Identical swimming pools built in neighboring cities will not necessarily cost the same amount to build. For this reason, no one can give you a reasonable cost estimate over the telephone; many factors affect cost that a contractor must assess prior to estimating the price of building a pool in your yard. Those factors include:

• Tractor access space
• Obstacles in the excavation access area  (ie air conditioning units, gas meters, fencing)
• Legal dirt dump site locations
• Demolition of existing landscaping, concrete walkways, patio covers, etc.
• Grading prior to actual pool layout & excavation
• Overhead or underground utilities that might require re-routing
• Size of the pool
• Amount of Decking
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Retaining walls and other masonry
• Elevations
• Make and quality of equipment and construction materials

Generally, most swimming pool projects will range from $25,000 to $65,000.  But some projects can be more costly if they are particularly elaborate. To estimate the average cost of pools in your area and to establish a budget, call a few local contractors and ask them to develop a design that includes a construction cost estimate. Beware of a contractor who quotes you a low “over the phone” price, because without completing a design and seeing your yard, a blind estimate will rarely be a realistic one.  Familiarize yourself with the market and be prepared to adjust your plans as necessary to accommodate the budget you have in mind.  Remember, too, that financing is readily available for this type of home improvement and may have positive tax advantages as well.