The term "swimming pool" is a broad term that encompasses both low-cost portable play equipment for children and large-scale landscape features that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Swimming pools exist in various shapes and sizes, so deciding on the ideal one involves careful consideration of the function you want the pool to play in your family's lifestyle. Your budget, lot size, municipal codes, and material availability determine what type of pool you build or install on your property.
Consider what you want and need in a swimming pool as you go through the possibilities below and how much time and money you're willing to devote.
Kids Pool
Best for: Providing children with a portable play feature.
The easy-to-find portable kiddie pool, either an inflated device or a stiff plastic shell, is at the bottom of the "Can I Afford a Pool?" scale. These pools can be hauled out of storage whenever the weather becomes hot and the kids need a place to cool off, then stowed away when the season is through. Drain the pool (and water the lawn) after each usage, and keep a close check on the youngsters—even extremely shallow pools can be dangerous to unaccompanied children.
Kiddie pools are frequently inexpensive, especially if purchased towards the end of the season when costs are often reduced by 75%. It's certainly feasible that this cost-effective solution will satisfy your primary motivation for wanting a pool.
Above Ground Pool
Best for: Having a fully working recreational pool at a reasonable cost.
Above-ground pools have become a symbol of pool ownership that is within reach. They're also an excellent option for cold-weather locations where keeping an in-ground pool warm during the winter is challenging. There are hard-sided and soft-sided alternatives in this form. Some pools are nearly indistinguishable from much more expensive in-ground pools, especially if an elevated deck or frame-in the pool is added. On the other hand, in-ground pools are frequently emptied, disassembled, and stored during seasons when they aren't in use.
Installing above-ground pools is relatively simple for do-it-yourselfers. The national average for installing an above-ground pool is around $3,000, but if your pool includes extras like built-up decking, you could easily spend $20,000 or more.
In-Ground Pool
Best for: Active families looking for a recreational swimming pool that can be used for various activities.
Swimming pools are becoming a standard fixture in practically any property, not just in the premium market. Even in middle-class communities, a swimming pool is becoming an expected amenity in several real estate markets, particularly in sun-belt regions.
Recreational pools are designed to appeal to people of all ages. This may be the pool of your dreams—or at least your children's dreams—if you enjoy entertaining and enjoy noise, energy, and excitement.
However, an in-ground pool is not a cheap purchase. In-ground swimming pools cost an average of $55,000 to install nationwide, and a high-end poured concrete pool can cost $100,000 or more. 1 However, for active families, this can be a significant investment in both immediate enjoyment and long-term property value.
Infinity Pool
Best for: Taking in the views of the surrounding landscape.
Infinity pools are vanishing edge pools, negative edge pools, zero edge pools, or disappearing edge pools. When done correctly, an infinity pool creates the illusion of a sheet of water pouring from the edge of the property, similar to a waterfall, even though there is no visible or audible water falling. Infinity pools are always created to order and should be designed to showcase a view.
They're on the more expensive end of the domestic swimming pool spectrum. They are usually created and developed as part of a master plan at home construction, just like architectural pools.
Olympic-Size Pool
Best for: Serious athletes and health fanatics with a significant budget and plenty of space.
Swimming and Olympic athletic competitions are the most popular Olympic sports globally, with the most events and competitors from various countries. It's no surprise that aspiring Olympians and swimming enthusiasts are enthralled by the event and desire their Olympic-sized pool.
Adding an Olympic-size swimming pool, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart. An official Olympic pool is 25 metres wide and 50 metres long, with a capacity of 500,000 gallons of water and a construction cost of at least $300,000.
Architectural Pool
Best for: A pool that serves as a design statement and a recreational facility.
An architectural pool must have structure and clear lines. It typically reflects the design of the house and uses the same materials for a cohesive aesthetic, as the name suggests. An architect usually designs a geometric, elegant architectural pool. If the home is custom-made, the pool is generally built at the same time as the house, taking into account the lot size and the house's layout and relationship to the pool.
These are pools for the more affluent property owners who are more likely to hire an architect to build their homes. Costs are generally factored into a property's overall master plan, but swimming pools can easily add $100,000 or more to the price of a home.
The cost of installing a swimming pool varies considerably based on your requirements. A kiddie pool may be purchased for a few dollars on the low end and serves as a portable play feature for children. Pools that act as architectural highlights or professional-grade training features can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars at the top end. When choosing between these solutions, assess your needs and budget carefully.
