When building a swimming pool, whether you build it yourself or hire a swimming pool contractor, the initial cost estimate often only covers the core construction. Did you know that there are several hidden and unexpected costs that arise during the project? This could be intentional or perhaps due to ignorance.
This article will thoroughly discuss several unexpected expenses that are often overlooked when calculating the cost of building a swimming pool. To make it easier for you to see these costs, Bali Arsitek will group them according to the stages of swimming pool construction.
Planning & Permits Phase
During the planning and permit application process for building a swimming pool, there are several costs that need to be considered, such as:
- Soil Test
Before constructing a swimming pool, it is essential to conduct soil testing. Soil testing plays a crucial role in determining how the construction should be carried out, whether additional treatment is required, and various other possibilities. Make sure to include the cost of soil testing in your swimming pool construction budget.
Read also: Is Soil Testing Important Before Building a Swimming Pool? - Construction Permit Fees
The cost of construction permits is highly dynamic and adjusted to local regulations and the type of pool to be built. These permits are essential for public swimming pools, but for private swimming pools, they are more related to environmental permits because heavy equipment or material vehicles will enter through the roads around the pool construction site. For these permits, there may be additional costs beyond the cost of building the pool itself.
Construction Phase
From the planning and permitting stage, we move on to the construction stage. At this stage, there are steps that are related to the planning stage, both in terms of soil testing results and the issuance of a swimming pool construction permit. The following are some of the steps that may add to the cost of building your swimming pool.
- Land Maturation Costs
Land maturation costs are highly dependent on the condition of the land and the results of soil testing. Basically, not all land is ready for immediate construction. There may be work to be done, such as leveling the ground, removing large objects (rocks or trees), demolishing the remains of previous structures, and compacting the soil. Of course, these steps require additional costs that must be added to the initial cost of building the pool. - Additional Civil Works
Additional civil works are necessary if the construction site has soil conditions unsuitable for a swimming pool, or if the pool is to be built on a rooftop. Additional civil works may be required to address unstable soil conditions, high groundwater levels, or even rooftop construction.
Read also: Good Soil Structure for Building a Swimming Pool - Additional Piping & Electrical Installation
Although pipe and electrical installations are included in the swimming pool construction contract, the addition of new pipes and electrical outlets may increase the cost of building the pool. Contractors will usually add these costs if there are changes in the planning and implementation.
Finishing Phase
After the construction phase is complete, the swimming pool finishing phase will commence. At this phase, there are several costs that may not be included by the contractor in the work contract.
- Waterproofing Test, Cleaning, and Initial Water Filling
Waterproofing tests, cleaning, and initial water filling require a significant amount of water. This is especially important to consider if you are building a large swimming pool. Make sure you calculate the water requirements if you are building the pool yourself, or check whether these requirements are included in the contract if you are hiring a contractor.
This is very important because the waterproofing test stage (when the main structure of the pool is complete) requires water equivalent to the full filling of the pool. This is to ensure that the main structure does not leak.
During the cleaning stage, sufficient water is also required for the pool finishing materials. In addition, during the final stage when filling the pool with water for the first time after finishing, the amount of water required is equivalent to that needed for the waterproofing test. - Accessories and Decorations
This section also adds to the cost of building a swimming pool if you want your pool to have certain accessories and decorations. Make sure you discuss this at the outset so that the cost of accessories and decorations is included in the work contract. - Landscape & Surrounding Area
Adding a garden around the pool, adding a deck, or adding a gazebo after the pool is completed can increase the cost of your pool construction. These additions are not usually included in standard pool construction contracts. You can make special requests to ensure your needs are met.
After Construction is Complete
When your swimming pool is completed, make sure you have obtained and included the following costs:
- Initial Chemical Treatment Costs
Initial chemical costs for swimming pools, such as chlorine, pH, and algaecide, need to be included in the pool construction budget. If you are using a contractor, make sure these costs are included in the contract. - Warranty and After-Sales Service
Always check the warranty coverage you receive. Pay attention to the length of the warranty period, the types of warranties you receive, and the conditions covered by the warranty. This is important to ensure that you do not incur any additional costs once your swimming pool is completed. It also ensures that you know who is responsible for any damage or problems that occur while the warranty is still valid.
Recommendations & Closing
Building a swimming pool requires not only focusing on the best materials for its construction, but also considering various financial surprises that may arise. Allocating a contingency fund of 10% to 15% of the total cost when building a swimming pool can mitigate any unexpected increases in construction costs.
In addition, make sure you choose a contractor who is transparent and provides clear details of the construction costs. This is so that you can avoid costs that may be deliberately hidden in order to reduce the initial cost of building the pool.
With careful planning and choosing a reliable swimming pool contractor, you can start your project without any financial drama. That concludes this article. We hope it helps you realize your dream swimming pool.
