What to Think About Before You Buy a Pool

The Stuff Nobody Tells You

You’ve decided you want a pool. You’ve pictured it. You’ve measured the backyard with your eyes. You’ve already planned the first pool party in your head.

But before you call a contractor and start digging, there are some things you need to think through. Not the boring stuff contractors put in fine print, but the real decisions that will determine whether your pool becomes your favorite part of your home or a source of regret.

The good news? If you plan it right from the start, a pool will be one of the best investments you ever make.

Here’s what you need to know before you take the plunge.

Where Does It Actually Go?

This seems obvious until you start looking at your yard with a contractor. Suddenly, there are utility lines to avoid, drainage issues to consider, and that big tree you love is right where the pool needs to be.

Here’s what matters when choosing a location:

Sun exposure. You want as much direct sunlight as possible. Sunny spots keep water warmer naturally, which means less money spent on heating. If your yard is shaded all afternoon, you’ll need to run a heater more often to keep the water comfortable.

Proximity to the house. The closer your pool is to your back door, the more you’ll use it. If it’s tucked in the far corner of your yard, it becomes a trek. Keep it convenient.

Utility lines. Electric, gas, water, and sewer lines all run underground. Your contractor will call 811 to locate them before digging, but knowing where they are ahead of time helps you plan.

Drainage. Water needs somewhere to go when it rains. Avoid low spots where your yard already collects water. A good contractor will address grading, but it’s easier if you start with a spot that drains well.

Sight lines from the house. You want to see the pool from your kitchen or living room. It’s a safety thing, especially with kids, and it also makes the pool feel like part of your home instead of something separate.

Size, Shape, and What You’ll Actually Use It For

People get excited about elaborate pool shapes and then realize later they don’t have room for lap swimming or the kids can’t play volleyball because the pool’s too narrow. Think about how you’ll actually use the pool before you fall in love with a design.

For lap swimming, you need length. A 30-foot pool gives you room to actually swim. Anything shorter and you’re doing more flip-turns than laps.

For families with young kids, a shallow end that stays at 3 to 4 feet for a good stretch is ideal. Kids need space where they can stand and play safely.

For entertaining, think about whether you want a tanning ledge, swim-up seating, or space for floats. These features take up room, so plan accordingly.

And here’s the thing about shape: rectangle and kidney shapes are classics for a reason. They’re functional, they fit most yards, and they don’t lock you into a design that might feel dated in ten years. Freeform pools can look great, but they also limit your furniture layout and can make winterizing more complicated.

Budget: What It Costs (And What People Forget to Budget For)

You’ve probably seen numbers online, and you’ve probably heard that inground pools run anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000. That’s a decent starting reference, but it leaves out the part that matters most: the final price depends on your yard and your wish list.

A basic fiberglass pool can begin around the lower end of that range, but once you factor in essentials and upgrades like decking, fencing, electrical, lighting, landscaping, and heating, the total often moves well beyond it. Plenty of installs end up in the $80,000 to $120,000+ range. That isn’t a bait and switch. It’s the cost of building a custom project on a real property.

Here’s what people forget to budget for:

Fencing. Most areas require a barrier around or over the pool or an auto cover. That could be $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the material.

Decking and patio. Your pool needs somewhere to walk, set chairs, and dry off. Budget for concrete, pavers, or stone.

Landscaping. Once the pool’s in, your yard will need some love. Grass gets torn up during construction, and you’ll want plants or beds to frame the pool area.

Initial chemical startup. Your pool will need chemicals, test kits, and cleaning tools right away.

Utilities. Running electric to the equipment pad and plumbing for water are part of the project, but they add to the cost.

And after installation, expect to spend $1,200 to $1,800 per year on routine maintenance (chemicals, cleaning, opening, and closing). Add another $30 to $100 per month for electricity to run the pump and filter. If you heat the pool, that number goes up.

This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to help you plan. A pool is an investment, and knowing the real numbers up front keeps surprises to a minimum.

Who’s Going to Build It?

This is the most important decision you’ll make. The contractor you choose will determine whether your pool is done on time, on budget, and built to last.

Here’s what to look for:

Experience. How long have they been building pools? Do they specialize in inground pools, or is it just one of many things they do?
References. Ask to see completed projects. Talk to past customers. Check reviews.

Communication. Do they explain things clearly? Do they answer your questions without making you feel dumb for asking?

Contracts and warranties. Everything should be in writing. If a contractor promises something verbally but won’t put it in the contract, walk away.

And here’s a red flag: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Pool construction involves skilled labor, quality materials, and time. Companies that undercut everyone else are usually cutting corners somewhere.

Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?

Fiberglass pools are the fastest to install, typically taking 5 to 6 weeks from start to finish. That includes excavation, setting the shell, plumbing, electrical, decking, and final cleanup.

Vinyl liner pools usually take 6 to 7 weeks. They require building a frame structure first, then installing the liner, so there are a few more steps involved compared to fiberglass.

Concrete pools take the longest, often 12 to 16 weeks or more, because they’re built on-site from the ground up and require curing time.

Weather, permits, and material availability can all affect the timeline. A good contractor will give you a realistic schedule and keep you updated as things progress.

A Quick Story (Because This Stuff Matters)

Last year, we worked with a family in Greenfield who called us after getting three other quotes. One company quoted them $20,000 less than everyone else. They were excited until they asked what was included. Turns out, that quote didn’t cover decking, fencing, or electrical. By the time they added it all back in, the “cheap” quote was actually the most expensive. And the contractor wanted half the money up front before breaking ground.

Pools by Cory ended up getting the job because we explained every line item, answered their questions, and didn’t rush them into signing. Six weeks later, they had a pool they loved. The price was fair, the work was clean, and they’ve been swimming ever since.

Let’s Plan Your Pool the Right Way

If you’re ready to move forward, or if you just want to talk through your options without any pressure, Pools by Cory is here to help. We’ll walk your property, answer your questions, and give you a realistic plan and budget for what’s possible.

We’ve been building pools long enough to know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the process as smooth as possible. Give us a call at 317-800-5093 or reach out through our website. Let’s figure out what your backyard can become.