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Frequently Asked Questions
What do pools cost? What are additional costs that might not come up during the sales process?
The cost of a swimming pool can vary greatly depending on many different factors. Inground concrete pools typically start around $75,000, but finish selections, additional features, and extra backyard elements will make that vary. Our designers will be able to help you determine a budget for your dream pool and any backyard essentials. Although rare, extra costs can arise from unseen construction difficulties. These can include but are not limited to, utility lines located outside of easements or hard rock formations that can prolong and complicate a pool’s excavation.
Do you build pools in small backyards?
Absolutely. While an average swimming pool might be somewhere around 30’ x 15’, smaller pools can be designed and built to accommodate smaller backyards as long as there is enough space to accommodate your city’s code requirements. Most cities require pools to sit at least five feet from the property line, and it is standard for pools to be built with a 1:1 ratio between the pool’s depth and its distance from the house’s foundation. Access for the equipment to dig the pool is also an important consideration.
Am I required to have a fence around my pool?
It is best to check with your governing municipality about what fence requirements they have regarding swimming pools. From a safety standpoint, even when fences are not required, they can add an extra measure of safety when there are children on or around the property.
How long does it take to build a swimming pool from start to finish?
The average planning and permitting process is 2-3 months. The physical construction of the pool is typically 3-4 months for an average build. More complex projects and adverse weather conditions may delay those timeframes.
How much does a spa add to the cost of a pool? What about a spa only?
Attaching a spa to the pool will add approximately $20,000 to $25,000 to the price of a pool, while a standalone inground spa will generally cost nearly as much as a basic pool due to material and labor minimums.
What do I need to get the process started for a new pool?
The most important thing you’ll need is a plot plan, otherwise called your land survey. This is the document that will tell the designer the size and shape of your yard, locate important utility easements, and determine the boundaries of your property for access. If you have an HOA, you will want to find out if they have any restrictions or rules related to swimming pools and swimming pool construction.
What financing options are available?
There are two popular loan varieties used to finance a swimming pool: a home improvement loan and a home equity loan. Home improvement loans are loans that can be made for up to 100% of the value of the home, and can be rolled into a permanent mortgage should you choose to refinance. Home equity loans on the other hand are borrowed against the home’s value, and cannot be rolled into a mortgage. Which option you choose will greatly depend on your circumstances. While you are welcome to use whichever lending company fits you best, Lyon Financial and HFS Financial are two lending companies who understand the construction process of a swimming pool and whom many of our customers have used in the past.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes, we do. Click here if you are ready to schedule a consultation with one of our designers. They will make an appointment with you to meet at our design center where you will look through conceptual designs, completed projects, and materials to create your ideal pool project. Along with your property survey, our design team will be able to plan your pool and price out the construction cost.
We're interested in a pool, what do we do now?
Call us – but first…
Sit down with your family and make a list of what your pool needs are. You’ll find you have many more needs for the pool area than just for swimming. Here are some examples of what you need…
- Sport Pool (for water sports) or Diving Pool?
- Lots of length needed? Is there a lap swimmer in the family?
- Spa (for soaking or relaxing)?
- Raised Spa with spillway into pool (creates visual impact)?
- Waterfall or fountain (sound of water is very appealing)?
- Tropical look (landscaping makes visual impact)?
- Barbecue area or outdoor kitchen needed?
- Sun Area (separate from table area for privacy)?
- Raised planters (adds touch of elegance)?
- Gazebo or overhead structure (for entertaining or shade)?
- Fireplace or fire pits?
- Putting Green?
- Beach entry or tanning ledge?
What should we have ready for the designer's visit?
- Have a copy of your survey plat or plot plan. Although we will measure your yard anyway, it helps us spot existing easements, etc., on your survey which may affect the design.
- If possible have your electric, water, sewer, gas, and phone lines flagged to see if they may require rerouting. If they need to be rerouted, this expense can be added to your estimate up front instead of turning up as a “surprise” later on.
- Discuss the project with the entire family and be prepared to discuss your ideas with the designer. The more input we have from you, the better we can tailor the project to meet your needs.
- If you’re planning a Home Improvement or Home Equity loan, tell your designer. We want to help. Your designer can be a valuable source of information.
What if we already have a design we like or we don't like?
A good pool designer doesn’t feel like he’s through until you say he’s through. We’ll make suggestions about safety and practicality, but we’ll always let you call the shots. Send us back to the drawing board until you get what you want. We don’t mind as long as we get an opportunity to work for you.
What size pool is best for us?
The average “family size” pool is about 15’ x 30’. Also, more and more people are opting for the “garden pool” or “sport pool”, a pool without a diving board. This may allow you to utilize more space in the pool for water sports.
How long will it take to complete my pool?
The average pool project takes about six to eight weeks from excavation to finish. The more elaborate projects that include retaining walls, special drainage, etc. can add about a week per phase of construction. Try not to place too much emphasis on construction time, as many builders for themselves into using substandard craftsmen by committing to deadlines during peak season.
Are there any “gray areas” (things we may overlook) that need to be allowed for?
Careful planning is essential with your builder to make sure all aspects of construction are covered. Here are a few examples:
- Move gas grill
- Crossing neighbors property
- Landscaping
- Sod Replacement
- Retaining walls
- Sprinkler reroute
- Landscape lighting
- Filtration equipment location
- Damage to driveway
- Fence removal & replacement
- Be sure to “walk” the yard with your builder to go over anything that could delay the project or that might create and unexpected cost.
Can you help us with landscaping, fencing, etc?
We work with several contractors. Let us know what you are wanting and we can give you names of contractors that we recommend.
We're buying/building a new home and would like the pool in the mortgage. How do we handle this and when can you start the pool?
In many cases your mortgage company will escrow the money necessary to build your pool. Just make sure you have bids from the pool builder and not a guess from the home builder on what it will cost.
Since you won’t own the pool until you close on your home, we will be working for the home builder if we begin construction before you close. Many home builders don’t mind this, but in some cases they may add to the cost of the pool to cover their liability and other related expenses. Some builders prefer that you should be closed on the home before beginning the pool.
Why is there sometimes a wide margin of difference in price among builder?
Price is usually relative to quality in your business. A builder can pass along a savings to you if he pays less for the work himself. The better builders use the finest available equipment and subcontractors, resulting in a better built product with less warranty troubles. The pool could cost as much as 20-30% more than a pool built under the “price” philosophy.
Considering the time spent owning the pool, the additional cost up front is usually a better value in the long run if it helps avoid costly repairs.
So far, you have told us many of the same things other pool builders have. Why should we buy from you? Aren't pools basically all alike?
While the phases of constructing a gunite pool are similar, the quality of subcontractors and equipment vary widely. You may narrow your decision to two or three “quality builders” only to discover prices vary $5,000-$10,000. Your decision should probably be based on these items: (1) Superior construction; (2) Service after construction; (3) Length of warranties; (4) Planning and Design; (5) Communication. While most builders excel in one or more of the above, we believe we excel in all five categories.
How does my homeowner's insurance increase when I have a swimming pool?
With most standard insurance carriers, your insurance will not increase. We suggest that you check with your insurance agent to inform them that you have a swimming pool to be sure that your property is insured to value. You may also want to consider raising your liability limits.
Is it mandatory that I have a fence?
In most municipalities a 5’ fence is required with gaps no larger than 4” and a self-closing latching gate. We suggest that you check with your local municipality to determine what is required in your area. It is also important that you check your fence periodically to ensure that it still meets code.
Should I be concerned about safety?
Absolutely. We believe that you should take every precaution necessary to prevent injuries. As a service to our customers, we provide a free CPR class. Call (940) 384-7665 to make an appointment.
Will I be able to understand how to care for the swimming pool?
Gohlke Pools has gone to extremes to make pool care simple. The two systems that we use, the Once-A-Week 3-step system and the Electrolytic Chlorine Generators, are simple; yet provide water quality that is unsurpassed. In addition, should any problems arise, our retail store is well-qualified to solve most any pool problem.
How much does it cost to operate my pool?
Total operating costs (water, electricity, and chemicals) for a swimming pool varies from one pool to another. The monthly cost of operating a non-heated swimming pool in the Denton area varies from $40 to $200 depending on the size and the care that the pool receives (based on taking care of the pool yourself, operating equipment for 8 hours per day). The costs are broken down below:
Cost of filling – The cost of filling a residential swimming pool in the City of Denton during the summer ranges from $50 – $150, depending on the size of the pool. If you are not in the City of Denton, this information is available from your water service provider. It should be expected that throughout evaporation, splash out, and backwashing the filter, you will add enough water in a year to completely refill the pool.
Cost of operating filtration equipment – The electrical cost of operating a two-pump system in the Denton area is $30-$60 per month. This estimate is based on operating the pump 8 hours per day.
Cost of operating a heater – Some pools have spas, which must be heated in use. The cost to run a 400,000 BTU natural gas heater is approximately $2-$3 per hour, and propane is approximately $4-$5 per hour.
Cost of chemicals – The average annual cost for chemicals range from $200-$800, depending on the size of the pool and the routine maintenance that the pool receives.
How do most people finance their pool?
There are several ways to finance a swimming pool. The two most popular are:
- Home Improvement Loan
- Home Equity Loan Although each lending institution has different policies and procedures / rules that apply.
Following are some general guidelines for each type of loan.
- Common to both types of loans
- Available for long term- usually 3 years to 25 years (length of time based on dollar amount).
Interest is tax –deductible in most cases – see your accountant for more information. - State law requires that a minimum of 15 days pass before loan is funded. (12 days to close loan plus 3 day right to cancel).
- Available for long term- usually 3 years to 25 years (length of time based on dollar amount).
- Home Improvement Loans
- Loan can be for up to 100% of the appraised value of the home.
- Improvements being made can be added into value of home.
- Loan can be rolled into a permanent mortgage in case of refinancing.
- Home Equity Loans
- Loan can be made for up to 80% of the appraised value of the home.
- Improvements being made cannot be added into the value of the home.
- Loan cannot be rolled into a permanent mortgage in case of refinancing.
- Can apply for 1 home equity loans in a 12 month period.
- Has a lower interest rate than a home improvement loan in some cases.
As you can see, each loan has its advantages. It is important to discuss with your loan officer which loan would work best in your situation. Ask your pool designer for a list of lending institutions that we have worked with.
Gohlke Pools
