Fiberglass Pool Costs
The most popular question out there is, “How much is my pool going to cost?” There are a variety of ways to get the answer and of course, in the end it all depends on the degree of customizing you do.
DIY/KIT/SHELL ONLY: If you look online, you will find companies even on Ebay and Craigslist selling shells. Upfront cost: LOW. BUT BEWARE. First off, there are no fiberglass pool manufacturers in MA, NH, RI, CT, VT, ME or NY. So if you are in any of these areas, you will have to take SHIPPING into account which can go upwards of $5K.
Another item to take into account if you go this way is WARRANTY issues. All the reputable manufacturers that are out there stipulate that to enact the warranty, the pool must be installed to manufacturers specifications. I would venture to say if you go either the DIY, SHELL OR KIT path, beware. For if you have any issues after the fact, where is your recourse? Assuming you are planning for many years of backyard family enjoyment, it is your best interest to have a relationship with a company who will be there to service your pool, open and close and answer your questions when they arise.
FULL INSTALLATION: Some companies out there may offer partial installation of just the pool and equipment or assistance in the setting of the pool, but as this is a major renovation to your backyard, you should choose a company that does full installations and DOES NOT SUBCONTRACT any of it out. What you get when you choose this path is the pool of your choice, completely installed with your choice of features with warranties intact.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR INSTALLATION COMPANY:
* Type of pipe they use – Should be Schedule 40 Rigid PVC pipe ONLY.
* Number of pools they have installed – EXPERIENCE MATTERS in a big way!
* Licenses, insurance, references – CHECK THEM!
You know the phrase, you get what you pay for…that has never been more true as with fiberglass pool dealers. The better the pool product, the more expensive. Generic will always cost less, but it’s not always just as good a product.
Be cautious of too low a price. Any company claiming to meet or beat a competing bid is just doing that to earn your business and isn’t planning for the long term. Buying a pool, with the right company is about building a relationship and low-ball companies aren’t going to be around in 5 years. That’s just basic economics.
You may be thinking, “You didn’t tell me any prices,” and your right, because everyone out there packages their pool installations just a little bit differently but what you will find is that the prices are pretty uniform on the GOOD MANUFACTURERS.
So how do you differentiate amongst the fiberglass pool companies out there? Read the next post in the Buyers Guide.