How Much Do Pools REALLY Cost in 2024 in Texas?

DIY

Feb 20

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We moved into our dream home last summer and immediately knew we wanted to put a pool in. If you’ve been in Texas in the summer - you know the feeling! We wanted a simple design with simple material. I was set on having a beach entry, and maybe a few stools in the pool.

When we first started pricing out pools, I was expecting to see options in the $20,000-$30,000 range. We decided to get quotes from three local companies, and I was SHOCKED when I saw the estimates. Our quotes ranged from $80,000-$120,000 - for a BASIC pool. After we got over the sticker shock, we decided on a company and moved forward with our plans to build. This is our forever home and a pool is still a great investment for us.

Because no one is ever honest about how much pools cost, I wanted to give a detailed breakdown of ours to help others avoid the shock I had.

COST BREAKDOWN:

Design, Plans & Permits: $3,706
Excavation: $4,960
Steel: $5,520
Plumbing: $3,986
Gunite: $10,455
Electric: $3,150
Title: $2,857
Coping: $3,577
Masonry: $3,900
Decks: $5,883
Yard Restoration: $6,150
Plaster: $6,156
Equipment: $11,262
+profit for the pool company

GRAND TOTAL: $83,008

Keep in mind, our pool has a beach entry, a tanning area, and three barstools with a few holes for umbrellas. Prices vary based on the company, location, and design - but we are really happy with the company we went with.

Other Costs To Consider

Safety: We have a young son and a baby on the way, so pool safety is huge for us - especially considering drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Fences and covers vary in cost, but we are using Katchakid (this brand came highly recommended on a local Mom’s Facebook group). On average, their covers will run about $1,600-$3,000 for an average-sized pool. Many cities and states require a fence around the property and/or pool (which can end up costing more than the pool itself!).

Yearly Maintenance: If you want to DIY your pool care, you can end up saving a lot of money. You’ll need to do research about how to test the water and what chemicals are needed. We decided a weekly pool service was the best fit for our busy family, which will cost us $65 per week. This might seem like a lot, but taking care of a pool the right way can save you money long-term!

Filling Up The Pool: I was actually surprised that it only cost about $150 for us to fill our pool. We also haven’t noticed any large increases on any water bills since, which is a relief! This will obviously vary by pool size, but I would say our pool is definitely average in gallon capacity.

Decorating/Furnishing Pool Area: This category is definitely dependent on how much decor and furniture you want, so be sure to plan ahead and budget! It’s easy to overspend when you don’t have a plan. I was able to find a large pool umbrella (brand new!) that someone had thrown out. If you know you want a pool soon, try shopping after summer sales and storing the items for when you’ll need them.

Here are a few budget-friendly items that I think are actually needed:

Landscaping: Adding sod after pool construction is technically optional, but the grass around the pool helps absorb water and keeps the area from getting muddy. Depending on the sod you get, it can cost between $0.35 and $0.80 per sq ft - so calculate based on the area you have.

Tips On Decreasing Cost: Unfortunately, I don’t recommend cutting corners when it comes to pool installation, but one way to cut some cost is to check with your city’s options for water fees. Some water companies will discount or waive the added cost of filling your pool (unfortunately, ours didn’t!). We also could have gone with non-permanent in-water barstools (like these), but eventually decided a permanent option was best for us (despite the added cost).

A pool is an investment, and not one that you should take lightly. Be sure to research if a pool will affect your home value (positively or negatively!) and really consider if it’s the best fir for your family. With that being said, we LOVE ours and are so happy with our decision!