Key Cost Factors
Primary components that define your total pool project investment.
Pool Construction
The pool itself is typically the largest part of the project. Your cost will depend on size, shape, depth, materials, finishes, equipment, and features.
Excavation & Soil
Soil conditions, rock excavation, and groundwater tables in Northern Utah change the equipment, labor, and time required to excavate.
Slopes & Elevation
Sloped yards require grading, retaining walls, drainage, and structural engineering to create a safe and durable pool environment.
Backyard Access
Limited gate width, distance, fences, and overhead utilities dictate equipment size, labor methods, and material handling.
Detailed Site & Structural Considerations
Select a tab below to explore specific terms, conditions, and coverage details.
Pool Construction
The pool itself is typically the largest part of the project. Your cost will depend on factors such as:
- Pool size and shape
- Depth and changes in depth
- Pool construction method and materials
- Steps, benches, tanning ledges, and other features
- Interior finish
- Plumbing and circulation equipment
- Filtration and sanitation systems
- Heating and automation
A simple pool design will generally require less material and labor than a highly customized pool with multiple features.
Excavation & Soil Conditions
One of the biggest variables in Northern Utah pool construction is what we find underground.
Soil conditions can vary considerably from one property to another. Some yards may have relatively easy-to-excavate soil, while others may contain clay, cobbles, large rocks, or solid rock. These conditions can change the equipment, labor, and time required to excavate the pool.
In some locations, groundwater or a high water table can also become a factor. If groundwater is encountered during excavation, additional dewatering, drainage, or other measures may be necessary to safely construct the pool.
Rock excavation, difficult soil, groundwater, or unexpected underground conditions can therefore add to the cost of excavation.
The important thing to understand: an excavation allowance is based on the expected conditions at your property, but underground conditions cannot always be known with certainty until excavation begins.
Sloped Yards, Elevation & Retaining Walls
Northern Utah has many properties with significant elevation changes. A pool on a sloped lot can require considerably more engineering and site work than a pool on a relatively flat yard.
Depending on the property, additional work may include:
- Grading and regrading
- Retaining walls
- Structural engineering
- Additional drainage
- Soil stabilization
- Additional excavation or backfill
- Reinforced structures around the pool
Retaining walls are particularly important because a pool holds a tremendous amount of water and must be properly supported by the surrounding site.
If your property has a significant slope, retaining walls or other structural solutions may be necessary to create a safe and durable pool environment. Local permitting requirements can also apply to retaining walls depending on their size and circumstances. For example, Greater Salt Lake MSD requires a building permit for retaining walls taller than four feet.
Access, Drainage & Safety Features
Getting construction equipment, materials, and debris in and out of your backyard can affect project costs.
- Access factors evaluate gate width, fences, distance from street, limiting structures, overhead utilities, and existing hardscape.
- Limited access may require smaller equipment or alternative material handling methods.
- Proper drainage manages water around the pool, decking, retaining walls, and landscape during Northern Utah's snowmelt, seasonal rain, and freeze/thaw conditions through grading, catch basins, or sump systems.
- Automatic safety covers reduce evaporation, keep out debris, and add safety. Incorporating a cover into the initial pool design is best, as retrofitting later is complicated.
- Safety-cover and fencing requirements vary by municipality and applicable building codes.
Permits, Utilities, Features & Restoration
Additional elements that contribute to the complete project investment include:
- Building, electrical, plumbing, and retaining-wall permits
- Electrical connections, panel upgrades, gas lines, and automation
- Pool heating systems (gas heaters, heat pumps) to extend the season
- Decking options (concrete, pavers, natural stone, coping)
- Custom features (waterfalls, bubblers, fire features, spillovers)
- Yard restoration, landscaping, turf, irrigation, and fencing
Landscaping is often best considered separately from the core pool construction budget so you have a clear understanding of what is included.