Houston Pool Installation: Cost Analysis

If you're considering installing a pool in your Houston home, you're likely wondering about the costs involved. Well, the price of installing a pool can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the type of pool (fiberglass, vinyl, or concrete/gunite), the size and shape, additional features, and the scope of the land. On average, an inground pool can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000, with concrete pools being the most expensive option. In Houston, the cost of a pool can range from $50,000 to $80,000 for a basic pool, and custom jobs can start at around $120,000.

Cost of permits

Before any work begins, you must obtain a permit in Houston. The cost of these permits varies depending on the type of pool and its location. In general, permit fees for pools in Houston can range from $100 to $500. Obtaining permits for a pool can take several weeks, sometimes months. Starting the process in the off-season may increase the chances of completing the permitting process without delaying construction.

To request a swimming pool permit in Houston, the builder must submit two complete sets of plans. The layouts must include the name of the construction company and the pool owner on each page of the plans. A copy of the plan of your home, including a drainage layout, is also required so that a blueprint of the drainage system for your swimming pool can be submitted.

If your home is in a 100-year Flood Plain area, a topographical survey and drainage plan is required. This process can take up to two weeks for the engineer to prepare and an additional two weeks for the city to review. If the lot coverage is more than 65% or more than 15,000 sq ft, the engineer may suggest swales and inlets on the property, which will require an additional charge.

If you live in an area with many power lines, it is recommended to maintain a distance of over 22.5 feet from the water's edge. A layout of all wiring and gas connections, as well as other essential elements, is required for approval. The builder must indicate the backflow device and line size to help maintain the water level in the swimming pool.

If you have recently moved into a new home, there may be underground cables in a utility easement along the fence line. Builders must remember that they cannot place any plumbing, gas, drains, electrical cables, or hardscape in the easement.

A proximity letter from a licensed engineer is required if the construction is less than five feet away from the foundation of a building or structure. The document will determine if it is safe to proceed with the project.

Self-closing and self-latching gates that are at least 48" tall are required by law in the state of Texas.

Site conditions and preparation

Terrain and Accessibility:

• Assess the terrain of your yard – a flat surface is ideal, but if you're on a hill, you may need to reshape the ground or build retaining walls to prevent the pool from sliding.
• Check for any easements on your property, as permanent structures are typically not allowed on them.
• Ensure there's enough room for heavy equipment, such as dump trucks and concrete mixers, to access the site. If not, smaller machinery can be used, but it may take longer.

Utility Lines:

Check for overhead and underground utility lines, including electrical, water, sewer, and gas lines. These may need to be rerouted at your expense to comply with safety regulations.

Permits and Regulations:

• Research the necessary permits and zoning regulations for your area. For example, some places require pools to be enclosed by a fence of a certain height.
• Check for setback requirements, which dictate the amount of space needed between the pool and the edges of your property.

Budget and Timeline:

• Site conditions can impact your budget. For instance, extensive excavation, retaining wall installation, or other site preparation work can add $5,000 to $10,000 or more to your costs.
• If the site is difficult to access or requires specialized equipment like cranes, this can also increase costs by $3,000 to $5,000.
• Consider the time needed for site preparation and the overall pool installation timeline, which can range from a few weeks to several months.

Overall, thorough assessment and preparation of the site conditions are crucial steps in ensuring a smooth and cost-effective pool installation process.

Pool location

Zoning Regulations and Property Constraints:

Check with your local zoning office to understand any restrictions on pool placement. In many areas, pools must be a certain distance away from the property line and any structures or buildings. This can significantly impact your pool's location and shape.

Activity Zones and Harmony:

Imagine your backyard as a collection of activity zones, such as an outdoor kitchen, children's play area, grassy lawn, pool deck, and planting areas. The pool's location should complement and work in harmony with these zones. For instance, a pool close to the house provides convenience and easy supervision, especially if you have children. It also extends the home's architecture and should reflect that in its design and shape.

Small or Large Property:

On small properties, pools often need to be located close to or adjoining the house. In such cases, ensure the pool deck complements the colours and materials found on the home's exterior. Choose deck materials that blend with nearby paths or walkways. Keep in mind that pools near the house can be noisy for occupants if children are playing or splashing.

For large properties, you have more flexibility. Placing the pool away from the house creates a separate destination zone and entertainment space. Freeform designs tend to work best in these cases, as they complement the natural surroundings. Ensure the pool is still visible from the house and doesn't block the view.

Engineering and Design Creativity:

Even if you have a small garden space, don't be discouraged. With some engineering and design creativity, a pool can be accommodated. Consider placing the pool right up against the edge of the property, digging into a slope and building a retaining wall, or using multiple levels in the pool design to create depth and interest.

Site Conditions and Preparation:

The pool's location can impact site preparation costs. For example, extensive excavation, retaining wall installation, or other site preparation work can add $5,000 to $10,000 or more to your budget.

Access to the Area:

If the chosen site is challenging to access or requires specialised equipment, such as a crane, for construction, this will add to the overall cost. Crane rental can add about $3,000 to $5,000 to your budget.

Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations:

Some areas have strict building codes, such as hurricane-resistant construction requirements, which can add fees of up to $1,000 to your project. Ensure you are aware of any applicable codes and include these costs in your planning.

Utilities:

The availability of electricity and water can impact construction costs. Installing additional utilities or infrastructure can be costly, with amounts exceeding $1,200. Ensure you factor this into your budget if your desired pool location requires extending these services.

Landscaping:

Major landscaping work, such as removing trees or levelling the land, can add $2,000 to $3,000 in additional costs. Consider the existing landscape and whether your desired pool location will require significant alterations to the surrounding area.

Pool size and depth

The size and depth of your pool will depend on its purpose, your budget, and the size of your yard.

Purpose

If you plan to use your pool for play, water games, or predominantly for swimming laps, a depth of 1 metre or 3.28 feet should be sufficient. If your pool is solely for adult swimmers, you can go up to 1.8 metres or 5.9 feet deep. If you want to install a slide or diving board, your pool depth will need to meet safety requirements, with a minimum depth of 8 feet for diving purposes. For pools designed for sports such as water polo, basketball, or volleyball, a depth of 4 to 6 feet is recommended.

Budget

Deeper pools will cost more due to increased excavation, soil removal, and the need for more materials. Additionally, deeper pools will cost more to fill, require more cleaning, and will utilise more chemicals.

Yard Size

The size of your yard will also impact the size of your pool. If you have a large yard, you can accommodate a larger pool, but consider how much space you want to dedicate to landscaping and other outdoor activities.

Inground pools typically range from 10 by 20 feet to 20 by 40 feet, while above-ground pools are usually between 10 and 24 feet in diameter. Plunge pools, which are designed for sitting and relaxing, range from 6 by 10 feet to 8 by 20 feet on average. Lap pools, ideal for swimming laps, can be as small as 6 by 30 feet or as large as 10 by 50 feet. You can also get a pool as small as 6 by 8 feet.

Choice of contractor

The choice of contractor will have a significant impact on the overall cost of building a pool in Houston. There are numerous pool contractors in the city, each with their own pricing structures, levels of experience, and areas of expertise.

A budget pool contractor in Houston may offer lower prices, but they may not have the same level of experience and expertise as more established contractors. Basic pool installations from a budget contractor can start from $20,000 to $30,000.

Mid-range pool contractors in Houston typically charge anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. These contractors generally offer more comprehensive services and higher-quality materials and construction methods than budget contractors.

High-end pool contractors offer the highest-quality materials and can accommodate special requests, such as customized designs, advanced features like waterfalls and spas, and high-tech automation systems. Prices for these contractors typically start at around $50,000 and can go up to $100,000 or more.

When choosing a pool contractor, it is important to consider your budget, the level of customization you desire, and the features you want to include. It is also worth noting that pool contractors tend to be busiest during spring and summer, so building a pool during the off-season may result in shorter wait times and potentially lower costs.

• Cody Pools: Named the Top Pool Builder in Houston for 11 years in a row, Cody Pools has been in business since 1994 and has built pools for over 32,000 satisfied customers. They offer a free consultation and estimate, and their experienced staff is committed to putting the customer first and building a pool that meets your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences.
• Platinum Pools: Offering quality pools in a wide range of pricing, Platinum Pools has been building pools in Houston and the surrounding areas for over two decades. Their knowledgeable staff teaches customers about the construction process, important ownership details, proper maintenance, and where not to cut corners during design and building.
• Fox Family Pools: Based in Humble, Fox Family Pools has been praised for their honest and incredibly good customer service throughout the build, warranty, maintenance, and post-build service.
• Cypress Customs Pools: Cypress Customs Pools has been recommended for their great work and the quality of their contractors. They offer phone-controlled pump equipment and include fence repair, sprinkler repair, and sod installation in their quotes.
• Precision Pools & Spas: Precision Pools & Spas offer three inground swimming pool specials, ranging from $43,595 to $46,495. They also specialize in the complete customization of inground swimming pools and can work with you to keep the cost within your budget.

Frequently asked questions