Inground Pool Quote Comparison: Know What Is Included and Not Included in Your Pool Installation Estimate

Be Aware of Hidden Extras When Comparing Pool Estimates

If you’re in the market for an inground pool, one of the first things you’ll do is get quotes from swimming pool contractors. When comparing estimates from various pool installers, it’s important to understand what each quote includes, and what each contractor is offering. Be also aware of what is not included, so that you can properly compare quotes and not be surprised with the total bill that is much higher than what you had initially budgeted for your swimming pool.

As we have outlined in our article on how much it costs to install an inground pool in Ontario, there are base fixed costs (e.g. the pool itself) and variable costs (e.g. pool spas, landscaping) for pool installations. But within each of these are a lot of components that may or may not be spelled out in your pool quote.  When comparing estimates from various pool installers, it is important to know upfront what are included in these quotes and what items are potential extra expenses so that you don’t get surprised after the digging has begun.

While most pool contractors will give you a quote of what’s included, at Mayascapes Pools, we will also clearly outline all the other costs that are not included but would need to be factored in when budgeting for your inground pool. These are typically work that is done by another vendor.

What is Included and Not Included in Your Swimming Pool Quote

At Mayascapes Pools, we give you a holistic picture of what is included out of the gate.  A typical quote will include a section for the pool itself, the landscaping quote for the pool surround, and a list of additional services that needs to be factored in.

For example, a typical quote for the pool itself will include:

  • Administrative work for pool permit
  • Excavation costs which include a basic 8 foot wide access excavation
  • Plumbing, which includes PVC piping for above ground level at the equipment location and below ground for the pool system. We also test all plumbing at 15PSI prior to back filling.
  • Pool Lights, Filter, Pump, Skimmer, Return Inlets, Floor Suction Ports, Heater, Automatic chemical feeder, Under-drain system
  • Pool Maintenance equipment
  • Equipment Pad
  • Fabrene winter cover

Excavation costs are included in Mayascapes Pools base quote for inground swimming pools

A typical landscaping quote for the pool surround will outside what is included, such as:

  • Excavation
  • Soil, Sod, or Grass Seed
  • Debris Removal
  • Concrete or Interlocking Material

Just as important in your quote are the items that are not included.  For Mayascapes Pools quotes, these are additional expenses done by other vendors, and we will outline how much extra it will be should you choose to work with our preferred partners.  However, you are not required to use them, so you can choose your own vendors and get quotes directly. You simply let us know which vendor(s) you choose and we will coordinate with them in terms of scheduling.  Below are the extra fees that must be factored into your budgeting process but are NOT typically included in your inground swimming pool quote:

  • Permit Fee – Varies by municipality
  • Property Survey – Required by some municipality
  • Arborist Report – Required by some municipality
  • Tree Hoarding
  • Air Conditional Removal
  • Landscape Repair
  • Sodding
  • Fencing
  • Water Feature Supply Line Option
  • Safety Cover
  • Electrical Services
  • Gas Services
  • Water Truck
  • Cabanas and Pergolas

Mayascapes Pools will work with your choice of cabana installers for your backyard

It is important to understand what goes into the cost of your inground swimming pool installation. At Mayascapes Pools, our goal is to give you a full understanding of what you will spend PRIOR to engaging a pool contractor.  So when comparing pool quotes, ask a lot of questions and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

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