Is Building a Pool Worth it? Pros and Cons of the Swimming Pool Building Process

We’ve all had those hot summer afternoons where we look longingly out into the backyard, wishing there was a cool, relaxing, refreshing swimming pool waiting for us to plunge into. Backyard pools seem like a great idea, but is building a pool worth it, really?

It’s true that the pool building process takes a while, and there are maintenance and ongoing costs associated with having a pool. As long as you understand this, and you’re confident the pool will get a lot of use, it’s almost always worth it.

Having a pool makes you fall in love with your home all over again. Between spending relaxing afternoons poolside with a good book, balmy evenings laughing with the kids, and pool parties for friends and family, you’ll be amazed by how much a pool transforms both your home and your lifestyle.

The caveat to all this? You need to work with a reliable pool builder! At Michaelangelos, we’re an Alpharetta pool builder you can actually trust. We provide honest, accurate timelines and a seamless, transparent pool-building process.

Make the most of your outdoor living areas with our premium Alpharetta landscape design services, including reliable, timely, durable pool building.

Overview of the Pool Building Process

So, is building a pool worth it, or is it one of the biggest landscaping mistakes you can make? The first step to answering that question is to take a look at what’s actually involved when it comes to backyard pool construction. Here’s an overview of the process.

Different Types of Pools

The first real step in the process is to explore different swimming pool landscape design ideas and decide on the type of pool you want. There are several main options, each with their own pros and cons. The most common types include concrete pools, fiberglass pools, and vinyl liner pools.

Concrete pools are customizable and durable, but they take longer to install and are generally more expensive. Fiberglass pools are pre-fabricated and quicker to install, with lower maintenance costs over time. Their design options are more limited, but they tend to be highly durable.

Vinyl liner pools are often the most affordable option upfront, though they require liner replacements every 5-10 years, which can add to long-term costs. Choosing the right pool type depends on your budget, timeline, and the aesthetic you're aiming for.

Installation Costs

The cost to build a pool varies widely depending on factors like the type of pool, size, additional features, and your location. It’s hard to provide an estimate, but a basic concrete pool can cost between $50,000 and $100,000 or more, while fiberglass and vinyl liner pools can range from $25,000 to $65,000.

Extra features like heating systems, lighting, waterfalls, and different landscape design styles can increase the overall price. It’s important to get quotes and set a realistic budget that includes both the initial costs and potential unexpected expenses that may arise during construction.

Operating Costs

When you ask people who have gone through the pool-building process what I wish I knew before building a pool, most will say they wish they had a clearer picture of the ongoing operating costs of having a pool. Not because they’re prohibitive, just to better understand what’s involved.

These costs include maintenance, energy consumption, and chemical treatments. Maintenance costs involve regular cleaning, filter replacements, and pool equipment upkeep. For concrete pools, resurfacing may be necessary every 10-15 years.

Energy costs can add up, especially if you opt for heated pools or energy-intensive features like waterfalls or jets. Chemical treatments such as chlorine or saltwater systems are needed to keep the pool safe and clean, and these come with their own expenses.

On average, expect to spend around $1,200 to $2,500 per year on maintenance and operations, but this can vary depending on the pool's size, location, and features. As long as you understand and budget for the costs involved, you don’t need to worry about any surprise costs.

The Timeline to Enjoyment

The timeline for building a pool can be much longer than you might expect. So, how long does it take to build a pool? The permits alone can take months, and depending on the type of pool, construction can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months after that.

Concrete pools tend to take longer than fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, and weather conditions, contractor availability, and the complexity of your pool design can also affect the timeline. Make sure you’re working with a contractor who’s transparent and honest about timelines going into the project.

So, Is Building a Pool Worth it? All the Reasons We Think So

So, with all that in mind, is building a pool worth it? Even though there’s a significant cost involved and it can be a lengthy project, we absolutely think having a backyard pool is worthwhile. Here’s why.

Escaping From the Summer Heat

One of the most obvious perks of owning a pool is the ability to cool off during hot summer days without having to leave your home. A pool offers a convenient and refreshing way to escape the heat, turning your backyard into an instant retreat.

Whether you’re enjoying a morning swim or an afternoon dip to beat the rising temperatures, a pool can make the hot months much more bearable. You can even set up misters around your pool for a relaxing, resort-like experience at home!

Relaxing and Unwinding in Your Own Personal Oasis

Few things are more relaxing than lounging by a pool after a long day, or any day really! With your own pool, you can create a tranquil space tailored to your personal tastes, complete with water features, comfortable seating, and custom landscape paver designs.

Your mental health will benefit greatly from time spent floating in the water, meditating by the poolside, or simply taking in the serenity of your private oasis. Is building a pool worth it? Yes - it can dramatically lower your stress levels and gives you a tranquil, backyard escape whenever you need it.

Entertaining Family and Friends

A pool isn’t just for solo enjoyment; it’s a perfect centerpiece for entertaining family and friends. From casual weekend gatherings to special celebrations, having a pool makes your home a go-to spot for social events.

It’s an ideal place for hosting barbecues, pool parties, and family get-togethers, offering fun for all ages. Plus, it gives kids and adults alike a way to stay active while having fun. You’ll be amazed by how much a pool can boost your social life!

Increased Home Value

We’ve talked about the cost of building a pool, but it’s important to think of the cost of landscaping design and pool construction as an investment, because adding a pool can dramatically increase your property’s value.

While the exact boost in value varies depending on your location, pool type, and neighborhood, it can make your home more attractive to potential buyers when you’re finally ready to sell. In warmer climates especially, a pool can serve as a key selling point.

So, is a Pool Worth It?

So, is a pool worth it? Absolutely. It gives you a backyard oasis to escape the summer heat, adds value to your home, and gives you new opportunities to socialize with friends and family. Plus, the relaxation can do wonders for your mental health - can you really put a price tag on that?!

Take the First Step Towards Bringing Your Pool to Life With Michaelangelos!

Building the pool of your dreams starts with choosing the right partner to guide you through the process. When you choose Michaelangelos, you choose quality, experience, and honesty, every step of the way. We know a thing or two about how to design a backyard with a pool you and the family will love and cherish.

We’ll plan your pool meticulously with you, ensuring your every need is met. We’ll be upfront and communicative about the costs and timelines, setting realistic expectations and helping you plan and budget for your new pool.

Our expert team ensures your pool project is not only completed to the highest standards but is also tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences. Ready to take the plunge and turn your vision into reality? Call us today for:

As well as bringing your backyard pool to life, we can help you with a range of other landscaping projects, from landscaping ideas around tree roots to helping you find balance in landscape design. We specialize in:

Call us today to discuss your next landscaping project!

Final Thoughts on Whether Building a Pool is Worth it or Not

So, is a pool worth it? Yes, 100%. Not only is building a pool worth it, but it adds value to your property, enhances your social life, helps you escape the dog days of summer (without actually having to leave home), and fills your backyard with laughter and fun.

The pool-building experience itself can be daunting, but you can skip the stress when you work with a trusted, reliable company. At Michaelangelos, we’ll ensure a seamless, hassle-free pool build from start to finish, with great communication and quality construction.

Contact our expert Alpharetta landscaping team to finally make your backyard pool dreams a reality!