Biodesign Pool Cost vs Inground Pool Cost
With summer in full swing, many homeowners are considering installing a swimming pool for leisure and entertaining. However, pool installation can carry a hefty price tag.
Two popular pool installation options are biodesign pools and inground pools.
Here we'll break down the typical costs associated with each type to help you determine which may be more budget-friendly for your needs and property.
Understanding Biodesign Pools
A biodesign pool, also called a nature inspired pool or natural pool, is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Unlike a traditional inground pool which uses vinyl liners or concrete shells, a biodesign pool utilizes natural elements like rockwork, plants, and circulating water to create a living ecosystem. This gives the illusion of a natural body of water rather than a manufactured pool structure.
The main components of a biodesign pool include:
- Rockwork perimeter - Large stones, boulders, or decorative rockborders the shallow end and edges of the pool.
- Gentle sloping sides - The pool slopes gradually rather than dropping off steeply like inground pools.
- Sand bottom - A textured sand or gravel bottom allows for natural filtration.
- Aquatic plants - Native water plants are placed around and within the pool for natural filtration and decoration.
- Pump and filtration system - A submersible pump circulates water through the natural filtration system to keep it clean.
With its natural appearance and lower maintenance needs compared to a traditional pool, a biodesign pool can blend seamlessly into any outdoor space. Let's explore the typical cost breakdown:
Biodesign Pool Costs
Design and consultation: $2,000-$5,000. Biodesign requires landscape design expertise to achieve the desired natural look. Consultations cover design plans, permits, and ecosystem considerations.
Rockwork and hardscaping: $15,000-$30,000. This covers boulders, stones, coping, and other hardscaping elements crucial for structure and appearance.
Excavation and grading: $5,000-$15,000. Shaping the landscape to gradually slope and accommodate the pool footprint.
Filtration and pumping system: $5,000-$15,000. The pump and sand/plant-based purification equipment maintain water quality.
Optional extras: Plantings, lights, heating, etc. Can add $5,000-$20,000 depending on elements chosen.
Total cost range: $27,000-$55,000 before any extras. Costs vary greatly depending on pool size, materials used, landscaping challenges, and your location.
Understanding Inground Pool Costs
The conventional inground pool design involves excavating down to lay concrete or vinyl pool walls and floors. This leaves only the very top coping exposed at surface level for a seamless transition to surrounding decks and landscaping.
The standard components of an inground pool include:
- Concrete or vinyl pool shell - Erected on-site using forms or prefabricated panels.
- Coping and decking - Watertight concrete or stone material rings the top of the pool.
- Underground plumbing and equipment - Filter pump, returns, drains buried under decking.
- Commercial chemicals - Chlorine and other chemicals treat water.
While very durable and suitable for most properties, inground pools require more ongoing chemical and equipment maintenance than biodesign pools.
Inground Pool Costs
Design plans: $1,000-$3,000 for designers to draw plans and assist with permits.
Excavation: $5,000-$15,000 depending on land contours and rock/soil conditions.
Concrete shell installation: $15,000-$35,000 based on materials, pool size, and special features.
Coping and decking: $10,000-$25,000 depending on materials, area covered, and landscaping challenges.
Plumbing and equipment: $10,000-$30,000 covering costs of pump, filter, heater, drains, and lights.
Permitting fees: $1,000-$3,000 depending on your municipality.
Total cost range: $42,000-$111,000 before potential extras like automation, heating, specialty decking, etc.
Breaking Down the Cost Differences
At first glance, it appears inground pools carry significantly higher upfront costs compared to biodesign pools. However, there are some key differences to consider in each category:
Design/Planning
Biodesign requires more design expertise to achieve a natural blended look. This added consultation drives design costs higher on average.
Excavation/Construction
Inground pools see steeper excavation costs when hitting bedrock or dealing with unusual terrain contours. However, biodesign pools still require extensive shaping of hardscape elements.
Shell/Structure
Concrete and installed pool shells dominate inground pool structure costs. Whereas the majority of a biodesign pool's structure comes from extensive rockwork and landscaping elements.
Equipment
Inground equipment like pumps, heaters, and filters tend to cost more due to commercial sizing needs. Biodesign systems utilize smaller natural filtration components.
Ongoing Maintenance
While biodesign carries a lower price tag up front, chemical and equipment costs are typically higher over time for inground pools due to scale and commercial equipment needs.
Additional Factors to Consider
Beyond just the dollar figures, a few other non-monetary variables should factor into your decision:
Property Attributes
Biodesign works best for irregularly shaped yards or when blending with natural terrain. Inground may be preferable for smaller or flatter spaces.
Design Preferences
Do you prefer a seamlessly integrated look or a larger traditional pool space? These priorities impact what style truly fits your lifestyle and aesthetic vision.
Maintenance Tolerance
Biodesign demands less chemicals but more plant upkeep. Are you comfortable handling routine garden-like maintenance long-term?
Resale Value
An inground pool traditionally offers a higher return on investment at resale. Consider how long you plan to remain in the home.
Making the Best Choice for You
With biodesign pools trending upwards in popularity, both installation options have pros and cons depending on your specific situation.
Carefully considering factors like your budget, property, maintenance tolerance, and design priorities will help ensure you select the swimming pool choice that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Don't hesitate to consult with landscape designers experienced with both styles to determine the optimal swimming amenity for your backyard oasis!
