Is A Backyard Pool Worth it?
There’s nothing better than a dip in the pool on a hot Ohio summer day. Wouldn’t it be great to have one in your own backyard? You could have friends and family over and really make the most out of summer. However, is it worth it to have your own pool with the costs of installation and maintenance when you can have access to a community pool? We did some research on the costs of installing a pool and you can decide for yourself.
According to Homeadvisor.com, the average cost of installing an inground pool is between $35,956 and $63,098. Costs vary depending on the size, material it’s made of, accessories, and landscaping that will be required.
Pools Ranging from $10,000-$25,000
Small backyard pools can sometimes be installed starting around $10,000. The $10,000-$25,000 range will get you about 10×20 feet and 5-7 feet deep. Fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools are generally less expensive than concrete and gunite and the cost to maintain them is generally less expensive as well. However, concrete can last up to 100 years vs. a vinyl lining that will need replacing every 10 years.
Pools Ranging from $25,000- $50,000
An average size swimming pool is around 14×28 feet with a 6.5-foot depth. These generally will range from $25,000-$50,000. Expect that a concrete pool will be at the higher end of the range and plan to spend an additional $27,00-$40,000 to maintain concrete over a 10-year period. A fiberglass pool will fall into the mid to upper range and will have the benefit of being easy to clean and maintain. You can start looking at saltwater pools when you get into this range. On average a saltwater swimming pool adds $1,000-$2,500 to your pool cost, but the cost to maintain a saltwater pool is less than the chlorine pool over time.
Pools $50,000 and up
Lagoon style, luxury pools, and custom pools will drive up the costs quickly. Plan to spend $100,000-$200,000 on a luxury pool. These can be customized any way you like, from making them zero entry to adding waterfall features. Make your own private oasis with one of these.
Additional Costs
Consider the shape and size of your yard when pricing a pool. Generally, oval and rectangular pools are the cheapest to install. Many yards in Central Ohio are fairly flat, but do you have a slope in your yard, will a retaining wall be required? Lights are important for safety and for added aesthetics. You will also need a deck or patio around the pool and fencing or an enclosure of some kind. Make sure to budget for these items as well.
Filling the Pool
All of that water has to come from somewhere – the City of Columbus has put together a chart for estimating water and sewer costs for pools in the Columbus area. Filling an average size rectangular pool in Dublin will cost you approximately $221 to fill.
Maintenance
Annual upkeep on a pool can range from $1,000 – $4,000 all based on the type, material of the pool, and the size. Concrete pools are the most expensive to maintain. They need an acid wash every 3-5 years to prevent mold and algae from growing. However, concrete is very durable and will last for years. Fiberglass is the least expensive to maintain, easy to clean, and has no special requirements. You can do all pool upkeep yourself if you want to save money, just be sure to follow safety guidelines to avoid things like chemical spills.
If your yard and budget allow for it, having a pool can be a wonderful addition to your home. Consider all of the options available and plan for a long-term investment. While we may not have as many pool days as Florida, you can certainly make good use of a backyard pool right here in Central Ohio.
If you aren’t wanting the extra responsibility of pool upkeep, you can have the best of both worlds and look for homes in a planned community with a private community pool for its residents. Rockford Homes is building in several communities offering this benefit! Cheshire Woods, Willowbrush in Jerome Village, and Terra Alta are all great neighborhoods to explore. Just be sure to consider all your options while laying poolside somewhere this summer!
