With warm temperatures approaching, many Americans will seek refuge in their pools. These comfortable, convenient, and refreshing amenities are a great way to relax during the worst of the summer. However, if you are installing a new pool or doing maintenance on the old one, how much is that going to cost?
Like many things, the answer to that question can vary greatly depending on your unique circumstances. However, there are a few things that you should consider when you are looking to figure out how much it might cost.
First, how much will power will your pool system need? Depending on the components involved in your pool setup, this could meant that a great deal of additional power will need to be routed to an available location. For example, things like lighting, heating, and hot tub features can be very power hungry. Additionally, the standard filters and pumps necessary to keep the system clean will need their own supply. Not only will the pool system be attached to your general electrical system, but your overall electrical system may need some substantial upgrades to be able to handle the new demand for power. Don’t forget that this power drain will also increase your electrical bill.
Second, where are the systems located? If the pumps and features are located against the house, it can remove some of the expensive steps which will be necessary if the pool enclosure is at a distance from the main property. Not only will there need to be trenching done, but inspections will need to be paid for to verify that the trench meets all standards. The labor and inspection costs associated can drive up your bill.
Another mitigating factor can be other features which make access difficult. If there is something like a concrete slab foundation or a concrete patio to deal with, there may be extensive costs, either from routing the wiring around, or in digging up and re laying the concrete.
If your home did not previously have a pool, one of the general electrical upgrades which could need to occur is the installation of a subpanel which will allow installation of the breakers for the pool pump. This again can be somewhat expensive, and can be a substantial cost for anyone looking to install a pool.
In short, if you want to install a pool at your home, you had best make sure that you will have the financial resources to do so. Some of the initial costs may not seem too bad, but there is a great deal of work and equipment which goes into making a safe and reliable modern pool system. If you fail to recognize the amount of work required, you could be put in a situation where the final bill will surprise you. However, there are also things you can do to save some money.
First, make sure that you have a good idea of what electrical work will need to be done, and figure out your plan. Sometimes, you can save money by hiring specialists or performing some of the work yourself. For example, instead of having your general contractor take care of the electrical system, an electrician can be called in to perform the work or give you a quote. If their quote is good and can save you money, you might want to use them as a subcontractor to do that specific piece of work.
Second, while you should never attempt complicated electrical repairs yourself, there is other work involved which might be cheaper to do without the help of a highly trained and specialized individual. For example, if trenching needs to be done, you can do it yourself or hire less skilled laborers to perform the work. While it will have to meet specific requirements and pass an inspection, much of the work can be done without training. If you want to save money, these are the areas where you can likely find some ways to save without compromising the quality or safety of the final product.
As a final thought, always make sure that you plan out well in advance the details of any project that you undertake. If you want to have a functioning pool before the summer ends, you had best get moving immediately. With a bit of money and patience, you and your family will be able to cool off whenever you want. And with the proper precautions, a pool can help keep your family safe as well. While water can be a hazard to small children, it can also be a place to teach them safety and how to swim. Children who are taught how to swim at a young age will be at a huge safety advantage if they are ever in a situation where they need to swim.
