How much does it really cost to build a swimming pool? The answer depends on where you live and how big your pool is.
If you want to get a better idea of the costs involved, check out our new infographic below.
Building a swimming pool can be expensive. There are several things to consider before starting construction, such as location, size, materials, and design.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of permits, excavation, grading, concrete, fencing, landscaping, and other expenses.
In this article, we will discuss the costs involved in building a new small plunge pool, as well as the main considerations you will need to bear in mind.
Plunge Pool Total Cost: A Quick Summary
The total cost for a small plunge pool (less than 6 feet deep) ranges from $1,000 to $8,000.
This includes the cost of the pool itself, its liner, and any accessories that may be needed.
Pool Size: What Size Is Right For You?
A smaller pool is usually less expensive than a larger one. However, if you have a large yard or garden area, then a bigger pool might be more practical.
When choosing your pool size, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration, and these include:
- Your budget
- Space available
- Water usage
- Maintenance requirements
- Design preferences
- Lifestyle
- Safety concerns
- Type of pool
If you’re looking to save money by building a smaller pool, you could opt for an above-ground pool instead of a traditional in-ground pool.
Above-ground pools (see also ‘How To Level An Above Ground Pool With Water In It‘) are cheaper to install but they don’t offer the same benefits as an in-ground pool. They require less maintenance and are easier to clean.
Location & Size Considerations
When considering where to build your pool, you’ll first need to decide whether you want to build a pool near your home or somewhere else.
If you choose to build it close to your house, make sure that you have enough space to accommodate it.
Also, ensure that the area has good drainage so that water doesn’t collect around the base of the pool.
Next, you’ll need to think about what size pool you’d like to build. Smaller pools tend to be cheaper than larger ones, but they also require less time and effort to maintain.
As a general rule, the deeper the pool, the more expensive it becomes.
Maintenance And Labor Costs
If you’re planning on having a swimming pool built, you should know that there are several costs associated with this project. Some of these include:
- Materials
- Labor
- Tools
- Equipment
- Other expenses
Materials & Costs
There are many different types of materials used in building a swimming pool. These include cement, stone, fiberglass, plastic, wood, metal, etc.
Each type of material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which one is right for you, here’s a brief overview of each option:
Cement
Cement is probably the most common material used in building swimming pools. It’s easy to work with and offers excellent durability.
It requires little maintenance once installed, but it’s not very attractive. Cement and concrete pools are popular in commercial sites.
The pros of cement are:
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Low initial cost
- Good for outdoor applications
- Can be easily colored
The cons of cement are:
- Expensive
- Not very attractive
Stone
Stone is another popular choice among homeowners who prefer something natural. It’s durable and long-lasting, but it does require some maintenance.
The best thing about using stone is that it looks great when finished.
Some of the main pros of stone include:
- Looks great
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Long-lasting
- Highly durable
The cons of stone are:
- More costly
- Requires skilled labor
- Larger projects can be difficult and time-consuming
Fiberglass
This material is made up of glass fibers that are mixed together with resin.
Fiberglass can be molded into almost any shape and is extremely strong. It’s also lightweight and resistant to cracking.
The main advantages of fiberglass for your pool (see also ‘Fiberglass Pools Cost‘) include:
- Very strong
- Resistant to cracking
- Lightweight
- Easier to mold
The downside of using fiberglass in your pool include:
- Costly
- Hard to find
- Limited colors
Plastic
Plastic is often preferred because it’s inexpensive and easy to use. It’s flexible and moldable, making it perfect for creating custom shapes. It also resists fading and mildew.
Plastic has a few pros, and these include:
- Affordable
- Moldable
- Resists fading and mildew
The cons of using plastic in your pool include:
- Less durable
- Doesn’t look as nice as other materials
Wood
Wood is a popular choice among those who enjoy the look of natural materials.
Wood is relatively cheap to purchase and install, but it’ll eventually rot away if left exposed to the elements.
Pros of using wood include:
- Cheap
- Rustic appearance
- Easy to cut/shape
Cons of using wood in your pool include:
- Expensive
- May crack over time
Metal
Less commonly used, metal is an ideal material for those looking to create a sleek, modern design. Metal is highly durable and will last forever.
It’s typically used for commercial pools, but it can be used on residential properties as well.
The pros of using metal in your pool include:
- Durability
- Stainless steel
- Stainless steel
- Great for commercial pools
The con of using metal in your swimming pool includes:
- Expensive
- May need additional reinforcement (i.e., rebar)
What Is A Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a shallow body of water designed to provide children or adults with a place to cool off during hot summer days.
A plunge pool is usually located near a house or patio where people spend their time outside.
They’re usually built from concrete and have a deep end that’s around three feet deep. There may be steps leading down to the deep end.
A plunge pool can be either free-form or shaped like a rectangle.
Rectangular plunge pools are generally deeper than free-form plunge pools. Free-form plunge pools tend to be more attractive.
However, they don’t offer much protection against falling objects.
If you want to protect yourself from falling debris, then you should consider installing a rectangular plunge pool.
How Much Does A Small Plunge Pool Cost?
The cost of building a small plunge pool depends on several factors including the size of the pool, how many steps there are, and whether or not you choose to add a cover.
You’ll also need to decide what type of liner you’d like to use.
If you plan to build a plunge pool without a cover, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,500.
You can expect to pay between about $3,000 and $5,000 to build a plunge pool with a cover.
You can expect to pay between approximately $4,000 and $6,000 to build a pool with two steps.
You can expect a price tag between approximately $7,000 and $10,000 to build a large plunge pool.
How Do I Build A Small Plunge Pool?
Building a plunge pool requires a lot of preparation work before construction begins. First, you’ll need to dig out a hole that’s at least 4 feet wide by 6 feet long.
The depth of the pool should be 3 feet. Next, you’ll need to pour cement into the bottom of the hole.
Then, you’ll need to lay down some gravel so that the cement doesn’t stick to it. After laying down the gravel, you’ll need to fill the hole with sand.
Finally, you’ll need to mix up some concrete and pour it into the pool. Once the concrete has been set, you’ll be able to install the steps.
Types Of Plunge Pools
There are different types of plunge pools available. Some plunge pools are made from concrete while others are made from wood.
Concrete plunge pools are easier to maintain because they won’t rot over time. Wood plunge pools are less expensive than concrete plunge pools but they require more maintenance.
Plunge Pools Made From Concrete
Concrete plunge pools are very durable. They’re easy to clean and they last longer than wooden plunge pools.
However, concrete plunge pools aren’t as attractive as wooden plunge pools. Concrete plunge pools look best when they’re painted white.
Concrete plunge pools come in a variety of sizes. Most plunge pools measure 8 feet by 10 feet. Other plunge pools are smaller and can fit inside a standard bathtub.
Concrete plunge pool liners help prevent your pool from leaking. Liners are made from vinyl or rubber.
Vinyl liners are cheaper than rubber liners. Rubber liners are thicker than vinyl liners.
Concrete plunge pools are usually installed by professionals. Professionals will make sure that the pool is level and that the walls are straight.
They’ll also ensure that the pool is properly sealed.
Concrete is one of the most popular materials used for plunge pools. It’s inexpensive and easy to install. It’s also resistant to water damage.
Concrete plunge pools are typically made from precast panels. Precast panels are poured into a mold. This makes them stronger than other forms of concrete.
To keep concrete plunge pools looking their best, you’ll want to paint them. Painting helps hide any imperfections in the concrete.
Plunge Pool Made From Wood
Wooden plunge pools are less expensive and easier to install than concrete plunge pools. Because they’re made from wood, wooden plunge pools don’t have to be covered.
Wooden plunge pools are often painted green or blue. These colors match well with many swimming pools.
If you’d like to paint a wooden plunge pool yourself, you can use any color you choose.
You can buy wooden plunge pools in kits that include everything you need to complete the project. Kits are much easier to assemble than building a plunge pool on your own.
Many wooden plunge pools use cedar planks; these are strong enough to support the weight of a person who jumps off the edge of the pool.
If you decide to go this route, you’ll need to hire someone else to do the cutting. Cutting down trees isn’t something that you can easily do yourself.
If you decide to build a wooden plunge pool on your own, you’ll need to purchase plywood.
Plywood is an excellent material for making plunge pools. Plywood is lightweight and it doesn’t warp or crack.
It’s also waterproof, relatively cheap, and comes in various thicknesses. The thicker the plywood, the sturdier the plunge pool.
The easiest way to install a wooden plunge pool is to lay out the pool on top of a piece of plywood.
Use a pencil to draw around the edges of the pool. Then trace over the lines with a utility knife.
Use a circular saw to cut along the line. Cut as close to the line as possible without damaging the plywood.
Drill two small holes near the corners of the pool. Insert screws through these holes. Attach the screws to the plywood using washers and nuts.
Once the pool has been assembled, fill it with water. Test the pool to see if it holds up under pressure.
You should feel no movement when you walk across the surface of the pool.
A wooden plunge pool should last at least 10 years. However, it may not hold up as long as a concrete plunge pool.
Final Thoughts
There are several benefits to installing a plunge pool.
A plunge pool is great for entertaining guests, teaching children to swim, hosting pool parties, and simply having a place to kick back and relax.
While you may be concerned that a plunge pool will cost you a fortune, this does not have to be the case; the final price is largely dependent on your preferred size, location, and material.
The cheapest pools have an average cost of around $1000 to $1500, and extra features will cost you a little more – a basic model, however, is well within reach.
Overall, a pool can be a great addition to your home – so why not just take the plunge and investigate the average cost of pools in your area; this is a choice you are unlikely to regret!
