(Also posted on Aggies Only)

Hoping to avoid the "don't build a pool, buy a house that already has a pool" responses...

I don't have a pile of cash to set on fire, but I do have significant equity in my home, and we plan to stay in this house for the long haul.

That said, our kids love to swim (3rd grade and Pre-K), and the brutal Central Texas summers are getting to us, so we are seriously considering putting in a pool and nice deck/covered patio in the backyard. Also tired of loading up the car to go to one of the many City of Austin pools that are half-open because they can't find lifeguards to properly staff.

I am assuming I could go the personal loan route, but also considering a HELOC or doing a cash-out refinance. Would love to hear from others and what financial gymnastics they worked out to make something similar happen. Thanks!

I did a HELOC to pay for mine.

I love having a pool and would build one again in a heartbeat.

JAW3336 said:

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I did a HELOC to pay for mine.

I love having a pool and would build one again in a heartbeat.

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We also did a HELOC to finance our pool. Easy breezy!

If you want builder recs in Austin, shoot me an email at hal @ patriotpoolandspa.com.

I moved into a house with a pool, so I can't help with the finance side. I can help with pointing you in a good direction and keeping you away from shysters, though. Also, plan to spend about $100k for a quality, but not fancy, pool.

MPython43 said:

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If you want builder recs in Austin, shoot me an email at hal @ patriotpoolandspa.com.

I moved into a house with a pool, so I can't help with the finance side. I can help with pointing you in a good direction and keeping you away from shysters, though. Also, plan to spend about $100k for a quality, but not fancy, pool.

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MPython43 said:

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If you want builder recs in Austin, shoot me an email at hal @ patriotpoolandspa.com.

I moved into a house with a pool, so I can't help with the finance side. I can help with pointing you in a good direction and keeping you away from shysters, though. Also, plan to spend about $100k for a quality, but not fancy, pool.

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Thanks. I fully expect to be around $125k once we add some deck and covered patio.

I have friends who have gotten sport type pools for 45-50. Thats all I want.

Is that realistic?

Not in Austin with someone I would qualify as "reputable"

Do ya'll offer a one time service on pools?

Just want my polaris checked out and to have the filter backwashed and everything checked.

Absolutely. That's just a troubleshooting service call. Feel free to give the main line a call or submit a request on the website and we'll get back to you ASAP. We would love to serve you.

This time of our our repair manager ,Nathan, is dealing with requests coming in faster than he can take them live, but he will respond ASAP.

Quality pool with a reasonable amount of decking can be had for much less than $100k. I'm in the middle of a build right now. If you're talking about adding some sort of patio covering, outdoor kitchen, etc, then you could easily be over $100k.

Sounds like we need to move to Austin and start a pool company!

Woah... Austin pool prices are way up there. We we're quoted a medium to large pool, flagstone around it, and a covered patio with electricity for 100k.

That's a lot of dough for an average pool. Our pool is 1000sf of water surface with 1500sf of deck. Everything is upgraded. Travertine pavers on concrete for the deck, travertine coping, pebble tec plaster, raised walls all tiled, 4 fire bowls with water spouts and seperate waterfalls all automated. Paid 110 two years ago. Favorite part, the bobe firebowls.

rondis23 said:

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Sounds like we need to move to Austin and start a pool company!

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No kidding. Either the subs or the contractors are making a ton of money.

We had a pool built in 2013 in Brentwood. We had to get it a bit earlier than we wanted because we had an opportunity when house behind us was demolished. Pool and extension of back patio was about 70k. Not a lot of bells and whistles but we have no regrets at all about getting one.
Elite Pools, Randy Herzog was great to work with.

Austin = Rock

$100k is pretty accurate

Other areas are much cheaper

Potcake said:

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We had a pool built in 2013 in Brentwood. We had to get it a bit earlier than we wanted because we had an opportunity when house behind us was demolished. Pool and extension of back patio was about 70k. Not a lot of bells and whistles but we have no regrets at all about getting one.
Elite Pools, Randy Herzog was great to work with.

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That looks great.

What? You think you're too good for Brentwood Neighborhood Pool and its lovely essence of urine and chlorine? I bet you don't have that in your fancy backyard pool!

But seriously, that's gorgeous.

We're kind of averse to small humans and the associated screaming. We don't use the Brentwood pool but love the neighborhood.