One good thing to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is that homeowners realized they could enjoy staying at home rather than going on expensive holidays. This led to more people hiring pool contractors in Orange County to have swimming pools installed in their backyards.
Orange County Pool Contractors Reveal Inground Pool Costs
Inground swimming pool prices depend on several factors, including the type of pool, size, shape, additional features, and location.
The typical range for inground pools is between $28,000 and $55,000—it works out to cost about $50 to $125 per square foot. While the average price of a basic pool is $35,000.
Let’s Get Into the Details
The surface of an inground pool is leveled with your garden. You can get into the pool using a pool ladder, steps, or a zero entryway.
It may be possible to work on your dream pool yourself to save costs. However, installing backyard pools requires special skills, equipment, and knowledge—so it’s a good idea to consult pool contractors in Orange County from the outset.
In addition, an inground swimming pool increases the value of your property, so you want to get it right.
So, if you’re determined to do at least some work on the pool structure yourself, bear the following additional costs in mind: permits, heavy machinery to dig the pool hole, backfill material, plumbing equipment, and water.
A Quick Summary of DIY Pool Costs for an Average Size Inground Pool
- Landscaping: $45,000
- Permits: $300
- Excavation: $1,500
- Pool shell: $5,000
- Equipment rental: $2,800
- Dirt disposal: $13,000
- Pool equipment: $1,200
The bills start to mount up, so do some sums and decide whether you’ll save money by doing some of the work on your plunge pool yourself.
Two Options to Choose from When You Hire Professional Pool Contractors
- You can get a turn-key installation package with a price range of $35,000 to $100,000. The basic one includes excavation, pool shell, pool installation, plumbing, electrical systems, pumps, deck, and safety fence made from common pool fencing materials.
Much grander turn-key packages from pool companies include pool lighting, pool decks, heating, water features like rock waterfalls, diving boards, inground pool slides, fencing, and a hot tub. You’re looking at $100,000, at the very least, from a professional pool company.
- A custom pool design with personalized features could be anything from $35,000 up.
Pool Material Options
There are three main types of materials to choose from such as vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete.
Vinyl liners are the most affordable, while concrete is the most expensive. On the other hand, fiberglass lasts the longest and has the lowest long-term costs.
Vinyl
The average cost of a turn-key vinyl pool project is between $28,000 and $40,000.
Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable option. They could be suitable as a DIY inground pool project, but only if you are confident that you can do everything that professional Orange County pool contractors do.
Inground vinyl pools don’t have the same pool maintenance cost as concrete pools because algae don’t grow easily on a vinyl-lined pool. Moreover, they are more cost-effective on a month-by-month basis.
Fiberglass
The average cost of a turn-key inground fiberglass pool project is between $28,000 and $60,000, which means they are also quite affordable inground pools.
It’s possible to go the DIY route if you really want to. Just don’t forget about all the basic installation costs for your style of pool and your time investment while you’re making up your mind.
Inground fiberglass pools require even less maintenance than vinyl pools. Algae tend not to grow at all, so there’s no worry about cleaning chemicals.
Concrete
The average cost of a turn-key concrete inground pool is between $50,000 and $100,000.
Concrete or gunite pools are gorgeous with smooth surfaces, but they have some disadvantages. Their maintenance costs are relatively high when compared to fiberglass. They are prone to algae growth, so you’ll need to use an acid wash once every three to five years.
The acid wash strips off a layer every time you use it, so you will need to replaster the pool at some time in the future. You’ll need to get professional pool installers in to do the acid wash for you.
The inground pool maintenance costs for concrete pools are relatively high. Furthermore, concrete or gunite traditional pools are NOT suitable for DIY projects.
Size and Shape
The size of the inground pool obviously affects costs, but so does the shape. Common styles are less expensive than more elaborate pools and the shape of a pool you designed yourself.
Common styles include:
- Rectangle
- Circle or oval shape
- Classic Roman or Greek
- Kidney
- L-shape
Even if they’re the average swimming pool size, deeper pools are more expensive than average size pools that are shallower.
An average lap pool is about 18 feet x 36 feet and is 9 feet to 12 feet deep. You’re looking at a starting price of about $35,000.
An average small pool like a plunge, spool, or cocktail is about 10 x 20 and 5.5 feet to 7 feet deep. You’re looking at a starting price of about $10,000.
Location
Did you know that northern states in the US pay up to 25% more for an inground plunge pool or larger pool than the southern states, including Florida and Texas?
The standard of living also affects the price. Upper-income suburbs in large cities pay more for swimming pool types than those living in quieter, smaller towns.
Additional Features
- Landscaping, including practical and attractive features, can add $4 to $12 per square foot.
- A retaining wall will set you back between $1,200 and $13,000.
- An infinity edge will set you back between $15,000 and $20,000.
- A waterfall or built-in water feature will set you back between $1,500 and $5,000.
- Fencing can cost between $1,500 and $10,000. Gates are $200 to $350 each, and then you have to include childproof latches and locks.
- High-end automatic pool cover costs are between $600 and $2,200.
- Pool heater installation costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
- Pool lights made from LED cost $100 to $300 each in the region.
- Decking costs vary because each deck is unique and costs are fluid, but you’re looking at anything between $3000 and $12,000.
- Add a hot tub or spa to your inground pool for an extra $5,000 to $8,000.
- Add a slide for anything between $1,000 and $14,000.
- Add a diving board for anything between $300 and $5,000.
Hire Orange County Pool Contractors Today!
The cost of pool cages or pool enclosures costs varies, depending on the type of pool and the material used, including mesh, glass, plastic, and vinyl. You’re looking at anything between $5,000 and $15,000.
This is just a taste of some of the costs related to inground pool installations. For more detailed information, reaching out to trusted Orange County pool contractors is the key.
To request a quote, email us at connect@calimingo.com or contact us at 714-235-3294 at Calimingo Pools today!
