It’s been an exciting week around here. I officially signed a contract for us to put in a pool and we are moving forward as fast as we can. It looks like it will take 120 days at least, but I know it could definitely take longer, so we’re prepared for that. I can hardly believe I’m even typing that, but it’s definitely happening. Come along and let’s see how this will work!
Mark and I have thrown around the idea of a pool since we moved in, but I never really took it that seriously until last year when I began to think, why not? Why not put in a pool? It’s now or never for us. We are not spring chickens and life is short, so I started thinking about that. Plus, it’s an expensive proposition to put in a pool. I’ve/we’ve never really been in a position to do something like this until now. I’ve had some great years with my blog, I’ve saved my money, plus selling my previous house last year gave us the extra money to budget something like this.
Believe me, it’s a big scary step! We have such a pretty backyard that’s very private and adding a pool will be the cherry on top.
I had a pool company come out last June to give an estimate. I got it back and it was a sticker shock even then. I had heard that pools were really popular now, that prices had gone way up and that so many people were putting them in after 2020 with all of us staying home more. I can believe that! People love their homes and want to make the most of them, especially outdoor spaces.
After that initial estimate and all that was going on with me at the time, we put off the decision and didn’t jump into anything. I was just selling my previous house and was about to close on that. Mom and dad needed me more and we were just starting to talk about moving them to assisted living, so I didn’t have time to really think about a pool at that point.
After we got mom and dad moved, I began to revisit the pool idea. I had another estimate from a company that did concrete (gunite) and vinyl liner pools. I had always heard that concrete pools seem to be the most desirable, but also the most expensive, but I wanted to get a vinyl liner quote too.
The vinyl liner pool quote came in at $80K. I was not going to pay that for a vinyl pool, even though I think vinyl pools are great and we would have done one if the quote had been lower than gunite.
The concrete pool that I got the quote in June originally came in at $60K. The $60K number gave me sticker shock back then, but I guess I was being unrealistic, although I’ve seen that some have done pools cheaper than that, namely in FL. But around here, that seems to be the going rate, plus way more depending on the scope.
Once we decided to move forward, I called another company that one of my friends recommended. Her pool company was so backed up with business that they weren’t even giving quotes until the end of this year. Another friend had a pool company that put in several in her neighborhood. I called them and talked to someone on the phone. I told her what we wanted and that we were looking for quotes. They were booked up for a few months and when I asked about their concrete pool prices, she said they start at $75K.
OK, then, so that’s where we are. The original company I got a quote from last year is Georgia Classic Pools out of Milton, GA. They have great reviews online and I feel good about hiring them. Obviously, this is the most expensive time to put in a pool, but unfortunately this is the time we want to do it. So I had them redo the quote, since it was no longer valid anymore (only good for 30 days). She told me that pool materials went up 5 times last year! So, of course the materials were a bit more expensive 6 months later. With adding a wall to keep water from flowing in the pool and adding substantial pool decking & a few other things, the pool came in higher.
Our new quote is just over $77K.
It’s definitely a lot of money, but we are going for it and we are so excited. So now comes choosing the products and materials and we’ll be finalizing that this month.
The quote covers the following:
Custom built Shot Crete pool with Pebble Tec or Pebble Sheen finish
Permits & Site plan
Travertine coping and pavers (pool deck)
Hardscape: Stacked stone low wall to connect to our current wall, to keep water from flowing downhill into the pool.
Jandy LED lights, Pro Series Aqualink RS4 Automation System, AquaLinkTM 2.0 – Smart Device, Jandy® AquaPure® Electronic Salt Water Chlorine Generator
Jandy® Pro Series JXI400NTM 400K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
Grading, drainage, and cleanup
There will be more costs added, like gas line installation, plus moving the dirt and I’m sure once we are done, there will be more things to buy, so I’m prepared for that too.
Renderings were done, which really help with visualizing.
Renderings I got from Georgia Classic Pools and it really helps to visualize what our backyard will look like. I’m definitely a visual person. You can see our existing patio with the faux tile. Everything looks white in this picture, but we’re going to use materials that will blend with the gray of our patio.
We’ve thought about adding a firepit on the right side of the sidewalk above, but we will figure that out later. It might be too much, we’ll see.
I’m sure people will ask why we aren’t doing a hot tub too. For one, it adds substantially to the cost. Second, I just don’t think we would use it that much. The pool will be heated and I think that will be so nice. I can’t stand cold water!
We back up to Corp of Engineer lake property behind us, so we have to keep a pool 5′ from our fenceline. There is only 15′ from the edge of our patio to the fence, so that doesn’t leave room for a big pool. Code is a pool has to be 5′ from a property line. The pool will be about 8′ wide by 23′ long. We’ll have wider steps on the shallow end that graduate down. The deep end will only be about 5′ deep, but it will be plenty big enough for us to enjoy and float in with seating around too.
I think we’ll put in artificial turf on the area left of the pool all the way to the back stairs going up to the deck. I love how clean that looks and will look into doing that here. It will keep everything nice and clean. We will also have to add fencing to code, so I think we are going to do a black metal fence on the end near the stairs as well as from the wall that sticks out over to the existing wooden fence. We have to meet code, so we will do it however it works best with a black metal fence. We don’t want to have to redo all our fencing.
We’ll keep the real grass on the slope that goes up to our gate coming in. During the dig, we are going to have to remove 2 sections of our fence so that they can bring equipment in, so it will probably wreck the grass that’s there and we may have to resod that when finished. It’s always something!
There will be a drain put in (you can see it right between the patio and pool) to help water that drains off the patio not go into the pool. I’m glad that will be in place. As you can see we have tall trees right over the fence, so we are going to get leaves and some debris in the pool, but we’re hoping it won’t be too bad. We decided to take out the planter space she had drawn in by the screened porch and have it be all travertine tile. That way it will be a solid surface with no dirt getting tracked in that area. We will not want to have permanent plants there since the screens open on the patio right there, we need it to be clear and open.
So we’ll plan the rest of the landscaping after everything is completed.
A shot at night, so pretty! We are super excited about this project. I never dreamed I’d actually have a pool in the backyard.
Silver Travertine coping and pool deck
We plan on using silver travertine on the pool coping and deck. I love the color of this and it should blend in well with our existing patio. We’ll be choosing a waterline tile as well as stacked stone for the little wall. I’ll share more of the choices later.
Silver Travertine via Stoneworks Wholesaling
A lot of people use the ivory travertine which is really pretty too, but we need to blend with what we have. I love the silver!
Silver Travertine via Legacy Custom Pavers
Another shot of silver travertine with what looks like artificial turf. I had thought about doing the pavers and artificial turf like you see above, but it might be too busy, so we will look at that after the pool is finished. I just want it to be clean lined and pretty. I’ll have to dig up a few of my hydrangeas that are back there and hopefully find a place to put them after the pool is done. I don’t want to lose them if I can help it.
The company I’m going with uses this PebbleTec and PebbleSheen product for the pool interior. These are small multi-colored pebbles and the colors determine the water color you end up with. We’re looking at white or gray and will decide after we see samples in person. We definitely want a lighter color instead of a dark interior. I’ve been pouring over pool pictures trying to figure it all out, but I know it will all come together in the end. Our backyard will be like an oasis with a pool added and I know it will help those long hot summers we have here in GA.
So, that’s the plan for the pool! It’s a lot to take in, but we are so excited. It really is a dream come true for both of us and I know we’ll enjoy it so much. I figure we’ve got a good 15 years to enjoy this house before we even think about downsizing and moving. We really love our home so much and it’s been such an ideal place to live. We love our community of Acworth too, such a great town to be a part of.
I’ve been looking at everything I can about pools, so feel free to chime in on your pool experience too. I follow several blogs who put in pools recently or are putting in a pool. It sure helps to see other pools and read about their pool installation process. If you’re interested in finding out more, you might want to visit these blogs:
Chris Loves Julia is in the process of putting in their pool and backyard landscaping. She asked people to share their pool costs and where they are in the comments, so that was a good read. I felt much better about our cost after reading all of those comments. Some were way more than our quote. They shared their costs too, which is helpful.
Young House Love put in a pool last year and it’s beautiful in their backyard. I loved all the choices they made. Their pool is way less $$ than ours will be and I guess FL has a lot of competition so their prices must be less, not sure of that. They share their pool cost on this post.
Dixie Delights here in my area put in a pool over a year ago and it’s beautiful They did a cabana and hot tub and it turned out so nice. Such a dreamy backyard!
It’s so helpful to see other people who have put in pools too. You don’t realize how much there is to decide on when you put in a pool, but I can’t wait to dive in (har-har) and do it!
Congrats on the new project! My husband and I are in our fifth home with a pool and this one is by far the prettiest. Looking at your rendering, I would make one suggestion- put a handrail at the steps. Our pool, like your future one, has the wide entry steps and the swim-outs, but no entry handrail. But as a soon-to-be 73 year old, I would really prefer a handrail. I have looked into aftermarket items and wasn’t pleased with the look. I dread having to go through the process of having on installed also. Just a thought for you to mull over prior to the start of your process. Best of luck with all the details.
Thanks, Sue,that is a good suggestion. The pool gal who quoted mentioned that we might need to put in a handrail, so that might be an addition that’s worth it. It might be needed for code purposes as well.
I agree with this too. We put one in after husband had hip replacement. Do it up front so they ground it.
I hope you and Mark enjoy your pool as much as we do. (We are about the same age.)It is such sticker shock to see current prices! We put our pool in about 15 yrs ago, a 16×32 fiberglass with 50 yr warranty; pool heater, lites, handrail, side steps, lites, etc. for $40K. That included re-sodding, too. We have a solar cover to extend our season (St Louis MO). We also have a ‘robot’ type vac that runs separately from the pump. Perfect for cleaning up leaves, etc. Look for sales on pool floats, patio umbrellas, etc now. We have a storage ‘box’ for pool toys & chair cushions. Also, our city requires backdoor alarms,(provided by our pool company.) min. fence ht with locks. Guessing yours has guidelines also. Enjoy!
How exciting and, I just know it will be beautiful! YES, I agree with Sue above, get a handrail!!
I’m so excited for you Rhoda. You and Mark will love it!! We had an above ground pool with a deck all the way around it when our children were young and we all LOVED it. In ground pools are defiantly my first choice and favorite but it wasn’t feasible for us at the time. We all have such fun memories of it and haven’t ever regretted having a pool. Your nieces are going to love it so much! Enjoy every moment of it! Like you said life is short so you should try to enjoy every day. 😃
Wow that’s going to be magnificent! I’m sure cooling off in your hot Georgia summers will be wonderful! My goodness the prices though are shocking! It looks like a well thought out plan. I agree with the hand railing comment above.
As Floridians we’ve had 4 pools, 3 that we built. I wouldn’t even look at this house because it didn’t have a pool until my husband tricked me into seeing it. We built our latest pool a year after moving in, never regretted any of our pools. This is our smallest to date due to set backs and just right for us and the grandkids. Our last one was so large and deep (a diving pool) it was hard to clean but was great when we had teenagers. It is messy, loud, dirty and takes forever. We signed off on plans in late Oct and could swim the next spring. The demand here is very high so maybe you will get yours more quickly. My advice is to check with your contingent neighbors frequently to keep things friendly. Installing hard scrapes are incredibly dusty so you want to be sure they haven’t just paid to have their windows done. We also hosted all the neighbors to a drinks and appetizers event soon after we finished. They really grew tired of the big trucks, torn up yards and noise.
This is our second pool and we have loved both of them. I totally agree with the handrail suggestion. In our last home it was great for the grandkids and now it is a necessity for us! Both our pools have been saltwater pools that are extremely easy to take care of. Did you consider that?
We are doing saltwater too.
Rhoda,
First congratulations to you and Mark on your new pool installation! I know it will be beautiful when its finished and you will enjoy it for many years to come. I must admit, when you disclosed the price, I got sticker shock as well! I know material/labor has gone through the roof over this past two years but seeing it on paper really verifies just how much. I told my husband thank goodness we added on a screen porch 10 years ago because the lumber would be triple now.
I think most people who install a pool do it first for their and their family’s enjoyment and pleasure not as much for investment.
Looks great; I am sure Mark will enjoy after mowing that big yard! What plans have you made for bathroom access?
We haven’t figured that out yet, although I’m sure we could put a bathroom in the basement. To be determined….
Excited to see the pool come to fruition! So excited for you and Mark!
Congratulations on taking the “plunge”. We’ve had our pool 12 years so of course the price has soared. It is in ground, gunite and saltwater and easy to maintain. We have a white surface so the water reflection is pretty, light blue color. Easy to see any leaves or items to scoop out. It’s a great place for relaxing and for having friends over. We broke ground on St. Patrick’s and we’re swimming Memorial Day weekend. Hope you enjoy every minute because it sounds like it’s going to be beautiful.
Thank you, Becky, I love hearing feedback from pool owners. Most everyone loves theirs so we cant wait to get ours too.
I definitely agree with the handrail on the steps. I am handicapped with MS and am a big advocate of handicap needs in both homes and businesses. I have visited many friends who did not have a handrail on their steps. I could not enter their home without it. Also, with aging, you never know what life will hand you in the way of hip and knee issues. Do you have younger children in your neighborhood? Think about safety issues if they should enter your yard and pool uninvited. Just something to consider. Your plan looks beautiful.
I’m so excited about your new pool plans Rhoda! We put in a pool at our last house and loved it so much! I can’t wait to see the progress as you build your pool and surrounding area.
Great investment! I can’t wait to see it. What a perfect idea for you and your entire family!
We’ve enjoyed the pool at our house since we moved to Texas in 1990 (We bought a house with an existing pool. We’ve updated it over the years.). The pavers sound great but make sure they aren’t slippery. We installed pavers after the original aggregate got rough and they are perfect. But a friend put in a pool a few years ago and put travertine pavers. They look pretty, but they are somewhat slippery. That’s not what you want around a pool especially as you age. If you can, check out the materials in an actual setting and make sure they work.
So happy for you and Mark!! Its going to be beautiful and y’all will enjoy so much. Thanks for taking us along in the process!!
Rhoda, you are my inspiration when it comes to home improvements. I’m a single lady living in the southwest. Not married and don’t plan to be…doing this all on my own.
I am not getting a pool but think it is great that you are, your backyard will be beautiful!
I agree with what you said about ‘it’s always something”. I am having my primary bathroom vanities replaced and new ones installed…the costs add up, love my plumber but his prices went up and now I am paying alot to have him un-install and re-install all the plumbing. It’ll be worth it but still! So, your comment made me giggle as I read it, since I just got off the phone with him.
Keep up the great work! I’m a long time blog reader and love seeing what you are up to!
Thanks so much, Lisa, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It is always something! Good luck with your bathroom reno.
You got lots of great tips and advice here. Let the fun begin! This is a going to be a great project and very rewarding when completed! I can’t wait to watch it happen!
We are very glad that we have a handrail & you might like that too. One other suggestion is have you ever seen a sun shelf. They are very popular here in Florida. You step down on this shelf that is covered in shallow water. A couple of chairs & an umbrella are nice to have there. You can sit there with pool water up
over your ankles. They are pretty nice. Enjoy the excitement of building your pool!
Hi, Linda, yes we are going to get a handrail and our first step will be pretty side, enough for chairs, so that’s what we’re doing. Not a huge sunshelf but big enough for us. Can’t wait!
So excited for you to get a pool! We are enjoying our twentieth year with one! You will love it! I definitely agree with the handrail suggestion! Really a must! Also- we have several friends who have a place in their sunshelf for an umbrella! We wish we could have one but there was no such thing 20 years ago! My niece has one and we can fit four plastic adorandack chairs under it on the sun shelf! Heaven!!
HI, Donna, thanks so much we are going to add an umbrella holder, I had a couple people mention that so I’m glad for all the suggestions.
Our current home came with an in-ground pool. We weren’t sure about it – but in the long run – now our 7th summer coming up – we have enjoyed it. We had a major hit last summer with a new liner but it was a necessity. Mark will be happy having purchased a chlorine generator; really reduces the need for harsh chemicals and the chlorine smell. Your pool is going to be beautiful. Cannot wait to see the final product!
That sounds great, Becky, we are definitely excited about ours.