Guides
Pool planning guides
Plain-language guides to planning, costing, permitting, and safely building an in-ground swimming pool — and how to choose a builder you can trust.
01 How to vet a pool builderLicense, insurance, bond, references, contract, and the red flags that should make you walk away from a pool contractor. 02 Pool permits & inspections explainedWhat permits an in-ground pool usually needs, who pulls them, what inspectors check, and why permitting protects you. 03 Where your pool budget actually goesExcavation, shell, decking, equipment, finishes, and the line items that quietly add up — so you can read a quote with open eyes. 04 Gunite vs fiberglass vs vinyl — how to chooseThe honest trade-offs between the three in-ground build methods on cost, durability, customization, and timeline. 05 Pool safety, fencing & drowning preventionBarrier and fencing basics, alarms, covers, and the layers of protection that keep children safe around a backyard pool. 06 How long it takes to build a poolA realistic look at the phases of a pool build and what can speed it up or slow it down — from permit to first swim. 07 What it costs to own a poolChemicals, water, electricity, repairs, and seasonal care — the ongoing costs to budget for before you build. 08 What a pool contract should includeScope, price, payment schedule, change orders, warranties, and the clauses that protect you when something goes wrong. 09 How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost?How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost? — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 10 The Cheapest Way to Build an In-Ground PoolThe Cheapest Way to Build an In-Ground Pool — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 11 Small Pool Ideas for Tight YardsSmall Pool Ideas for Tight Yards — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 12 Saltwater vs Chlorine Pool — Which Is Right for You?Saltwater vs Chlorine Pool — Which Is Right for You? — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 13 Pool Deck Options and What They CostPool Deck Options and What They Cost — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 14 The Best Time of Year to Build a PoolThe Best Time of Year to Build a Pool — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 15 Pool Heater Options ComparedPool Heater Options Compared — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 16 Automatic vs Manual Pool CoversAutomatic vs Manual Pool Covers — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 17 How Deep Should a Backyard Pool Be?How Deep Should a Backyard Pool Be? — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 18 Pool Financing — Questions to Ask Before You BorrowPool Financing — Questions to Ask Before You Borrow — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 19 Warning Signs of a Bad Pool ContractorWarning Signs of a Bad Pool Contractor — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 20 Pool Deposit — How Much Is Normal?Pool Deposit — How Much Is Normal? — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 21 Do I Need a Permit for a Pool?Do I Need a Permit for a Pool? — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 22 Pool Resurfacing vs Full ReplacementPool Resurfacing vs Full Replacement — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 23 How to Read and Compare Pool QuotesHow to Read and Compare Pool Quotes — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 24 Pool Pumps, Filters & Equipment ExplainedPool Pumps, Filters & Equipment Explained — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 25 Adding a Spa or Hot Tub to Your PoolAdding a Spa or Hot Tub to Your Pool — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 26 Pool Lighting and Water FeaturesPool Lighting and Water Features — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 27 Plunge Pool vs Full-Size PoolPlunge Pool vs Full-Size Pool — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 28 Building a Pool on a Sloped YardBuilding a Pool on a Sloped Yard — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 29 Energy-Efficient Pool Equipment TipsEnergy-Efficient Pool Equipment Tips — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 30 Pool Warranties — What to KnowPool Warranties — What to Know — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 31 First-Time Pool Owner — Where to StartFirst-Time Pool Owner — Where to Start — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching. 32 Questions to Ask a Pool Builder Before You SignQuestions to Ask a Pool Builder Before You Sign — a plain-language guide for homeowners planning an in-ground pool. Honest information, free builder matching.
Get matched with a licensed pool builder — free
Tell us about your project and your area. We connect you, at no cost, with licensed, insured, bonded pool builders near you. You compare and choose who to hire.