Best Pool Companies

How much does a pool cost?

Pool installation costs vary depending on the type of pool you choose. Expect to pay at least $2,000 upfront for a pool, not including maintenance costs.

Above ground pools are the cheapest type of pool and cost anywhere from $1,500–$5,000. Fiberglass pools are inserted into the ground and can be a cost-effective alternative to a poured concrete pool, coming in around $15,000–$20,000. Poured concrete in-ground pools are the most expensive pools and cost anywhere from $15,000–$50,000.

While pool installation costs are the most expensive part of owning a pool, you’ll also have to pay for monthly upkeep and maintenance. Expect to pay around $200 a month on maintenance.

Does a pool add value to a home?

A pool can add value to your home, but it can also make it harder to sell. In the best circumstances, you can expect to increase your home’s value by up to 7 percent by adding a pool.  If you live in a higher end neighborhood where most houses have pools, then installing a pool can add value and make your home easier to sell. However, if adding a pool makes your house the most expensive one on the block, it could make your home harder to sell.

The real value in adding a pool is your family’s improved quality of life. If installing a pool makes your home more enjoyable to live in, then it can still be worth it, even if you don’t end up recouping the costs.

What type of pool is best?

The main types of pools are fiberglass, concrete and vinyl. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Fiberglass and concrete are more expensive than vinyl, and they look nicer. Fiberglass has the lowest maintenance, which makes it a good option for homeowners who don’t want to spend a lot of extra time cleaning their pool. Choose the one that works best for your house, lifestyle and budget.

• Vinyl: Vinyl pools are the most affordable types of pools. They’re generally ready-made and can be installed quickly. They don’t look as nice as other types of pools, though. They’re a good option if you want an affordable pool and aren’t very concerned with how it looks. Keep in mind that you’ll need to replace the vinyl liner every 5–9 years.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools are next in line for affordability. They’re relatively fast to install and are more durable than vinyl pools. They’re also easier to maintain than concrete pools, which means you can spend less time cleaning your pool and more time enjoying it.
• Concrete: Concrete poured pools look the nicest and are the easiest to customize. They’re also the most expensive. If you have the money and want a pool that will make your home more appealing for visitors and buyers, then go with concrete.

Pool styles

Pool companies sometimes specialize in certain types of pools or materials.

• Indoor pools: Indoor pool companies have the equipment and ability to install and service indoor pools in both commercial and residential settings.
• Outdoor pools: Outdoor pool companies need special equipment to install and service outdoor pools. Pools built in colder climates need to be winterized, and a pool cover is likely necessary.
• Pool services: Some pool companies do not provide pool installation. Instead, they focus on pool services to help maintain the cleanliness, health and aesthetic beauty of a pool.

Product selection

Pool companies offer a wide range of products. Think about what you want from your pool when deciding which pool company to choose.

• Material quality: Pool companies make pools from different materials, including stone, concrete, and vinyl-lined. It's important to choose a company that offers the materials that are in the right price range and that work well in your climate.
• Design: Some pool companies offer unique designs or can work with buyers to achieve the design they have in mind. Other companies simply offer standard pool designs, like a circular or rectangular shape.
• Features: In addition to building a pool, many pool companies offer additional features. These features could include slides, lighting, solar heaters, diving boards, pool alarms and more.

Design Methods

Pool companies have to first put together a design before they can begin building a pool, and they do so by using a number of different methods.

• Contractors: Certain companies will contract out the design work to someone else or another company. If this is the case, find out which designers they use and what their reputation and work is like.
• By hand: Some companies do the design work in-house, by hand, on a piece of graph paper. It is much like how an architect sketches.
• Software: Some pool companies use advanced computer software to do their design work. All three of the methods work, the preference depends on the consumer's needs and wants.

Repairs

Whether a pool company focuses on building and installing pools or on fixing and cleaning alone, it should be able to offer repair services. These services can vary, and it's important to understand what the company can offer you.

• Regular maintenance: If you own a pool, it is going to need regular maintenance. Some pool owners choose to take care of pool maintenance themselves, while others prefer to outsource it to a pool company. Some of the maintenance requirements are cleaning and vacuuming the pool, checking and replacing the filters and valves and testing water balance, pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity levels.
• Chemicals: Find out what chemicals a pool company uses to treat the water in a pool. The most common chemicals to use are chlorine and salt, but there have been recent trials for alternatives. Some companies charge a flat rate while others add charges for certain chemicals.
• Availability: Depending on whether you use a local pool company or a national one, it may be more or less available for repairs.