4 Tips for Staying in Your Budget When Building a Pool
Everyone wants a swimming pool. Pools are great for cooling down in the heat of summer, but can also be heated so you can enjoy the water year-round. Pools are also a great investment that increases your property value and adds beauty to your home landscaping. But before you dive into your pool building project, there is one major consideration – budget.
Of course, you have a budget in mind for your project. But how do you stay within your budget and get everything you want? There are a few important things to consider.
4 Tips for Staying in Your Budget When Building a Pool
Take a look at these 4 tips for staying within your pool-building budget from our swimming pool builders in Jupiter, FL
1. Zoning Laws
Before you buying floats and a new swimsuit wardrobe, the first thing you need to do is check your local zoning laws to make sure you can build a pool on your property. Your local zoning codes will tell you what your requirements and restrictions are. Many subdivisions also have restrictions, and your zoning office should be able to help with this.
Knowing what you can do and what the restrictions may be is important because you don’t have to worry about paying for construction that never takes place, or that gets cancelled halfway through. Get your permits well before you pay a contractor to start breaking ground.
2. Safety Measures
Another consideration that can affect your budget is safety measures required by your local codes and/or homeowner’s association (HOA). Most cities and counties require some time of barrier or fence around a pool. Having to build a fence or barrier can certainly cut into your budget. You should also consider child-proof locks, gates, security alarms, and security cameras. Make sure you factor safety measures into your overall budget so you aren’t left with unexpected costs.
3. Choose Your Pool Type
One of the biggest factors when it comes to your budget for building a pool is the type of pool you choose. In-ground pools cost more overall, and take longer to build. Fiberglass pools are generally less expensive because there isn’t as much construction work involved. Above ground pools are a good affordable option, but they have a shorter lifespan and limit your landscaping and decking options.
Talk to your contractor about your needs and wants, the must-haves and the optional choices you would like, but don’t have to have. Then, calculate in factors like permits, safety features, and other costs that may affect your overall spend.
4. Be Realistic
One of the best things you can do to stay in your budget when building a pool is to be realistic about your budget and the cost. The average cost of an in-ground gunite or concrete pool is around $30,000. Once you factor in accessories, equipment, landscaping, and safety measures, you could be looking at closer to $60-$80,000. Above ground pools, on the other hand, are much less expensive, with an installation cost of around $1,000 to $3,000.
With that in mind, you don’t want to estimate your total cost to be $50,000 only to find out halfway through your build that it’s going to cost a lot more. Be realistic with what you can put toward your project, and what you expect in return for that cost.
Conclusion
Adding a pool to your property is a great way to enjoy your space and increase your property value and appeal. But it is an investment much like purchasing the home itself. As you can see above, there are many factors that go into the planning and construction process. It is important to understand your local laws, implement reasonable safety measures, choose what works best for you, and be realistic about your budget and the cost.
By considering these four tips, you are much more likely to have a reasonable budget and a good idea of how to stay inside that budget. Keep these factors in mind when you speak with local pool contractors.
