Holy cow pools are expensive (Round Rock, Happy: HOA, insurance, home)

[woodinvilleguy]

I didn't realize that it now costs 50k to build a pool and spa.... That just seems crazy. I had budgeted 40k...

[HappyTexan]

Try an above ground with nice decking and you can drop a "0" from your budget

[woodinvilleguy]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

Try an above ground with nice decking and you can drop a "0" from your budget

I think my HOA would hate me.

[eswrede]

It's the same reason why there are very few basements in TX.

[BJB817]

If you live west of I-35 in the rocks, it's an engineering feat just to dig a hole to plant a flower.

We have an above ground pool that looks very tasteful IMHO. If you're committed to the idea of a pool, I'd at least check with the HOA to see if it's an option.

[austinHodge]

Have you talked to multiple companies? I recently got a quote for a 30k pool in Round Rock.

[musicman107]

I do not mean to splash water on anyone's dreams of becoming a swimming pool owner, but, as a Professional Home Inspector, here are some things to consider before diving into pool ownership:
Legal/insurance liabilities: Private pools are attractive to youngsters wandering neighborhoods..."Nobody's around, nobody's looking...let's go for a swim.." For your legal/liability protection, all due precautions should be taken to ensure that the pool area is completely and properly enclosed: approved fence, proper height, proper spacing between openings, self-closing and lockable gates, locked when not attended and supervised, etc, etc.
For a private swimming pool, I'm afraid I'd have to consider diving boards "unsafe by design."
Safe storage of maintenance chemicals
Electrical: Super caution must be exercised and maintained for all electrical systems and wiring anywhere near the pool...grounding, electrical bonding, GFCI protection for pumps, heaters, metal ladders, slides, all electrical outlets/receptacles, etc.
Maintenance costs:chemicals, filtration systems, pumps, heaters, cleaning, pool covers, etc.
Cost of water: You're probably looking at quite a few thousands of gallons of water to fill and re-fill
Energy costs for pumps and heaters (whether electric or gas) can be rather hefty
There are families that find that a pool becomes seldom-used after their teens get driver's licenses.
Yes, pools can be a great addition to a home, but there may be some considerations which do not first meet the eyes.
For what it's worth, doing your homework is recommended.
Respectfully,
musicman

[woodinvilleguy]

Thanks Music man, Yes I have considered all of these factors. In fact, we are having a seperate fence installed around the pool. I also know that my wife and I will use the pool after the kids decide not to.

I do appreciate all the points you mentioned though.

[Trainwreck20]

There is a new pool in our neighborhood (you can see the construction through the partially removed fence) that is part in-ground, part above. They have basically built the pool up a couple feet above grade and dug several feet below. The above grade portion is probably 10" thck concrete. They are building decking (part wood/part concrete or whatever) around the pool, as well as landscaping, to cover the protruding part. I have no idea if it is cheaper, but that is the only reason I can think of. It really looks like it will look very nice when they are done.

[musicman107]

Originally Posted by woodinvilleguy

Thanks Music man, Yes I have considered all of these factors. In fact, we are having a seperate fence installed around the pool. I also know that my wife and I will use the pool after the kids decide not to.
I do appreciate all the points you mentioned though.

Excellent to have the separate fence installed.
For your safety, and for safety/insurance/liability reasons, recommend you consult some references such as 2003 International Residential Code (2003 IRC Appendix G) regarding fences and barriers;
and 2005 National Electrical Code (2005 NEC, Section 680) regarding electrical;
and do "due diligence" keeping on top of your installers.
I have seen some pretty recent pool installations which fall significantly short of codes/recommendations and present safety hazards.
Respectfully,
musicman107