Inground swimming pool prices

The prices for inground swimming pools can vary greatly depending on the scope of the entire project. There are 3 types of inground pools on the market.

1. Inground vinyl swimming pools.

2. Inground fiberglass swimming pools.

3. Inground concrete swimming pools.

There are many pros and cons for each of these pools. Most of these center around price, installation time, aestethics and interior finish. All 3 of these types of pools have been around for decades and there is strong debate of which one is the best. In my opinion, all 3 types of pools are great depending on the application. For example, all 3 pools have a smooth finish but the interior finish on a vinyl and fiberglass pool are a little smoother. The fiberglass pool can be lifted over a home that has little or no access. The price point for vinyl pools is better than concrete and fiberglass. Concrete pools have no limitation on shape. Fiberglass interior do not have to be redone.

As you can see, my point is that the type of inground swimming pool you select should be based on the application and the additional selection criteria will be price, installation time, aestethics and interior finish.

As to where pricing starts for these inground pools-

Vinyl swimming pool starts at approximately $25,000.00

Fiberglass swimming pool starts at approximately $29,000.00

Concrete swimming pool starts at approximately $30,000.00

Also, at Elite Pools we include alot of standard items for efficiency so ultimately the price is important but the overall operation costs should be consider as well.

In addition to the aforementioned prices, please consider the following for the swimming pool design and price:

Lighting

Fence

Landscaping

Hardscaping around the pool (walls)

Covers

Patio decking material

I hope this gave you an overview of inground swimming pool prices. The next blog will include a breakdown of general expenses for fence, landscape, hardscape and patio materials. Please visit www.elitepools.com for more resources.

Swimming pool main drain safety

Safety main drain(s) is one of the most important pieces you will install on your swimming pool. Ask your pool professional to explain how they intend to keep swimmers safe in your pool. Insist on reading the cut sheets and also talk to the experts. I have included a main drain product that Elite Pools believes to be the safest on the market. Go to www.elitepools.com for more information.

AVSC Drain

Features/Benefits

• Engineered to meet the Unblockable category (Safest design on the marketplace) as allowed in ANSI/APSP 7 Standard.
  • Get peace of mind with our maximum safety drain that also cleans your pool. This allows you to install one drain instead of two as allowed for in the regular standards.
• Available in two models, Single & Dual inlet models with flow rates up to 227 GPM.
  • The AVSC Drain allows you to plumb not only one pump, but two pumps if needed to one drain. Think of the Savings!
• Designed with a flush large opening for debris removal.
  • Most other VGB certified drains are for circulation only. Unlike how the AVSC Drain is “flush” with the finish of the pool, all other debris removal drains extend significantly above the finish. The large opening in the AVSC Drain does allow for even the largest of debris to pass into the drain.
• Engineered with Dual Levels of Protection
  • Unlike other certified drains, the AVSC Drain is designed with its Safety Baffle. This is a second level of protection keeps the swimmer from being able to come into contact with the suction inlet in the event the cover is broken or missing (the cause of most entrapment cases). Safety is our primary concern!
• NSF International certified to meet the VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act ASME/ANSI 112.19.8a 2008.

Spring is almost here!

It Is Pool Time: It is close to spring time in the Mid-Atlantic and it is time to start thinking about a adding a Pool, Spa or Pond to your backyard.

Hands On Management: Look for someone who is committed to providing strong “hands on” project management and on site supervision of each critical phase of construction. Pool projects are some of the most important additions to home and lifestyle, and constitute a major expense to the property owners.

Building Pools: Elite pools is concerned with providing excellence to the homeowner in every aspect of planning, design, financing and implementation of their swimming pool and landscaping needs."

Take the plunge! www.elitepools.com

We serve all of the Mid-Atlantic area to include Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington D.C.

Swimming pool permits

Swimming pool permits regualtions can vary from state to state, county to county and even city to city. Fortunately, there are some general guidelines when considering a swimming pool project. Here are some questions you will have to ask yourself or your pool prefessional:

Public or Private utilities, well location? Septic location?

Property lines- easements? Building restriction Lines?

Utilities- Overhead electric lines? Gas Main? Sewer main? Where are the lines for my cable, telephone, electric, gas, satelite, etc?

You need to know your Setbacks to all of the above. Each jurisdiction is different and you must be aware of what departments must sign off prior to issuing the permit. Also, most jurisdictions require a fence around the pool. Look for the next blog to talk about fence requirements.

Please post any permit questions you may have and I will help you navigate through the requirements. You can also reach us at www.elitepools.com

Tip #2 of 10 tips on buying and selecting the right contractor to build a swimming pool

TIP # 2: Get at least 3 references to help you accurately assess the pool builder’s workmanship and customer service.

Ask the references about how and why they picked this contractor and about their experience work with the contractor. Find out if any issues came up during the project and how they handled the issues. Ask if they would have done anything differently in hindsight. If you cannot see the finished swimming pool project first hand, ask the pool contractor for pictures. The nature of references is that almost every reference will be positive. Do not depend on references to be a critical analysis of the pool contractor. The reference should give you an idea of how the contractor works on the project and how specific projects and issues were handled. Also, ask for trade references to show relationships within the pool industry, ask for architects, engineers and project managers that have real working relationships with the pool company to show the strength of the pool company’s business.

Snow Blizzard of 2010- Dreaming of warmer days

I think we are ready for the Spring and Summer to arrive. Here are a couple of links that will help you dream of the warm days of summer.


http://holidays.kaboose.com/summer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/beach/clusters/ocean-sunset-summer

http://www.rhapsody.com/playlistcentral/playlistdetail?playlistId=ply.8615888

http://www.elitepools.com

FLICKR site is up and running

Elite Pools has created a FLICKR site for managing the ever changing portfolio of new inground pool pictures. Please click the site below to see pictures of vinyl, concrete and fiberglass swimming pools.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitepools/

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns that you would like to see posted to the blog!

Tip #1 of 10 tips on buying and selecting the right contractor to build a swimming pool

Tip#1- Seek out at least bids from pool contractors.

Swimming pool construction is handled by specialized swimming pool contractors who are experienced in ground conditions and climate of the region. Make sure that your contractor has experience building swimming pools especially the type of swimming pool that you are interested in installing. When you get your bids, look carefully at each swimming pool estimate to assure that you accurately compare one estimate with the next. It is very easy to miss details when comparing estimates. You may even want to create a swimming pool spreadsheet to compare one pool estimate to other pool estimates. Pay special attention to the types of materials that the contractor will use to construct the pool; project extras such as water to fill the pool, special features, energy efficient pumps, going green, salt systems, patio/decking; warranties on the swimming pool and equipment; project timelines and the types of pool equipment that the pool contractor will use such as pool filter, the pool pump, number of skimmers, returns, turnover rates, number of lights, steps, swimming pool vacuums, etc. Many companies will entice a buyer with low prices and then increase the price dramatically with extras that may be included in another pool company’s base pricing- make sure you compare the bids equally across the board. Try to use a company that sells the pool as a whole package to get better pricing or has an all-inclusive policy.

Graduate Level Pool Building

Elite Pools is proud to be featured in Aqua Magazine’s February Issue. This article features 3 high-end pool builders that use “graduate-level” pool building techniques to accomplish beautiful projects.

Please click the link below to read the complete article. The article featuring Elite Pools starts on Page 54.

http://www.aquamagazine.com/digitalissue/0210