How Much Does a 12x24 Inground Pool Cost?
Owning a pool is a dream for many homeowners, and this is still a status symbol, a gathering place, a great way to get exercise, and an addition that increases property value. But how much does a 12x24 inground pool cost you both in installation and in ongoing maintenance?
Why Choose an Inground Pool?
Why choose an inground pool in the first place? What makes this an advantage over inground pools?
For one thing, inground pools are more beautifully appealing. The flat, inground design does not jut upward like the above-ground pools.
You can also add a lot of extras to inground pools that you just won't find with above-ground pools. These features include fountains, jets, and bubblers, waterfalls, and other cool extras.
Inground pools are more durable and far more long-lasting than above-ground designs. But is the price of inground pools worth it?
Types of Inground Pool Materials
There are different materials you can choose for inground pools. The material you choose for your pool will cause the price to vary.
Concrete
An incredibly durable choice, concrete is more expensive than other options, but it will last and last.
However, there is some special maintenance associated with concrete pools. Concrete pools must be treated with an acid wash every three to five years to remove mold and algae, for one thing.
Concrete pools must also be re-plastered every ten years or so. The average cost to maintain a concrete pool is about $27,000, on average, every decade.
A concrete pool is by far the most durable. These can last 50 years or more before they need to be replaced.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools are a very low-maintenance option. Fiberglass is a durable but affordable material that is easy to clean.
Maintenance for a fiberglass pool costs around $5,000 to $15,000 every ten years, on average. These pools will last 25 years or longer before they need to be replaced.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an affordable option that is also a good DIY option for those who want to offset costs by doing work themselves. A vinyl pool must have its lining replaced every 10 years.
Vinyl pools do not need a lot of cleaning. Maintaining a vinyl pool costs on average around $13,000 every ten years.
The Cost of Building a 12x24 Inground Pool
The cost of inground pools varies by material and by location. If your yard has a lot of rocks or trees that have to be cleared out, for example, this will add to the price, as will the material you choose for the pool.
Construction Costs
Before the pool can even be installed, there will be a lot of construction that has to be performed to excavate the area where the pool will go. This will require clearing away dirt, rocks, trees, and anything else that may be present in the area where you want your pool.
Land excavation can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the number of rocks and roots in the ground. Permits for the construction of the pool will also cost money, ranging to hundreds of dollars, depending on the laws in your city, county, and state.
Labor to install the pool will also cost you. It's not just the pool itself you're paying for, but the cost of the work as well.
Pool Extras
Other additions, such as pool fencing, ladders, lights, diving boards, and slides will also add to the overall price of the pool. Each of these features may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the style and materials you choose.
Costs like landscaping, pool decks, and seating will add to the final total as well. Do as much of this work as you can yourself in order to save on the cost of the total project.
Average Pool Cost
On average, it will cost around $50 to $125 per square foot to build a pool. The national average is $28,000 to $55,000, with most people paying around $35,000.
Cost By Material
Installing a vinyl pool measuring 12x24 costs around $26,000, while fiberglass is about $34,000. Concrete pools of this size cost around $38,000.
How Much Does a 12x24 Inground Pool Cost?
The costs of inground pools vary depending on where they are being installed and the different choices you make regarding materials and extras for the pool. There's a lot to consider as far as maintenance, durability, and the overall price of the pool you want to install.
When you have information about the different types of inground pools, what they cost, and what it takes to install these pools, it's easier to make all the decisions that will help you design the perfect pool for you and your property.
Inground Pool FAQs
What is the cheapest inground pool cost?
Vinyl pools are the cheapest option for underground pools. They tend to cost several thousand dollars less than fiberglass or concrete pools made to the same size and depth.
Can you swim in a 12x24 pool?
A pool measuring 12x24 is big enough for swimming and frolicking. Four to five average-sized adults can comfortably be in a pool this size all at the same time without any trouble.
What is the most popular inground pool size?
The most common pool size is 16x32, which is the minimum size needed to have an end of the pool that is eight feet deep.
What is the most expensive part of installing an inground pool?
Though there are many costs associated with building a pool, not the least of which is the excavation, the pool itself is the most expensive part of this project.
What time of year are pools cheapest?
To save money, buy pools and pool equipment in the winter. This is when any pool and pool-related items will be at their cheapest.
However, you may have difficulty finding any pools and pool equipment during this season because stores simply do not carry it. Since manufacturers often increase prices at the start of the new year, buy your pool items before this happens to save as much money as possible.
What shape of pool is cheapest?
If you're aiming to keep the cost of pool installation low, simple shapes are better. Rectangular pools have straight sides and 90-degree corners, which are easier to build than pools that have a lot of curving lines.
By sticking to a simple shape, you rescue labor and material costs, because this means that fewer materials have to be cut and shaped in specific ways.
What size pool do I need for a family of 4?
Most experts recommend a pool size of at least 30 feet long and 16 feet wide for a family of four, though a 12x24 pool will comfortably fit four people.
What is the ideal private pool size?
For one to two people, a smaller pool of 12x24 works well. For a larger group of six to eight people, a pool measuring 18x36 is recommended.
What size pool is best for a family of 5?
A family of five can swim and play comfortably together in a pool measuring 16x32, with enough room to play games and frolic as one would in a swimming pool.
What is a good budget for a pool?
The average homeowner spends around $35,000 to have a pool installed. Starting with a budget around this amount is a good idea for anyone who plans to have a pool built.
How can I make my inground pool cheaper?
Save costs on building an inground pool by choosing affordable materials, such as vinyl or fiberglass over concrete, and sticking to a simple design.
How can I save money to install an inground pool?
You can also save money by doing as much of the work yourself as possible. Doing your own excavation, for example, can save a lot of money.
Is it worth the money to put in a pool?
Statistics and studies show that having an inground pool can increase property value by five to eight percent. A seven percent increase on a $100,000 home, for example, will increase the property value by $7,000.
The cost of installing the pool will be more money than the increase in property value you will get as a result. However, the enjoyment and good times you get from the pool are harder to measure in a dollar value.
What pools don't cost a lot of money?
Vinyl pools are the most affordable inground option for homeowners. You can save money on your pool by choosing a smaller size.
How can I save money on pool costs?
There are many ways to save money on pool costs. Choose affordable materials, do as much of the work yourself as you can, and buy pools and supplies during the off-season to take advantage of discounts and sales.
Opt for a smaller size pool when possible and try to choose a relatively even and clear piece of lace to place the pool. You're already increasing your costs if you choose a spot that has a tree on it, for example.
What is the most expensive part of a pool?
The actual pool itself is the greatest expense of having a pool but this is a one-time cost. The price of maintaining the pool through chemical treatments, purchasing new equipment as it breaks down, and replacing the liner and other elements of the pool is an ongoing cost that will add up to cost you thousands of dollars per year.
Over time, these regular maintenance costs will outweigh the cost of the pool installation itself.
What is the most expensive part of owning a pool?
The most expensive part of owning a pool is often maintaining the equipment and accessories associated with maintaining the pool. You will need to keep all ladders, piping, and electrical elements in good working order, which means regularly replacing them as they get worn out.
If you have a vinyl pool, you will need to replace the lining every ten years or so. This is a large expense.
What is the cheapest backyard pool options?
Both fiberglass and vinyl pools are the most affordable inground pool options, which vinyl being the cheapest of these two.
What is the best depth for a family pool?
The minimum depth for a pool to have space to play and swim is three feet, which is still relatively shallow for an adult of average height. However, you don't want to exceed a maximum depth of five feet in a family pool for safety.
Even a depth of five feet—even a depth of three feet—is a drowning hazard for children, pets, and adults. It is possible to drown in one inch of water and accidents do happen, so it is always a good idea to use fencing or some other means to safeguard the pool and prevent horrible accidents.
Remember that what is a good depth for a family pool has been determined by research and studies and that it's always better to err on the shallow side rather than the deep side if you're unsure.
Is 50k enough for a pool?
The national average cost for installing a pool is around $35,000 for most people in the U.S., so a budget of $50k should cover most of the costs of having a pool built and outfitted with all the necessary equipment and accessories.
What is considered an average size inground pool?
The average size of a pool depends on the type of pool it is. A lap pool is around 10 feet wide and 50 feet long, for example.
A small inground pool is around 10x20, while larger pools are closer to 20x40. The most common pool size is 16x32 in a rectangular shape.
What is a modest pool size?
A small pool would measure 10x10 or small, which is a pretty cozy fit that is not quite easy to swim around in.
How do people afford to put in a pool?
The cost of installing a pool is pretty enormous, especially when you compare it to the cost of other home projects that are far more affordable. Installing a deck or a fence, which can also increase property value, is a fraction of the price.
So how do people afford to make this costly upgrade? You actually have several options.
One, you can always try to take out a loan. As this is a rather large loan, you might have better luck specifically taking out a home equity loan which is borrowed against the value of your home.
You may even consider refinancing your home. This will require you to pay a second mortgage or add more years onto your existing mortgage, which will allow you to pay off the cost of the pool over time.
Many people choose financing options to install a pool, because this is such a huge expense, and many people do not have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on a whim.
How long can I finance a swimming pool?
Pool financing varies on your credit score and the amount you're able to pay on a monthly basis, but the term can range between five to 30 years. It's more common to have a financing agreement that ranges from 15 to 20 years, however.
Is a pool a good home investment?
From a pure investment perspective, a pool is not a great investment. You will only receive a return on the investment of about 7 percent of your home's total value, which by far does not equal the cost of installing the pool.
Also factor in the yearly maintenance of the pool, which will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
When you crunch the numbers, no. A pool is not a good investment.
However, a pool has its own intrinsic value in that it is a gathering spot, a source for activity and exercise, and a place meant for fun and games and forging memories that can last and last.
When it comes to intangible value, a swimming pool does add a whole lot to your overall quality of life even if it is going to cost you more financially than what you will get out of it in return.
Further Reading
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Concrete Pool Repair in 6 Steps
How to Build a Pool Screen Enclosure
How to Make a DIY Solar Pool Heater
How to Repair a Pool Vacuum Hose
