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For many homeowners, a swimming pool or a spa sounds like the ultimate luxury. Just how much will that dream swimming pool or spa cost? How can a homeowner find out? First of all, for most people the total cost is higher than they originally estimated. That is because there are extras that pool owners don't know about until they start installing the pool.
On the other hand, keep in mind that a pool or a spa will increase the value of your home if you should want to sell it in the future. Not only that, the addition of a pool or spa will make your home more comfortable for you and your family as long as you live there.
In addition to a cost in terms of money, a spa or pool will also cost a homeowner in space. Pool designers have invented creative ways to work a pool into even small back yards, but it still is important to understand just how much outdoor living space you will be giving up when the pool or spa in installed. Spas or hot tubs usually require their own room, which may have to be added on to the house if the house is small.
The least expensive pools are above ground pools. For around $400, you can get a simple pool from a discount store that is 18 feet across and four feet deep. This is large enough for the kids to have fun, but seems a bit small to many adults. If it lasts more than two or three years, you will be doing well. For several thousand dollars, you can get a larger above ground pool with some decking around it.
Inground pools start at $10,000 or so (on sale) for vinyl liner pools. The price goes up with more expensive materials, with fiberglass pools moderately priced and custom gunite pools costing $40,000 or more. These estimates are base prices however, and do not take into consideration many extras, such as decks, lighting, and pool furniture.
Hot tubs or spas can often be purchased second hand, but you will want to look them over for defects. It might make more sense to buy a new one, even at a higher price. A new spa that seats 6 or 7 people should be available for around $6000, or perhaps even less. Whatever type of pool you buy, you may be surprised to find out how much pool chemicals cost and how often you have to treat the pool with chemicals. Both the time involved and the cost of chemicals are often more substantial than a pool owner estimates in the beginning.
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