Thinking about getting a backyard pool installed but don’t know where to begin?

It happens to thousands of homeowners each year. They jump head-first into their pool project without doing the proper research and it ends up costing WAY too much money. After dealing with the wrong contractors and improper planning, they spend way more money than they should have too.

Truth bombs ahead

Installing a pool in your backyard is one of the largest investments a homeowner can make. It all comes down to being prepared, hiring the right residential pool contractor and knowing what goes into building a pool BEFORE getting started.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The importance of hiring the right residential pool contractor
• What to expect during the installation process
• How much a backyard pool really costs
• Permits, regulations & something most people overlook
• How your pool affects home value

Why You Need The Right Residential Pool Contractor

This is the biggest decision you will make when it comes to your pool installation.

The right contractor will walk you through every step of the pool building process. Everything from design/engineering all the way up to excavation and plumbing. Then finishing up with tile, decking and everything else needed for a successful pool build.

The wrong contractor will do the opposite. There will be delays, unexpected costs and you’ll end up with a pool that falls apart over time.

Here are red flag qualities to avoid when hiring your residential pool contractor:

• Licenses & Insurance. Every contractor should be licensed by the state and locally. Period.
• Track Record. Are there reviews online? Case studies? Photos of past work? You want someone who’s been building pools for many years and knows what they’re doing. A great local example would be Carmel-by-the-Sea pool contractors. They know how to deal with building codes and tricky terrain.
• Transparent Pricing. Your contractor should be able to give you a detailed quote that breaks down each cost associated with building your pool. Vague or strange responses means you should look elsewhere.
• Timelines. Expect the installation process to take 8-12 weeks. Anyone who tells you your pool can be done in 6 weeks isn’t being straight with you.

Your pool contractor will set the tone for your entire build. Take your time choosing who to work with.

What To Expect With Your Pool Installation

What goes into building a pool? Believe it or not, most homeowners don’t realise how many steps there are to constructing a pool.

Below is a basic step by step guide to how every pool installation should go.

1. Design & engineering
2. Permit applications
3. Excavation
4. Steel reinforcement & plumbing
5. Install pool shell (concrete, fiberglass, vinyl)
6. Tile, coping, decking, etc…
7. Equipment setup & final inspection

Depending on the size of your pool, this can take several weeks. Make sure you don’t try to rush the contractor because they’ll try to cut corners to save time.

One thing most people don’t consider…

Landscaping can have big rocks or high water tables. Dealing with these issues can increase your excavation cost drastically, so be sure your pool contractor gives you a final quote after evaluating the land.

How Much Does Installing a Backyard Pool Cost?

It’s time to talk about money.

According to industry researchers, the average cost of an in-ground pool in the United States is around $65,000. However, the type of pool you choose can dramatically increase or decrease that price.

Breakdown:

• Concrete pools: $50,000 – $100,000+. Very customizable but also very expensive.
• Fiberglass pools: $30,000 – $60,000. Cheaper to maintain and faster to install.
• Vinyl liner pools: $25,000 – $50,000. Affordable but you’ll have to replace the liner every 8-10 years.

There are also costs outside of the actual pool you’ll need to consider.

Fencing and other safety items will be required by most cities. Don’t forget about decking, landscaping, pumps, heaters, and filtration systems either. Last but not least you should budget for annual maintenance which averages between $3,000 – $6,000 per year.

Take away message: Set your budget before speaking to pool contractors. And don’t forget to add an extra 10 to 15% for miscellaneous expenses. You will need it.

Pool Permits, Inspections, & What Most People Forget

Now this’ll come as a surprise to some homeowners…

You need permits to build a pool. There are local laws that dictate how close your pool can be to property lines, what type of fencing you can use, how deep it can be and more. Not having the proper permits can cause you to pay fines and even remove the pool if you try to sell your home.

Here’s what you should do before breaking ground.

• Check with your city on zoning laws. They may have rules on pool placement, depth, and pool size.
• Apply for building permits. Again, your pool contractor should be able to do this but confirm they’ll apply prior to starting work.
• Safety comes first. Most states require your pool to have a four-sided fence with gates that close by themselves. There are even some states that require alarms and safety pool covers.
• Mark utilities. You don’t want to hit any underground gas, electric, or plumbing lines so be sure your contractor maps out where they are.

Not knowing about these things will come back to cause problems later.

Apply for permits early and your pool installation will run smoothly from there.

Pool Effect On Home Value

The age old question every homeowner wants to know…

Will a home be worth more after installing a pool?

If you live in a state where pools are common (think California, Florida or Arizona) then yes! But if you live somewhere with harsh winters your pool may actually deter buyers from purchasing your home.

Results from a Realtor.com study show that homes with pools were priced 54% higher on average compared to homes without them as of April 2025. That’s a huge increase!

But a pool isn’t something you can just “install and forget”. A dirty, messy pool can actually lower the value of your home. Maintain your pool properly and you’ll see the benefits of installing one.

Pool installations add value, when done right.

Bringing It All Together

Installing a pool is not something you should jump into without proper research. Learn everything you can about the process and always hire a professional pool contractor who has been doing this for many years.

Here’s your backyard pool installation checklist.

• Hire a licensed pool contractor
• Know what goes into installing a pool
• Set your budget (and don’t forget to include buffer)
• Pull your permits & proof of safety compliance
• Maintain your pool once it’s installed

Now that you know what it takes to install a pool. Get the job done right!

Last modified: April 10, 2026