Are you considering building a swimming pool in your backyard?
Installing a pool through careful planning will change your backyard into your own personal paradise. A dream backyard pool project will become a costly disaster without adequate planning.
Here’s the good news…
Proper preparation and understanding enable you to handle the pool installation process with ease while achieving your dream backyard oasis.
The guide will provide you with all the necessary information that you should understand before starting your pool installation project.
What you’ll discover:
- Pool Types and Their Costs
- Essential Pre-Installation Planning
- How to Choose the Right Pool Contractor
- Budgeting for Ongoing Pool Maintenance
- Understanding Permits and Regulations
Pool Types and Their Costs
Your initial major decision is selecting the pool type to install. Every pool option presents distinct costs along with its own set of benefits and maintenance needs.
Inground Pools
Installing an inground pool provides permanent value enhancement for your property. There are three main types:
- Concrete/Gunite Pools
- Most customizable option
- Longest lifespan (30+ years with proper care)
- Highest cost ($50,000-$100,000)
- Longest installation time (3-6 months)
- Fiberglass Pools
- Pre-formed shells installed in one piece
- Quicker installation (3-6 weeks)
- Moderate cost ($45,000-$85,000)
- Lower maintenance needs
- Vinyl Liner Pools
- Most affordable inground option ($35,000-$65,000)
- Liner needs replacement every 7-10 years
- Customizable shape but limited depth options
Above-Ground Pools
If you’re wondering “how much does a pool cost in Idaho” or any other state, above-ground pools are consistently the more budget-friendly option across all regions. These pools offer:
- Much lower initial investment ($2,000-$10,000)
- Easier installation (often just 1-2 days)
- Potential for DIY installation
- Shorter lifespan (7-15 years)
- Limited impact on property value
The US swimming pool construction market reached a value of about $1,412.99 million in 2023 and is expected to increase to $2,692.20 million by 2032 while achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during the period from 2024 to 2032.
Essential Pre-Installation Planning
You must complete multiple essential planning steps before seeking contractor quotes.
Site Evaluation
Choosing where to install your pool stands as one of your most crucial decisions. Consider these factors:
- The best locations for pools need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure.
- Space between trees should be maximized to reduce obstructions from fallen leaves and root growth.
- Select a location that provides an attractive view from your home while allowing effective safety monitoring.
- Utility lines – Avoid areas with underground utilities
- Design your pool placement to optimize drainage patterns that channel water away from your home.
- Local setback requirements mandate specific distance measurements from property boundaries and existing structures.
In 2022 the US swimming pool sector attained market size of $1.33 billion which shows an 8% growth from 2012 and a 32% increase from 2020. The expanding market for backyard pools highlights the critical need for thorough planning.
Soil Testing
Numerous homeowners neglect soil testing but later experience regret. Soil composition plays a crucial role in how your pool installation will proceed.
- Sandy soil provides superb drainage capacity although it often requires extra structural support.
- Clay soil creates drainage challenges and exhibits significant expansion and contraction when moisture levels change.
- Rocky terrain – Requires expensive excavation
- The presence of a high water table requires specialized engineering approaches.
Investing $1,000-$1,500 in a professional soil test can prevent you from incurring tens of thousands in unforeseen installation costs.
Design Considerations
Design an entire outdoor living space that incorporates more than just the pool.
- Think about your intended pool activities to determine the appropriate shape and depth.
- The available choices for decking material are concrete together with pavers and both wood and composite options.
- The lighting system should cover both the water inside the pool and its surrounding space to enhance safety and create ambiance.
- During landscaping efforts you should develop a design that shows how the pool will blend with the features currently present in your yard.
How to Choose the Right Pool Contractor
The choice of your pool contractor determines whether your installation experience will be successful. How can you identify the best pool company among thousands operating throughout the US?
Check Credentials and Experience
Do your homework before signing any contracts:
- Ensure they hold valid state and local business licenses before hiring.
- Make sure the company maintains both liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Professional memberships – Look for associations like APSP
- Years in business – Longevity often indicates reliability
The swimming pool construction industry in the US registered 17,995 businesses in 2025 which represents a 2.2% growth from the previous year.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be wary of contractors who:
- Pressure you to make quick decisions
- Offer significantly lower prices than other quotes
- Can’t provide proper references
- Want large upfront payments
- Don’t have a physical business address
Budgeting for Ongoing Pool Maintenance
New pool owners often do not realize the continuous financial demands required to maintain their pools. After completing the initial installation you will need to plan for continuing expenses.
Regular Maintenance Costs
- You will spend $30 to $100 each month on pool chemicals based on your pool size and type.
- Electricity – $30-$150 monthly for pump and heating
- Water – Initial fill plus top-offs ($60-$300 annually)
- Monthly professional maintenance services for your pool cost between $80 and $150 when you employ professionals.
Unexpected Repairs
Even well-maintained pools will occasionally need repairs:
- Vinyl pool owners should expect to pay $2,500-$5,000 for liner replacement approximately every 7-10 years.
- Pump repairs/replacement – $150-$800
- Heater maintenance – $100-$500 annually
- Leak detection and repair – $400-$1,200
Industry reports suggest pool owners need to set aside between 1-4% of their pool’s original cost each year for maintenance expenses.
Understanding Permits and Regulations
To install a pool you need to follow multiple legal requirements. Neglecting necessary legal requirements during pool installation can result in fines and construction delays or necessitate the removal of your new pool.
Required Permits
The installation of pools usually involves obtaining multiple permits from local municipalities.
- Building permit – For the pool structure itself
- An electrical permit is necessary to legally install pool pumps along with lighting and heating systems.
- Plumbing permit – For water supply and drainage
- Fencing permit – Most areas require safety barriers
Safety Regulations
Pool safety regulations function as mandatory rules which generally incorporate:
- Safety barriers need fences that stand 4-6 feet tall with gates that close themselves automatically.
- Pool access doors need alarms installed to meet safety standards.
- All drains must have anti-entrapment covers which prevent suction injuries
- Life-saving equipment – Life rings, reaching poles, etc.
Getting Started Right
Pool installation requires substantial effort but yields significant benefits. A properly installed pool will last for decades while adding value to your property and creating an enjoyable backyard space for family gatherings.
To summarize the key points:
- Select a pool type that aligns with your financial limits and personal needs while complementing your property
- Meticulous pre-construction planning should include a thorough site evaluation before breaking ground.
- Select a reputable contractor with proper credentials
- Create a realistic budget to cover installation and maintenance expenses for your pool.
- Examine all necessary permits and regulations thoroughly to prevent expensive errors.
Stick to these essential guidelines while partnering with skilled experts to turn your backyard pool dream into reality. If you begin planning now you may be able to relax in your unique personal pool space by next summer!