- The initial cost of installation for a new in-ground pool can be substantial. According to the House Logic website, a 600-square-foot pool installation and all the equipment can cost at least $30,000. Additional water features, lighting and landscaping can push the total to more than $100,000. You should have at least a rough estimate of the cost of the pool you want, and you should know that you can afford it before you get started.
- Building a pool isn't something that you do on your own; you'll need to hire a contractor to do the work. Get several bids, because there can be huge differences in price. Get a written estimate from each contractor that spells out exactly what the bid covers. Make sure the contractor has adequate insurance. Check references thoroughly.
- The expense and time involved in pool maintenance is never-ending. You need to check water chemistry regularly to to keep the pool sanitary and to maintain proper pH balance, alkalinity, etc. You spend money every year on chemicals and supplies. You also have to dedicate a significant amount of time to cleaning the pool or hire someone to do it for you.
- Simply pouring, piping and filling a pool usually isn't the end of a pool project. You probably need to pour or lay a deck to surround the pool. You need landscaping to make the area look attractive. Privacy and safety are also concerns; you might want to put up a fence.
- If you are considering a pool, check with your insurance agent to see how much your homeowner's insurance costs will increase. Most insurers see a pool as a very large liability, and you probably need to increase your liability limits. Some might not cover it at all without a special rider to your policy. Most require you to have a fence that is a certain height and a child-proof gate to reduce the chances of neighborhood children gaining access and drowning.
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