Building your dream swimming pool can be a wonderful experience, but it can also become a nightmare if you don’t know some facts before you begin. Add ons and fancy features, that give the “WOW Factor” many are looking for, can hike up the price of your pool fast! If you’re interested in learning more about how to get all you want and still stay within your budget, read this guide to an affordable pool build.

When designing a budget conscious pool, it’s important to take into consideration your backyard and create a layout that meets your needs. Pools in Southwest Florida face more challenges than other areas in the U.S., however, the tips provided below will be of great help when having your pool fit your terrain, regardless of location.

Since we are talking about a budget conscious pool, we will not be talking about pool spa combos. Look out for pool spa combo budget friendly design in the upcoming posts!

A simple pool design.

Pool Contractor Sarasota Guide to an affordable pool build guide to an affordable pool build

Less is more when it comes to building an affordable pool. This is great news for anyone with a smaller budget! Sleek straight lines and contemporary designs are the look that high-end builders and buyers alike are going for right now. Keep your design square or rectangular in shape, while keeping the pool lines parallel and perpendicular to the house. This makes the pool layout easier, which in turn can keep the cost down. Pools built with turns and angles create a level of difficulty that could be reflected in the over all price.

Size matters when it comes to your pool. Bigger pools will always cost more than a smaller pool. Every aspect of the pool build will go up in price drastically if the pool design gets large. Most pools built in our area are around 300 square feet which is more than enough space for swimming. *Always consult your pool contractor about how certain design features may increase your price.

Pool deck and screen optional

Foregoing the pool deck and screen is a great way to take the cost down significantly. Opt for a grass deck instead of concrete. Ditch the screen, and now you have created a larger outdoor living space, pulling the entire yard together.

Pool decks and screens are not required for pool construction. The only requirement in the state of Florida is that the pool be properly secured as to prevent drownings. Click Here to see the safety requirements for Florida.

*Something to consider when opting for no pool enclosure is the possibility of nuisance pests and critters. Mosquito, No-See-Ums, and other animals are very much a reality in Florida. A homeowner can get around these obstacles with proper planning and treatments on the property. If you decide you would like to add the deck on in a few years, this is always still an option too.

Pool deck and screen optional

Water features, such as water falls and deck jets, can of course really add that extra wow factor to your pool. These features don’t come without a price though. Remember, that the best water feature you’re getting is the actual swimming pool! It is better to have no features and a beautiful pool, than nothing at all in the back yard. Every feature is more plumbing, labor, and expense… so be careful when/if adding on!

Hold off on the Heater

It’s easy to say don’t have a heater when the pool location is in Florida. While this may not be an option for everyone, holding off on the heater can be. Wait and see what the demand for the heater will be. A lot of the time a heater is a luxury that will sit more than it will be used. If the heater is an absolute need, hold off for a season to off set some of the upfront cost.

Salt isn’t a necessity, it’s a luxury

Salt generators are a great upgrade to any swimming pool, and create silky smooth water. While Salt systems are nice on a pool, they are not necessary if the homeowner is on a budget. Chlorine tablets are a big part of the pool industry and are still a big chunk of the sales here in Southwest Florida. Tablets sanitize just as well as its salt generator counterpart. Installing a salt system at a later date is always an option as well.

There are lots of ways to trim the fat on a hefty pool quote. This guide to an affordable pool build gives just a few creative ways to reduce the total cost of a job. We tried to cover the most common and large ticket items that will inflate a pool price quickly. Most local pool builders are more than willing to help accommodate your needs and tailor the project to fit any budget. Feel free to contact us for any questions, or if you are in the market for a new pool and would like a quote. IPD Pool & Spa strives to build quality swimming pools for the cost conscious buyer.