase with your new swimming pool?
Tile at the waterline
Colored pool surfaces
LED Pool Lighting
Patio (plain concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, natural stone etc.)
Slides
Salt chlorine generators (salt water pool)
Automatic covers
Winter safety covers
Waterfalls & other water features
Handrails & Ladders
Tanning ledge
Spill over spa
Spa jets in pool
Robot Vacuum
Retaining walls
The list goes on and on, there are a ton of options available. When we come to your home for an at home quote we will let you know all of your options and just as importantly what you don’t need.
When someone calls us and asks us how much a pool costs you can see how that can become a difficult question. One of the key factors is how much of the project you want us to do. Unlike most pool companies, we will do as much or as little of the work as you would like us do. This flexibility leads to less stress and more savings for you. The packages are as follows, with their corresponding price ranges:
Pool only – no patio: This package includes pool shell, shipping, pool equipment, excavation, setting of pool, backfill, installation and pool permit. The homeowner is responsible for concrete forming and prepping, final grading, cleaning of pool, electrical, and fencing. The price of this package typically ranges from $90,000-$140,000, again depending on the size and options.
Pool with patio: This is our most common package and includes everything above as well as a patio, pool cleaning, and rough grade. Most homeowners will spend on average of $150,000 to $200,000 depending on the size of their project.
Advanced Pool Package: For people looking for the entire experience: Pool, Patio, Lighting, Outdoor Kitchen, Fire Pit, Fire Place, Pergola, Pool House, etc… Most of our customers will spend between $200,000 and $500,000 for a project like this. While we cannot offer a Turn Key solution, we can put you in touch with the various companies that will be required such as, Electrician, Engineer, Landscaper, Plumber, etc...
As you can probably see, the price ranges vary quite a bit, just as they should considering everyone has different tastes, wants, and budgets when it comes to building a swimming pool. As far as composite/fiberglass price comparison with other types of pools, one might expect to find the following:
Vinyl Liner Ingrounds
For obvious reasons, a vinyl-lined pool will cost the least amount initially. This is because it is not viewed within the pool industry as a permanent structure. Simply stated, a vinyl liner swimming pool is a short-term solution to a long term investment. Although its initial cost is normally $10,000-$20,000 less than a fiberglass or concrete pool, its long-term cost is often much more. With the average liner replacement costing around $10,000, one can easily make up the price difference within 10-15 years after the pool's installation. This doesn't even factor a fiberglass pool's appeal to a potential home buyer(again due to its low-maintenance and longevity) as well as its general year-to-year savings on chemicals.
Concrete/Gunite
Concrete pools typically cost about the same as a fiberglass pool initially. When one analyzes long-term costs though, they will find a huge discrepancy. For example, concrete pools typically have to be re-plastered every 8-12 years. This repair usually costs between $20,000-$40,000. There is also a substantial difference each season on chemical/maintenance costs. With the disadvantages of high chemical use, constant wall brushing, discoloration, scrubbing, acid-washing, and surface roughness; it is rare that an educated consumer will choose concrete over fiberglass unless the shape or size of the pool is very unusual and low-maintenance is not a concern.
Above Ground Pools
There are two pricing components when purchasing an above ground pool, and that is the 'kit' and the 'installation'. Many swimming pool companies only sell above ground pool kits, and do not actually do the pool's installation. The average above ground swimming pool kit will cost between $3500 and $7500, depending on the quality of the pool. Typically, the more resin and less metal the pool has, the higher the price will be and the longer it will last. The installation costs of above ground pools usually run $3000-$5000, depending on the size and type of pool. Keep in mind that oval pools normally cost more to install than round pools, and the kits are also more expensive.
In recent years, big box stores like Wal-Mart and others have started selling aboveground pools also. The main manufacturer of these pools is Intex. Such 'set and fill' pools are very inexpensive, usually costing $100-$800 and in most cases last 1-3 summers before they need to be replaced. Finally, there are some rectangular above ground pools available on the market as well. The most well- known rectangular above ground pool company is Kayak Pools. Because rectangular above ground pools are almost always surrounded by a wrap-around deck(this is necessary for structural support) they are usually over $20k installed.