Many people love to have a swimming pool in their homes. It is a status symbol, a perfect hangout spot on a hot summer day, and a great way to exercise and stay fit. However, installing a pool is not cheap. So, before taking the plunge, one must know all the monetary elements involved in building a swimming pool in the open vacant area on one’s property and the maintenance costs associated with it.

Cost of building a swimming pool
A swimming pool can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $55,000. It mainly varies depending on the type. The two most common types you could install are underground/inground and above-ground swimming pools.

The average cost of installing inground pools is roughly $35,000, or $50 to $125 per square foot. The average price for a 16′ x 32′ pool is approximately $45,000 to $67,000. Inground options are usually a lot more expensive because a significant amount of labor is involved. The total labor makes up around 25 to 50% of the total cost. The second factor that can impact the price is the materials used. Vinyl liners are more affordable than concrete and fiberglass.

Above-ground pools are a lot more affordable than inground pools because there is no need for extensive labor. The average cost is approximately $2,800, and, in most cases, it ranges between $1,800 and $5,000.

Remember that this is just an estimated cost. The pricing can change based on the kind of materials you use, the size of the pool, and even the type of water you want. It may also change if you want built-in lights. Further, professional contractors may charge higher fees, increasing the overall cost.

Monthly maintenance costs
Like other household amenities, swimming pools require maintenance. It includes regular cleanings, skimming the water, adding chemicals, and repairing and replacing broken parts. The average maintenance cost is roughly $180 per month during the seasons when the pool is in use.

The most crucial variable in terms of maintenance cost is the geographical location. If you’re living somewhere hotter, the pool will be in use longer, meaning you will have to carry out maintenance more often.

The maintenance cost also depends on where the pool is located in the home. If indoors, the cost of maintaining it will be much less. Indoor pool maintenance is typically between $25 and $50 per hour. Further, the type of water matters. Saltwater pools have different maintenance costs than regular water pools.

Other factors affecting the maintenance cost are the size of the pool, how much debris collects after some time, and the materials used to construct the pool. The price could go up or down depending on these things.

Cost of cleaning
Pool cleaning is an essential part of caring for and maintaining swimming pools. Many steps are involved in keeping a pool clean. One of the first tasks is skimming the pool with a net to remove leaves, insects, and other debris from the water. The second task is keeping tabs on the pool’s chemical balance with the help of a simple chemical testing strip.

Both tasks are relatively simple but must be carried out daily. You can either do it yourself or get in touch with a professional pool cleaning service that conducts daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly cleaning sessions. If no repairs are needed, pool cleanings would cost roughly $50 per month.

Repair and replacement costs
Repairs and replacements are, in most cases, not a frequent occurrence. But they must be done irrespective of the type of pool. It is advisable to solve the problem immediately to prevent it from worsening and paying more. The cost always depends on the issue at hand. If it is something minor, you may have to pay as little as $10. But you may have to shell out about $20,000 for major repairs.

The average cost of swimming pool repairs is around $900. Leaks can cost anywhere between $10 and $3,500. A filter replacement can cost between $150 and $1,000 if you DIY it. If you call professional service, you may have to spend more money but lesser time on filter replacements. Other repair costs include pump motors, pool drains, and even cracked pool beams.

Consider these factors when setting up a budget and planning to install a swimming pool at home. Although a bit expensive, it is advisable to go for better quality materials and amenities. They will not only beautify your property and last longer but also increase its resale value in the market. So, keep this in mind when hiring a contractor for the job.