Everything You Need To Know Before Building A Pool! 

As a pool contractor I can tell you that you just had a bad one. I literally go over every single aspect without a single hole so my clients know exactly what to expect with no surprises. I know that many contractors make their money on the change orders but with a legitimate contractor you should not have a single one of these issues.

It really sucks when you pay and trust professionals to do their job and they DONT DO THEIR JOB RIGHT!! Thank you so much for breaking it down and easy to understand. Looking forward to more videos soon!

We paid about $105k total for our pool, including everything (2022 pricing) and are about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs. That includes permits and surveys, 42'x20' kidney shape concrete shell that goes 4-8' deep, additional sunshelf space, diamondbrite plaster ($3-4k upgrade), 25' L 2' H raised wall with stone facade, 1 water feature ($2000 each incl pumps), pool heater ($7k), saltwater system, variable pump, underwater LED, all electrical, large patio on opposing side with 2 walk paths and steps, brown aluminum fence ($6.5k) with $10k in landscaping. I think the price of just the pool itself (excavation, concrete, base plaster and base equipment- no heater or variable pump) was around $45-50k

#1 Get a seasoned career pool tech on your side during the design phase!!! It's a couple hundred bucks, but worth every penny. "People buy pools not knowing what they're buying, being sold by people who don't know what they're selling". I've been servicing the aftermarket since 1995 and seen dozens of pools that will be perennial headaches. Occasionally, I decline to even bid on weekly service on brand new construction because I know what I'm looking at. I advise people to look at builders that have in-house weekly cleaning service. That means that they have to service what they have installed. There are simply too many caveats to go into detail here.

Funny how 1 is supposed to be cheaper than the other and I got quotes in Maryland for all 3 types of pools and they are all around 150k, price gouging is real right now.

A “Salt water” pool is in fact a chlorine pool. Only difference is it uses a generator to produce chlorine vs dosing chlorine via tablets, liquid Chl, etc.

Gunite and shotcrete are basically the same thing, you have no idea what you're talking about. All gunite, or shotcrete pools are covered in plaster, sometimes the plaster has rocks in it, like Pebbletec, which is a brand of plaster with rock in it, there's other brands with similar names, but the base of the product is plaster. Also, salt is still chlorine, liquid chlorine is sodium chloride, so salt. Salt chlorine generators turn salt into chlorine.

Most if not all negative experiences within the pool building business are mainly because customers tend to choose big companies thinking "The company is pretty big and establish" , but that is far from it. I've worked in a few pool companies and most of them prefer to rotate out employees instead of paying them what they are worth. A lot of company operators will prefer to sub contract the work since its a set price and the labor gets done in 1 day. My point is, Be sure to research the company you're hiring. Even if they're rated A+ on BBB.

pool builders push heavily for free-form pools. basically it means: they kinda-sorta build a pool that matches the picture. OTH they hate precision. an elegant classic rectangle is harder to build because it must be precise or it looks like crap. builders will strongly push you to do free-form.

I had an excellent pool builder he told me all these things. We’re happy with the outcome.

It sounds like you didn't look into the whole process before installing your pool. If you have questions research it yourself first then question the company about it. If they brush you off or don't know what they are talking about, probably don't go with that company. Things like a fenced in area, permits and landscaping are things you should know going into a pool install before signing the dotted line.

Great tips! I’ve heard several people tell me their pool ended up costing thousands more than the original quote.

I consider myself lucky. I purchased a new construction home last year and just had my pool completed last week. It’s a basic 15x 40 rectangular gunite pool 6’ deep with upgraded plaster and 2 jets. The builder included everything including fill and sod for $56k. I did not need a new survey bcz I got one with the house. It came with the pool fence but I had received estimates for my perimeter fence before the pool. I am in Florida so opted not to have a heater. The 8 month build was my only frustration.

I don’t recommend the globrite lights. Be prepared to replace them every couple years if you do. The seal on these lights fail and it fills with water. I used silicone caulking on this last one, hopefully it helps.

We're early in the process. In fact, we haven't signed a contract yet. We're finalizing our HELOC for the financing. The pool contractor we're going to use went over all of this with us (the exception being the poolside remote, which I'm definitely going to ask for).

You coulda saved a ton with a fiberglass pool. The maintenance is also much cheaper and they last longer than gunite. You will have to replace the pebble plaster in about 20 years and it will cost you a lot.

What is that music? It's amazing please share

What this video fails to mention is that if you live in zone 6b or colder, do not build an in-ground gunite / plaster pool or a vinyl liner in-ground pool. They do not hold up to the winter climate. Choose fiberglass and have the in-ground PVC plumbing insulated with copper pipe.

Wish I watched this video a year ago 1400 gas lines and 5100 electrical work hidden in the small print. Worst news when you already at the top of your budget

OMG... I have an old pool. Long story. I feel I'm gonna pay the amount of a new build for reno. Wish me luck!

People that love and enjoy having pools always tell people not to get them like ok so your going to have all the fun and make it seem like your miserable 😅. Most adults get that there are extra costs including fences for safety and maintenance costs .

The only similarities between a liner pool and a gunite pool is they both hold water. They're completely different processes with completely different materials.

Can you explain why the pool has to sit 2' higher than your house?

I got a good laugh at a fiberglass pool being a cheaper option lol.

Awesome video!!!! I’m living through this now!!!! Great advice

My pool guy advertises pool build pool for $50k after taking to him and getting true numbers it’s going to cost me $125k I told him No thanks

I believe this is a well intentioned video, however I am confused why his pool had to be raised to 3 feet that’s really weird. For anybody listening to this video here’s the deal you are only getting what your contract says is included in the pool and nothing else. everything else like landscape or sprinklers is extra If it’s not in the contract, you are building a pool. I am sorry that they kind of jerked you around on the fence question overall, your pool looks really attractive. I hope you’re enjoying it. Also pebble tech is a type of plaster and nothing structural.

I tell people who want in ground pools to figure at least double the pool install price. I spent $69K on a $35K pool (2021 pricing). Then it goes up from there. Every yard is different so I guess that is why the pool installer doesn't even try to discuss such costs because it is all up to the customer. The only thing the pool company told me up front and I already knew was my chain link fence was not legal for an inground pool. Opening and closing costs were not discussed either because the first year was free. Going from an above ground to inground closing was something I could no longer do by myself and I have to hire them to do it. Beside the cost of the equipment to blow out the lines would cover one year alone. Also safety covers and vinyl liners do not last forever and over time will have to be replaced. Filling in an inground pool is about half the cost of installing one so you might as well maintain it forever. Things to think about: Tree removal or trimming, chemicals, landscaping to restore the construction damage (grass, hydroseed, or sod with a sprinkler system, bushes and new trees), extra costs to build a "road" to support the construction equipment such as extra stone to drive on, finish hardscaping or concrete, fencing (whole yard or just around the pool), additional electrical for yard lighting, storage shed or pool house (for safety cover, chemicals, toys, furniture, tools and poles), costs of operating chemicals per year, additional costs for electric or gas for a heater and pool filter, buy new patio and pool deck furniture. I am sure I miss some stuff too. All this for about 45 minutes of use for about 2/3 of our summer season. Boats are cheaper and then you can sell them. A pool you are stuck with and must keep them clean whether you use it every day or not so the costs will not go away.

Thank you so much this was very helpful.

This man is on point. I’m the owner of a pool construction cleanup service and most customers have no idea that their yard will look like a bomb blew up in their yard during the construction process and there’s many things that are not included in the construction process. Fence, grass,sprinklers,drains,landscaping unless you pay for it. You get what you pay for.

You had a bad contractor, hardly anything in this video is true for the masses…

You do not want the pool side remote. As a pool guy I’ve seen them work after a couple years and I don’t think they are easy to replace. Also salt pool is a chlorine pool with extra steps.

How much does the property value go up after adding a pool for 100k

Great video! Thank you

I live out in country no permits or surveys etc needed

We had our pool built with our home and the fence was included with the price, they said the fence is mandatory to pass inspection with the city along with the alarm on the back sliding door, but once the inspection is done, you can remove the alarm and the fence at your own risk

Hello, thank you for the tips. I built my pool two years ago, and to this day, if I call my pool builder, he is there right away. I started the construction plans on March 22nd. They broke ground in April of 2022. The water was in by the last week of June; in total, it took eight weeks. It was an easy and smooth process. He did everything here in the Coachella Valley, California. The price was also the best one; they all ranged from $65,000 to $110,000. I think you had a bad contractor because everything was explained to me and done as the contract stated.

Why pebble?

Nice video! Also good to think about future add-ons like retractable pool enclosure allowing to use the pool year round. Think about concrete or pavement around the pool as well as its shape so it doesn't get unnecessarily expensive!

I haven’t had any of these problems. We are currently mid way through the build. Avree Pools has been great.

You don’t want pavers. Concrete is much better easier maintenance.

Holy cow....as someone who JUST finished building an inground PebbleTec pool as well, you hit the nail on the head with this. Almost everything you outlined we experienced as well. I wish the wife and I would have found this video before signing the dotted line, to know everything we were getting into.

Sooo true get ready for a mess , but when it’s all done with a heater …. it’s worth it ♥️my pool❣️

Concrete is better. Pavers will lift after heavy rains.

Steel pools? Does oncrete cancer affect the shockcrete?

To get the best value for your buck move to the country and skip all that stupid city requirement BS. We weren't required to have a fence but built one ourselves for privacy and we did so cheaply. We didn't have to have inspections and pay permits. We TOLD the builders what we wanted and made them follow our specs. As much as 30% - 40% of your pool cost in the city are cost to meet requirements of politicians and municipalities and they don't get to swim.

What size is this pool?

You have the option for 1 inch pavers, They lay above the concrete. An installer that knows what they're doing, you wont be able to tell.

Some city councils won't allow you to fill your pool using hydrants, so you will have to buy your water from a separate company

Your contractor should tell you thus, if they don’t, you are being ripped off somewhere else.

Great information!🙏🏼

Pretty spot on video. Wanted to add my two cents as I just had a pool done (plaster/water fill was yesterday). Wife & I bought this house in 2021 knowing we were going to add a pool at some point. As such, when we had a fence installed we made sure it was pool compliant from the get-go & we added a vehicle gate (10' wide) to avoid having to take down portions of the fence during construction. (13k) Surveyor cost me $1500 & took 4 weeks before he could get to me. There were cheaper options but had a 6-8 week turn around Permits in my county were quick so nothing wild here Pool was definitely raised higher than we expected so the mound of dirt that was at deck level ended up being 2' higher than my fence along my neighbor (my backyard descends as you get away from the house). Because of this, we had to do a brand new contract with the deck company to create a multi-tiered retaining wall & clean up the appearance there. ($30k) Pool is heated via gas so I needed a plumber to come up & run a gas line to where the pool equipment was going to be. I saved money here by scheduling them to come out the day after the electrician dug the trench (their work was part of the pool contract so already paid for, saving me $4k in trench work but I still had another $3k to pay for everything else). Electrician mentioned that if I did not have space within my electric panels, that I would need to get a whole new panel for them to install. Thankfully I had 2 free fuse slots so I was safe. Also needed to upgrade my gas meter but that is free here. Portion of the backyard was only "fixed" to "contractor rough grade" so I am currently paying for landscaping to clean up here ($7k for seeding, would've been $12k if I went with sod) Pool cost $140k initially & with the extras above I'm sitting at $194.5k. This is before any other pool equipment (UL2017 compliant alarms, pool chairs, etc).

Can someone please recommend me a pool company in Dallas Tx.

Which state are you talking about?

Hello everyone im looking for pool installation company owners interested in taking on more clients for their companies so if you would be interested let me know so we can connect

How much?

I live in Florida and just completed my pool project. Everything you said is on point. Luckily the pool company we used kept us in the loop so we had no surprises

Wow!! You got ripped off. My pool contractor is a couple weeks away from putting our liner in and filling with water. Our pool was 85k but it's an L shaped pool 43x16 28x16 and it is 8ft deep with a diving board and has tanning shelf entry. We also add travertine tile around the outside and squared it off with a large concrete deck. And that includes an extra 6k because they hit rock 5ft down and had to bust it out and haul it off. All for 85k. I'm so thankful for my pool contractor!!

❤ thanks!

No such thing as a cheap pool smh . Good video back to the water park this year lol

Totally agree. I wish I hired an architect and designed the space better. I feel like I should’ve spent more and got more features. I wish I went to a supply house and got a referral for a better builder. Suppliers are the best place to find great contractors. Whatever thought… next house

Bullshit, "drop in" fiberglass pools are the most expensive.

Ugh saltwater is so bad for the skin. I won’t even go to a hotel with a salt water pool. I don’t swim in the ocean, only the Great Lakes. Terrible choice.

As usual another home owner with incorrect information. If you're intent is to mislead then you are right on the money. Your bad choices in picking a good pool company is not a reason to bad mouth the industry. Way to generalized.