For most companies, inground pool prices are fairly standard – but only if you get the standard pool. When you want a custom inground pool, prices can rise based on the materials used, the size of the pool and the filtration system you choose. That’s why it’s so important to do your research; otherwise, you could get stuck with hidden pool costs that you weren’t anticipating.
Here you can find a more in-depth look at how inground pool prices are calculated in NJ. This way, you can plan out the right budget for your pool installation, design and construction, and still end up with the pool you always dreamed of having.
Pool Installation and Construction: the Advantages of an Inground Vinyl Pool
There are three “main” types of inground pools, and prices vary between them: vinyl liner, concrete or Gunite, and one-piece fiberglass. For most homeowners, a vinyl liner pool is the best type of pool to buy, because:
- Pool installation time and costs. Vinyl liner pool installation is relatively easy for pool professionals, as we get a lot of practice doing it. (It’s NJ’s most popular pool type.) In contrast, both concrete and fiberglass pools are expensive to install, though fiberglass pools take less time to install than other kinds of pools, since they’re all in one piece. Gunite pool installation is the most expensive on the market, and it can take months to complete
- Maintenance costs. One of the things we hear the most in this job is how expensive it is to take care of a pool. Part of your hidden pool costs come from chemicals and upkeep. Fiberglass pools can be damaged by the sun, and concrete pools can be damaged by excessive chemicals, hard or soft water, or metals. Vinyl liner pools need balanced chemicals too, but the upkeep is fairly minimal.
- Easier repairs. A vinyl liner is good for about 10-15 years, but patch kits are inexpensive if you find a small hole. Gunite, or fiberglass pools, on the other hand, require costly resurfacing every 7 years or so. Concrete pools are susceptible to cracks, and fiberglass pools can buckle or float.
- Longer warranties. When you’re researching inground pool prices, make sure to look at the warranties. Vinyl liner pools come with much longer and comprehensive warranties, on average, than other types of pools
- Company’s reputation. Warranties are only as good as the companies that stand behind them. Check how long the company has been in business under the same name, and how they back their workmanship and manufactured goods they use.
- Customization. Custom pools cost more at the outset, and the maintenance can be more expensive. But nothing beats a pool that flows with the design of your outdoor living space. Concrete is the ideal material for custom pools, as the design ideas are limitless. However, we’ve come a long way in creating custom pools with vinyl liner, since most NJ homeowners prefer vinyl over concrete.
It’s a good idea to shop around when it comes to inground pool prices – and it’s very important that you don’t take any price you see at face value. There are added costs for custom pools that come with the design and installation, and it could cost you more if you choose a company that doesn’t work with engineers or landscapers. Additional costs may arise if you decide you want a heater or a running water feature, like a waterfall. Whatever your budget is, make sure to ask your candidates the right questions about costs and fees before they break ground, so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise later. Always remember that an inground pool requires fencing, so make sure that you include that cost in your budget.
