You’ve broken ground on a new home, the foundation is in and walls are up — now you’re dreaming about laying poolside someday in your own backyard.

You’ll be happy to know you’re not alone. According to the 2021 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends report, outdoor projects accounted for 57% of home remodeling projects, increasing six percentage points from the year before.

Many homeowners wonder if they should install a pool while building their house or wait until construction is finished. However, while there are some cons to doing so, the advantages of building a pool right away are hard to look past.

Before deciding to build a pool with your new construction, you may want to consider some of the pitfalls of doing so.

Pools aren’t a one-time cost for installation. On average, pool maintenance and cleaning may cost $80 to $150 monthly or up to $1,800 annually. Depending on its size, you may also incur thousands of dollars each year for additional repairs, electricity and water.

Although you may be considering putting in a pool for your family to enjoy, it may not be the best idea if you have young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that children under 5 years old accounted for 75% of pool drownings between 2016 and 2018. Of those drownings, 85% occurred in residential pools.

If you’re building a pool alongside your home construction, you could risk debris — nails, shingles, dust, trash— piling up inside or the pool walls caving in from heavy equipment.

Homeowners looking to boost their home resale value with a pool may not see the increase they were expecting either. In fact, it may only add 7% to your home resale value under the right conditions. However, location matters. You may also increase your property taxes by installing one.

5 Reasons You Should Build a Pool Right Away

Installing a swimming pool while building a new home typically renders a great debate. Regardless, here are five benefits to building one right away.

1.    Reduced Costs

Simultaneously building a house and pool can help you save money. The average cost for adding an inground pool is $35,000 , and the price may go up or down depending on its size, shape, materials, whether it’s built on-site and any customizations you may want to add. That doesn’t include the costs of working around tight property lines or fixing landscaping and other damage afterward.

Many homeowners take out a home equity loan to finance their pool projects. However, the cost of adding a new pool with your house construction could be added to the mortgage, preventing the need to take out another loan.

Maintaining a good relationship with your contractor is crucial when deciding to build a pool. Making sure to communicate effectively and build trust between each other is essential to helping your project run smoothly. Your contractor can inform you about pricing options and additional ways to save on project costs.

2.    Contractor and Pool Builder Can Work Together

Just like any major home improvement project, a smooth, efficient process can cut costs significantly and help keep your construction deadline on track.

If you’re thinking about putting in a swimming pool right away, your home contractor may be able to coordinate the necessary labor, supplies and equipment for you. They likely have a reputable list of subcontractors they work with for adding electrical and gas lines.

If you decide not to build a pool during home construction, adding a power source while your backyard is already dug up can also help reduce costs for a future pool installation.

Designing and constructing your home and pool together allows for a more cohesive working relationship between your contractor and pool builder. Your contractor should have the expertise to know when the best time is to begin the pool construction alongside the house.

3.    Minimized Destruction of Property

Installing a pool after your home is built includes the risk of damaging your home and property, such as the driveway, lawn and garden beds, stone paving and fencing.

Even though pool builders do their best to avoid destroying too much of the surrounding area, it’s usually inevitable you’ll have to resod, replant and perhaps even restore some of your exteriors.

Landscaping isn’t cheap, but driveway repairs can be costly. The average cost of putting in a new driveway ranges between $2,500 and $6,900 , which may vary depending on the length and material used.

Building a pool and new home construction together before the landscaping and driveway go in can help keep property destruction to a minimum. The lot is already a construction site, so excavation equipment can move freely in the backyard to dig a hole for your pool.

If backyard space allows for it, this may also be an excellent time to discuss adding any luxury additions or a guest house with your contractor.

4.    More Choice Over Design

New builds and older homes give you a limited backyard area to work with. However, when you’re building a new home from the ground up, you can plan a dedicated space for your pool instead of working it into an existing design.

Having this option means you can modify the size and shape to your liking, as well as other customizations like an infinity pool or jacuzzi.

You may also have the option of angling your pool to take advantage of spectacular views, account for fencing or a birdcage screen enclosure, and design a unique patio.

5.    You’ll Be Move-in Ready

Perhaps one of the main reasons for installing a pool with your new home construction is that it’ll be move-in ready by the time you pull up with the moving truck.

Building a pool can take months between the design, installation and patio, but you and your family will be able to enjoy an afternoon dip right away.

Moving can be stressful, and you’re going to want to remain as relaxed as possible. Having your pool built lets you avoid noisy equipment and crews on your property once you settle in.

To Build or Not to Build a Pool

While it may seem obvious to build a pool during the construction of your new house, the choice is ultimately up to you. It’s essential to make your decision carefully and consider maintenance costs after installation. However, if you do decide to build a pool right away, you’ll reap the benefits of a relaxing backyard oasis.