In-ground pool costs in Detroit range between $33,000 and $58,000, with an average of $37,166. Contact a pool installer to get a quote for your new pool based on size, materials, features, and more.
As a Detroit homeowner, you’ll enjoy in-ground pool costs that are significantly less than the national average.
Special attention is required during installation for all types of pool materials due to cold winters in Detroit.
The soil in Detroit is expansive, meaning stabilization with piers or chemical injections is necessary.
The nice summers in Detroit don’t last as long as the locals would like, but they still offer plenty of sunshine for regular swims. An in-ground pool installation in Detroit averages $37,166, with a range between $33,000 and $58,000. Luckily, this project falls under the national average, although factors like your pool size, materials, and type of pool will play a role in the actual costs.
Here are the biggest cost factors to weigh when planning your in-ground pool.
Pool size is the most significant cost factor for your in-ground pool project. On average, these pools cost $50 to $125 per square foot, which means Detroit costs will be on the lower side of the spectrum.
Dimensions | Average In-Ground Pool |
---|---|
9 ft. diameter | $640–$960 |
10 ft. diameter | $800–$1,200 |
6x10 ft. | $600–$900 |
9x15 ft. | $1,400–$2,000 |
10x20 ft. | $2,000–$3,000 |
12x24 ft. | $2,900–$4,300 |
10x40 ft. | $4,000–$6,000 |
16x32 ft. | $5,100–$7,700 |
Detroit experiences cold winters, with the average high hovering slightly at or above freezing during December, January, and February. This means there’s a recurring cycle of freezing and thawing, and proper installation of materials and ongoing maintenance are necessary to prevent costly damage.
Fiberglass is a smart choice for Detroit because it withstands the cold temperatures well. As long as your pool installer uses the right stone backfill for the pool's base, a fiberglass pool is durable against the freeze-thaw cycle.
For vinyl pools, installers construct steel walls and pour a foundation inside the excavation. The pool is placed on top of the foundation, creating a barrier between the ground and the pool liner. Concrete pools require a drainage system for the groundwater and winterization before the winter months.
Pool Material | Type of Pool | Average Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Concrete | In-ground | $65,000–$120,000 | Limitless designs | Potential cracking during freeze-thaw cycles |
Fiberglass | In-ground | $25,000–$60,000 | Holds up well in extreme cold | Fewer designs |
Vinyl | In-ground | $20,000–$40,000 | Cost-effective | Vinyl can crack or tear if the pool freezes |
Another aspect that will greatly impact your pool cost is the pool design. While most Detroit homeowners opt for traditional pools, these out-of-the-box options cater to personal preferences and needs.
Pool Design | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Spool | $5,500–$50,000 |
Plunge | $10,000–$50,000 |
Lap | $6,000–$500,000 |
Saltwater | $12,000–$38,000 |
Endless | $23,000–$40,000 |
Natural | $50,000–$100,000 |
Infinity | $55,000–$130,000 |
Lagoon | $50,000–$150,000 |
Custom | $100,000+ |
Keep these additional pro costs in mind when planning your in-ground pool budget.
When you hire a pool builder in Detroit, Michigan, you can expect labor to make up 25% to 50% of the total costs. This portion covers the builder’s work, as well as the cost of hiring necessary subcontractors, such as:
Excavation crew: $120–$150 per hour
Concrete contractor: $2–$3 per square foot
Electrician: $50–$130 per hour
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Landscaper: $50–$100 per hour
Fence installer: $1,600
Your pool builder will obtain the necessary permits to construct an in-ground pool. These include:
Construction or building permit
Mechanical permit for pool heaters
Electrical permit for lightning, pumps, or wiring
Plumbing permit
Soil erosion and sedimentation control permit (depending on the size and location of the excavation)
Site plans, engineering or project designs, a geotechnical investigation, and a soil analysis report are some of the documents your builder might submit throughout the process.
Before your pool builder can get started working on the pool itself, they need to complete a series of tasks to prep the area, including:
Excavation
Choosing the right design and shape to fit your yard
Temporarily moving fences
Rerouting underground utilities
Successful site prep hinges largely on proper excavation. A reputable pool builder will use the best methods based on the soil in your yard. In Detroit, soil commonly consists of expansive silty clay loam or silty clay, which can swell or shrink depending on the moisture content.
To ensure a successful installation, your builder might anchor helical piles, a type of foundation and support system, to the pool to create a stable base and prevent movement or settling. Another method is to use chemical injections that stabilize the soil.
There is a wide range of add-ons for your pool, some of which are standard, like pool decks and lighting. Others, like tanning ledges and water features, will elevate your pool to a luxury status.
Hot tub costs: $2,000–$11,000
Tanning ledge: $5,000–$10,000
Lighting: $500–$900 per light
Water features: $450–$1,900
Pool deck: $500–$20,000
In-ground pool maintenance costs in Detroit range between $1,000 and $1,800 annually. Your final costs will depend on the frequency and scope of the work, but your pro will likely include regular cleanings, chemical balancing, filter cleaning, and pool opening and closing.
In Detroit, where winters reach freezing temperatures and swim season only lasts four to five months, an in-ground pool doesn’t automatically boost your home’s value. Staying on top of maintenance impacts the potential return on investment for an in-ground pool. A well-kept pool can still be a great selling point, but if it’s in rough shape, potential buyers might see it as a costly project instead of a perk.
The return on investment for a pool varies widely—from as little as 5% to as much as 56%—with most homeowners seeing a return of 7%. Several factors influence this value, including the pool’s size, type, condition, local climate, neighborhood, and market conditions.
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