We made the decision to add a pool about 2 months ago. Looking at our current situation with the stay at home orders, it has been a blessing, something to look forward to. And I hate to even share this for fear it sounds insensitive to others situations. We had money saved and set aside for this pool and spent time deciding if we should do it. It really isn’t something you get your money back for. But we will get a return on our investment with TIME and memories for our family. They started the process of digging the hole on April 6th, and it typically takes about two weeks to have it up and going! There was Easter in the middle of that so ours wasn’t as fast. The kids wanted to swim as soon as they saw the water! The pool is heated, so they should be able to have their first swim this weekend!
Here are photos of the process of adding our pool and answers to questions about the pool-
First of all we had to move our playset to the back corner. Our contractor suggested rolling the playset on large PVC pipes. Kind of like in olden times! And it worked really well! It was important to us to leave the playset, the kids really love it and play on it daily. Lola wants an underground tramp and Ella wants open grass for soccer. So we will see what we end up doing!
The pool looked HUGE sitting outside our house. It was a crazy process to watch them get it to the backyard!!!
Luckily our neighbors are so nice and actually liked watching the show too!
They are going to add stone to the top edge of the pool and around the hot tub area. And also need to figure out all the landscaping details! I want to find someone to do a drawing of it!
What type of pool is it?
When trying decide what type of pool we would get Kevin looked into the two types of pools; a Gunite pool which is a pool that is poured concrete and is what you would see at most public pools. The other option was a One-Piece Fiberglass Pool, these pools are pre-made and dropped into a hole that have been dug. Both pool types have their advantages and disadvantages; Gunite pools are more expensive than a fiberglass pool, they do not do as well in harsh weather and they have more maintenance involved. Fiberglass pools can sometimes look “fake” and you must make sure that you are going with a quality company that are very used to installing these types of pool and use high quality materials. We decided to go with the One-Piece Fiberglass pool, for us it was exactly what we were looking for, it had a lower cost, it was installed in less than two weeks and it had less maintenance. (We got our pool from Fairfield Pools the name of the pool brand it Leisure Pools, ours is the “the ultimate” our size is 38’x17′ color is graphic gray.)
Chlorine or Salt Water?
The one thing that I was concerned with was the chlorine, I know the kids are going to be in the pool ALL summer and I really wanted to make sure that they weren’t being exposed to too many chemicals. We decided to go with a Salt Water Pool. The salt water system keeps the pool clean by converting to a Chlorine like substance with far less harsh chemicals in the water to clean the pool. The water does not taste salty like ocean water and gives me a little bit of peace of mind. (It was an additional $1500 to do Salt Water).
What is the process like of getting approved for a pool?
The first thing we had to do was get a survey of our home. We had to get a survey to see if the pool would fit and if we needed to add a drainage system for the pool, luckily we had this on hand, due to our remodel. For those who don’t have a survey, it is as easy to go to your city hall and ask zoning for the survey on file. In our town we also had to get the pool signed off by the conservation department due to the beach area we live in.
How much does a Fiberglass Pool cost?
A One-Piece Fiberglass pools cost about 50k, far less than a Gunite Pool which costs closer to 125k (in our area- CT). It is still a lot of money and a big investment, we know that this is not going to increases the value of our home, but it was something that Kevin and I always wanted and we look forward to the memories that we are going to be able to create with our friends and family.
What do you have to factor in with a pool?
One of the requirements by our town is that the pool must either have a fence around it or your backyard has to be completely fenced in. We already have a fence around our yard, except for one side where we have large boxwood and forsythia, so we need to add a fence to that side. And thankfully we already have a security system, you are required to have a door chime, which we already have as well. Our kids have all taken swimming lessons, which we actually do every year to improve the girls skills and help Finn remember what he learned. Pool safety is very important to us, when we have parties we will hire a lifeguard to watch the pool, in addition to life jackets. We will have to pay for all of the landscaping and stone around the pool too- so that is something to factor in).
Backyard Pool Plan-
A large umbrella is a must- I ordered this- 11′ Umbrella (we did beige). Kevin and I spent some time looking at lounge chairs online, both of us really liked these Lounge Chairs, they have a pillow for the back too and we did a couple of these Black Side Tables to go in-between the chairs. White Strand Lights are a must and oversized Stripe Towels. We still need to narrow down the landscaping, but we really like a simple Juniper Tree, that the leaves won’t fall into the pool. We also need to add-on to our shed for pool storage or do another type of shed in another spot or a mini garage (I like the look of THIS white shed). And around the pool we are doing cement tiles on a diamond with stone in-between (grass would get in the pool).
Deck Plan-
If you missed our deck plan you can find it HERE, we might end up doing the fire pit down by the pool.
Do you remember this beach house tour? You can find it HERE. Love their pool landscaping! Excited to take you along as we start to landscape!
Congrats! We had a pool, fiberglass, when our kids were little. We LOVED it! We lived out in the country and definitely got our money’s worth!
oh awesome!! Thank you!!!
Yay!! A POOL!! We just bought a home last September with a pool. This summer we’re so excited to really put it to use, especially with the quarantine. I feel like having a pool is like owning a pet. They may not earn you money financially and really can be a money pit (hello new liner…) but the joy we get from our pup Charlie is tenfold that of anything he “costs”. Maybe a weird comparison but I’m excited to see how you style your backyard now!!
ha! That is a good comparison!
We had a pool growing up and it was awesome, every summer was spent outside! It is such a fun addition to your home!
So exciting! Can’t wait to see the backyard all come together! It’s going to look so good!
me too! Come and help! ha!
This was such a fun IG surprise today. So excited for you all!
thanks Crystal!!!
So exciting!! Your family will love having this. Just FYI, in my area (central California) where gunnite pools are commonplace, they cost around 30-50K to install for a simple pool with a few nice features and go up from there. Still an expense for sure but not quite $125k for the size you guys got. We live in ours all summer long, enjoy!!!
Oh glad you shared! Must be way more in CT??? That is crazy!
Ditto in Florida…$50k for a nice pool and deck surround. It will be worth every penny though. My kids have been swimming 2-4 hours a day for the last 6 weeks!
Everything is more here in Connecticut
Yes I was going to comment the same. We installed a concrete pool in our home in Florida 30 ft with hot tub for exactly 50k. I can’t believe it would cost 3x that. Nuts!
I would suggest that you add on to your current shed or additional shed a space fore a dressing room. It will save you from wet people running thru your house with wet bathing suits at parties to change their clothes.
Yah!! I love it!! What a great idea and the plans look wonderful!
This is so exciting!! This couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as my husband and I have been talking about this for years, going back and forth on the idea trying to make a decision. My only hesitation with a fiberglass pool is the looking fake part that you mentioned, but yours actually looks amazing! Are you planning to share what brand and model you guys purchased at some point? Also, did you guys hire a contractor to do everything or did you sub it all out yourselves, as I would love to know more about the process. Congrats! And super excited to follow along on the landscaping, as our yard appears to be very similar in size to yours.
So we just went through Fairfield pools- I will have to ask the brand name. The color is graphite gray. and we already had out contractor- which he ended up helping a little, glad he was around because he suggested good things. And he is doing the finishing of the stone and landscape, so I would recommend having a contractor in from the start.
So was it $50,000 for the pool itself or for the pool and install? We have also been thinking about this for a few years!
It was 50k for the pool, install and cement around the pool!
How Amazing!!!! So wild to see happen, what an eventful day. I appreciate your mention of water safety. I run a very large Aquatics Facility, training hundreds of lifeguard staff and swim instructors. If you ever want to talk pools or water safety we’d be glad to! Excited for you guys!
Congratulations on the pool! We live in Central Florida and use our pool quite a bit. In the summer time, there’s not really a need to go anywhere. LOL
Your kids will enjoy it for years to come!!!
We have a fiberglass pool- it is 11 years old now, looks as good as the day it was installed. The salt water system is excellent, so pleasant to swim in. I am sure you and your family will love it. Pools are very expensive for sure, but if it is something you really want, and you can afford it- it is a lovely addition to your backyard and something your family can enjoy together!
Iam in Massachusetts ..we did an Inground a few years ago. Checked out all the options – and went with concrete wall with liner. 24k for 20×40. I had no idea fiberglass was so expensive, always thought it was less then concrete. You’ll love it…so much enjoyment!
So exciting!! We moved into a house with a pool last summer and it has been the best thing for our family! So much fun and always something to do in the summer! Because of the quarantine, we were thinking about opening early and turning the heater on (something we haven’t done yet) but have no idea what that would do to our electric bill. We also live in Fairfield. Curious if you have any insight to share regarding the cost of heating a pool? Thanks for all your great content!
Well someone I talked to said his was $1800 for his for heating bill for the year with keeping the pool at 85 degrees! ha! That seems hot….
Oh it’s beautiful!!! So exciting, the kids must be over the moon! What a great way to cope with the isolation as well 🙂
Enjoy!! Can’t wait to see the finished backyard oasis.
If you got out for 50K, I’d say you basically stole it lol! Did that include install and concrete patio around it?
We love pur pool and its endless entertainment for our toddler!
no, not the full patio. It included the cement collar around it is all.
Love it! Thank you for sharing all the details! I have always wanted a pool! May I ask what size lot you have?
So excited for you guys!! We rented a beach house last summer that had salt water and that large super shallow area like yours, and it was hands-down our absolute favorite pool of any we’ve ever used. I felt like we actually floated more easily in the salt water, and it was SO nice to swim without getting red, irritated eyes! And the shallow area was a HUGE hit with my kids and my nephew! Everyone from the one-year-old to the 10-year-old spent a lot of time lounging and splashing in that area. 🙂 I hope you guys make tons of happy memories in your new back yard!
What makes you say it won’t add that value to your home?
Well just because homes sell based off of the market around them… I would think it would help our home sell quicker tho…
Hope y’all enjoy this new addition so much!! Looks like a great place to make quality memories. One of our friends has a salt water pool and it’s fantastic. Only downside is the corrosion to their metal patio furniture. Heads up on that!! Enjoy!
Congrats on your pool! You will never regret it! My kids would spend hours upon hours every day all summer in our pool. With three boys we were on the run all the time during the school year so having a pool in our backyard was a great way to slow down in the summer while having a lot of fun!
When your turned that camera around on Instagram today! All I could think was “wow”! What a wonderful surprise! Love how you and Kevin live your best lives for you and your kids! I’m sure that pool is going to bring you lots of wonderful memories!
Is the 50k just the product or permits and labor too? So beautiful and perfect timing!!!!
yes! But doesn’t include pavers and landscaping
Best idea ever!!!!
This addition is very exciting! I’m a realtor from Florida and I’m always interested in your comments about planning your renovation and what will and will not add value to your home. Your blog posts says the pool will not add value. Why is that? In Florida, a pool definitely adds value. I’m just curious. 🙂 I love your remodel and your positive attitude!
well just because homes sell by the comps around them- so it isn’t like we could sell it for more because we added a pool (as per my realtor:)) but I am with you. I would think it would help it sell faster. I don’t know if we could mark it up 50k because of what we added plus the landscaping. But we will see! I am hopeful! No plans in moving soon tho.
I’m so happy for your family! It’s awesome that you guys are able to do this for your kids and anyone who judges or says nasty comments must be jealous. Anyone would make improvements to their home and life if they had the money to do so! You work hard, are a genuine, good person and are nice enough to share your experience with us. Please don’t stop sharing. I look forward to seeing all the good things to come for your family!!
What a fun and happy post! I read your blog regularly but have never commented until now. As someone who is considered essential and am wearing a mask for my twelve-hour shift, I have been shocked at how insensitive some folks online have been about the “drudgery of staying home” etc. I have even unfollowed several people because of what I perceive as a disrespectful attitude towards those of us who continue to work during this pandemic (BTW, I am grateful beyond measure that I still have my job).
I guess I just wanted to say that I appreciate your compassion and forethought that some may think the post insensitive at this time. All that said, this post gave me HOPE that things will get better and normal again. What a perfect time to add a pool and the pictures of your kids’ excitement made my day.
Oh thank you Nora! And I am sorry you are having to wear a mask for 12 hours, it gives me so much empathy just wearing it grocery shopping. You are so positive and kind. I am with you on everything you just said. THANK YOU for your comment and reading my blog regularly!
You have such a perfect backyard for a pool. Will you have an automatic pool cover? They are great for keeping debris out, tempature regulated and require less upkeep with the pool chemicals.
we are in the process of deciding on that! We do want one!
How long is your swimming season? Ours is about 3 months and we are deciding if it would be worth the investment!
We have done 3 month long ones before. And we have done them where they are shorter but more often as a refresher before summer. I think it is 100% worth the investment
Congratulations Brooke! Your pool is beautiful. My family had a pool when I was a teenager and we spent so much time swimming and hanging out in our backyard. My hope for your landscaping is that you include native plants and in doing so you influence others to do the same. There are lots of reasons but I think it’s best expressed by Doug Tallamy in his books Bringing Nature Home and Natures Best Hope and also in his presentations like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbsAAwpP34E&t=70s. Fortunately, Connecticut has so many gorgeous natives. Here’s just a start: https://www.connecticutmag.com/home-garden/native-plants-to-consider-for-your-property/article_0512b12a-30b5-11e9-93b2-0ba1bab2e195.html.
I am just so excited for you and your family! I absolutely love watching your home transformation, you are extremely creative, talented, and innovative! How you can envision something and then bring it to life is inspirational! You deserve all the blessings that come your way and the one’s you create! (I know, mushy…but) Sending you love and light from your central CT neighbor! @AlittleExtraUs
God Bless!
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations!! This is incredibly exciting and I’m thrilled for all of you! Your design, as usual, is beautiful! We live in CT too and are considering a pool this or next year. I LOVE the look of the pool you picked, it’s classic. Can you use the hot tub feature in the winter months too? I also love the tiles and concrete look you picked for around the pool! Please share when you complete it! Awesome!!!
Hi! Thank you so much!!! I don’t think we can use it in the winter since we have to really uncover it all….
We have a salt water system and you will NOT regret it! Not sure if you can also do the sand filter option but it’s so much better than other filtration systems. both were life-changers for me – I am the “pool guy” in the house, so I did all the chemicals and the filter changes before. Now, hardly any chemicals are needed and no filters! We have a local pool company who I can take water samples to and also just call for advice on what to buy, and what order to put them in…I think you will enjoy it so much. We could not afford an expensive in ground so we bought a very nice square above ground pool (16×16), and even though it’s a bit country…we thoroughly enjoy it. And will continue to until we can put in an in-ground system.
Great to know!!! Thank you so much!!!
Congrats on your beautiful pool addition. Speaking from a Canadian experience our pool addition (14+years) not only offers the kids and family a great experience but also helped for resale. A savvy buyer knows the cost of a pool/landscaping… enjoy every minute and consider it money well spent. 😎 No need to hesitate sharing your good fortune at this time. If you’ve saved and planned, good for you!
All the best in health and happiness! Stay safe!
Thank you! I personally agree with you!!
Thank you for sharing the cost. We are thinking of doing something similar and was worried how the fiberglass would look on the edge. It already looks good, but cant wait to see it finished. Definitely , on board with fiberglass now.
I grew up with a pool, loved it!!! so many great memories including the confidence of learning how to swim, having no fear of water, pools, lakes, ocean, etc. You made the right choice and NO apologies!!! Love your channel…ps. made 3 loaves of your Artisan Bread for friends today!!!