In the United States, swimming is the 5th most popular activity that people engage in. There’s something about spending time in the water that brings people together for an enjoyable experience.
Having a swimming pool is also like a feather in the cap for property owners. They can improve your property value and make your home an amazing place to live. How can you find the right pool builder? Should you seek financing?
Read on for answers to these and other questions.
Learn the Average Price of a Pool
Before anything else, you need to understand how much a new pool will cost you. Study averages to get an idea of the range. A swimming pool will usually cost you between $20,000 and $65,000 or so.
Several factors will affect these prices, including:
- The size of the pool
- The type of materials that you’re using to build the pool
- Your pool builder’s hourly and labor rate
- The excavation depth to install the pool
- The pool features
Knowing these variables will help you out when you’re looking for price quotes on your new pool.
Decide Why You Want a Pool
Consider your lifestyle, home, and personal reasons to figure out why you want a pool. This will dictate the kind of pool that you buy and how much you pay for it.
Some people might prefer a lap pool that lets them get some exercise each day. You might prefer this pool to have different water depths of 6 feet or higher. If you want a pool for leisure, the shape and design are more important.
Knowing these details will help you put together the right selection, so you can decide on financing.
Consider Custom vs. Pre-Made
Determine whether or not you want a custom swimming pool or one that is pre-made. Custom pools let you get exactly what you want, and are built to specification. A pre-made pool is significantly less expensive but doesn’t allow as much room for personalization.
When you invest in a custom swimming pool, you’ll appreciate the benefit of:
- They can be built to accentuate your property
- It’s an excellent form of stress relief
- You and your family will have plenty of social and recreational opportunities
Research some pool design examples to figure out which suits you.
Consult With Swimming Pool Builders
If you’re deciding whether to get swimming pool financing, speak to some swimming pool builders that can answer any questions that you have. Make sure to find out whether they provide in-house financing. Swimming pool builders can put you on a payment plan so that you can pay monthly instead of in one lump sum payment.
Read the contract and understand what interest rates you’re signing up for when you finance a swimming pool. Compare the interest rates to the principal amount so you understand how much you’re going to pay for the pool over the next several years.
The pool builder might also charge some fees during the installation, and you should also factor in taxes. Get your credit score in order before approaching swimming pool builders so that you get the best deal possible.
Figure Out Your Budget
An in-ground swimming pool is an expense that you’ll need to factor in for as long as you own it. In addition to the pool purchase, make sure that you also set money aside for the pool repair and upkeep. When you’re seeking swimming pool financing, you may also make provisions for maintenance.
Swimming pool pros can include a maintenance contract with the pool so that you’re paying for these services as you go. Here are a few of the main details you’ll want to include in your pool maintenance contract:
- Pool cleanings and changing of chemicals
- Draining your water and re-filling the pool between seasons
- Managing the chemistry and pH levels of the pool
- Resurfacing and fixing pits and cracks in the floor and walls
- Repairing and maintaining the electrical components of the pool
Consider adding a warranty or protection plan to go with the pool so that you’re also covered in the event of any emergencies or unforeseen damages. Add your pool to your homeowner’s insurance policy, and include provisions for storm protection.
Talk to a Bank
Once you’re ready to explore your pool financing options, it’s time to speak to your financial institution. They will offer you a series of loan and financing agreements, so you can decide which works best for you.
Consider the number of years you’d like to pay for the pool and take note of how much interest you’ll end up paying as a result. The bank will consider your credit score, how long you’ve been a member, the average amount of money you keep in your bank account each balance, and other details.
Work With a Pool Builder
The tips above are helpful when you need to link up with a pool builder that can assist you. Assessing your situation in this way will help you close on a pool that you’ll fall in love with sooner than later.
Sahara Construction and Custom Pools can help you out with whatever swimming pool project you need. We build the best pools in Katy, Texas, have years of experience between our team, and would be happy to call you among our next customers.
Give us a call at (713)634-9490, or contact us by e-mail for any swimming pool questions that you have.
