What homeowner hasn’t dreamed of having a private pool in their backyard, a place to spend quality time with friends and family, lounging lazily at the poolside while grilling up delicious food and plunging into the cool blue waters on hot sunny days, a luxurious oasis of relaxation with all the amenities? Wonderful as that sounds, the thought of what an inground pool costs leads many homeowners to dismiss the idea as a pipe dream. But in reality, custom pools for St. Louis families can be an affordable and attainable goal for many, especially when considering the increase in property value a quality inground pool adds, and the hours of fun, relaxation, and entertainment you and your family will enjoy. Let’s take a look at the real-world inground pool costs.
WHY ARE INGROUND POOLS SO EXPENSIVE?
We get that question a lot at Blue Haven Pools. The answer is that building one of our custom inground swimming pools in St. Louis requires a lot of careful planning and work. Of course, the cost will vary greatly depending on the size of the pool and the amenities the homeowner wants. Here’s a look at the basic factors that determine inground pool cost.
Ground Excavation and Site Preparation
To start the pool construction process, extensive excavation and site preparation work are necessary. This includes digging a hole in the ground, clearing existing structures or landscaping, and ensuring proper drainage and grading. The cost of the excavation and site preparation phase can vary greatly depending on pool size and the terrain.
Materials and Labor
Constructing an inground pool requires a variety of materials, such as concrete, rebar, electric, plumbing pipes, pebble finishes, as well as specialized equipment, such as pumps and filters. Highly skilled labor is necessary for accurate, professional-quality installation.
Customized Designs and Features
Many homeowners choose designs and features for their inground pools that can significantly increase the cost, such as waterfalls, grottos, spas, vanishing edges, and other amenities. These customizations add complexity to the construction process and require extra materials and labor, leading to inground pool cost escalations.
Permits and Inspections
Homeowners will usually need to get permits and have inspections performed when building a pool. These costs can add up in areas with strict building codes. Our designers at Blue Haven Pools St. Louis will help you navigate this process and ensure you are in compliance.
Ongoing Maintenance
While it’s not related to the initial installation, the cost of routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs and operating expenses such as pool chemicals and electricity for pumps and heating should be considered. Hiring reputable swimming pool contractors in St. Louis to perform seasonal cleaning and maintenance and provide the necessary pool supplies will keep your inground pool in top condition, protecting your investment and saving you time, money, and effort.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A POOL IN ST. LOUIS?
The cost of pool construction in St. Louis depends on the type of pool you choose to have built. There are two basic types of swimming pools: above-ground and inground. A typical inground pool cost from pool builders in St. Louis starts at around $75,000 for a basic 32’x16’ vinyl-lined pool. However, many homeowners choose to add premium features and amenities to their design, which can raise the cost significantly.
It’s not uncommon for a homeowner to spend $150,000 or more for an inground pool with all the trimmings, including barbeque grills, hot tubs, decks and gazebos, lighting, and built-in features. Luxury inground pool costs can be expensive, but with proper care and maintenance, these pools will last many years.
Above-ground swimming pools are a much cheaper option, with the standard 19’ pool costing about $6,250. However, the average lifespan of an above-ground pool is only 5 to 10 years, depending on how well it is maintained, the frequency of use, and the kind of weather it’s exposed to. An inexpensive brand that is poorly maintained and subjected to hard use and abuse might wear out after just one or two seasons.
TYPES OF INGROUND POOLS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED COSTS
There are three basic types of inground pools, differentiated by the materials used in their construction, maintenance required and durability, and their cost.
- Concrete/Gunite Inground Pools: These can be designed in almost any shape and size, and they are very beautiful and long-lasting pools. They require resurfacing every 15 to 25 years ($8,000-$10,000). The average cost for concrete/gunite inground pools ranges between $85,000 to $120,000 installed.
- Fiberglass Inground Pools: These are not as customizable as concrete pools, so they are limited in terms of shapes and sizes. However, they are very durable and resistant to algae and mineral deposits, so less cleaning is required. The average fiberglass inground pool cost ranges between $65,000 and $95,000 installed.
- Vinyl Liner Inground Pools: Available in a variety of designs, these have the lowest upfront costs, but the liners normally need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. They are also susceptible to algae growth as well as scratches and tears. The average vinyl liner inground pool cost range is $65,000 to $95,000 installed.
THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF BUILDING AN INGROUND POOL
Everyone knows pools are fun, relaxing, and great places to gather, but there are some extra benefits to having a pool you may not have thought of.
- Health and Wellness: Water activities provide great exercise, work the joints and muscles effortlessly, and relieve stress, which benefits overall well-being.
- Low-Cost Entertainment: Having parties, BBQs, and gatherings at home saves the cost of going out to expensive entertainment venues.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: With pool and outdoor heating options, the use of your inground pool can be greatly extended into the cooler seasons, possibly all year long.
While the inground pool upfront cost is significant, many pool owners wish they had taken the plunge sooner once they’ve experienced the joys and lifestyle benefits that can't be fully appreciated until you have one.
If you’re considering pool construction in St. Louis, Blue Haven Pools is at your service. Contact us for more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
