Inground pools are beautiful and provide a more permanent pool solution than many different types. Adding this type of pool to your property increases the appeal while also giving a relaxation spot to enjoy.

The appeal for inground pools in homes, hotels, gyms, and more will always be there due to the obvious benefits it brings. However, building such a product comes with its associated costs. Considering they have to excavate the ground, it sometimes costs a significant sum. 

With unexpected costs that can arise during construction and inflated costs from contractors making building an inground pool a challenge for many. 

While some unexpected during construction cannot be completely avoided, those inflated expenses from contractors can and should be kept at arms length if making an inground pool is your desire.

To avoid these costs, you need to understand how these contractors inflate the cost of the inground pool. This way, you know what to look out for and how to counter the increased cost.

You can significantly reduce the cost of that inground pool if you pay attention to all the different ways and pool contractors inflate cost. Learning their antics can save you a lot and ensure you do not compromise on quality and style. 

The aim here is to show you the different ways inground pool contractors unnecessarily increase the cost of the project. While also including tips on how to avoid this and get the best deal. Ready? Let’s first understand the typical cost of an inground pool.

Understanding the Base Cost of an Inground Pool

An inground pool is one where the pool is located below the ground. This style features excavating the ground, removing some of the soil, and securing the space, all of which means a lot of materials. 

With all this in mind, you can better understand the base cost of a typical inground pool. To make this type of pool, here are a few costs to consider: 

Materials

One of the most significant costs to building an inground pool is from the materials required. The material you chose for your inground pool will also determine the overall cost of the pool. 

Popular options include vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete, all with varying costs of buying the materials. Concrete is the most expensive on the list costing between $40,000 to $110,000 depending on location, style, and size. 

With vinyl giving you the lowest cost but with an associated lower lifespan. The cost for vinyl gets as low as $15,000 to $35,000.

Labor

Another factor increasing the cost of your inground pool is labour and this is typically tied to existing needs, like the project timeline, size, design, and the chosen material.

The need for labor intensive processes when making an inground pool increases the labor cost. Details like excavation, plumbing, installation, and waterproofing are needed and the cost is on labor. 

Permits and Site Preparation

There are also costs associated with the permits required to make the pool and prepare the site. All these have associated costs that add to the overall cost of a typical inground pool.

Permits may vary depending on your location, with some municipalities requiring zoning compliance, safety regulations, and environmental standards. Always verify permit requirements with your local building department, as some contractors may overstate fees to inflate costs. 

Site preparation includes excavation, grading, and addressing soil or access issues for standard projects. Contractors may claim unique site challenges, like rocky soil or slopes, to justify higher charges.

Common Tactics Contractors Use to Inflate Cost

Contractors use different tactics to get a higher amount from you and finding out what they are will help you save a lot of money. Here are some of the most common ones to look out for when speaking with an inground pool contractor:

Lowball Initial Estimates

One common practice some contractors do is to dangle a cheap quote to reel you in. It will look like a steal until “surprise” fees hit, like sudden claims of tricky soil or extra labor needs. It’s all a game for these shady contractors.

However, you can spot this by checking for vague estimates with no details. Always get three to five quotes and insist on a line-by-line breakdown. You should also be wary of that one quote that seems too low from the others. If the price feels too good to be true, it’s probably a trap.

Upselling Flashy Features

Ever had a contractor swear you need a fancy waterfall or high-end lighting? They’ll pitch these as essentials, but they’re often just big-ticket items boosting their profit. 

The trick is to decide on the features you want for your inground pool beforehand. I mean do you really need a $4,000 heater for a pool in a predominantly hot area? Answering this question will help you avoid unnecessary features that’ll inflate the cost of your pool.

Overcharging for Materials

Another trick to overcharge you is inflating the cost of some of the materials. Some contractors grab cheap stuff and charge you for top-shelf quality, hoping you won’t notice. Ask for a detailed material cost list, then check prices online. A few minutes on Google can save you a bundle.

Exaggerating Site Prep Costs

Sit preparation can suddenly need special fixes when your subcontractor is looking to inflate cost. You may start to get additions for rocky soil and a muddy area from your contractor 

This tactic pads the bill fast. Protect yourself by getting an independent site inspection before signing. It’s a small cost to catch inflated claims early.

Subcontractor and Labor Markups

Contractors often outsource work to subcontractors, then slap on hefty markups. Some go as far as bringing in extra workers you don’t need just so labor cost is high. Request a clear list of who’s on the job and their rates.

Change Order Cash Grabs

Inflation tactics from inground pool contractors extends to changing orders mid project. Your contractor suggests a small tweak to the design or upgrade in material but with a massive increase in the cost. 

These change orders can bleed you dry. Lock in a fixed-price contract with clear rules for any changes. Make sure every tweak is priced and documented before work continues.

The Alternative

You’ve seen how some shady contractors can inflate the cost of that inground pool you want, what then is the solution? There are quite a few, although with varying levels of effectiveness in saving cost and ensuring a high standard. 

You can nitpick every action of your contractor to avoid getting inflated figures or you can do it yourself. When it comes to DIYs, the major complaint is typically experience since people without the required skillset will typically struggle to handle the project.

Thankfully, a service like DIY Pools and Spas helps you build a pool yourself, thereby avoiding cost inflation. They provide the consultation so you can use the builders directly without the need for subcontractors who inflate cost. 

If you’re interested in avoiding the inflated costs inground pool contractors put on the process, your best bet is doing it yourself through the help of DIY Pools and Spas.

You can save cost, get the best design, and enjoy your swimming pool if you get the cost right. Taking charge of the process through the help of professionals is the way to go. 

DIY Pools and Spas’ process equips complete newbies with what they need to make their own inground pool using real builders and eliminating subcontractors who inflate fees.