The True Costs of Building and Maintaining
a New In-ground Swimming Pool - Part III
What you have been waiting for - Swimming Pool Pricing !!!!
Pricing
Listed below are prices of basic swimming pools and some of the associated pool options. As you can see, for some options the prices are the same - no matter what size pool you have.
Please keep in mind that these are "ball park" prices from the year 2003. To get costs for today, just assume a 3-4% increase for each year since then. For example, for the year 2006 add 9-12% of the price. This extra amount would cover inflation and other costs associated with the higher energy costs and so forth.
Pool Pricing and Options (2003 Prices)
You can see by looking at the numbers, that you can easily add another $10,000 to the base price just by getting options which will help you simplify pool maintenance or make it look prettier.
Under the extras there was Concrete and line finder. Most pools will come with a certain amount of concrete included. For example, they may give you 4 foot of concrete on each side and 8 foot on the pool ends. If you want more than this they will gladly accommodate you - you just need to pay for it at $3 a sq ft.
The line finder is needed before you do any digging. Most of the utility companies will come out and mark off their lines, whether they gas or electric, for free. In some cases, you might have other things which are buried - like a septic system. You obviously need to know where the drainage field is before you start digging. So, in those cases you will have to hire someone to come out and mark off all these things. Hence, the line finder.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Cost of Installing a New Pool - Part II
The True Costs of Building and Maintaining
a New In-ground Swimming Pool - Part II
Have you ever wondered what pool options you get to select (and pay for)...
In-ground Pool Prices
The cheapest in-ground pools you can get are tiny little things that really are more of a glorified bathtub. You could technically get one built as small as you want, but the pool builder will probably have a rock bottom price for their smallest pool and anything smaller than that will cost the same.
To give you an idea of pool costs, we used to sell an in ground pool that was 12 feet wide by 24 feet long and would go from 3 to 5 or 6 feet deep. It would probably sell for about $15,000 now. A 16 ft wide by 32 ft long pool might go for about $20,000 now. You might think these prices are high. Maybe they are a little since these are estimates based on pricing from a few years ago. But, we also were never the cheapest dealer. (We typically had higher quality than the other guys.) Lastly, these prices are for a 'bare bones' pool. Any options would be added on to this price.
Understanding the Price Quote/Contract
When the pool builder quotes you a price, it will be based on type (in this case vinyl), shape and size. He will not break out every little detail but will give a basic price and then give you a bunch of options that you can have or pass on, just like when ordering a new car. You get the basics, then if you want something more or fancier, you pay extra for it or the upgrade.
Here's a list of things that should be specified and included in the contract for buying a pool:
Pool Contract Requirements
Things that should be included:
· Size and Shape of Pool
· Liner type (you can choose the type of liner pattern)
· Filter System (Sand Filter, DE Filter, or Cartridge Filter)
· Pump and Size of Pump
· Vacuum and Maintenance Equipment (some basic equipment is included)
· Safety Line (to mark off the deep end)
· Covers (they'll probably cost extra)
· Step Ladder (for the deep end)
· Vermiculite Cement Bottom (it's specific to vinyl pools and cushions between the liner and the earth)
· Wall Foam
· Bottom Main Drain (Ask about having two main drains installed for safety reasons)
· Size and Type of PVC Pipe (it's very technical but good to know you're getting decent quality pipe)
· Automatic Chlorinator
· Automatic Skimmer (extra skimmer if necessary)
· Aluminum Coping, Brick Coping or Cantilever Deck (You choose which to have. Obviously most people will choose one that is not included in the basic price)
· Concrete Decking (You get a certain amount of cement included in your base price but you can get more - if you pay.)
· Size and type of steps
· Handrail
· Electric Wiring for the pool's power (you basically pay for the electrician and his supplies)
· Building Permit (should definitely be covered)
· Any necessary grading, or extra grading (depending on what you would like, there may be extra charges)
· Underwater Light
· Start Up and Instruction
Optional Extras
· Fiber Optic Lighting
· Diving Board (your pool will have to be of appropriate size to have one)
· Heater (most pools don't come with, or need a heater)
· Water Fall (these vary in size and sophistication)
· Wall fitting for any automatic pool cleaners
· Automatic Pool Cleaner (will cost extra unless you got a package deal)
· Soil and Tree Removal (not usually necessary but good to cover)
· Retaining wall (usually not necessary)
· Fencing (usually not included but many pool builders also sell and install fencing)
In Part 3 of this article we will list some of the prices of the various options that you can have.
a New In-ground Swimming Pool - Part II
Have you ever wondered what pool options you get to select (and pay for)...
In-ground Pool Prices
The cheapest in-ground pools you can get are tiny little things that really are more of a glorified bathtub. You could technically get one built as small as you want, but the pool builder will probably have a rock bottom price for their smallest pool and anything smaller than that will cost the same.
To give you an idea of pool costs, we used to sell an in ground pool that was 12 feet wide by 24 feet long and would go from 3 to 5 or 6 feet deep. It would probably sell for about $15,000 now. A 16 ft wide by 32 ft long pool might go for about $20,000 now. You might think these prices are high. Maybe they are a little since these are estimates based on pricing from a few years ago. But, we also were never the cheapest dealer. (We typically had higher quality than the other guys.) Lastly, these prices are for a 'bare bones' pool. Any options would be added on to this price.
Understanding the Price Quote/Contract
When the pool builder quotes you a price, it will be based on type (in this case vinyl), shape and size. He will not break out every little detail but will give a basic price and then give you a bunch of options that you can have or pass on, just like when ordering a new car. You get the basics, then if you want something more or fancier, you pay extra for it or the upgrade.
Here's a list of things that should be specified and included in the contract for buying a pool:
Pool Contract Requirements
Things that should be included:
· Size and Shape of Pool
· Liner type (you can choose the type of liner pattern)
· Filter System (Sand Filter, DE Filter, or Cartridge Filter)
· Pump and Size of Pump
· Vacuum and Maintenance Equipment (some basic equipment is included)
· Safety Line (to mark off the deep end)
· Covers (they'll probably cost extra)
· Step Ladder (for the deep end)
· Vermiculite Cement Bottom (it's specific to vinyl pools and cushions between the liner and the earth)
· Wall Foam
· Bottom Main Drain (Ask about having two main drains installed for safety reasons)
· Size and Type of PVC Pipe (it's very technical but good to know you're getting decent quality pipe)
· Automatic Chlorinator
· Automatic Skimmer (extra skimmer if necessary)
· Aluminum Coping, Brick Coping or Cantilever Deck (You choose which to have. Obviously most people will choose one that is not included in the basic price)
· Concrete Decking (You get a certain amount of cement included in your base price but you can get more - if you pay.)
· Size and type of steps
· Handrail
· Electric Wiring for the pool's power (you basically pay for the electrician and his supplies)
· Building Permit (should definitely be covered)
· Any necessary grading, or extra grading (depending on what you would like, there may be extra charges)
· Underwater Light
· Start Up and Instruction
Optional Extras
· Fiber Optic Lighting
· Diving Board (your pool will have to be of appropriate size to have one)
· Heater (most pools don't come with, or need a heater)
· Water Fall (these vary in size and sophistication)
· Wall fitting for any automatic pool cleaners
· Automatic Pool Cleaner (will cost extra unless you got a package deal)
· Soil and Tree Removal (not usually necessary but good to cover)
· Retaining wall (usually not necessary)
· Fencing (usually not included but many pool builders also sell and install fencing)
In Part 3 of this article we will list some of the prices of the various options that you can have.
Cost of Installing a New Pool - Part I
The True Costs of Building and Maintaining
a New In-ground Swimming Pool
Have you ever wondered what the actual costs are of owning a pool??
This article will discuss, and show, the true costs associated with building and maintaining an in-ground swimming pool. Due to the many details being discussed, the article is divided up into 4 parts. Part 1 is below. The other 3 parts can be found on the 'neighboring' pages.
If you would like to know what would be your cost, per month, to own and maintain a pool, please read these very informative articles in their entirety.
General Pool Costs
The cost of installing a new in-ground swimming pool is going to vary widely. You could have a decent size pool installed for as little as $10-12,000, or one that could reach towards 6 figures and upwards, depending on whether you want a gold-plated pool or not. Actually, I don't think gold-plated pools exist but you get the idea about the expense. We obviously we will focus on the lower end.
Types of Pools
Now on to the details, the first factor that will determine pool cost is the type of pool. Your choice will probably fall into one of the three following types:
1.) steel-walled, vinyl lined pool
2.) fiberglass pool
3.) cement (or unite) pool.
Other Pool Factors to Consider
The second factor is the size and shape. It should be obvious that the larger pools are going to cost more, but fancy shapes will also be expensive. You could potentially get an 18 ft x 36 ft rectangle for a cost similar to that of a 16 ft x 32 ft kidney shaped pool. You get the idea.
From here on, we'll deal exclusively with the cost of a vinyl lined pool, but please keep in mind, that fiberglass and gunite pools should be competitively priced depending on where you live. In fact, in some markets, there are so many pool builders that the gunite pools are cheaper than the vinyl ones. Furthermore, some environments require a gunite pool. If all this is true, then why are we talking about a vinyl pool? Well, simply because the company I worked for only installed vinyl pools, and the pool that was installed at my home is a vinyl pool. I think we'll all be better off if I go with what I know best.
The Major Cost of Pool Installation
The first thing to remember is that one of the major costs of building a pool is labor. In fact, I heard once that materials for gunite pools are actually cheaper than vinyl-lined pools because the only material is basically cement mixture, rebar and piping. But this type of pool is quite labor intensive. On the other hand, the kit for a vinyl pool includes things that cost a bit more, like the steel walls, framing, steps and the vinyl liner, but many pool builders prefer to install these vinyl pools because they are much quicker and easier to install.
Part II will continue the discussion of a pool installation contract, pool prices and then lead into costs of pool options.
a New In-ground Swimming Pool
Have you ever wondered what the actual costs are of owning a pool??
This article will discuss, and show, the true costs associated with building and maintaining an in-ground swimming pool. Due to the many details being discussed, the article is divided up into 4 parts. Part 1 is below. The other 3 parts can be found on the 'neighboring' pages.
If you would like to know what would be your cost, per month, to own and maintain a pool, please read these very informative articles in their entirety.
General Pool Costs
The cost of installing a new in-ground swimming pool is going to vary widely. You could have a decent size pool installed for as little as $10-12,000, or one that could reach towards 6 figures and upwards, depending on whether you want a gold-plated pool or not. Actually, I don't think gold-plated pools exist but you get the idea about the expense. We obviously we will focus on the lower end.
Types of Pools
Now on to the details, the first factor that will determine pool cost is the type of pool. Your choice will probably fall into one of the three following types:
1.) steel-walled, vinyl lined pool
2.) fiberglass pool
3.) cement (or unite) pool.
Other Pool Factors to Consider
The second factor is the size and shape. It should be obvious that the larger pools are going to cost more, but fancy shapes will also be expensive. You could potentially get an 18 ft x 36 ft rectangle for a cost similar to that of a 16 ft x 32 ft kidney shaped pool. You get the idea.
From here on, we'll deal exclusively with the cost of a vinyl lined pool, but please keep in mind, that fiberglass and gunite pools should be competitively priced depending on where you live. In fact, in some markets, there are so many pool builders that the gunite pools are cheaper than the vinyl ones. Furthermore, some environments require a gunite pool. If all this is true, then why are we talking about a vinyl pool? Well, simply because the company I worked for only installed vinyl pools, and the pool that was installed at my home is a vinyl pool. I think we'll all be better off if I go with what I know best.
The Major Cost of Pool Installation
The first thing to remember is that one of the major costs of building a pool is labor. In fact, I heard once that materials for gunite pools are actually cheaper than vinyl-lined pools because the only material is basically cement mixture, rebar and piping. But this type of pool is quite labor intensive. On the other hand, the kit for a vinyl pool includes things that cost a bit more, like the steel walls, framing, steps and the vinyl liner, but many pool builders prefer to install these vinyl pools because they are much quicker and easier to install.
Part II will continue the discussion of a pool installation contract, pool prices and then lead into costs of pool options.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
How Swimming Pools Work
Conceptually, swimming pools are pretty simple -- they're just big basins of water. But on a hot summer day, a swimming pool can seem like the greatest invention known to man. And as it turns out, there really is a lot of cool technology at work in your average pool -- much more than you might expect.
In this article, we'll find out how pools are built, and we'll take a look at the plumbing system that keeps the water clean and chemically balanced.
Pool Basics
Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, but nearly all of them, from the backyard personal pool to the water park wave pool, work in the same basic way. They use a combination of filtration and chemical treatment to continually clean a large volume of water.
A typical swimming pool needs seven major components:
•A basin
•A motorized pump
•A water filter
•A chemical feeder
•Drains
•Returns
•PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements
The basic idea is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filtering and chemical treatment systems and back to the pool again. In this way, the pumping system keeps the water in the pool relatively free of dirt, debris and bacteria. Some pools also include heaters in the mix, in order to keep the water at a certain temperature.
In the next section, we'll look at the different types of pools.
In this article, we'll find out how pools are built, and we'll take a look at the plumbing system that keeps the water clean and chemically balanced.
Pool Basics
Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, but nearly all of them, from the backyard personal pool to the water park wave pool, work in the same basic way. They use a combination of filtration and chemical treatment to continually clean a large volume of water.
A typical swimming pool needs seven major components:
•A basin
•A motorized pump
•A water filter
•A chemical feeder
•Drains
•Returns
•PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements
The basic idea is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filtering and chemical treatment systems and back to the pool again. In this way, the pumping system keeps the water in the pool relatively free of dirt, debris and bacteria. Some pools also include heaters in the mix, in order to keep the water at a certain temperature.
In the next section, we'll look at the different types of pools.
Swimming Pool Slides
Inflatable slides are often used for above ground pools and are the cheapest slides, starting for as little as $30 and available online or at home centers. Permanent slides for in-ground pools will cost you more. If you get something that requires professional installation, expect to pay at least $700, but quality models can run into the several thousands.
Some Things to Consider When Shopping for a Pool Slide
Size and shape: The size and shape of your slide will depend on the age of the children who are going to use it. For younger kids, look for a "toddler slide." These are fairly low to the ground and have straight runs. For older kids who want more speed and more excitement, try taller slides with curves.
Space: Your slide choice may be somewhat limited by the available space on your deck. If you have a spacious deck, you can go with almost any type of slide. If you have more compact space available, look for curved slides; these don't take up as much room as straight slides.
Safety issues: In order to ensure children (and ambitious adults) are safe on your pool slide, make sure it includes a sturdy ladder, a safety rail, and nonslip steps. It's a good idea to have a professional install the slide to make sure the landing area in the water is deep enough and far enough away from walls or other obstacles. Once you have the slide installed, teach your kids to go down it feet-first. Headfirst slides can lead to injuries.
Some Things to Consider When Shopping for a Pool Slide
Size and shape: The size and shape of your slide will depend on the age of the children who are going to use it. For younger kids, look for a "toddler slide." These are fairly low to the ground and have straight runs. For older kids who want more speed and more excitement, try taller slides with curves.
Space: Your slide choice may be somewhat limited by the available space on your deck. If you have a spacious deck, you can go with almost any type of slide. If you have more compact space available, look for curved slides; these don't take up as much room as straight slides.
Safety issues: In order to ensure children (and ambitious adults) are safe on your pool slide, make sure it includes a sturdy ladder, a safety rail, and nonslip steps. It's a good idea to have a professional install the slide to make sure the landing area in the water is deep enough and far enough away from walls or other obstacles. Once you have the slide installed, teach your kids to go down it feet-first. Headfirst slides can lead to injuries.
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