Diving into Cost: A Regional Comparison of Backyard Swimming Pool Price Tags

Backyard swimming pools are a coveted feature for many homeowners, offering a refreshing escape and fun-filled gathering spot for family and friends. However, the cost of installing and maintaining a pool can vary significantly depending on location. In this blog post, we’ll take a plunge into the average costs of backyard swimming pools in three regions: the Florida, Texas, and California.

Florida: A Splash of Affordability?

The Southeast, known for its warm climate and laid-back lifestyle, offers relatively affordable pool options. The average cost of an inground concrete pool project in the Southeast ranges from $60,000 to $140,000, while factors such as pool size, materials and site specific conditions have a large influence on the overall cost. Why might pool installations be cheaper in the Southeast than other regions? Experts believe sheer volume, year-round building season and relatively low labor cost keep competition high and prices lower than other regions. Much of Florida also has favorable site conditions including flat terrain and fewer underground obstacles, both of which can add substantial cost to a project.

Texas: Poolside Paradise at a Price

Texas, with its hot and dry summers, makes backyard pools an attractive addition to any home. However, the cost of installing and maintaining a pool in Texas tends to be higher than in the Southeast. The average cost of an inground concrete pool project in Texas ranges from $70,000 to $160,000. Contrary to many figures that fall far lower, these estimates take into account the average of the OVERALL project. This is a much more accurate estimate as the cost of the pool installation is often only a small portion of the project and does not take into account hardscape and landscape expenses.

California: Poolside Living with a Premium Price Tag

California, with its stunning coastal landscapes and warm Mediterranean climate, is home to some of the most luxurious and expensive backyard pools in the nation. The average cost of an inground pool in California ranges from $100,000 to $200,000+. While this is just an average, custom pools and outdoor living spaces commonly fetch prices well north of $400,000. Labor cost in California accounts for much of the higher price tag as do less favorable access and site conditions.

Factors Affecting Pool Costs

Beyond location, several factors can influence the cost of a backyard pool, including:

• Project size: Larger pools and expansive hardscapes generally cost more.
• Pool materials: Materials such as tile, pebble interiors and decking have a large cost differentials.
• Pool features: Features such as landscaping, waterfalls, and outdoor kitchens can add significantly to the overall project cost.
• Labor costs: Labor costs can vary depending on the region and contractor.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the initial installation costs, homeowners should also consider ongoing maintenance expenses, which typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Maintenance costs can include:

• Chemical maintenance: Various chemicals and weekly checks are necessary to keep pool water clean and balanced. Proper chemical balance ensures a great experience for the bather as well as the longevity of the equipment and pool finishes.
• Pool equipment maintenance: Pumps, filters and other pool equipment require regular maintenance and cleaning.
• Landscaping upkeep: Pool landscaping, as well as many hardscapes, need to be maintained to prevent overgrowth and a generally well-kept appearance.

Conclusion

While nice ’round’ numbers are attractive, it is important to keep in mind that these are merely subjective averages. Each project is completely dependent upon its own unique set of requirements. Size, scope, materials, finishes and individual site-specific conditions (slope, underground rock, etc…) all play a significant role in the overall cost of a pool project. A 15′ x 30′ pool with standard finishes might price at $85,00 while the exact same pool with the exact same site conditions could price over $200,000 with exotic finishes. Personal preference in materials plays a large role in determining the cost of your backyard oasis. If we further examine two identical $85,000 15′ x 30′ pools with the SAME finishes and DIFFERING site conditions, there can also be a large difference in cost. A project requiring a significant retaining wall to stabilize the deck could price $50,000+ more.