How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?

If you asked people to describe their dream home, most people would list a pool as one of the features. This is especially true in Florida, where the weather is “pool weather” almost the whole year. But if you’re browsing homes for sale in Davenport, FL, you may come across a property you love with no pool. Rather than abandoning the listing or settling, many people will choose to purchase a property and then have a pool installed, leaving them wondering about the pool prices in Florida. Building a pool where there wasn’t one before is a large undertaking, and it’s important to consider your budget for homes if this is in your plans.

How Much Does a Pool Cost in Florida?
Decisions to Make Before Building a Pool
What Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Florida?
Should You DIY Build a Pool or Hire a Professional?
Cost Breakdown for Backyard Pools
Annual Pool Maintenance Costs
Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Pool in Florida
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How Much Does a Pool Cost in Florida?

The cost of a pool in Florida ranges from $1,000 to $55,000, depending on the type of pool and features being built. The average comes in at around $35,00 for inground options and about $2,800 for above-ground pools. The size and depth of the pool will be the primary factors in determining cost, along with additional add-ons and features.

Decisions to Make Before Building a Pool

Once you have decided a pool is the next step for your home, your decision-making isn’t complete. You’ll need to make a series of determinations that will impact the cost, size, and type of your pool.

Some questions to ask yourself may be:

What is the main thing you will use your pool to do? Diving, relaxing, swimming laps, and entertaining may all require different types of pools. The main use of your pool will help you determine basics like design, size, and depth.
What are your non-negotiables? You may need the pool to be indoors, want it to be in-ground, or simply want the cheapest option possible. These factors will guide your process.
Is your yard relatively flat already? If not, how much can you spend on grading and re-sloping the area?
What material do you want? You may need to talk to builders to understand your options, but the material used will dictate your yearly maintenance costs and the pool’s longevity.
How much yearly maintenance are you willing to perform and pay for? This will impact the materials you choose.
Do you want add-ons? Everything from lights to jets to slides is possible, depending on your budget.
How much landscaping do you want around the pool? You may choose to do none or to build a tropical paradise.
Do you want a pool fence or deck? If you prioritize safety or privacy, these may be worthy things to consider.

Once you have a sense of your wants and needs, you can begin your pool building project.

What Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Florida?

When considering the cost of building a pool in Florida, several factors come into play. From the type of pool to the materials used and additional features, expenses can vary significantly.Here's a detailed look at the various types of pools and their associated costs to help you plan your dream backyard oasis.

Inground Pool

An inground pool cost in Florida can range from $18,000 at the lowest and be as high as $85,000 or more. Most people will spend in the range of $28,000 to $55,000 on the project, with 25% to 50% of the costs being used for excavation and labor. The materials used will also make a difference in price, with fiberglass costing the most and viny costing the least.

The cost of small pool in Florida, sometimes called a spool (small backyard pool), can be can be installed for $18,000 to $26,000 depending upon the materials used. These can be a great choice for homeowners with small backyards or modest budgets. Add-ons like jets can be a way to make a spool feel more luxurious as well.

Above-Ground Pool

An above-ground pool can be installed for as little as $1,800 or as much as $5,000, depending on size and other features. The average cost sits at $2,800, but you will pay more if the ground has to be leveled and plumbing or electrical parts require installation. These pools can be installed in as little as one to three days or more if you will be adding a deck and fence. Part of this time includes digging a 1.5-foot trench for the electrical wiring needed from the house to be brought to the pool.

Saltwater Pools

One of the more expensive options available, a saltwater pool installation, will range from $29,000 to $57,000 when building new. It is also possible to convert an existing chlorine pool to a saltwater pool, with a cost of about $870 per 10,000 gallons. Installing a saltwater chlorination system, also known as a salt-chlorine generator, will range from $600 to $2,200.

Saltwater pools are still chlorine-treated, but the chlorine is created by turning saltwater into the necessary amount through electrolysis. The benefits of these pools include less smell and irritation from chlorine on the skin and reduced maintenance costs.

Plunge Pools

A plunge pool or cocktail pool can cost between $14,500 and $25,000. These pools are usually small, at 10’ by 15’ – 20’ and no more than 7’ deep, and do not allow for diving. Plunge pools are used mostly for entertaining rather than any serious swimming and are great for relaxation.

Lap or Endless Pools

The average lap pool costs $20,000 to $70,000 to install, with most being 6’ to 9’ deep and 30’ to 70’ long. Many homeowners opt for an endless pool as an alternative. These narrow 10’ to 20’ pools have a current, which keeps the swimmer in place and requires more exertion and come in at a lower cost of $24,000 to start. The yearly maintenance for endless pools is much lower as they require less water to maintain and balance.

Adding a Hot Tub

If you have an existing pool and want to add an inground hot tub, the cost can range from $8,000 to $25,000. Factors to consider in the cost will include the size of the hot tub, number of jets, materials, and features. If the hot tub is built at the same time as the inground pool, costs will be between $6,000 and $15,000.

Indoor Pools

Indoor pools will cost more than outdoor options, up to $220,000 in many cases. A good estimate is to expect to pay $200 to $250 per square foot for an indoor pool, factoring in a four-foot perimeter around the pool, a roof, and walls, as well as a dehumidifier system.

Pool Enclosures

If you do not want a true indoor pool, you can consider a pool screen enclosure, which will cost between $5 and $15 per square foot. These structures can house above-ground lap pools and swim-in-place pools for relatively low costs.

Should You DIY Build a Pool or Hire a Professional?

Many home projects can be done on your own for less money and with relatively little background or skill. People often choose to paint their own homes, replace cabinets, or even change flooring on their own. Building a pool can be done on your own, and it may save you up to $10,000 in some instances- but is it worth it?

In order to ensure good soil drainage around a pool, complete land grading and excavation, and properly install all components of a pool, some level of expertise is needed. The long-term results of DIY pool installations are often poor in comparison to professional jobs, costing more in the long term than professional installation.

It is also important to remember that pool warranties are often not honored if you cannot prove you followed all protocols during an installation. Hiring a professional allows you to demonstrate this and have more protection moving forward.

Mistakes like excavating rocky soil or failing to backfill soil can cause major issues with the installation that cost more to fix than a simple installation would have. Unless you have the skills to avoid these issues, this may be a home improvement job best left to the professionals.

Cost Breakdown for Backyard Pools

While some of these costs may feel high, a pool includes many stages and factors that contribute to the price.

Factors in the cost and their average price are as follows:

Pool Size: $50 to $125 per square foot
Excavation: $1,770 - $13,830
Landscaping: $3,000 to $5,000
Pool Equipment: $2,000 to $3,000
Labor: $8,000 to $30,000
Building Permits: $500 to $2,000
Heating: $550 to $10,000
Filtration: $199 to $1,500
Add-Ons (Covers, steps, waterfalls, etc.): $500 - $10,000+
Pool Water Delivery: $225 - $750

Annual Pool Maintenance Costs

Once you have a pool built, there are costs you can expect to run the pool. These costs can range from $375 per year to $3,000 per year, depending on your pool’s material and size.

Many companies offer pool maintenance as a package, with an average cost of $125 per month for pool service and $375 per year for open and close, along with necessary repair costs.

Some costs to consider include:

Water: A pool evaporates up to 2” of water per week, which translates to an ongoing water cost of $4 to $20 per month, depending on your city’s cost of water.
Electricity: Keeping the pool pump and filter running will require electricity from your home, which can be $780 to $1,200 per year.
Taxes: Certain pools can raise the value of your home and increase your property taxes.
Insurance: Because of the risks of having a pool on your property, homeowners insurance may increase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Pool in Florida

How does pool installation affect property value and insurance?

Adding a pool can increase your property value, which may also raise your property taxes. Homeowners insurance costs may increase due to the added risk, so it's important to check with your insurance provider about coverage and potential rate changes.

Learn more about Selling a House with a Pool in Florida

Do I need a permit to build a pool in Florida?

Yes, obtaining a permit from your local municipality is required before beginning construction.

How long does it take to build a pool?

The construction time for a pool can vary widely. Above-ground pools typically take 1 to 3 days to install, while inground pools may take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and size.

What kind of maintenance is required for different types of pools?

Maintenance requirements depend on the type of pool. Saltwater pools generally require less maintenance than chlorine pools due to the self-regulating nature of salt chlorination systems. Inground and above-ground pools require regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks.

Are there any energy-efficient options for pool maintenance?

Yes, consider installing a variable-speed pump, solar heating, LED lighting, and efficient filtration systems to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

Start Your Home Search with Florida Realty Marketplace

In Florida, building a pool can cost between $25,200 and $49,500, offering a fantastic way to enhance your family’s home. Don’t let the absence of a pool stop you from making an offer on your dream property.

Contact Florida Realty Marketplace today to explore homes with pools or those with pool potential and find your next perfect home!

Posted by Florida Realty Marketplace on February 23rd, 2022