How Estimates Are Calculated

Professional Pool Company — A Transparent Breakdown of How We Price Your Custom Pool

Every pool we build is custom-engineered to your yard, your preferences, and your design. Because of this, estimates are created using a detailed, structured process that ensures accuracy and eliminates surprises later in the build.

This article explains exactly how we calculate your estimate, what factors influence cost, and why your estimate is tailored to your specific property.

⭐ 1. Your Estimate Starts With Your Property Survey

The survey determines what is physically possible in your yard. We measure:

• Lot size & shape
• Setbacks and easements
• Drainage paths
• Access width
• Utilities (sewer, power, water, gas, etc.)
• Elevation changes
• Buildable area

Your pool size, shape, and depth are priced based on the actual square footage and engineering required for your specific lot.

⭐ 2. Pool Size, Shape & Depth Drive the Base Price

Your base estimate is determined by:

• Overall perimeter
• Surface area
• Depth profile (play pool, sport bottom, deep end, etc.)
• Shape complexity
• Excavation volume

More complex shapes or deeper pools require additional:

• Excavation
• Steel
• Gunite
• Plumbing
• Labor

These structural items make up a large portion of your base price.

⭐ 3. Structural Engineering Requirements

Every pool requires engineered plans. Your estimate includes:

• Steel schedule
• Gunite shell thickness
• Beam height
• Spa engineering (if applicable)
• Soil & geotechnical considerations
• Drainage and grading notes

Complex engineering = added cost and time.

⭐ 4. Material Choices Affect Price

Interior Finish

• Pebble (most durable)
• Quartz (mid-range)
• Glass bead (premium)

Tile & Coping

• Standard waterline tile
• Upgraded glass, mosaic, or premium stone
• Travertine or natural stone coping

Decking

• Concrete
• Pavers
• Travertine
• Extended square footage

The materials you choose are priced based on type, grade, and square footage.

⭐ 5. Equipment Package Selection

Your equipment package affects both performance and price. This includes:

• Variable-speed pump (standard)
• Salt system vs chlorine
• Cartridge, DE, or sand filter
• Heater or heat pump
• Smart automation (Hayward Omni)
• LED lighting quantity
• Spa equipment (blower, jets, additional plumbing)

Your estimate reflects the full equipment package tailored to your pool design.

⭐ 6. Add-On Features & Upgrades

These items add cost based on materials, plumbing, and labor required:

• Spa
• Sunshelf
• Bubblers, scuppers, or waterfalls
• Deck jets
• Fire features
• Pergola or shade structure
• Screen enclosure
• Extended patio or seating areas
• Water bowls, sheer descents, spillways
• Retaining walls
• Outdoor lighting
• Automation upgrade packages

Each feature is individually priced and itemized in your estimate.

⭐ 7. Access & Site Conditions

Your yard’s access impacts cost. We evaluate:

• Loader access width
• Fences or obstacles
• Trees or root systems
• Slopes and grading
• Location of septic/drain fields
• Distance from street to build site

If access requires additional equipment or labor, that is included in your estimate.

⭐ 8. County, City & HOA Requirements

Your estimate includes:

• Engineering fees
• Permit fees
• Safety requirements
• Required inspections
• Any municipality-specific construction rules

Each county has its own rules that can impact cost.

⭐ 9. Labor, Scheduling & Logistics

Pool construction uses multiple specialized crews. Your estimate covers:

✔ Excavation

✔ Steel installation

✔ Plumbing & electrical

✔ Gunite

✔ Tile & coping

✔ Deck

✔ Interior finish

✔ Startup

✔ Cleanup & site prep

Labor costs depend on project complexity, build sequence, and the number of crews required.

⭐ 10. Overhead, Warranty & Long-Term Support

Your estimate includes:

✔ Full project management

✔ Warranty support

✔ Quality control inspections

✔ Communication throughout construction

✔ Post-build equipment training

These items ensure your project is managed professionally from start to finish.

⭐ 11. Why One Estimate Doesn’t Fit All

Every property is different.

Every design is different.

Every homeowner’s priorities are different.

This is why:

• No two estimates are identical
• Online “price calculators” are usually inaccurate
• Local soil, access, and county rules matter

Your estimate is tailored specifically to your yard, your design, and your vision.

⭐ 12. Summary: Estimates Are Built Using Real Data, Not Guesswork

Your pool estimate is calculated using:

✔ Your survey

✔ Your measurements

✔ Your design choices

✔ Your equipment package

✔ Your features

✔ Your materials

✔ Your county

✔ Your access conditions

This ensures full transparency, accuracy, and zero surprises later in the build.

⭐ Need a Custom Estimate for Your Property?

Send us your survey and any design ideas — we’ll create a detailed estimate based on your actual yard.

👉 Start your free 3D design & estimate.

Updated on: 28/11/2025