We see homeowners frequently asking questions about why pool builders charge such wildly different amounts for the same project. Comparing proposals can be challenging and sometimes exasperating, especially when it feels like you're comparing apples to oranges. Heck, sometimes it's even difficult to spot or even understand the differences between proposals.
But how can you tell whether a proposal actually includes everything needed for your project?
In many cases it's very tempting to move forward with the cheapest proposal, but these situations can lead to surprise expenses for you, the homeowner.
While surprises can be fun in situations like birthday parties or gifts, they're not fun when they come in the form of unexpected or hidden costs in the middle of your pool project.
The following list is worthy of note-taking so that you can be sure your plans and the proposals you're reviewing clearly show everything necessary for your project to turn out as you envisioned it.
The top 7 hidden costs of an inground pool project
- Land survey
- Retaining walls
- Extra concrete
- Dirt hauling
- Landscaping and drainage
- Electrical and/or gas
- Fencing
- FAQs
Hidden Cost #1: Land Survey
Now, you're already excited about the idea of having a swimming pool in your backyard. But how frustrated would you be if you and your pool builder spent a lot of time, energy, and resources on planning, only to find out just before construction that your pool or patio doesn't pass local regulations or setback requirements?
Even worse, what if you found out during construction?
A land survey would help avoid either of these situations. It may not be required by your local building officials, but having a survey performed early in your planning process will help ensure you, and the installers you're considering working with, understand exactly where the pool and patio can be placed.
Hidden Cost #2: Retaining Walls
Retaining walls can get pretty expensive. And if needed, they're also extremely important to keep your pool and decking stable as well as to ensure your yard drains properly. (more on this drainage topic in a bit)
If a builder you're considering mentions that a retaining wall may be necessary, tune in, ask questions and take notes. With hopes of closing the deal, a builder may exclude the cost of a retaining wall in the beginning. Presenting a "We'll see if it's needed," plan can end up being a major surprise expense.
Be certain to get a set price on any retaining wall that might be necessary before the project starts.
*Pro Tip: If any portion of the top of your decking will be out of the ground more than 30", a retaining wall will be necessary.
Hidden Cost #3: Extra Concrete
Like retaining walls, it seems there is often not nearly enough pre-construction discussion about a pool's patio.
Many pool installers will price pool projects and drop a casual line like, "This price includes the patio."
But how much patio? And will it be enough for you and your family to enjoy the space the way you want, with the furnishings you want?
Understanding the design of your project including the total amount of patio space up front will help you budget appropriately.
Some homeowners go into a project knowing that they may add more patio in the future, but being surprised by that need in the middle of construction is not a good feeling.
Again, do not overlook this important element to learning the true cost of your swimming pool project.
Hidden Cost #4: Dirt Hauling
When an inground swimming pool is built, a significant amount of dirt comes out of the ground. And by significant, we mean A LOT.
In fact, homeowners are usually shocked to see just how much soil is removed once excavation is complete. Sometimes the dirt can be spread out or placed elsewhere on the property.
But often there’s simply nowhere to put it, which means it will need to be hauled away. Dirt hauling, especially in suburban areas, can be surprisingly expensive.
Make sure you understand whether dirt hauling is included in the cost of your project. Otherwise, you could end up with either a large pile of soil sitting in your backyard or an unexpected bill to remove it.
Hidden Cost #5: Landscaping & Drainage
Installing an inground swimming pool requires heavy equipment, which can significantly disturb your yard. It can also change how water drains across your property, including runoff from gutters, downspouts, and melting snow.
Because of this, a landscaping and drainage plan is often needed to restore the yard after construction is complete.
Landscaping may or may not be included in your pool installer’s scope of work. That’s okay, as long as you understand the plan ahead of time. In some cases, homeowners will need to hire a landscaper separately to complete this portion of the project.
One of the first expenses to consider is repairing the lawn in the construction area. This may involve reseeding grass, though many homeowners choose sod so their yard returns to normal more quickly.
Builders often recommend sod because reseeding can fail if heavy rain occurs before the new grass has time to establish roots. In some cases, rainwater can wash away soil and create larger drainage problems before the lawn stabilizes.
Whether you choose sod or seed, it’s important to understand how drainage will function in your new backyard. Water should always flow away from both your home and your pool. That means understanding where the water will go and how it will get there safely.
Be sure to discuss drainage in detail with your pool installer and landscaper (if you hire one). During those conversations, you should understand:
- The natural slope of your yard
- The slope of the patio or pool deck
- Local regulations regarding water runoff*
*Many Mid-Atlantic states have strict runoff regulations.
You may also want to discuss potential drainage solutions such as:
- Swales and channels: Can they be used or built to direct water?
- French drains: Will any existing drains need to be rerouted, or will any new ones need to be constructed?
- Gutter systems: Will the existing systems and downspouts be okay? Will any need to be modified so the water is redirected away from the home and your pool deck?
- Grading and soil types: What sort of soil do you have and what will be needed for grading and replanting?
- Maintenance of your drainage system: Will this be necessary? If so, what will you need to know to keep water flowing away from your home and pool deck?
Pool construction is messy, and your yard or driveway will likely be affected during the process.
If your pool installer doesn’t bring up these topics, be sure to ask. Spending time discussing landscaping and drainage early will help you understand what’s required and avoid unexpected costs later.
Hidden Cost #6: Electrical and/or Gas
Some pool builders include the electrical hook-up in their standard package, and others treat it as a separate invoice. Either way is fine, so long as you understand what is truly needed for your pool. Electrical connections for the pump may not be the only electrical requirement, as many homeowners may also desire additional outlets or fixtures for the outdoor living area surrounding the pool.
It’s a good idea to plan for electrical needs early in the process. Consider how many items will require power, what type of connections they need, and how far they are from the electrical panel, these factors can significantly affect the total cost.
Gas connections are another potential expense if you plan to add a pool heater or gas fire features.
While installing a gas line may seem straightforward, some homeowners discover that their existing gas meter cannot supply enough fuel for the new equipment, requiring an unexpected upgrade.
If a heater or fire feature is part of your plan, ask about fuel requirements and have your pool builder or a qualified contractor verify whether your current gas service can support it.
The goal, of course, is simple: no surprise costs.
Hidden Cost #7: Fencing or Approved Safety Barrier
Almost every swimming pool is required to have a fence or approved safety barrier that meets local safety codes.
Yet many homeowners don’t think about fencing until the project is about to begin, or sometimes even after construction is finished.
How does this happen?
Often, a homeowner assumes their existing fence will qualify, while the pool builder assumes the homeowner will hire a fence company separately. Later, everyone discovers that the current fence doesn’t meet local pool safety requirements.
BAM! Surprise fence expense.
The best approach is to plan the fence at the same time as the pool and patio. Before construction begins, make sure you understand what qualifies as an approved safety barrier in your area and whether your existing fence meets those requirements.
With multiple sizes and features to choose from, pricing can vary. Want a clearer idea of what your pool might cost? Try our Design and Price tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pool builders charge different prices for the same pool project?
Pool builders may include different items in their proposals. One builder might include costs like electrical work, fencing, or dirt hauling, while another may leave them out of the initial estimate. This can make proposals look very different even when the pool itself is similar. Reviewing proposals carefully helps ensure you understand what is actually included.
What hidden costs should homeowners watch for when installing an inground pool?
Some common hidden costs include land surveys, retaining walls, extra concrete for patios, dirt hauling, landscaping and drainage work, electrical or gas connections, and fencing. These items are often necessary for a complete project but may not always appear in the initial proposal.
Why might a land survey be needed before installing a pool?
A land survey helps confirm property boundaries and setback requirements before construction begins. Without a survey, you could discover too late that the planned pool or patio placement doesn’t meet local regulations, which could delay the project or require costly changes.
Why can retaining walls add significant cost to a pool project?
Retaining walls are sometimes needed to stabilize the pool area and manage drainage, especially if part of the patio sits higher than the surrounding yard. If any portion of the decking is more than about 30 inches above ground level, a retaining wall may be required.
About the Author
Choosing a pool builder and comparing proposals can feel overwhelming, especially when the prices vary so widely. Understanding what’s included, and what isn’t, can make a big difference in how smoothly your project goes.
I’m Cristian Shirilla, Marketing Manager for River Pools and a co-owner of a fiberglass pool installation company in Virginia. Through my work with homeowners researching inground pools, I’ve seen how confusing pool proposals can be and how easily hidden costs can catch people off guard.
I wrote this article to help homeowners understand some of the most common expenses that don’t always appear in initial pool quotes, so you can evaluate proposals more clearly and plan your project with confidence.
From the Manufacturer
At River Pools, we regularly hear from homeowners who are comparing pool proposals and wondering why prices can vary so much between builders. In many cases, the difference comes down to what is included in the proposal, and what may not be.
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of families research inground pools and understand the full scope of a backyard pool project. Articles like this are designed to highlight some of the costs that don’t always appear in the initial quote, so homeowners can evaluate proposals more clearly and avoid surprises during construction.
If you're considering a fiberglass pool and want to better understand what your project might involve, the next step is speaking with a knowledgeable pool professional who can walk through your backyard, review your plans, and help you evaluate your options.
Ready to start the conversation?
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