Many homeowners dream of having a custom concrete inground pool in their backyard. It’s an investment that promises to boost property value and offer countless hours of family fun, relaxation, and entertainment. But before you start picking out your poolside furniture, you might be wondering: how much does a concrete inground pool cost?
The average cost of installing a concrete inground pool is between $90,000 and $140,000. The actual cost of your inground concrete pool depends on several factors, including additional features that need to be added. For instance, if you envision a built-in hot tub for your pool design, you can anticipate an additional $20,000 to $35,000 on top of the base cost.
We understand that these figures can be daunting. But remember, each pool project is unique, and many factors contribute to the final cost.
What influences the price of installing an inground concrete pool?
The shape and size of your inground pool, the equipment pool installers need, the location, and the accessories you choose affect the overall cost.
Pool sizes are measured in square feet. It’s great that custom concrete inground pools have unlimited shapes and sizes, but it comes at the cost of price. Your choice of interior surface also affects the cost of the inground pool. Plaster is the standard finish, but there are alternatives, including Pebble Tec, which is more durable than cement.
However, its beauty and durability come at a cost. You could also line the pool’s interior with stone or glass tiles. Regardless of the tile type, you spend more than with aggregate or plaster finishes.
Aside from the inground pool itself, the material and size of the patio around your pool also affect the overall cost. A standard brush or smooth surface is economical for concrete pools, while natural stone pavers and stamped concrete are on the higher spectrum.
Landscaping and pool accessories also factor into the budget. You might want an automatic pool cover or a pool heater. If the pool is on a slope, you’ll also want a retaining wall to protect the pool’s edge. Finally, water features like a deck jet or a rock waterfall and rainfall will increase the cost.
What is the maintenance cost of a concrete pool?
Maintaining a concrete pool requires a consistent investment, estimated at around $1,800 annually. This sum accounts for the necessary upkeep tasks performed throughout the swimming season and the costs associated with opening your pool when warm weather begins and securing it for the colder months.
The maintenance costs include energy and chemical costs. Concrete inground pools are porous and require regular use of chemicals to maintain the optimum pH levels. Also, algae grow easily in concrete pools and consume chlorine faster, requiring frequent use of chemicals and energy to circulate water and prevent algae growth.
Despite these efforts, algae still penetrate the concrete, and it gets stuck over time. Acid washing removes the thin layer of plaster, penetrates pores, and kills algae causing stains. Acid wash costs depend on the location, accessibility, time of year, and pool size.
After a while, the concrete pool wall will need resurfacing. In addition to the plaster, you’ll need to replace the waterline tiles.
What is the life expectancy of a concrete swimming pool?
A well-built and regularly maintained concrete swimming pool has a lifespan of about 50 years or potentially a lifetime. However, despite being robust, the pool’s liner or finish is likely to need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
The resurfacing process involves replacing the pool’s interior finish, which can deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to pool chemicals and the elements. Regular resurfacing extends the pool’s life and keeps it looking its best, preserving its aesthetic appeal and preventing leaks or rough textures that could harm swimmers.
Concrete pools offer the advantage of longevity over other types of pools, such as fiberglass or vinyl liner pools. While these alternatives may have lower upfront costs, concrete pools can be a more cost-effective choice in the long run, given their longer lifespan and durability. This makes a concrete swimming pool a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking a permanent, high-quality addition to their outdoor space.
Types of concrete used in building concrete inground swimming pools
Shotcrete is a concrete type that is brought premixed with water and poured out of a cement truck barrel. While shotcrete gives a consistent and strong coating, many concrete inground pools are built with gunite.
It comes in two forms – wet-mix and dry-mix. Wet-mix shotcrete involves mixing all the components, including water, before application, while dry-mix shotcrete involves mixing water and the other components at the nozzle during application. Both forms of shotcrete are ideal for creating the shell of a swimming pool due to their high strength and ability to adhere to vertical surfaces.
Gunite is a type of dry-mix shotcrete. In gunite pool construction, a mixture of cement and sand is sprayed onto a rebar framework. Water is then added to the nozzle as the mixture is applied. Gunite pools are popular due to their durability and flexibility in design. They can be formed into virtually any shape or size, making them an excellent choice for custom pools.
Cast-in-place concrete involves pouring concrete directly into forms created in the desired shape of the pool. Once the concrete hardens, the forms are removed, leaving a solid concrete structure. Cast-in-place concrete pools are known for their superior strength and can be customized to suit a variety of designs.
Of the three concrete options, cast-in-place is the most expensive concrete type, while gunite is the most affordable.
Hire Eden Design Group
Navigating the intricacies of concrete pool construction can be complex, but it’s a journey you need not embark on alone. Installing a custom concrete inground pool is an investment in lifelong enjoyment and property value enhancement.
At Eden Design Group LLC, we pride ourselves on crafting exquisite, durable, and tailor-made concrete pools that cater to our client’s distinct needs and aesthetics. Whether you prefer the strength and flexibility of gunite, the versatility of shotcrete, or the sturdiness of cast-in-place concrete, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experienced pool contractors are ready to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your dream type of pool becomes a reality.
Don’t wait to start making unforgettable memories with your dream pool. Contact Eden Design Group LLC today, and let’s dive into creating the perfect concrete inground pool for your home.
