How Much Will My Fiberglass Pool Cost?
Posted by
Jim Oliver on Wed, Jun 22, 2011 @ 08:29 AM
How Much Will My Fiberglass Pool Cost?
How much will my pool cost? One hundred dollars? One thousand dollars? One hundred thousand dollars? It’s the great mystery and most common question on every homeowner’s mind from the moment they start thinking about installing a new swimming pool. The reason for this is obvious, in many cases it’s the make or break factor that will determine if they will actually purchase a new swimming pool for their home.
Just the other day I was sitting at a red light after leaving the home of a client for whom we were currently installing a pool. A man in the lane next to me, after seeing the company logo on the back of my truck, motioned for me to roll down my window. In the time it took for the light to change from red to green he had asked me to give him a price on an above ground pool, an in-ground vinyl liner pool and a fiberglass pool. Never mind that there wasn’t even time to discuss what size pool he wanted, he still wanted to know what it would cost!
There are so many factors that go into the cost of pool. As I just mentioned, above ground, in-ground vinyl liner, fiberglass or concrete just to start. For the purpose of this exercise we’ll just focus on fiberglass since it is the fastest growing pool type in the US today.
People who aren’t familiar with fiberglass pools tend to think that they are limited in what they can choose from but fiberglass pool manufactures have made amazing strides in the last few years in regards to sizes, shapes and colors. Barrier Reef Pools for instance now produce shells in seven different colors and over twenty models. Most fiberglass pool companies charge extra for any shell color (gel coat) other than white but Barrier Reef does not add an up-charge for it’s colored shells.
Breakin’ It On Down!
To make it easier let’s break the pools down into three groups; small, medium and large.
Small: pools can range in size from 14’ in length, up to 26’. These pools can usually be installed for $18,000 to $25,000.
Medium: size pools range in size from 26’ in length up to 32’ and can usually be installed for $25,000 to $32,000.
Large: pools range in size from 32’ in length to 40’ and can cost from $32,000 to $40,000.
It’s important to keep in mind this is just a guide, there are so many options involved and every pool install is different.
Options, Options, Options!
Here are some of the variables that can drive a price up or down depending on if you include them or not:
• Salt Chlorine Generator: Like the fiberglass pool, Salt Chlorine Generators have become very popular over the last few years. A higher upfront cost but much lower yearly chemical costs. Usual cost is $1,000 - $2000 depending upon pool size.
• Concrete Deck: At Port City Pools we include 4’ of concrete deck all around your pool with a cantilevered edge. If more decking is required there is an additional charge per square foot of concrete. Kool Deck, decorative stamped concrete, integral colored concrete, and pavers are all deck options that can dramatically enhance the beauty of your pool deck and the cost as well.
• LED Lights: Port City Pools typically includes one or two low voltage LED lights in its standard pool package. Additional lights can be added for about $ 600 per light.
• Waterline Tile: Will make a pool look stunning, especially on a white shell. Could cost from $1500- $2500 depending on the tile chosen and the size of your pool.
• Water Features: Deck Jets, Spa Jets, Sheer Decents, Waterfalls, etc. The price depends on what you do and varies greatly.
• Automatic Pool Cover: From $8,000 - $13,000 depending on the size of the pool.
• Safety Cover: $1,500 - $3,000
• Heat Pumps or Gas Heaters: $2,000 - $5,000 plus electrical and/or gas connections.
• 2 Speed or Variable Speed pump – These are a great energy saver and offer a 1-2 season pay back on the initial investment. $350 - $1,200 (above base pump price)
These prices are by no means written in stone but it should give you an idea of what a new fiberglass pool installation will cost you as you begin the pool buying process. Happy Swimming!
