Most kids have at least dreamed of having a pool at home. Even if it’s just a small one, for catching fish or just relaxing, it can be a priceless feeling to be able to dive in and swim around without worrying about getting wet. Unfortunately, not all families can afford to build a large pool just to fulfill their kids’ wish. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled this list containing the most affordable plans that you can use to build a school pool at home. It’s not just a matter of finding the perfect plan and following the instructions, you’ll also need to be ready to commit to the task because it’s not easy to build a pool without proper guidance. That’s why we’ve outlined some of the most essential points that you need to keep in mind so that you can avoid any costly mistakes along the way. Take a good look at the list below and get ready to build the best possible pool at the most affordable price!
Table of Contents
The Cost To Build A Pools
If you decide to go with an all-in-one package where everything is provided and you just have to add some cement, you can expect to pay somewhere around $6000. You can find cheaper options if you have a DIY spirit and do some of the work yourself. However, even the most affordable plans on this list come with a high price tag of around $35,000 in materials alone. The cheapest option is the Craftsman ® Pools Builder Pack from Amerifreight which will set you back only $29,000. That’s still a lot of money for a kid’s dream pool!
Selecting The Right Materials
One of the most important things to consider before starting any type of construction is the materials that you will use. The most common mistake that most people make when building a pool is using an aluminum pool deck. While this might work perfectly in theory, in practice it’s not the best option. Aluminum is actually quite a thin material and it can be damaged easily by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This will cause the pool to rust over time and it won’t be pretty if you have to clean it regularly. Instead of using aluminum, opt for the concrete option which will cost you only a little more than $6000 but it will last a lifetime and most importantly, it’s guaranteed sun-safe. Concrete is also the best choice when you want to be able to add some color or design to the pool area. The other materials that you will need for this project are steel mesh (for strength) and glass fiber (for elasticity). If you decide to go with vinyl for the swimming pool deck, make sure that it’s lined and that it has a liner lock system so that it can be removed and replaced easily in the event of a leak. You will also need a pool cover (to keep the sun and debris outside the pool area), fencing (to keep the dogs and kids inside the yard), and lighting (optional but highly recommended if you plan to use the pool at night). All of these costs will add up, so be sure to account for them in your budget before starting any type of project.
Assembling Tools And Equipment
Another important consideration when building a pool is to make sure that you have the proper tools and equipment to do the job right. This is especially important if you are not experienced in handling large machinery. If you plan to use power tools then you will need a power take-off (PTO) unit which will permit you to operate powered equipment (e.g., drills, shovels, etc.) from an electric motor. If you have never done any type of home construction before then the task might seem daunting and very time-consuming. In this case, it would be wise to hire a professional plumber or pool builder who can help you out with the task. Even then, it might be easier to hire a contractor to do the job for you. Hiring professional help will cost you an extra $3500 but it will be worth it.
Knowing The Right Place To Build The Pool
Besides having the money to pay for the materials, you will also need to consider where you will build the pool. The first thing to do is to check with your city or county planning department to see if you have to obtain a building permit. Permits are usually required when building in a residential area and they can be costly to obtain ($125-$500 usually). To be on the safe side, you can ask your plumber or pool builder for help finding a place to build the pool. They will know the best spots in your area where there are no building permits required. When choosing a location for the pool, take into consideration the distance to the water source, the soil type, and above all, the surrounding buildings. All of these factors can influence the depth of the pool and how much work you will need to do to ensure that it is structurally sound. You will also need to build an outdoor shower so that you can wash off after relaxing in the pool. These costs will add up, so be sure to check with your city or county planning department if you are not sure where to start. Once you get the go-ahead, you can contact a construction company to start the process. Having a pool at home might be a priceless feeling, but it can also be a costly one. Be sure to do your homework and become an expert before starting the process so that you can enjoy the benefits of having a pool without any of the headaches that come with it.