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Two years ago, we priced the cost of a new gunite pool (Same size about 650 sf for all pool quotes). The total package was around $33000 cover included but no salt system or heat pump. We just received two pool quotes. The base cost of the pool without cover is approx. $38k. Kick in another $3k for a cover, $5k for a heat pump, and $2k for a salt system. So, if we want a pool with a heat pump, salt system, cover, and diving board, we are looking at a cost of $47k (not including fencing and patio creation).
Seriously, have prices escalated this much in few years?
We are in the Philadelphia area. Very surprised by what seems like a 15% increase in price. At this price point, we might just "table" our pool dreams.
Don't do a diving board. Reduce the depth of the deep end. You'll save on costs...........and insurance.
That's a fairly large pool and I don't think the costs are that out of line. I don't like salt water systems with gunite - seems to erode the pool surface quicker from what I've seen with friends' pools. It's been fine with my fiberglass Trilogy pool though which I love the most out of all the ig pools I've had.
That said, what has changed is that most pool builders often decide to use MUCH fancier tile / trim and such for such pools to make them more of a "center piece" of a high-end back yard and some of the fancy stuff with imported glass and/or metalic tile is quite pricey.
The other big factor is that many firms in the pool construction business have seen rather large increases in their workmen's comp charges as well as general health care coverage and liability insurace (some related to the kinds of well publicized problems of big expensive judgements...
In a climate like Philly you have to really really really be adicted to swimming to justify the expenditure...
Not to derail your thread, but I too was 'hooked' on a gunite pool. And then I discovered the joys of a high quality vinyl pool.
There is just no comparison.
The vinyl is lower cost, by far. But it is also lower maintenance, a lot easier to clean, a lot softer on the feet (and other things, like children's heads, which might bang into it), and a lot friendlier in a cold climate like yours. The designs, quality of the vinyl, and overall appearance are every bit as 'fancy' as a gunite pool.
Think of it as sort of like leather seats versus fabric in a car: Everyone wants leather because they think it is fancy, but the fabric is way more comfortable--especially on the hot and /or super cold days. The lower cost option is simply hands down a better interior. Ditto for vinyl pools.
OP the costs you quote are pretty much in line with the industry. Remember salt will erode or weaken metal parts of your system. Visualize the cars in the snow country with the rusted out fenders.
Related: check with your homeowners insurance to make sure they will cover a diving board... they could drop you or really jack up your rates. Apparently they are looked at in same light as trampolines.
Our new house purchase (also in Philly area) has a pool and diving board. Our agent said if it weren't for having our house, autos (4), and life insurance all with same company they would have dropped us. (he said still had to get regional manager approval)
Last edited by bellmark; 01-22-2014 at 08:49 AM..
Reason: added "Related"
Not to derail your thread, but I too was 'hooked' on a gunite pool. And then I discovered the joys of a high quality vinyl pool.
There is just no comparison.
The vinyl is lower cost, by far. But it is also lower maintenance, a lot easier to clean, a lot softer on the feet (and other things, like children's heads, which might bang into it), and a lot friendlier in a cold climate like yours. The designs, quality of the vinyl, and overall appearance are every bit as 'fancy' as a gunite pool.
Think of it as sort of like leather seats versus fabric in a car: Everyone wants leather because they think it is fancy, but the fabric is way more comfortable--especially on the hot and /or super cold days. The lower cost option is simply hands down a better interior. Ditto for vinyl pools.
Interesting option. However, I have a fairly high water table so I wonder whether the vinyl liner will float if water creeps underneath the liner?
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