- A Word About Water Chemistry
- Sharing The Pool Opening Chores
- The Early Bird Gets The Swimming Pool
- Our Famous Guarantee
- Budgeting for Your New Swimming Pool
- Temporary or Permanent?
- Understanding the pH of Your Pool
- The 5 Most Important Questions to Ask
- Choosing a Pool: Above Ground or In Ground?
- Swimming: Exercise That's Healthy AND Fun
- Owning a Kayak Pool: Long-lasting Value and Family Fun
- Is A Pool Right For You?
- The 30 Minute Swimming Pool Workout
- Pool Decks: Something For Everyone
- Pool Dealer Questions
- Where to Put the Pool
- Budgeting for Your Swimming Pool: Part 2
- Choosing a Pool: Above Ground or In Ground?
- Things To Remember When Buying a Pool
Splash Zone
Budgeting for Your New Swimming Pool
Buying a swimming pool is a major investment for any family. Many people either forget or don’t realize that pools cost money beyond just the initial purchase. Before you decide to dive in, make sure your ideal swimming pool fits your budget.
Type. Permanent or temporary? Above-ground or in-ground? Depending on the type of pool you’re looking for, initial purchase prices can range from $1,000-$30,000. Temporary pools – which can be dismantled and stored on a seasonal basis – are typically on the lower end of the cost scale, while permanent pools are more expensive. Prices for above-ground and in-ground swimming pools vary widely depending on brand, construction materials, size and other factors.
Yard. Examine your yard closely. Are there any barriers to installing a swimming pool such as above ground electrical lines or sump pumps? Do you have a structural fence that meets the requirements of your community for swimming pool owners? Many times pool buyers do not evaluate their yard and end up spending hundreds – even thousands – more dollars on top of the purchase price than they originally planned in order to get their pool installed correctly and meeting local building codes. Regulations are often different for above-ground and in-ground swimming pools. If you’re not sure whether your yard needs additional work, ask your local swimming pool retailer to send out a representative for an evaluation.
Safety. Pools naturally attract people – family, friends and neighbors. Whether children or adults are swimming, tragic accidents can happen. Ensure that your pool is a safe, fun place for your friends and family by purchasing the correct safety equipment. This means purchasing appropriate fences, gates and locks to keep people out when the pool is not in use, as well as life preservers.
Maintenance. To ensure your swimming pool is safe, clean and lasts as long as possible, it must be well-maintained. This means purchasing the proper chemicals to keep pH levels balanced and owning a well-fitting cover to keep debris out of the pool during periods of non-use. Depending on the type of pool purchased, it will probably be necessary to replace parts such as motors, filters, and liners over the years, which can occasionally be cost inefficient. Proper maintenance can help ensure the longevity of your swimming pool and keep repair parts costs to a minimum.
Fun. One of the best parts about owning a swimming pool will be enjoying it with friends and family. Don’t forget to include a little bit of room in your budget for the price of extras like rafts, fountains, swim fins, and other toys and accessories for adults and kids alike. A pool is a big investment, but done correctly, you can enjoy endless fun for years to come!
