HOW MUCH DO POOLS COST?

One of the first questions a pool shopper asks themselves when they begin the process of buying a swimming pool is: How much does a pool cost, and what are the expected prices for the different types of swimming pools? Unfortunately, many people run into a road block when they research online as to how much an inground or above ground swimming pool really is going to cost. This article will attempt to answer this important question, but keep in mind that pool prices can vary drastically from region to region.

Above Ground Pools:

There are two pricing components in purchasing an above ground pool, and that is the ‘kit' and the ‘installation'. Many swimming pool companies only sell above ground pool kits, and do not actually do the pool's installation. The average above ground swimming pool kit will cost between $1500 and $4500, depending on the quality of the pool. Typically, the more resin and less metal the pool has, the higher the price will be and the longer it will last. The installation costs of above ground pools usually run $1000-$3000, depending on the size and type of pool. Keep in mind that oval pools normally cost more to install than round pools, and the kits are also more expensive.

In recent years, big box stores like Wal-Mart and others have started selling aboveground pools also. The main manufacturer of these pools is Intex. Such ‘set and fill' pools are very inexpensive, usually costing $100-$800 and in most cases last 1-3 summers before they need to be replaced.

Finally, there are some rectangular above ground pools available on the market as well. The most well- known rectangular above ground pool company is Kayak Pools. Because rectangular above ground pools are almost always surrounded by a wrap-around deck(this is necessary for structural support) they are usually over $10k installed.

Vinyl Liner Inground Pools:

Vinyl Liner pools are almost the least expensive inground pool option. This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of materials for a vinyl liner are cheap. For a very basic, medium sized vinyl liner pool without patio one can expect to spend $20,000-$30,000, although other options such as heaters, covers, decking, etc will certainly escalate this price.

Fiberglass Pools:

Fiberglass Pools cost more than vinyl liner pools to install because a fiberglass shell and shipping cost so much more than the cost of a vinyl liner pool kit in terms of raw materials. If a consumer were to buy just a fiberglass pool shell w/shipping, they will likely spend $12,000-$25,000 depending on the size of the pool. To have a pool contractor install the pool, not including decking/patio, one can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $20,000-$40,000. Again, options such as heater, lights, water features, patio, and other accessories will escalate this price.

Concrete/Gunite Pools:

In most cases, but not always, concrete pools will have the highest initial cost, and will vary greatly depending on the size of the pool and the material used for the pool's surface (ie white plaster, quartz, pebbletec, etc). The reason why concrete pools tend to cost more is due to the labor involved with their installation. In the majority of cases, a normal sized concrete pool will cost about $20,000-$45,000 without decking and options.

Now Let's Talk About Concrete and Cracking

It's the appropriate time to share with you our concrete guarantee, so here it is: Your concrete will crack.

...and that's a fact, it will crack. But let's talk about why and what we do to try to control it. To understand why concrete cracks we need to get an idea of what happens to concrete as soon as it's poured. Shortly after concrete hits the ground it begins to cure, and when it begins this process it begins to shrink. It does this at the greatest rate the following 48 hours after placement, and when this shrinking occurs the concrete literally pulls itself apart. Picture a dried up mud puddle with cracks everywhere...same idea.

What we know is that concrete shrinks at a rate of about one eighth of an inch every fifteen feet, so we know that's about how often it will crack. We try to control this cracking by creating perforations in the concrete in an attempt to cause the concrete to crack there (think graham cracker). These are called control joints and are simply cuts or hand tooled joints strategically placed throughout the patio. When all goes well, the concrete cracks where we tell it to...but sometimes it chooses to be naughty and a hairline or shrinkage crack will occur outside of a control joint. This is where our concrete guarantee comes in, because we've done all we can to prevent this from happening and it's one of the unfortunate realities of concrete. It's also important to note that shrinkage cracks often occur within the first 28 days, when the concrete is curing at it's most rapid rate, and it's not unheard of to see them within the first 24-48 hours after the concrete is poured.

At this point we need to make the distinction between shrinkage cracks and structural cracks. Whereas shrinkage cracks are not covered under our Limited warranty, structural cracks in concrete are. The differences between a shrinkage and structural crack are pretty evident, in that a structural crack shows signs of ground movement. In other words, if one section of concrete has shifted higher or lower than another, that is an indication of a structural crack.

If you're one of those people that will be driven absolutely mad if you get a crack in your concrete, it's probably not the best option for you. But if you understand that there's a relatively small chance of getting hairiline cracks, but you could live with it if it happens, you'll probably be okay. But at the end of the day, the only guaranteed way to get no crack is to get no concrete. 

 At this stage, Aaron Pools will bring in heavy equipment to dig your pool. While we will do everything possible to minimize the mess, you will need to plan to do a little landscaping after pool completion. Once excavation is complete, Aaron Pools will pre-plumb your swimming pool.

STEP 3 Setting rebar and fixtures

Aaron Pools will tie a system of steel rods to conform to the shape of the pool. Also during this time we will install all fixtures such as your lights, skimmers, and returns.

STEP 4 Shooting the shell

In this step we create a structurally sound swimming pool. We will do this by spraying gunite into the pool to make a solid shell. This process is very interesting to watch but it is also loud, as we have to bring in concrete trucks as well as machinery to spray the pool. When we finish this step, you will begin to see the pool you will be enjoying for years to come.

STEP 4 Shooting the shell

In this step we create a structurally sound swimming pool. We will do this by spraying gunite into the pool to make a solid shell. This process is very interesting to watch but it is also loud, as we have to bring in concrete trucks as well as machinery to spray the pool. When we finish this step, you will begin to see the pool you will be enjoying for years to come.

STEP 6 Filling of the pool

As soon as the plasterers are finished we begin filling the pool full of water. While waiting for the pool to fill, Aaron Pools will install your diving board, ladder, and handrails.

STEP 7 Deck coating and final inspection

If you desire, we will put a spray deck coating on your deck to personalize your backyard. Aaron Pools will then add chemicals and clean the pool for the final time.

Congratulations! Your Aaron Pools swimming pool is now ready for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy for years to come.

Step 1-Come in and pick out liner pattern and put a deposit down.

Step 2- Aaron Pools will come out to your house and measure for the new liner.

Step 3- Once the liner arrives we will come to your house and drain the pool.

Step 4-The next day we remove the old liner and discard it.

Step 5-We smooth out the vermiculite bottom.

Step 6-Your new liner is installed.

Step 7-We put a vacuum behind the liner to keep it against the pool wall until the water is up to the first step.

Step 8-We cut in your main drain and put a new grate on it to comply with new regulations.

Step 9-Once the water is at the first step you call and let us know and we will come back out. We will remove the vacuum line and install new faceplates around your skimmer and returns.

Step 10-Once the pool is full and running bring in a water sample to Aaron Pools, and we recommend all of your start-up chemicals..