Frequently Asked Swimming Pool Questions

Is Turpin Landscape Design Build a good fit?

Are you considering installing a pool but you have swimming pool questions? Browse the most common questions we get asked when West Chester, Pennsylvania and surrounding area residents are considering a pool.

West Chester, PA Swimming Pool Questions

How much does it cost?

How much do fiberglass and concrete inground pools cost in southeast PA? What are the main price drivers? What should my budget be?

Small pool projects with a little bit of extra patio on one side usually start around 110k. Our Pool Pricing page gives some very high-level price ranges across a range of different features, and we will also share some realistic pricing examples of small, medium and larger pools that include some of the main pool-centric features as options to give you a better sense. More broadly, price drivers for individual projects include several factors that interact:

Size and shape: Larger and more complex-shaped pools will naturally cost more to install than smaller, simple-shaped ones.
Pool features: Additional features such as water features, hot tub, slides, and lighting
Additional Decking and Patios: while not specifically part of the pool, most people consider these as part of the same project. Type of decking material (i.e. Pavers or natural stone).
Site preparation: The cost of preparing the site for the pool, including excavation, and leveling.
Structures: Shade pergolas, Pool-house, and associated utilities, foundations, etc.
Level of Pool Automation, Water Sanitation, and water heating.
Regulatory compliance: Especially local stormwater zoning regulations, and engineering and construction of stormwater solutions.
Access to the site: Limited access to the installation site, such as narrow or difficult-to-reach areas, can increase the cost of installation.
Amount of fencing: ie. Tight around the pool, or around a wider area, or the whole yard.
Hauling off excess excavation materials or bringing in truckloads of topsoil, or both: The soil that comes from a pool excavation expands to surprising volume, and much of it is unusable as topsoil.
Notably, Concrete vs Fiberglass is only a modest price difference for the most popular sizes of pools ranging from 30-40 feet long and can swing in favor of concrete or fiberglass depending on specific features. Fiberglass gains a significant cost advantage over time due to lower maintenance.

Why are many online prices for inground pools so misleading?

Home Advisor, Angie's List, and even Forbes talk about much lower prices - what gives?

Some of it is old information that ignores inflation, and some areas do have lower installation costs, but non-installers' prices are so out of touch with reality that sometimes they're hard to comprehend. Our guess is they're more interested in selling ads and leads. We're upfront about costs and committed to building strong relationships and high-quality pools and landscapes that families will enjoy for years.

Do you charge for the design process?

Would it be possible to divide the project into phases in order to spread out the investment?

We are happy to explore phasing options with you. Our first step would be to go through the design process to gain an understanding of your overall vision. Once we have a clear idea of your goals, it becomes easier to determine which elements make sense to include in each phase.

For instance, if you plan to add a pool and this would limit access to the yard area behind it, we would recommend handling any major construction in that area during the initial phase. If you plan to add a spa at a later date, we might pre-install plumbing, electrical, and gas lines as well as the foundation to avoid the need for costly and disruptive adjustments later on. Landscaping and lighting are typically more straightforward to phase in at a later time, but the phasing of other elements will depend on the specifics of your project's layout.

Where do I start?

What decisions will we be asked for early in the design process? ie. Do I need to pick specific materials right now just to get an idea of the price?

We do ask about preferences early (like coping, decking materials, and pool color) because they help us see parts of your vision, but those are not essential if you are not there yet. We can use example projects to help you get to an initial ballpark for the budget.

Early in the process, the most important thing to do is ensure that the pool designer knows why you want the pool and outdoor living, and how you imagine using all your outdoor space both in the near term and long term (ie. we want to get our teenagers out of their gaming cave). We hope to create a space for our young grandkids to come play during summer days, and for their parents to gather here for dinner after work.

Through the design process we will suggest options you may not have thought of, or to adapt to the challenges of the site - that is part of the role of a good design-build partner.

How can I help my spouse who feels reluctant to add a pool?

In our experience, it is common that one spouse had a pool when they were growing up and really wants the kids (or grandkids) to have that experience too. Often the other spouse did not have that growing-up-with-a-pool experience, so it takes their imagination longer to warm up. As the project design becomes more tangible and the family gets involved in sharing ideas their excitement builds.

But, before they can start to enjoy the process, it is essential to talk about how to alleviate the biggest friction: Usually, this is a fear of adding significant maintenance chores that takes them away from other activities they would rather focus on. Fiberglass maintenance needs are dramatically lower than concrete and newer cleaning automation options can reduce the maintenance further. This combo is often the best shot for couples with busy families.

When it comes to larger complex concrete pools with many aesthetic details and adjacent outdoor living features, there is usually a strong shared enthusiasm from the beginning for an overall backyard transformation, where the pool is just one element of a larger vision. In the case of these larger projects, couples usually plan to use a pool service to handle the maintenance.

If the reluctance is not about time, but about other priorities or interests they would rather focus on, you may need to work toward an agreement. If we do the pool, you can . . .

Why do some people choose Fiberglass and others choose Concrete pools? What about vinyl liner pools?

We offer both fiberglass and concrete pools and appreciate their unique strengths. Fiberglass pools have become increasingly popular due to their dramatically lower maintenance and expanding range of options. They are also less expensive to install for pools under 25 feet, but in the most popular 30-40 foot range, prices are very comparable between concrete and fiberglass, but driven more by specific features.

Another advantage of fiberglass over concrete is the shorter construction timeline, with less waiting for curing and specialized equipment. If you prefer the look and feel of fiberglass and find a pool that meets your desired specifications, you'll enjoy the benefits of easier construction and lower maintenance.

Fiberglass pools are limited to a maximum size of 40 x 15 feet, so pools beyond that size require concrete.

If you have a specific size or design aesthetic that fiberglass doesn’t accommodate, concrete is the way to go. Concrete also opens up a world of creative design opportunities within the pool.

Both fiberglass and concrete pools can be surrounded by customized outdoor living spaces that often have a much larger overall impact on the look, and usability of the outdoor space than choices within the pool itself.

We don't install vinyl liner pools because the cost and hassle of repairs and liner replacements quickly outweigh initial savings.

What is the process?

How long does the overall design and construction process take?

After the initial meeting with the pool designer, the design process can take between two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and our queue of other design projects. The stormwater zoning phase can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the township's schedule and requirements. After the township approves the project, we usually aim to start construction around four months later. The construction timeline varies depending on the type of pool and its features. Typically, end-to-end construction takes around a month or two for a fiberglass pool with a small patio and longer for a concrete pool or if there are many additional features.

What are the steps in the pool design process? How do we get to a final design and price? How long does the design process take?

Pre-Design: We talk with you by phone to help with your information gathering and can provide rough ballpark price examples to help you with rough budgeting for the pool and for the design process.
Design Consultation: The first step in the inground pool design process is to schedule a consultation with a pool designer. During this meeting, the designer will discuss your vision for the pool and ask questions about your preferences, budget, lifestyle and how you imagine using the pool and your overall backyard.
Site survey: After the initial consultation, the designer will take measurements, evaluate the terrain and soil conditions, and assess any potential obstacles or challenges.
Conceptual design: Based on the information gathered during the consultation and site survey, we will create a conceptual design for the pool. This includes a rough digital rendering that outlines the pool's size, shape, major features, and placement on the property.
Permits and approvals: Before designs can be finalized, we will need to obtain any necessary zoning approvals from township zoning boards, or homeowners associations.
Detailed design: The designer will create a detailed design that includes specific details such as the pool's dimensions, materials, plumbing, electrical, and lighting plans. This will typically include a 3D rendering and electronic blueprint that gives you a clear picture of what the finished pool will look like.
Finalize Agreements: By this point, there have likely been tradeoffs between wants and budget, requirements, and a couple of related iterations on the design. We recalibrate the price and finalize the agreement, set a target date for construction
Pre-construction phase: Once the agreement is finalized, your slot in our schedule is secure, and we begin ordering any long-lead time items. It takes a few months to align all the materials and team availability needed to execute your project (and schedule around winter freeze conditions). There will be some communications during this period about materials and just to touch base, but overall this is a relatively quiet period for communication and a busy behind-the-scenes phase for us. The next major milestone will be a Construction Project Kickoff Meeting, and then within a couple of weeks, full-on construction.

Rules and Regulations you should be aware of.

What critical questions should I ask? Are there any potential complications that I should be aware of?

It's crucial to inquire about stormwater zoning regulations, as this can be a challenging and uncontrollable aspect of the project.

Some pool-only installers who do not focus on outdoor living areas may downplay the stormwater requirements, leading to heartache down the line. For instance, by installing a small pool without any surroundings, where adding patios later would exceed the limit, resulting in more expensive and less effective stormwater management.

You should be aware of common hidden costs that may not be immediately apparent and ask how they will be handled. Here are 8 of the most common.

It is important to clarify your criteria for what a successful project and outcome is for you and ask questions that check for alignment.

Stormwater planning and zoning sound expensive and tedious, any chance we can skip it?

Strict PA stormwater management regulations require that any significant development or land disturbance must submit a stormwater management plan as part of the permit application process. For many Townships this includes swimming pool construction.

The plan includes details on how stormwater will be collected, conveyed, and treated on-site. It may also outline measures to control erosion and sedimentation during the construction process. The plan must demonstrate compliance with state and Township-specific regulations for stormwater management.

Unlike many other areas of the country with minimal stormwater regulations, PA stormwater regulations can create significant financial and timeline unknowns in the early planning phases. These rules have been changing and increasing in recent years, so this may be a surprise even to us.

Is it advisable for me to contact the Township regarding stormwater regulations and my project?

We generally advise against contacting the Township too early in the process. Unfortunately, we have seen cases where enthusiastic homeowners share their plans during the early stages, which can result in locking into an approach that may cost thousands to tens of thousands of extra dollars. While some townships may be helpful and accommodating, others may not have aligned interests with yours. We wish we could provide more positive advice on this matter, but in our experience, it can be more complicated than it should be.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Our Service and Craftsmanship Promise

Over the years, we've had the privilege to work on many unique backyard spaces in the West Chester area, and we're happy to know how much our clients love them. This is what they have to say about our craftsmanship and what it's like to work with us:

The Relaxation and Joy of Pools

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We design and build pools and landscapes for clients throughout Chester County and beyond, including these communities:

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A Pool Could Change Everything for Your Home and Lifestyle

Step outside your back door and find the peace and rejuvenation you're looking for. That's the power of a pool, and that's why our pool builders are so passionate about our work. It doesn't only increase your property value. It increases your quality of life. Contact us with your swimming pool questions! Fill out our contact form to get started on a personalized outdoor living area that includes a pool, patio, waterfall, and more in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Frequently Asked Swimming Pool Questions Is Turpin Landscape Design Build a good fit?