Choose the type of pool
The type of pool you pick shapes the cost, the build time and the upkeep for years. Above-ground pools usually cost the least and go in fastest, but many don't add lasting value. In-ground pools come in a few common styles, and each has trade-offs.
Ask builders how long each option tends to last, what maintenance it needs and how it holds up in your climate.
- Vinyl liner: often a lower upfront cost, with liner replacement down the road
- Fiberglass: a one-piece shell that installs quickly, with fewer shape and size choices
- Concrete or gunite: the most design freedom, usually with the longest build and more upkeep
Plan the whole backyard
The pool itself is only part of the cost. Most projects also need excavation, electrical work, decking or a patio, and a safety fence or cover. Many localities require a barrier around a pool, and some HOAs have their own rules. Landscaping, lighting and a heater can add more.
Build your budget around the backyard you have in mind, not just the shell. It is cheaper to plan extras now than to tear up a finished deck later.
Build a budget that holds
- Get two or three written bids for the same design
- Include permits, fencing, decking and electrical
- Ask what happens if crews hit rock, roots or poor soil
- Add 10% to 20% for surprises
- Get a payment schedule tied to finished stages of work
Count the ongoing costs
A pool brings yearly costs: chemicals, cleaning, repairs, opening and closing for the season, and higher water and electric bills. A pump, heater or cover can wear out over time too. Add these to your monthly budget alongside the new loan payment, so the pool stays a pleasure rather than a strain.
Insurance and safety first
A pool can increase liability risk, so review your homeowners policy before you build. Your agent may suggest higher liability limits or umbrella coverage, which adds liability protection above your home and auto limits. Some carriers also have rules about fences, covers, slides or diving boards.
CapCenter's in-house insurance agency can review your coverage, compare quotes from multiple carriers and talk through umbrella coverage with you. What's covered depends on your policy, so read it closely.
Paying for the pool
A home equity loan gives you a lump sum at a fixed rate with a set payment, and your first mortgage stays as is. It fits well once you have a firm bid. A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a larger one and may be worth comparing if today's rates are close to yours. Some pool builders offer financing too, so compare the rate, the term, the fees and whether your home secures the loan.
CapCenter offers fixed-rate home equity loans from $50,000 to $250,000, with 15, 20 or 30-year terms, on single-family primary residences and second homes. They come with ZERO Closing Costs (restrictions apply).
Does a pool pay off at resale?
It depends on your climate, your neighborhood and local buyers. In warm markets where pools are common, one can be a plus. In other places, buyers may see it as upkeep. Think of a pool mainly as something your household will enjoy, and treat any added value as a bonus.
