If you’re weighing the pros and cons of building a swimming pool in Texas, then this article is for you! Texas is known for its summer heat waves and last year the record high for 2020 was recorded in August at 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from the, at times, fatal high temperatures of the south, there are some substantial reasons to build a pool in Texas

What can one expect when diving into this endeavor? Pun intended. Will the hassle of building a pool be worth it in the long run? What are the pros and cons? What are the costs?

What to expect

You can count on 2 things when building a pool: It’s going to take longer than expected, and it’s not always going to go swimmingly. Before you start your dig, you’ll need to get city permits approved. The city will go out to the site to mark the area for gas and water lines and you’ll need approval from any H.O.A if you live in one. Finding a good pool contractor is always important and don’t forget you need to consider a pool maintenance service as well. If you’re expecting to have small children or pets around the pool, it may also be a good idea to erect a fence around it for safe measures. You should know that having a pool could become a liability for you so adjusting your insurance to account for such is a good idea as well as including coverage for pool equipment. During the 2021 Texas winter freeze many Texans thought they were covered but unfortunately they were hit with thousands of dollars in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Rani at Rani Alfers Insurance Agency can help you figure out what coverage you need. She says: “When it comes to pools, ask your carrier if the external pool equipment is covered for freeze. Inquire on the equipment, below ground plumbing, and the pool itself along with any special endorsements or homeowner advance actions you may need to take to activate coverage. Generally these areas are covered subject to your All Other Perils deductible of your policy. Many folks found that without having other major issues in the home during the freeze this was below deductible. I encourage everyone to review these areas along with how to mitigate future damage in your home. Your pool maintenance company can drain the pump before freezing temperatures arrive and guide you on best practices. No one thought we’d lose electricity and that is the unknown that we have to plan for in the future.”

R.O.I

Backyard swimming pools have become commonplace in many neighborhoods across Texas. If you do not have a pool then building one will certainly add to the value of your home in the event of a sale. Properties with in-ground pools typically sell faster than homes without one. The National Association of Realtors did a study in Philadelphia and estimated that an in-ground swimming pool adds about eight percent value to a property. This means that by adding a pool to a $500,000 property you could be adding as much as $40,000 in value! You should be able to expect a higher percentage of added value in Texas. Even if you don’t get the whole eight percent increase on the return on your investment, you will surely make up for it with the sheer convenience of having a backyard oasis for your entertainment

Pros & Cons

From a fabulous party to a romantic date night, investing in a pool can prove to be incredibly rewarding. Pools typically bring people together and in stellar fashion! We all know the Texas heat can be debilitating and a pool is one refreshing way to combat the heat. No need to take an expensive vacation when the convenience of a staycation is possible. With all that being said, the fear of someone drowning is enough to deter one from building a pool. So, please keep in mind that a pool can be a liability risk and don’t forget to consider the upkeep as well as the water and electricity usage. According to homeguide.com the estimated yearly maintenance for a concrete pool is $2,750, and research done by poolresearch.com shows that the average expected annual electrical cost for running a single-speed pump is around $450 a year, or $37.50 per month

Average Cost to build

According to thumbtack the average cost to build a pool is as follows:

In ground pool cost	$10,000-$108,290
Concrete pool cost	$30,000-$50,000
Fiberglass pool prices	$20,000-$60,000
Vinyl pool costs	$10,000-$25,000
Saltwater pool cost	$25,000-$80,000
Above-ground pool cost	$1,500-$3,500

You should always keep in mind that there are additional cost out there to consider when building your pool. Almost all sites are going to require some type of excavation, and sometimes even building a retaining wall is necessary. Most times when installing a pool you are going to want some kind of decking to be built as well as pathways or sidewalks. Pool equipment is another factor: a pool heater is a nice addition to a north Texas pool installation, but lets talk about a pool A/C, those are a thing now too and can be had for around $2,000 plus cost of installation! A pool vacuum or filtration system is necessary as well. All of these considerations are going to impact the price of installing a pool and should be factored into your decision making process before you jump in.