The Cost to Build Your Own Pool

What is the Cost to Build Your Own Pool?

People ask us this question all the time.

However, they are really asking these questions.

Can I build a pool myself?

Will I save money and how much if I build a pool myself?

Is it worth the drama and stress to save some money?

Usually, you can save 20% to 50% the cost of the pool if you build it or at least organize the construction yourself.

Pool construction businesses manage the construction process by subcontracting the work to specialist contractors. Each stage of the construction (design & permits, excavation of the site, soil removal, concrete shell construction, plastering, tiling, paving, filtration installation, finishing & handover) is completed by a different contractor. The pool construction business adds a profit margin on to every subcontractors cost and charges their own project management fee.

If you are prepared to manage the construction process by hiring the specialist contractors yourself you will save the profit margins and the management charge.

Ways to Reduce the Cost to Build Your Own Pool

One approach is to contract a pool construction business to obtain the permit, excavate the site and install the concrete shell. Then you hire subcontractors to complete the project. This approach is lower risk and less stressful than organizing the whole project yourself. This may work well for you particularly if you plan on doing some of the work yourself. We have seen home owners complete some work themselves because they had the skill set to complete the work. Maybe you are capable of tiling and paving around the pool, landscaping around the pool area or painting the pool.

Another approach is to purchase a pool kit which includes everything you need to complete the construction of the pool. Most inground pool kits are steel walls with a vinyl liner. If you are a handyman this can be a viable option.

Another option is to purchase an above ground pool and build it partially into the ground. This is a great option for a sloping site. The site is excavated at one end with the cut and fill method to produce a level pool site. The excavated end has a deck or patio build around it with access to the pool. The other end has the pool wall or is filled in with a retaining wall.

Planning the Pool Construction

The first step is to develop a project plan and budget on a spreadsheet.

List each stage of construction:

• Pool design & site location
• Council permits
• Excavation of the site
• Excess soil removal, backfill or spreading
• Filtration & drainage plumbing
• Concrete shell construction
• Tile band
• Plastering (or other pool finish)
• Filtration installation
• Filling the pool with water
• Chemical balancing
• Pool surrounds & landscaping

Add more detail to each stage:

• Who is doing the work?
• If you are doing some of the work, when are you available?
• Do you have friends that can help?
• Obtain several quotes for the work
• Timeframes for the work
• When are the contractors available?
• Cost of materials

Add up the estimated cost for each stage and work out a total project cost.

Compare the total project cost to the price from pool construction businesses. If you are not saving at least 20% then it’s probably not worth taking the risk and stressing yourself.

Inground Vinyl Pool Kits

The easiest inground pool to build yourself is a steel or polymer wall covered with a vinyl liner. These pools can be bought in kit form.

The cost of an inground pool kit will vary depending on the shape, size and style of the pool. Generally, it’s easier to build a pool with straight walls rather than curves but don’t let that deter you from your desired shape.

Prices for a complete pool kit with a skimmer box, drains, valves, returns, pump and filter range from $6,000 to over $10,000 depending on the total area and circumference of the pool. Note that a larger pool requires a larger pump and more plumbing which adds to the price. The important thing is to measure your backyard and work out what size and shape pool best suits your yard. Contact your local council as to what you are allowed to do as every council has slightly varying requirements regarding clearance from boundaries and buildings. You need to develop a complete backyard plan including paving and landscaping around the pool. Try to install the pump and filter close to the pool but in a sheltered position.

Excavation Cost to Build Your Own Pool

Swimming pool excavation costs vary widely depending on many factors. Obtain some quotes from local contractors to get an accurate estimate of the cost.

If you are building a new home the pool should be excavated and concrete shell installed before the home is built. Otherwise, the pool construction is much more difficult and costly due to limited access around the house.

For existing homes, if there is limited space for excavation equipment to access the backyard the excavation will be more difficult, time-consuming and expensive. If you can gain access from a neighbor’s property or remove a fence this will reduce the cost. Sometimes you may need to remove a free-standing garage, garden shed or other structure for earthmoving equipment to gain access to the backyard.

Excess Soil Removal

When excavating a swimming pool you most likely will need to remove the excavated soil from the site.

If you are constructing a new home you may be able to spread the soil around the site and backfill a retaining wall.

People on larger properties (acreage properties) may be able dispose of the soil by spreading the soil over a larger area.

If you need to have soil removed obtain a few quotes to get an accurate estimate of the cost.

Council Permit Cost to Build Your Own Pool

Contact your local government authority or council for pool construction requirements. The council usually have a brochure or packet of information with all the requirements and forms to complete. Most government authorities will have this information online so you can look it up and download the information. You may be able to complete and lodge the forms online.

Swimming Pool Plumbing

If you purchase a pool kit the plumbing equipment and installation instructions will be included. You do not need a plumber to install swimming pool pipes, skimmer, filter, etc. All the plumbing is connecting PVC pipes with joiners and elbows. Cutting the pipe is easy with a hand saw.

You may want to add an overflow pipe from the skimmer to a storm water drain. When it rains too much this will prevent your pool overflowing. This may not be included in a pool kit.

An overflowing pool floods your backyard causing damage to pool coping, patios, decks, lawns and gardens. The water may even run into your neighbor’s property causing damage to landscaping.

And what happens when you are on vacation and nobody is at home to keep an eye on the pool?

Please read How to Prevent a Pool Overflowing from Rain

Swimming Pool Electrical

You will need to contact a licensed electrical contractor for a quote to install an outside power socket for your pump, salt chlorinator and water heater. If you are installing underwater pool lighting this will require separate wiring and insulation.

Many pool owners are totally unaware that their new swimming pool and safety fence may need to be earthed to comply with electrical safety standards. There is the possibility that a person can suffer an electric shock from a pool or fence if there is an electrical current in the pool water caused by an electrical fault.

An equipotential bond (earthing) may be essential to all metal structures around the pool including steel reinforcing in the pool shell, pool light fittings, support structures, handrails and fences.

As aluminum pool fences are one continuous structure the fence only needs to be earthed in one location. However, glass pool fences may need to be earthed at every metal panel fitting as they are all individually attached to the ground.

Pool owners should make their own enquiries at their local council for pool fencing requirements and the installation of an equipotential bond.

Contact a licensed electrical contractor for a quote to install an equipotential bond in your new pool.

Material Costs to Build Your Own Pool

If you are purchasing an inground pool kit it includes virtually everything you need to construct the pool.

If you are building an inground concrete pool material costs can vary widely depending on location and type of material. Obtain quotes for different types of materials taking in to consideration the materials lifespan.

Concrete swimming pools have a concrete and reinforced steel shell about 30 to 45cm thick. Commonly, a white plaster lines these pools to waterproof and finish the inside of the pool.

Pool Surface Options

The plaster is usually a mixture of white cement and fine white limestone sand with a small amount of calcium to accelerate the drying process.

The plaster is white and the pool will look light blue when filled with water. Some people have a color additive mixed into the plaster to give the pool a deeper blue or a custom color.

Typically a plaster lined swimming pool will last 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and how the pool has been looked after. Over time plaster will lose its clean, white appearance and build up a dullness and accumulate etches, pitting or stains.

One option is to have the pool lined with fiberglass over the concrete shell. Fiberglass is smooth, non-abrasive and gentle on your skin. It is non-porous so that stains cannot penetrate the surface and lasts 15 to 20 years before renovation.

Another option is to have the concrete shell made smooth on the inside and paint the surface with pool paint. This is one way to save money if you do it yourself as the cost of painting is 80% labor.

Read our article: How to Paint a Swimming Pool

The toughest and longest lasting surface is exposed aggregate concrete. This is a fine pebble in concrete finish that is sprayed on to the concrete shell. This is the most expensive option.

Pool Deck & Landscaping

Unless you are a landscape architect or have some degree of artistic flair we recommend you use a landscape design template to create your backyard.

Whenever you design anything new you don’t re-invent the wheel you usually start with some existing designs for ideas. When you build a house you never start with a blank piece of paper. You base your design on other existing designs and combine the features that you like into your new design. You may visit display homes and find a kitchen or bathroom design that you like or other ideas that you can incorporate into your home.

Landscapes are the same. When you have landscape templates and photos of completed backyards it gives you inspiration to incorporate some of those design features into your design.

When you are ready to invite contractors to quote on your backyard landscape you will be able to give them an exact design to work with. Or if you decide to landscape the yard yourself a good design will help ensure you achieve your goals and prevent costly mistakes.

Pool Fence

A pool owner may be legally liable for a death or injury of a person invited or allowed to swim in the swimming pool if the pool and surroundings do not comply with the current legislative regulations or the pool was poorly maintained.

Many authorities around the world now require pool owners to fully fence their outdoor swimming pools for safety reasons. The regulations vary between countries and states so please check with your local authority.

There is no pool fencing regulations at the federal or national level in the USA. Each state government has responsibility for pool fencing regulations. Mostly the regulations will be similar from state to state but you need to check the specifics for your state. Southern states, like Florida and Arizona, have strong pool fencing regulations because there are a lot of swimming pools in those states. Generally, most states require some type of safety fencing around an outdoor pool.

Many authorities around the world now require a pool safety certificate when buying, selling or leasing a property with a swimming pool. It is illegal to sell, buy or rent a home without it even if there are no young children in the household. Usually the land titles office will not complete a title transfer for the sale of a property without the pool safety certificate. If you are a property owner and rent your property you can be fined for not having a pool fence.

Pool fences are easy to install yourself and this is where you can save a lot of money. Over half the cost of a pool fence is labor so expect to save 50% on the price of a fully installed fence.

Please read Why Do I Need a Pool Fence?

Pool Filtration Equipment

One issue is the choice of filter type.

Sand filter or cartridge filter?

Cartridge filtration systems are popular for all types of swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. They are less expensive than sand filters and easier to operate but you cannot backwash a cartridge filter. Cartridge filters pass water through a cylindrical fan-folded cartridge element to trap dirt and contaminants. Periodically remove the filter cartridge from the filter tank and clean with a garden hose. Frequently cleaning the cartridge filter element will keep your pool water clean, clear and safe for swimming. Eventually, after 3 to 4 years use, the filter cartridge becomes worn out or damaged. Replace with a new cartridge.

Many people choose to install a Sand pool filter because they are easy to clean with the built-in backwashing feature. Backwashing only takes a few minutes each week and the filter media only needs replacing every 3 to 5 years. The only drawback is these filters require more plumbing pipes than a cartridge filtration system.

Some people choose to replace the filter sand with polyethylene filter media (filter balls) which filters down to 5 microns whereas sand only filters to 10 microns. This gives the pool a clearer and healthier appearance. The filter balls are reusable after washing in a washing machine.

Sand can clog the filter but filter balls won’t clog the filter and require less backwashing. The polyethylene filter media lasts up to 5 years and are more eco-friendly. Simply dispose the filter balls in the garbage.

Sand filters are slightly more expensive than cartridge filters.

Pool Inspection

On completion of your new pool, request a council inspection and the registration of the pool. There may be an inspection during the construction phase depending on your local council requirements.

Pool Safety Certificate

All pools need a pool safety certificate to prove the pool meets all regulations.

The process to obtaining a safety certificate is to contact the local authority for a pool safety compliance inspector to visit your home and check your pool and backyard is in compliance with the regulations. If you comply with the compliance regulations, the officer issues a pool safety certificate.

Note: There is a charge for a swimming pool inspection. Ensure that you have complied with the regulations before you call out an inspector as they will fail you and then you will need to call them out again costing you another inspection fee.

On sale or rental of the property, a homeowner must renew the safety certificate.

The Cost to Build Your Own Pool

The overall cost to build your own pool and more importantly the total cost savings depends on how much of the organization and work you can do yourself. You will save more money building a larger pool but it will be more work and potentially more stressful. The first time you do anything new is likely to be stressful and potentially difficult as you are unfamiliar with the process.

Now it’s time to add up all the quotes and costs for a final cost.

Compare the cost to those pool construction quotes.

Is it still worth trying to build the pool yourself?

Warning: Do not underestimate the cost of landscaping.

Many pool owners find they spend more money landscaping the backyard than the cost of the pool. They forget about boundary fences, pool fences, retaining walls, gardens, turf, drains, lighting, paths, patios, pergolas, outdoor electrical supply, BBQs, outdoor kitchen facilities, garden sheds, equipment storage enclosures, etc.

This is a similar issue when building a new house. The builder simply builds a house on a vacant lot. You have the added cost of landscaping, turf, gardens, fences, pergola, driveway, patio, paths, clothesline and letterbox. That can cost $50,000 easily.