Dreaming of a backyard pool but don’t want to dive headfirst into debt? You’re not alone. Building your dream oasis doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With a little know-how and some clever tricks up your sleeve, you can make a splash without sinking your budget.
Here are 16 smart ways to keep your pool project afloat—without going overboard.
1. Start With A Realistic Budget
Money talks when planning a pool project. Before falling in love with fancy features, determine exactly how much you can spend from start to finish. Many homeowners forget about ongoing costs like chemicals, heating, and maintenance equipment.
Add a 15-20% buffer for unexpected expenses that always seem to pop up. This cushion prevents the common headache of an unfinished pool when funds run dry. Remember that the cheapest option upfront isn’t always the most affordable long-term.
2. Choose The Right Pool Type
Above-ground pools cost significantly less than in-ground options – sometimes saving you tens of thousands of dollars! They’re also quicker to install and can be moved if you relocate later. Fiberglass shells cost more upfront but save money long-term with lower maintenance needs.
Vinyl-lined pools offer a middle-ground price point. Concrete pools, while the most expensive initially, provide unlimited customization options. Your climate and soil conditions should influence your choice too, as some materials perform better in certain environments.
3. Consider A Smaller Size
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to pools. A compact design can dramatically reduce costs for materials, excavation, water, chemicals, and heating. Many families find they don’t actually need Olympic proportions to enjoy swimming and cooling off.
Plunge pools and cocktail pools have become trendy alternatives that take up minimal space while still providing refreshment. For lap swimmers, a narrow but longer design might work perfectly. Smart design makes even modest-sized pools feel luxurious and provide plenty of enjoyment.
4. Simplify The Shape
Curves, angles, and custom shapes drive up construction costs substantially. Rectangular and oval pools require less labor and fewer materials to build. The simpler geometry also means easier maintenance and cleaning down the road.
Standard shapes allow for off-the-shelf covers and liners rather than custom-made versions that cost a premium. Many pool builders offer pre-designed packages with standard shapes that come at significant discounts compared to custom designs. Classic shapes also tend to look timeless rather than trendy.
5. DIY What You Can
Rolling up your sleeves can slash thousands from your pool project. While excavation and pool installation typically require professionals, surrounding elements like decking, landscaping, and fencing are perfect DIY candidates. Many homeowners successfully install their own pavers or build wooden decks around pools.
Painting, staining, and sealing are also manageable tasks for most people. Online tutorials and weekend workshops at hardware stores can teach you the skills needed. Just be realistic about your abilities – mistakes in some areas could cost more to fix than hiring a pro initially.
6. Skip The Extras (For Now)
Waterfalls, slides, fancy lighting, and automation systems add thousands to your initial investment. Starting with a basic pool allows you to enjoy swimming while spreading out additional costs over time. Many features can be added years later when your budget recovers.
Focus on getting the structural elements right the first time – it’s much harder to change the pool itself later. Plan your design with future additions in mind, installing necessary plumbing and electrical conduits during construction. This strategy gives you the best of both worlds: immediate enjoyment with the option for upgrades.
7. Shop Around For Contractors
Prices and quality vary tremendously between pool builders. Collect at least three detailed quotes before making a decision. Ask specifically about what’s included – some companies advertise low prices but charge extra for essentials like equipment or permits.
Check references thoroughly and view completed projects in person if possible. Timing your project for the off-season (fall or winter in most areas) can score significant discounts as builders look to fill their schedules. Don’t be afraid to negotiate – many contractors will match competitors’ prices or throw in extras.
8. Consider Alternative Materials
Premium materials like natural stone and hardwood dramatically increase costs. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of stone pavers at a fraction of the price. Composite decking offers the appearance of wood without the maintenance headaches and often proves more economical long-term.
For fencing, aluminum typically costs less than wrought iron while providing a similar aesthetic. Even within categories, choosing standard colors and finishes instead of custom options saves money. Many budget-friendly materials have improved dramatically in recent years, looking nearly indistinguishable from their pricier counterparts.
9. Install Energy-Efficient Equipment
Variable-speed pumps cost more initially but slash electricity bills by up to 80% compared to single-speed models. Solar covers reduce heating costs and water evaporation while also keeping debris out. LED lights use far less electricity than traditional pool lighting.
Many utility companies offer rebates for energy-efficient pool equipment, further reducing your costs. Calculate the payback period before deciding – sometimes spending more upfront saves thousands over the equipment’s lifetime. Energy-efficient choices also reduce your environmental impact, which matters to many homeowners.
10. Plan For Multi-Seasonal Use
Getting more months of enjoyment from your pool improves its value proposition. Simple additions like a solar cover can extend your swimming season by weeks in spring and fall. Wind barriers and strategically placed landscaping help retain heat and reduce heating costs.
For colder climates, consider whether a heat pump makes financial sense based on how much extra use you’ll get. Some homeowners install removable enclosures that transform their outdoor pool into an indoor one during colder months. Maximizing usage throughout the year helps justify the investment.
11. Minimize Landscaping Costs
Mature plants from nurseries command premium prices. Starting with younger, smaller plants saves money and they’ll grow to full size within a few seasons. Consider propagating plants from cuttings or dividing existing plants from your yard or friends’ gardens.
Mulch helps retain moisture and reduces weed growth, cutting down on maintenance. Native plants adapted to your local climate require less water and care than exotic varieties. Creating defined planting beds rather than scattered plantings makes maintenance easier and often looks more intentional and designed.
12. Build In Phases
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your backyard oasis doesn’t need to be either. Start with the pool itself and basic decking, then add outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pergolas in future years as budget allows. This approach spreads costs over time while still providing immediate enjoyment.
Creating a master plan ensures all elements will eventually work together harmoniously. Install necessary infrastructure like gas lines and electrical conduits during initial construction – it’s much cheaper than retrofitting later. Many homeowners find satisfaction in improving their pool area over several seasons.
13. Learn Basic Maintenance Yourself
Weekly pool service runs $100-200 monthly in most areas – a significant ongoing expense. Learning to test water, add chemicals, and clean your pool saves thousands over its lifetime. Modern testing kits make water chemistry manageable for most homeowners.
Investing in a good automatic pool cleaner reduces the time you’ll spend on maintenance. Many manufacturers offer free online tutorials for maintaining their equipment. Creating a simple maintenance schedule prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems. Basic pool care typically requires just 20-30 minutes weekly.
14. Explore Financing Options Carefully
Home equity loans typically offer lower interest rates than pool-specific financing or credit cards. Some contractors provide financing, but rates vary widely – shop around before committing. Always read the fine print about interest rates, terms, and any penalties.
Calculate the true cost including interest before deciding. For example, financing $30,000 at 7% over 10 years adds about $11,000 in interest payments. Some homeowners save substantially by waiting an extra year while saving more for a larger down payment, reducing long-term interest costs.
15. Use Smart Timing For Purchases
Pool supplies, equipment, and even construction services follow seasonal pricing patterns. End-of-season sales (August/September in northern regions) offer deep discounts on chemicals, accessories, and furniture. Winter months often bring the best construction prices as builders compete for fewer projects.
Floor models and display items from pool supply stores typically sell for 30-50% off regular pricing. Buying chemicals in bulk during sales and storing them properly saves money over time. Many retailers offer significant discounts during holiday sales events like Black Friday and Memorial Day.
16. Prioritize Quality Where It Matters
Not all pool components deserve equal investment. Spend more on structural elements and equipment that’s difficult to replace later. The pump, filter, and liner/shell directly affect operating costs and longevity – quality pays dividends here.
Save on easily replaceable items like ladders, lights, and cosmetic features. Upgraded safety features like proper fencing and covers should never be compromised to save money. Selecting mid-range options for most components often provides the best balance between initial cost and long-term value.