Hot summer days are coming, and everyone needs a place to splash and cool off. Having a pool at your home serves this purpose effectively.
But are pools not expensive? How, with all the inflation and financial crisis going on, can you afford one? Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to spend a fortune designing a pool for your home.
With these seven ideas, you can afford to have one sitting in your backyard before summer.
Above-Ground Pool
Cost estimate according to experts: $1,500 to $5,000 for a complete setup
Above-ground pools are the most popular budget-friendly option, and for good reason. While an in-ground swimming pool can cost $20,000 to $65,000, an above-ground pool can set you back about $1500 to $5,000 on average.
These pools come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small, round ones perfect for kids to large, oval pools that can accommodate the whole family. They’re also easy to dismantle if you move or want to store them during the winter.
Upscale Inflatable Pool
Cost estimate: $300 to $1,500, depending on size and features
Don’t think all inflatable pools are cheap and flimsy. Today’s upscale inflatable pools are much bigger, stronger, and look way better than the old ones. Some even come with built-in seats, cup holders, and fancy designs that look exactly like the picture you’re seeing.
You can find options for under $800, and they’re super easy to set up. Just plug in the air pump and you’re ready to go in about an hour. When summer ends, you can deflate them and store them in your garage or basement.
Sleek Plunge Pool
Cost estimate: $10,000 to $25,000 for a permanent installation:
$3,000 to $8,000 for above-ground versions:
A plunge pool is a small, deep pool that’s perfect for cooling off quickly. You can create one using a large stock tank or even a small above-ground pool. The important thing is making it deeper rather than wider, so you can take a refreshing dip without needing tons of space.
These pools cost much less than regular pools because they use way less water and materials. You can make yours look sleek and modern by adding clean lines, simple colors, and maybe some decorative stones around the edges.
Modular Pool
Cost estimate: $15,000 to $50,000, depending on size and features
Modular pools are made from pieces that fit together like building blocks. You can buy panels that connect to create the exact size and shape you want. This gives you way more control over your pool’s design without the massive cost of a custom-built pool.
These systems usually cost between $3,000 and $20,000, depending on size. A good advantage is that you can start small and add more sections later if you want to make your pool bigger. They’re also easier to install than traditional pools since you don’t need to dig a huge hole or pour concrete.
Small Lap Pool
Cost estimate: $20,000 to $50,000 for in-ground, $8,000 to $20,000 for above-ground versions
Even if you don’t have a huge yard, you can still have a lap pool for swimming exercise. A small lap pool only needs to be about 6 feet wide and 25 feet long. You can create one using an above-ground pool in a rectangular shape or even use a shipping container.
The narrow design means you use less water and chemicals, which saves money over time. You can swim laps for exercise or just enjoy having a pool that looks more grown-up and sophisticated than round pools.
Small Dip Pool
Cost estimate: $10,000 to $25,000 for permanent installation, $2,000 to $6,000 for above-ground options
These pools are usually only 3 to 4 feet deep and 8 feet across. They’re not meant for swimming laps, just for quick cooling off on hot days.
You can create a dip pool using a large stock tank, a small above-ground pool, or even by digging a small area and lining it. They cost very little to fill and maintain, and they take up hardly any space in your yard.
Pergola Pool
Cost estimate: $2,000 to $8,000 for materials and installation
A pergola pool combines your pool with a beautiful overhead structure that provides shade and style. You can set up any budget pool and then build or purchase a pergola to cover part of it. This creates a resort-like feeling right in your backyard.
The pergola doesn’t just look good – it also gives you shade on hot days and a place to hang lights for evening swimming. You can grow vines on it for natural shade, or add curtains for privacy.
What if I already have a pool? Can I remodel it to any of these ideas?
Yes, pool remodeling is possible for any of the ideas on this list. Here are some suggestions:
If you have a basic above-ground pool, you can turn it into an in-ground pool by building a deck around it. You can also add a pergola overhead to create a resort-like feel.
For any existing pool, you can change its purpose. A large pool can be converted into a lap pool by adding lane markers and focusing on a specific area for swimming. You can also create different zones – use one end as a cocktail area with floating chairs and the other end for active swimming.
Even if your pool is the wrong shape for what you want now, you can work with it. Add features like built-in seating, new lighting, or decorative elements to completely change how it looks and feels.
The most important thing is to make your pool area a place where you and your family love to spend time. Good luck!
