11 Tips for Designing an Affordable Pool: Dive In on a Budget
Creating your dream pool doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can design a stunning and affordable pool that adds value to your home and provides a refreshing escape during those hot summer days. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you plunge into designing your very own affordable oasis.
1) Shrink Your Pool Size
Opt for a pool size that fits your needs without extravagance. Smaller plunge pools not only require less labor and construction material but also entail lower maintenance costs. Remember, it's about creating a space that's enjoyable and functional rather than overly spacious.
2) Stick to Basic Pool Materials
Consult with your builder to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to material selections. Selecting cost-effective yet durable materials is crucial. As a homeowner, the primary materials you’ll choose are tile, coping, and interior finish. If you’re also building a deck or patio, you’ll also need to select a material for this feature. Typically, a broom or salt finish concrete deck or patio will be the best option if you’re looking for an affordable pool build overall.
3) Keep Your Pool Shape Simple
Elaborate shapes and intricate designs can escalate construction costs. Stick to simpler, rectangular pool designs. This reduces labor and material expenses and ensures a timeless, transitional aesthetic. A rectangular pool will never look dated.
4) Use Energy-Efficient Pool Equipment
Consider incorporating energy-efficient features into your pool design. From LED lighting to variable-speed pumps, these additions may have a higher upfront cost but will ultimately save you money in the long run through reduced energy consumption. A standard Pool Sharp equipment package will include the most up-to-date, energy-efficient equipment.
5) Keep Your Pool Shallow
The deeper you make your pool, the more costly it will be. Adding depth requires more excavation, material, and labor. We recommend going no deeper than 5’ water depth for the most affordable pool.
6) Design Minimal Steps and Benches
Large step areas and benches will increase steel and shotcrete costs. Instead of a tanning ledge and multiple benches, opt for simple and compact steps and bench options. This will save you money, as well as increase the swim space in your pool.
7) DIY Landscaping
Landscaping can significantly enhance the appeal of your pool area. Save money by taking a hands-on approach to landscaping. Planting your own greenery, flowers, and shrubs can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to beautify the space. Always consult with your pool builder and inform them of your landscaping plans. There might be ways that your pool builder can make the landscaping easier for you.
8) Prioritize Essential Features
Identify the must-have features for your pool and focus your budget on those elements. Extras like waterfalls, elaborate lighting schemes, or intricate tile work can quickly inflate costs. Keep it simple and functional. For example, a cost-effective alternative to a waterfall is a bubbler that you can locate on the top step.
9) Don’t Elevate Your Pool Too Far Above Grade
You might have an elevated foundation and be tempted to build your pool at your foundation’s level. Sometimes this seems like the more attractive option, but you’ll need to consider the costs associated with an elevated pool. The higher the pool, the more attention your pool builder will need to pay to the foundation and structural aspects of the pool. The support structure must be designed to withstand the additional loads associated with elevation. Building your pool further out of the ground may involve more engineering and higher costs for materials and labor. Instead, you might consider opting for steps down from your patio to the level of your pool. Elevating the pool around 6” above the adjacent grade is the most cost-effective decision.
10) Keep Flatwork Small and Functional
While a pool patio or deck can undoubtedly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space, it's essential to recognize that their construction can contribute significantly to the overall costs of your project. Instead, opt for smaller functional flatwork around your pool. Instead of surrounding your entire pool with flatwork, only surround the area where you’ll be accessing your pool.
11) Locate Your Pool Equipment Close to Your Pool
Locating pool equipment close to the pool area is a strategic decision that can lead to cost savings in various ways. When pool equipment is situated close to the pool, there is a shorter distance for plumbing and piping to cover. This can result in significant cost savings, as less material is needed for pipes and fittings, and the installation process becomes more straightforward. Shorter piping distances between the pool and pool equipment reduce friction losses and energy consumption. The pump has to work less to circulate water, leading to lower electricity costs over time. This energy efficiency is particularly important for the pool pump, which is a primary consumer of electricity in pool systems.