Investing in a fiberglass pool is an exciting and often rewarding decision for homeowners seeking to enhance their outdoor living experience, but understanding the associated costs is essential for making an informed choice. Fiberglass pool prices can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as size, shape, and additional features. Compared to gunite and vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools are known for their durability, low maintenance requirements, and considerable longevity. With such advantages, it’s no wonder many homeowners are considering fiberglass pools to transform their backyards into a relaxation and entertainment oasis.
If you’re thinking about putting in a fiberglass pool, I hope this information will be helpful to you and give you a better idea of what you’ll be getting into from a money standpoint.
Fiberglass pools are probably in the middle when it comes to comparing the overall costs of all the various pool options out there. We chose to install a fiberglass pool for a few different reasons, the biggest one being that they’re relatively low maintenance. Fiberglass pools do not have to be replaced over time, and most are under warranty for several years.
This being said, fiberglass may be more upfront compared to some other options, but you will save down the road. Another couple of reasons we chose fiberglass was the wide variety of pool designs and quick installation.
So how much does it cost to install a fiberglass pool? Here is a detailed breakdown of what it cost us to install our pool. Keep in mind the price will vary depending on your location and property.
Pool Prep Work Cost for a Fiberglass Pool
Before you install a fiberglass pool, there are some necessary prepping steps that must be taken. This process involves site preparation, excavation, and filling. The costs associated with these steps can vary depending on several factors, such as pool size, location, and soil type.
Site Preparation: To prepare the site for the pool installation, the contractor will need to clear the area of any trees, rocks, or debris that may interfere with the installation. The average cost of site preparation ranges from $500 to $5,000. We did cut down quite a few trees, so this part for us added up quickly.
Excavation: The excavation process involves digging a hole to accommodate the pool. The cost of excavation is usually determined by the size of the pool, and it can range from $1,000 to $10,000. We spent some money here, but not much digging had to be done. They added our site prep, excavation, and fill dirt together within the bill.
Fill: After the excavation process, fill material is needed to create a solid base for the pool. The cost of filling can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the amount needed. This is where we spent a bulk of money because we had to build up the area, which was a steep grade. Once all of the shale was brought in and compacted, the whole for the pool was dug.
The pool was then brought in and set in place using a crane. This whole process took several weeks and was a big chunk of the cost. The total for this part of the job was: $15,465 dollars.
Pool and Pool Equipment Cost for a Fiberglass Pool
We chose a basic rectangular shape pool to go with the clean, minimalistic design style we were trying to achieve. Our pool is the R32 from River Pools. The color is a little on the darker side, called Graphite Grey. The pool also includes two led lights. The pool itself, with the upgraded color and led lights, was a total of $23,677 dollars.
Our pool is a saltwater pool that uses a Pentair Intellichlor salt generator. The salt system is a total of $1,900 dollars. A salt pool is a pool that has been chlorinated by means of salt chlorination and not traditional harsh liquid or solid chemical chlorine. The salt chlorination gives you clean, clear, and luxuriously soft water.
Every pool will require a pump and a filter. The pool filter removes impurities from the water and ensures that it stays clean. The pool pump circulates water through the filter, ensuring that the pool remains clean and chemicals are well-distributed. The cost of the pump and filter combined for a total of $1453 dollars.
We also purchased an automatic cover. It has been worth every penny of the money we spent on it, considering how many trees we have around our pool area. The cover was a total of $10,800 dollars including installation.
We also chose to install a heating system so we could enjoy our pool for a longer season. We chose to go with an electric heat pump. The heater is only an add-on option and is not a must when installing a pool. The extra cost was $5,080 dollars. This could be a place to save if you wanted to do without.
Added Expenses
Once the pool is installed and the equipment is in place, you may want to consider some additional features, such as travertine tiles or sod. These features can enhance the look of your pool area but can also add to the overall cost. The costs of these additional features are as follows:
Concrete: We had to have a concrete collar, and then some poured around the pool. This gave us something to lay the tile one. The total cost for the concrete was $1300.
Porcelain Outdoor Tile: We ended up going with a porcelain tile made to look like travertine. We spent a total of $1,500 dollars. We spent no money on labor since Henry installed the tile by himself.
Sod: Sod can add a finishing touch to the area surrounding the pool, and the cost can range from $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. We had an area of around 300 square feet. We also laid the sod ourselves, which saved us from paying labor costs. The total amount for sod was $240 dollars.
| Prep Work and Fill | $15,465 |
| Pool | $23,677 |
| Salt System | $1,900 |
| Pump | $1,453 |
| Cover | $10,800 |
| Pool Heater | $5,080 |
| Plumbing Installation | $4,814 |
| Electrical Installation | $3,030 |
| Concrete | $1,300 |
| Outdoor Tile | $1,500 |
| Sod | $240 |
| Total | $69,259 |
The cost of installing a fiberglass pool can range from $35,000 to $70,000, depending on the size of the pool, site preparation, and added features. It’s important to keep in mind that these are just estimates and that costs can vary based on location and the contractor you hire. So, if you’re considering installing a fiberglass pool, make sure to do your research and choose a reliable and experienced contractor to ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and within your budget.
What About Cleaning a Fiberglass Pool After Installation?
Keeping a fiberglass pool clean after installation is easier than you might think. Regular maintenance is key, starting with a reliable robotic cleaner. Our favorite, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, takes the hassle out of pool upkeep. This little robot diligently roams the pool, scrubbing walls and floors, and filtering out debris with impressive efficiency. By running it a few times a week, you’ll ensure your pool stays sparkling clean without much effort on your part.
Other than using the robotic cleaner, make sure to check your pool’s chemical levels regularly, skim the surface for leaves, and brush the sides occasionally. This combination of smart technology and a bit of manual care will keep your fiberglass pool looking pristine all season long.
