What is the price comparison between building a natural swimming pool and a traditional pool?
The cost largely depends on the construction technique employed. Constructing a concrete natural swimming pool will entail higher expenses compared to a simple excavation with a flexible clay liner.
However, when considering the long-term operating costs, natural pools tend to be more cost-effective. By eliminating the need for chemicals, significant savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars can be achieved each swimming season. Additionally, the enhanced energy efficiency of the mechanical circulation system results in reduced electricity expenses.
If you have a preference for a close connection with nature and strive to minimize the use of chemicals, the costs associated with natural pools might be justifiable. Before embarking on the construction of a natural pool on your property, it is advisable to carefully evaluate all the cost factors. While the initial cost of building a natural pool can be relatively high, the ongoing operating costs are minimal compared to traditional pools.
Breakdown of Natural Pool Costs
The expenses for constructing a natural pool can range from $50,000 to $150,000, with an average cost of $100,000. The cost per square foot for a natural pool typically falls within the range of $50 to $100. Various factors determine whether your costs will lean towards the lower or higher end of this scale.
Size
Unlike chlorinated pools, natural pools require consideration of two sizes: the total size and the swimming area. The total size accounts for the entire landscaped area surrounding the swimming area, including any separate water purification zone, if present. Usually, around 50% to 70% of the water constitutes the swimming area, with the remaining portion dedicated to purification.
Some natural pool builders incorporate a built-in biological filtration system into the walls or floor of the pool area. Nevertheless, even in such cases, the surrounding area tends to be relatively large, encompassing the landscaping and water features.
The actual costs vary significantly based on specific dimensions, depth, and additional features. For example, a natural pool with a total size of 1,000 square feet and a swimming area of 500 square feet would cost between $50,000 and $100,000.
Here are examples of additional pool costs to provide insight into the potential requirements of your project:
- A total size of 28 by 50 feet with a swimming area between 13 by 13 feet and 34 by 39 feet (maximum depth of 6 feet) costs $75,000 to $125,000.
- A total size of up to 50 by 65 feet with a swimming area between 30 by 30 feet and 30 by 60 feet (maximum depth of 6 to 8 feet) costs $125,000 to $150,000.
- Larger projects exceeding 30 by 60 feet can exceed $175,000. These natural pools typically include numerous add-ons, contributing to the higher final cost.
Pool Liner Types
The cost of pool liners can range from $0.25 to $113 per square foot. Synthetic options include traditional or fiberglass liners, while an alternative choice is a bentonite clay lining. Concrete is also a suitable option due to its durability and high customizability. On the other hand, gravel liners are typically utilized in the water purification area rather than the swimming area.
Materials
The materials required for building a natural pool carry a price tag of approximately $30,000 to $49,000. This encompasses everything necessary for the construction process:
- Liner and underlayment
- Pumps, plumbing, fittings, and hardware
- Skimmer
- River rock or quarried boulders
- Soil and plants
Pool Heater
In regions with moderate temperatures, installing a pool heater can significantly extend
your swimming season. For those seeking an all-natural heating solution, a solar heater is the recommended choice, costing between $4,500 and $9,500, inclusive of materials and labor. The notable advantage of solar heaters lies in the energy savings they offer, making the upfront costs worthwhile.
Alternatively, gas and propane pool heaters range from $1,500 to $6,000, while heat pumps cost $2,500 to $7,500.
Labor
Constructing a natural pool entails a substantial amount of labor. Typically, labor costs are incorporated into the overall pool cost, accounting for approximately $8,000 to $10,000 or more. The labor-intensive process involves excavation, pool installation including plumbing and electrical work, and the installation of water plants, among other tasks.
The construction of a natural pool generally takes four to six weeks to complete from start to finish.
Maintenance
Initial maintenance demands for natural pools are relatively high. However, once the plants have established and the water undergoes natural filtration, maintenance becomes more manageable compared to chlorinated pools. Nonetheless, regular and yearly maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity of your pool.
The monthly cost of pool maintenance ranges from $150 to $260. It is recommended to engage a company experienced in servicing natural pools to guarantee appropriate cleaning and maintenance.
Operating Costs
Operating costs for natural pools are considerably lower. Unlike chlorinated pools, there is no need to invest in chemicals to keep the water safe for swimming. The expenses are primarily limited to running the pump and heater.
Additionally, there is no requirement for a pool cover, as the water naturally freezes during winter if temperatures drop below freezing, without causing harm to the pool.
Repair
Potential repairs may involve maintenance or replacement of equipment such as pumps and heaters. Over time, it may also be necessary to repair natural elements like boulders or rocks if they sustain damage.
