If there is one backyard upgrade worth considering, it's a perfect pool space.
Done right, it can elevate any old yard into a luxurious home retreat. A place your whole family can relax, entertain friends in, and enjoy for years to come. But of course, there is a big "if."
Don't plan ahead. Countless homeowners skip the planning stage and dive headfirst into pool features. By the time they realize they've bitten off more than they can chew, their dream space has become a money-pit nightmare.
Planning ahead is how you keep your backyard project fun.
Want to know how?
This Dream Backyard Goals Guide Is Broken Down Like This:
- What Does a Pool Space Actually Cost?
- How To Plan the Perfect Pool Layout
- The Best Pool Features Worth Paying For
- Don't Forget Pool Enclosures
- Decking, Landscaping & The Finishing Touches
Jump to:
What Does a Pool Space Actually Cost?
Guestimating your swimming pool cost is the first order of business.
Depending on size, pool material, tech features, and where you live, inground pool installation cost estimates start at $60,000 in 2025. From there, you can see prices jump to $125,000+.
Overall pricing depends heavily on the shape and size of the pool itself. Standard 16′ x 32′ concrete pools come in around $85k.
Vinyl-lined pools start cheaper (around $65k) and fiberglass shells average $75k.
Keep in mind that labour typically represents 25–35% of your overall pool construction cost.
Yeah, that is expensive.
Herein lies why planning out your pool area is so important.
If you're even remotely curious about building a swimming pool in your backyard, knowing what affects the build cost will help tremendously.
Everything from your pool shape, materials, and all those fun bells and whistles we'll talk about later, to your city's permit process, will impact your quote.
Consider how permits alone can tack on an extra $2,000–$5,000 to your build. It's not fun to think about, but if it's required in your city, there is no skipping it.
Does all of this cost mean you'll never see a return on your pool investment? No way! Having a pool can net back up to 7% in added home value when it's time to sell.
While that number won't cover your full build, it does help, especially if you live in a state where most homes have pools.
How To Plan the Perfect Pool Layout
Step one: Don't start with the pool.
It's the backyard pool being discussed here. But there's more to an ideal pool space than the pool itself.
Your backyard is an ecosystem. Your pool's placement in relation to your home, landscaping, and coverings will define how much you enjoy the space once it's built.
Ask yourself these questions before figuring out where to place that inground oasis:
- Will the pool get adequate afternoon sun? Heating your pool water costs money. Positioning your pool to get the most sun during peak hours will keep those bills down.
- Safety first. Are there small children in the picture? If yes, you need to plan your pool area with kid zones in mind. Safety fencing and gates should be designed into your landscape rather than an afterthought.
- Can the pool be accessed easily? All swimming pools should have direct access from the home. Think about surfaces and covered entries. They all make a difference.
- Don't forget about your pool's utilities. Heating, filtration, outlets — these things all need to be planned for. Don't let your contractor squeeze your filtering system into an untidy spot because "it fits."
Bring a professional onto your team as soon as you can. Pool designers and installers can save you money by spotting mistakes before they happen.
The Best Pool Features Worth Paying For
Know what you want before jumping into upgrades.
Sure, some high-dollar additions are flashy and totally not worth the money.
Others, however, will enhance your daily enjoyment of your new pool. Plus, they'll add value to your space down the road if you decide to sell.
Investing in a heating system is probably the most useful upgrade on this list.
Sure, it'll run your budget upwards, but is it worth it? If you live in a climate with warm summers and mild winters, absolutely. Heating your pool extends your swim season by months, sometimes half the year.
Automation and smart technologies are quickly becoming table stakes.
Is it nice to change your pool lighting, filter schedule, or temp with your phone? Absolutely. Not only that, new tech allows you to run your pool more energy efficiently than ever before.
LED pool lights.
Another game changer. Not only does LED pool lighting allow you to extend your pool usage well into the night, but it creates ambience like no other.
Cost used to be a prohibitive factor for many families. Prices have come down over the years, and maintenance on newer LED setups is minimal.
Waterfalls, Water Jets, Bubblers.
Guilty pleasure items on the wish list. They look amazing, and they really amp up the vacation-ready factor. They also cost extra. Lots of extra. Balance your priorities.
Remember, you can always upgrade later. Locking these kinds of items into your pool build will cost you significant dollars down the road.
Don't Forget Pool Enclosures
Not every backyard space needs a pool enclosure. However, if there are kids in the picture, or you live in an area with severe seasonal changes, they are well worth considering.
Pool enclosures can extend your swim season dramatically. Bonus: they also keep debris out of your pool and reduce heating costs.
Many enclosure designs also offer increased safety for families.
The least expensive enclosure designs use screened materials. While not ideal in all climates, they dramatically reduce the number of insects and trapped leaves coming into your pool.
Just like any other addition, pricing varies based on your climate, budget, and style. Get a quote when you're mapping out your pool construction.
In most cases, installing your enclosure during build will be cheaper than retroactively adding one.
Decking, Landscaping and The Finishing Touches
When planning your dream pool space, take note of the space that surrounds the pool itself.
Who doesn't love a fancy pool deck? Sadly, that upgrade isn't going to come cheap. Decks can run anywhere from $30–$45/sqft depending on the materials.
Natural stone decking is the epitome of elegance, but it is sure to increase your budget. If you're dead set on stone, look at engineered stone or textured concrete options. Similar look, harder-wearing, and better slip resistance at 40–60% cheaper.
Timber is another deck material to consider. Warm, natural-looking decks that blend into most environments. One downside? They require more maintenance than their stone counterparts.
Landscaping deserves a mention too. It's the glue that holds your space together. There's nothing worse than great pool and decking materials hidden by sparse plantings.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your planting design either. Native plants are a great route to take. They tend to be low maintenance while still giving your pool space that wow-factor.
Closing Thoughts: Dream Backyard Goals Achieved
Planning is everything when it comes to designing a perfect pool space.
Sure, the construction cost of a pool space can be astronomical. But breaking your plan into manageable chunks and prioritizing what your family actually needs can save you money.
Then, when it comes time to enjoy your backyard oasis, you'll know you designed it right.
Think long, build smart, and enjoy every moment of your new pool space.
Leave a Reply