Pools
How much does it Cost to Build an Inground Pool in 2021?

Published
12 months agoon

Unquestionably aspiring pool owners often get intimidated by the massive costs involved in pool construction. On average, the cost to build an inground pool has gone up roughly 30% over the last two years. Most prices around the country start at anywhere from $36,750 to $66,500. Of course, these costs vary depending on various factors. Some of these factors include the size and design of the pool. The cost of luxury pools can start at well over $100,000. So before you build an inground pool, it is best that you take time to analyze all the construction costs involved.

Factors affecting inground pool costs
As mentioned earlier, the price of a pool varies based on different factors. Some of them include:
Size, type, and design
Generally, the bigger the pool, the higher the costs. Remember, a larger pool requires more materials, labor and equipment. So, you are likely to pay more for a bigger pool. Additionally, pools with complex shapes tend to be more expensive compared to pools with simpler designs. The pool type also influences the total pool construction costs. Concrete pools are the most expensive, while vinyl pools are the cheapest.
Location
The location of your pool usually determines the total construction costs. Building an inground pool in warmer regions is more costly compared to building a pool in winter areas. Also, it is more costly to build a pool in urban areas.
Labor and Permits
Different pool contractors charge differently when it comes to pool construction. So, always compare quotes before hiring a particular contractor. The cost of obtaining pool construction permits also varies based on your state. Nevertheless, the labor prices of building a pool range from $5,000 to $30,000.
A breakdown of pool construction costs
Excavation:
The cost of digging the pool area often ranges from around $400 to $1,500. Needless to say, this cost varies based on the complexity of the landscape.
Landscaping
Once the excavation is complete, proceed with landscaping. Expect to spend approximately $5,000 to $10,000 for a decent landscaping job.
Materials
The materials used in pool construction significantly affect the total pool construction costs. Usually, concrete and porcelain tiles are the most expensive materials you can use. However, expect to spend between $30,000 to $70,000 on pool materials.
Filtration
Today, there are various pool filtration systems available. The one you choose often depends on your requirements. Pool professionals report that filtration systems cost approximately $700 to $4,000.
Heating systems
If you live in colder areas, you need to install a pool heater. A pool heater can cost up to $10,000. But on average, expect to spend $1,800 to $4,000 for a pool heater installation.
Additional features
You can use a broad spectrum of features to boost the pool’s aesthetics, functionality, and safety. When purchasing a pool cover, you may end up spending $600 to $2,200. Moreover, extra water features also increase pool construction costs by approximately 10% to 20%.
Types of Pools and their costs
At present, there are three major types of inground pools; concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. Each pool type varies in price.
Concrete pools
Building an inground concrete pool costs approximately $35,000 to $65,000. Concrete pools are the most expensive pool type. In fact, some concrete pools cost up to $100,000. It all depends on the water features and equipment you install in the pool. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that concrete pools offer the highest longevity.
Fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools are averagely priced. They cost approximately $20,000 to $60,000. Fiberglass pools incorporate the least maintenance costs. Thus, they offer value for money. The size and design of the fiberglass pool contribute to the price variation.
Vinyl pools
Vinyl pools are the cheapest inground pools. Expect to spend roughly $20,000 to $50,000 when constructing an inground vinyl pool. However, you have to replace the liner after every 4 to 7 years.
How to save money when building an inground pool
The cost to build an inground pool is often high. Luckily, there are various ways you can use to save money during pool construction. They include:
Consider aboveground pools
If you have a limited budget, install an aboveground pool. Aboveground pools are way cheaper compared to inground pools.
Postpone water feature installation
Generally, water features can increase pool construction costs by 20%. Therefore, if you have a tight budget, consider installing water features in the future.
Compare quotes
Before settling for a particular pool contractor, it would be best to compare quotes. Evaluating different costs offered by different contractors helps you find the most affordable option.
Consider a smaller pool
Smaller pools also serve as excellent sources of aesthetics and functionality. So, consider building a small inground pool if you have a limited budget.
Ultimately
The cost to build an inground pool varies based on various factors. But averagely, building an inground pool costs approximately $20,000 to $65,000. If you plan to build an inground pool, always take time to analyze all the costs involved. This way, you’ll be able to cut down the costs.
Alise Everton has been working in the pool industry for the past decade and is an experienced press correspondent and contributor for numerous trade publications and web portals including PoolMagazine.com and PoolContractor.com among others. Contact her for guest posting opportunities, press releases, and pool equipment related news.

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If you’re tired of the extremely hot summer and need to relax and cool down with calming and aesthetic surroundings, some eye catchy modern, designed pools would be perfect for you. Besides enjoying the cool water, you can also have the best comfort and a beautiful ambiance by customizing the pool surroundings with the most unique and striking ideas.
The right kind of pool will not only give you comfort and calmness but also make your place very well defined and beautiful. There is an ample number of pool designs, but We’ve enlisted the top 7 modern-day pool designs that are worth considering and investing on:
1. Plunge Pool

Plunge pools, also known as splash pools, are very small pools found in the backyard of the house, occupying significantly less space. These pools are perfect for you if you want to cool off for a bit after a long, tiring day. They require less space and very low maintenance. They are very small and are more useful for relaxing or cooling down than swimming or diving. This is the pool worth considering and even investing in for houses built with the modern structure, which usually have small backyards.
2. Above Ground Pool

As the name suggests, it is a pool that is above the ground, made with aluminum and steel walls. The surroundings can be customized according to your wish. You can surround it with a deck, lighting, plants, or anything you like. The above-ground pools are easily installed, low maintenance, durable, and very affordable, however, you will need steps to walk in and out of the pool. They can be placed in your home backyard for a seasonal family fun time.
Unlike in-ground pools, they have no part of them in the ground, and you can give it a classy, fun, or cool look. However, you like.
3. Night Light Pool

You can give your pool a new light, a new mood, a new feeling, and a new scene just by changing the lighting. These pools look beautiful and comforting after sundown and are best suited for night swimming. These provide a wonderful and cozy ambiance for you to relax and swim even at midnight by the illuminating lights. They provide comfort, serenity, beauty, and amazing visual effects. You can install the lights which match your mood. Calming, party-like, warming, whatever fits the occasion and your mood.
4. Infinity Pool

The zero-edge pool or infinity pool is a beautifully designed one. The water in it flows over the edges, making it seem like a pool with no edges. Hence, the name infinity pool. It creates a striking visual effect that makes it irresistible to enter the pool. These kinds of pools make the place look very well defined and the most beautiful. They may be costly, but worth the money. Investing in these is no doubt a smart choice.
5. Indoor Pool

Enjoy the pool fun without even stepping out of your place. For those who love to stay indoors, this is the right kind of pool, a pool built on the rooftop of your house and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. You can freely relax in your home pool without the fear of sunburn or being tanned from the sun’s rays.
You can customize everything however you desire. It is one of the best pool designs and worth the try and money.
6. Floating Balcony Pool

The balcony view and a calming pool can be enjoyed together with soft, cold winds and under the beautiful sky. The floating pool design can be built in an extending corner of the terrace, making the balcony look uniquely beautiful. It feels very soothing to enjoy the beautiful city view and the water.
You can give your floating balcony an even better look by decorating the surroundings with lights, plants, or anything you like. You can make your balcony the most unique and striking of all. These floating balcony pools are usually found in big apartments only. They might be a bit expensive, but surely worth the cost.
7. Black Bottom Pool

The black bottom pools are perfect for those who find their true comfort in the dark theme. These pools consist of black vinyl liner or tiles. It has a very soothing effect. The black color of the pool also helps in absorbing the sun’s rays, making the temperature of the water increase. The warm water and the black color of the pool together give a different level of comfort and are very calming. You can also customize everything according to the pool’s dark theme, making the surroundings look elegant and classy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pools listed above are some of the best pool designs and are worth spending your money on. But there are indeed a great number of beautifully striking designs like the typical ones (rectangle, round, or oval), the kidney, geometric-shaped ones, pools with a deck, and many more. Selecting the right pool for you is a task. It depends on the place, atmosphere, and space of that particular area you’re planning to put your pool in. Thus, going through these modern pool designs will definitely help.
FAQs
What Are the Most Famous Designs for a Pool?
The kidney-shaped pool, pool with a view, grassy surroundings, geometric pools, etc., are some of the most famous and beautiful designs nowadays. They give a fascinating effect and provide a sense of comfort to the eyes. They offer a defined look to the house and are one of the most striking. These pools are definitely worth investing in.
Which is the Better, a Chlorinated Pool or a Saltwater Pool?
For the in-ground, above-ground, or any kind of pool, the saltwater system is the better option as it is more kind or gentle to the skin, hair, or eyes. It makes the pool water skin friendly and desirable or irresistible to stay away from or enter. Even your pets are safe and free to swim in these pools.
A chlorinated pool is full of harsh chemicals that are not skin- and pet-friendly and can cause harm to them.
Can We Place an Inflatable Pool on Our Balcony?
An inflatable pool might be too heavy for a balcony. Although it looks pretty light, it can become unbearably heavy for the balcony when filled with water. Thus, it is not at all recommended to put an inflatable pool on your balcony.
What is the Ideal Place to Install a Pool?
- Under the sunlight: Wherever you’re planning to install the pool, it is always best to be within the reach of sunlight entirely as it maintains the pool’s temperature, and the swimmers can stay for a long.
- In the backyard of the house: If you want to install the pool in your home, the backyard or garden is the best place as it is under the sunlight and will give your house a well-defined and beautiful look.
- With a view: If there’s a beautiful view of nature, cityscape, or the sky near your place, you should definitely place your pool there because what’s better than a pool with an eye-catching view.
Feature Photo Credit: John Fornander

One of the great things we love about mosaic tile in luxury swimming pools is the artistic versatility of the material. It’s a notoriously difficult medium to work with, but artisans are able to design incredibly sophisticated optical illusions in the pool with tile mosaics.
Designing an artistic mosaic that utilizes the entire canvas of the swimming pool takes real skill. The elites of the industry are adept at using tile as their preferred medium to paint a portrait that tells a story. One industry-recognized tile artisan who has mastered the ability to do just that is Ray Corral of Mosaicist, Inc. The Miami-based firm has built a reputation for designing stunning mosaic tile pool interiors.
Using Tile To Create Optical Illusion Mosaics
Collaborating with high-end builders and designers like Brian Van Bower and Ryan Hughes, Corral is used to working on luxury custom pools that require his particular skillset. His ability to create transcendent designs that draw you into the pool interior is undeniable.
Creating optical illusions in the pool is something that’s second nature for Corral. “I’ve come to realize that a lot of the simple things we do grab attention and people are just taken back by it. We take it for granted because we’ve done so many designs. Sometimes what we think is amazing because of the complexity, people don’t always understand and appreciate,” said Corral.

While most of the mosaic tile interiors Corral designs these days are for modern geometric-shaped pools, he still does a fair amount of freeform pool interiors. In South Florida, mosaic seascapes are popular and Corral caters to that clientele looking to turn their pool interior into a tropical lagoon.

Designing Realistic Seascapes
This particular project showcases Corral’s abilities at creating optical illusions with mosaic tile. From the intricate waves in the sand to the ocean scene inside the pool, creating those types of visual effects is definitely something that not every tile firm can easily master.
“When we look at the sand it looks real,” said Corral, “These clients wanted a realistic environment. They have tropical landscaping, bridges, landscaping inside the pool that just creates this type of oasis. They want to look outside their window and see coral reefs, fish, and aquatic animals,” he explained.
“There are folks that are close to the ocean, or the ocean is in their hearts, or they’re into diving, whatever the case may be. A lot of these people want scenery in their pool and we just to try to create them something realistic,” said Corral.

“When we put a design together we take into account that the reality of that fact is that most of the time the homeowner will be looking at the pool and not necessarily swimming in it. We take into consideration how the design looks from the second floor, first floor and when you enter the pool,” Corral explained.
“We also take into account the depth of the pool and the transition from the shallow end to the deep end,” said Corral. It’s in the planning and design of the elements that will comprise the entire scene, that he spends an inordinate amount of time going over with customers who want a pool interior of this nature.
“Many times homeowners are looking through our Instagram or our website or the books we have in our office to help them pick out elements to add to their swimming pool,” said Corral.
Creating a Tropical Paradise in Mosaic Tile
Designing the client’s ideal tropical fantasy in mosaic tile can be difficult on freeform style pools. Corral indicated that the shape of these pools is extremely difficult to work with and requires a certain level of planning and dexterity to properly execute. It seems to be old hat for him though. Planning an all-mosaic tile beach entry pool that transforms into a tropical lagoon in this fashion is something his firm Mosacist, Inc. does at least several times a year.
“What’s difficult is on these designs is that the closer that you get to the walls, the more attention to detail you need to have. It’s very easy for a designer to do a circle and have that manufactured somewhere else, but it’s difficult to design a concept that hugs the walls this way and have it come out well.”

Aquatic Mosaic Art
Designing gorgeous seascape mosaics for the pool isn’t Corral’s only wheelhouse. He showed us other breathtaking examples including a mosaic tile aquarium he installed for one of his customers From the 3D rendering to the real-world product, it’s incredible the amount of detail that’s involved to achieve these types of optical illusions.

To plan, design, and install all of the unique elements that will comprise a total scene, you can easily see how many individual mosaics are required to create effects of this nature. It’s an old world artisan skill and one that Corral has honed over his years in the tile industry.
“We’re always looking for that one client that wants us to do something we’ve never tried before,” said Corral, “We get excited when clients allow us to do something different. It gives our portfolio diversity and keeps us at the top of the industry.”
Listen to our entire conversation with Ray Corral of Mosaicist, Inc.
Photo Credits: Mosaicist, Inc.
Pools
Pool Vinyl Liner Replacement – Give Your Pool a Makeover

Published
4 months agoon
April 30, 2022By
Pool News
Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to start thinking about opening your pool for the season. It’s also the ideal time to evaluate how your swimming pool’s interior is holding up. If you notice cracks, tearing, or separation occurring – it may be time to consider a vinyl liner replacement.
Replacing Your Swimming Pool’s Vinyl Liner
Choosing to replace your swimming pool’s liner provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade to a new pattern or thickness. During this timeframe, it’s advisable to consult with a pool contractor that can make recommendations on which liner brand to choose.
It makes sense that a thicker pool liner is able to withstand more impact. There are a wide variety of thick puncture-resistant liners on the market for homeowners to consider when replacing their liner.
Most swimming pool vinyl liners offer approximately 5-10 years of usage before they start to become faded or begin to deteriorate. Simple environmental stress coupled with the routine wear and tear of seasonal use can accelerate this process quicker in some areas of the country. Taking precautions to protect your swimming pool in the off-season with a pool cover, will certainly help prolong the life of your vinyl pool liner.

Signs Your Pool’s Vinyl Liner Needs To Be Replaced
Each year when you open your swimming pool, you should be checking for signs that your vinyl liner has successfully survived another winter. There are basically 6 surefire indications that your vinyl liner is on its way out.
The 6 Signs Your Swimming Pool’s Vinyl Liner Needs Replacement
- Fading in your pool’s vinyl liner
- Cracks and tears in the liner
- Wrinkling and deformities
- Problems with liner bead
- Discoloration and staining
- Water loss and leaks
How Long Do Vinyl Liners Last?
These days, the average shelf life of a vinyl pool liner is much shorter than in years past. “Vinyl pool liners used to last between 20 to 30 years in the average pool. Virtually everyone got more than 10 or 12 years even if you were terrible with your maintenance and water chemistry. The days of seeing this kind of longevity from a 30 mil inground pool liner are gone,” said Steven Goodale in an article he wrote on this very subject.

The Realistic Life Span of a Vinyl Liner
These days, you’re lucky to see 7-10 years of life out of a liner on the high-end, but the reality is probably going to be closer to 5 years before it starts to look really aged.
What Causes a Swimming Pool’s Vinyl Liner To Deteriorate?
A major problem that homeowners encounter with their vinyl pool liner has to do with mother nature and chemically treating their swimming pool. The Sun’s UV rays along with the harsh chemicals used to sanitize the water itself can cause a liner to fade over time.
There are other factors that can cause a vinyl liner to deteriorate quicker than expected. Chlorine is corrosive and can effectively bleach your pool liner. Failing to manage the pH can also cause the water to become acidic enough to chemically siphon the very plasticizers that keep your vinyl liner pliable.
“Over more time, a liner in a low pH ‘acid bath’ will become brittle, fade in color and eventually begin to literally fall apart,” said Arnold in his article – 5 Ways to Destroy a Vinyl Pool Liner
One of the biggest problems that vinyl liner pool owners tend to encounter is their liner slipping out of the coping track. This is caused very simply by the liner losing its elasticity with age and use. While there are ways to put a vinyl liner back on its track, this is a sign to look for when evaluating whether or not to replace your liner altogether.

Swimming Pool Vinyl Liner Replacement
If you notice signs your vinyl liner needs replacement, the best advice is to schedule an estimate with a pool contractor that specializes in vinyl liner swimming pools. Once they’re able to ascertain that the liner truly does need to be replaced, they can place an order for a replacement.
Last season it was very difficult for consumers to get their hands on vinyl liners in a timely fashion. Many orders were delayed for months due to a wide variety of logistical delays and manufacturing shortages. This year, many of the same conditions prevail so it’s advisable that consumers get their orders in as early in the season as they can. Doing so will ensure their liner can be scheduled for installation as quickly as possible.
An Expected Cost of Owning a Vinyl Liner Pool
“As far as construction costs are concerned, vinyl liner pools are certainly the more economic option when compared to high-end materials like gunite pools.” said San Diego Pool Builder – Bar Zakheim, “However, replacing your pool’s vinyl liner still has a pretty hefty price tag associated with it. While this is an anticipated cost for vinyl liner pool owners, it still remains one of the main drawbacks of building a vinyl liner pool. It’s definitely something I warn folks about ahead of time if they are considering buying a vinyl liner pool.”
When considering replacing your swimming pool’s vinyl liner, the time to act is before summer begins. Once the summer starts it becomes extremely difficult to get your liner as manufacturers are often backlogged with existing orders to fulfill.
Ordering your liner in the off-season is the best advice to ensure that your pool is swim-ready with a new liner installed in time for the upcoming swim season. If you’re trying to get your hands on the perfect vinyl liner, you may want to check the resource list of pool liner manufacturers below.
Pool Liner Manufacturers
TARA
Swimming pool company Tara Manufacturing in AL is a leading provider of vinyl swimming pool liners and winter pool safety covers for inground swimming pools.
Loop-Loc
Known for Safety Pool Covers strong and tough enough to support an elephant. Loop-Loc also makes a wide range of luxury pool liners.
Merlin Industries
Merlin Industries is a premier manufacturer of vinyl liners, safety covers, spa covers, steps, and safety fences.
Dover Vinyl Products
A leading manufacturer of pool liners and cover products. Dover Vinyl Products has been manufacturing vinyl liners in the USA since 1971.
Garrett Liners
Garrett Liners is the longest-established vinyl swimming pool liner manufacturer in the world and a leading manufacturer of inground and above-ground liners as well as safety covers.
Precision Vinyl Corp
Since 1987 Precision Vinyl Corp has manufactured custom made 20 ml. vinyl pool liners, and a wide range of other vinyl products.
GLI Pool Products
A Latham Pools brand, GLI Pool Products’ core offerings are inground and above-ground pool vinyl liners as well as custom pool safety covers.
Cardinal Liners
Cardinal Liners has been making liners for 47 years, with a staff that has a combined 150 years of experience. Cardinal Systems, Inc. welcomed Pen Fabricators into the Cardinal family a number of years back.
McEwen Industries
McEwen Industries offers one of the finest selections of inground and above-ground vinyl liner patterns in the swimming pool industry. The company also manufactures an exclusive line of pool safety covers.
Pocono Pool Products
Pocono Pools Products specializes in manufacturing inground and above-ground pool liners. The firm has been manufacturing quality vinyl liners since 1981.
Swimline Corp
Founded in 1971, Swimline is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of inground and above-ground pool liners as well as pool safety covers.
Kayden Manufacturing, Inc.
Based in Paterson, NJ – Kayden Manufacturing, Inc. is a family-owned business and manufacturer of pool liners and pool bladders.
Pegasus Products
Pegasus Products is a family-run business based in Branchburg, NJ and a manufacturer of inground and above ground pool liners and pool safety covers.
Latham
The most well-known manufacturer of inground and above-ground vinyl pool liners and safety covers, Latham Pools has a number of brands including CoverLogix, CoverStar, GLI Pool Products, Kafko Pool Products, Plastimayd and others.
Featured Photo Credit: Inyo Pools

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