Planning

Poolscape Budgeting

For projects that include a pool, most clients invest between 15% and 30% of their house value. Poolscape budgets typically start around $80,000 to $145,000 for a basic setup that includes a pool, decking, and utilities.

For clients wanting additional features and patio space, budgets can range from $150,000 to over $350,000.

Breaking Down the Many Costs of a Pool Project

Pool projects require a large investment and most are surprised to learn that a basic setup typically costs in the $80,000-$145,000 range. Scroll through this guide to help make sense of these costs.

Large pool is surrounded by a paver patio with 4 lounge chairs nearby under an umbrella as an oasis in this backyard

Typical Range: $40,000 - $70,000

Pool Structure

At Outdoor Dreams, we offer both fiberglass and gunite pools, typically ranging in size from about 400 to 800 square feet. All of our pools come standard with a row of frost-proof tile, an underwater light, two drains, and a salt-water filtration system. All gunite pools come with a standard, white plaster finish.

the light grey stone edge sits above the water rippling in the pool

Pool Coping: $7,000-$12,000

Coping is the material above the tile line that separates the pool from the pool decking.

two wicker lounge chairs sit under an umbrella in front of the backyard pool

Fence or Auto-Cover: $10,000-$18,000

To meet code, your pool will need to be enclosed by a qualifying fence or have an automatic cover.

large house sits behind this large pool that has a corner designated as a hot tub

Utilities: $5,000 - $10,000

Depending on your equipment, the pool will need electrical and possibly gas.

Chemicals, Sanitation & Water: $3,000-$5,000

Whether you use a hose or call a tanker truck, filling your pool comes with a cost.

hydrangeas and fern trees line the outside of the narrow pool deck

Pool Decking: $9,000-$20,000

Pool decking assumes a basic 3-4 foot band of stone or concrete pavers around the perimeter of the pool.

the foundation of the pool has been dug into the graded hill for an underground pool to be installed

Site Work/Soil Removal: $5,000 - $10,000

Large projects require extensive site work, drainage, and soil removal. Pool projects typically involve the removal of over 100 yards of dirt; It's important to have a plan.

Large backyard pool with a hot tub sits in the backyard and surrounded with a paver patio

Finish Upgrades

Gunite pools come with a standard white plaster finish. For homeowners that want to alter the color of the water and finish of the surface, there are various upgrades to consider. Finish upgrades can typically cost in the range of $5,000 - $10,000.

Outdoor sitting area is beside the pool with two water fountains shooting into the pool. Tall narrow bushes and hydrangeas are used as landscaping features to create a beautiful backyard space

Equipment Upgrades

Whether you're looking to heat your pool, include automation or add fountains/bubblers, there are numerous popular upgrade options to consider. Equipment upgrades can range between $5,000 - $15,000, including the utilities that are required for many features.

This square hot tub sits to the left of the pool and directly beside it with a water feature that spills from the hot tub into the pool

Typical Budget Range: $25,000 - $40,000

Hot Tub/Swim Spa

These luxury structures require their own equipment, finishes and utility connections. Additionally, when raised (like the one in the featured picture), hot tub structures require a decorative finish, often stone veneer and coping, around the perimeter.

Additional Poolscape Budgets

Scroll through these sample budgets to get a better understanding of the investment required for larger poolscape projects.

Backyard pool with a swan float sit in the background of the sitting area covered by a pergola

Typical Budget Range: $135,000 - $200,000

Pool Structure

Natural Stone Coping

Fence (or Auto Cover)

Pool Decking

Expanded Patio for Lounge & Dining

Pergola

Landscaping

Irrigation

Low-Voltage Lighting

Utilities: Gas and Electrical for the pool & pergola

Site Work, Grading & Drainage

Sod Finish

blown up swan floats in the backyard pool enclosed by a dark privacy fence

Relaxing Pool

Pergola-Covered Lounge Area

Water-Side Dining Area

Beautiful pool is enclosed with stone tile pavers and lounge chairs

Typical Budget Range: $215,000 - $285,000

Pool Structure

Automatic Cover

Hot Tub - Swim Spa

Natural Stone Coping

Pool Decking & Expansive Patio

Retaining Walls

Landscaping

Irrigation

Low-Voltage Lighting

Utilities: Gas and Electrical

Site Work, Grading & Drainage

Sod Finish

Optional Equipment and Finish Upgrades

hot tub or swim spa is set inside yet separate from the larger pool

Hot Tub - Swim Spa

Lounge Area

retaining wall and lounge chairs create the perfect deck space by the pool

Retaining Walls and 2nd Lounge Area

A total outdoor dream is set up with a kitchen covered by a pergola which is near the fireplace and pool

Typical Budget Range: $250,000 - $350,000

Pool Structure

Natural Stone Coping

Automatic Cover

Optional Equipment & Finish Upgrades

Water Feature

Pool Decking & Lounge

Additional 2-Room Patio

Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor Kitchen

Grill, Appliances & Cabinetry

Pergola

Utilities: Gas and Electrical for the Pool, Kitchen and Pergola

Sitting Walls

TV and Audio Package

Landscaping

Irrigation

Low Voltage Lighting

Grading & Drainage

Sod Finish

a naturalistic waterfall is featured flowing into this backyard pool with a fire raging in the back ground in the fireplace.

Naturalistic Water Feature

This predominant fireplace stands large in front of the outdoor sitting area

Outdoor Fireplace

Pergola-Covered Kitchen

backyard bi-level paver deck with kitchen shaded by the pergola on upper level and the pool and lounge area on the lower level

Typical budget range: $275,000 - $400,000

Pool Structure

Automatic Cover

Natural Stone Coping

Hot Tub - Swim Spa

Pool Utilities: Gas & Electrical

Optional Pool Finish & Equipment Upgrades

Pool Decking & Expansive Patio

Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor Kitchen

Grill, Appliances and Cabinetry

Kitchen Utilities: Gas, Plumbing & Electrical

Pergola

Expansive Landscaping

Irrigation

Low-Voltage Lighting

Site Work, Grading & Drainage

Sod Finish

massive outdoor stone layered veneer fireplace

Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor Kitchen

hot tub sits outside but directly beside the pool with a water fountain flowing from the hot tub into the pool

Hot Tub - Swim Spa

Tanning Shelf and Bubbling Features

wooden pergola offers shade over the outdoor kitchen and seating area

Pergola-Covered Outdoor Kitchen

teal long chairs line the side of the pool installed in this backyard

Expanded Lounge Area

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