When you’re in the early stages of planning a backyard pool, the excitement is real, but so are the potential pitfalls. One of the most common surprises for homeowners? Discovering that their pool quote didn’t include some critical (and often costly) items. If you’re comparing pool quotes from different companies, it’s easy to get caught off guard by a seemingly lower price tag that doesn’t reflect the true cost of your project.
Here’s a straightforward guide to the often overlooked costs that can throw your budget off track. If you live in a colder climate or a densely built area like Minneapolis, Rochester, or parts of New England, you’ll want to pay even closer attention to these details.
1. Choosing the Right Backfill for Your Pool
Every inground fiberglass pool needs backfill to support the shell, but not all backfill is created equal. Using the wrong material can lead to long-term structural issues. For example, sand is a common but risky choice, as it can settle or shift when wet, leading to costly repairs. On the other hand, crushed clean rock (typically ⅜" to ¾" in size) provides superior drainage and stability.
This choice is especially important if you live in a region with heavy freeze-thaw cycles, as improper backfill can compromise the pool’s structural integrity over time.
Smart questions to ask: “What type of backfill is included, and how much is accounted for? How often do you need more than you originally planned? How much will it likely cost if my project needs more?”
2. Understanding Electrical and Gas Allowances
Connecting your pool to power and gas can be a significant part of your overall project cost, but many quotes leave this as a lowball estimate or exclude it altogether. This can mean unexpected costs if you’re a homeowner in an area with strict building codes or harsh winters, where robust heating and electrical setups are essential.
Smart questions to ask: “What does the gas and electrical allowance include? How often do projects incur expenses beyond this allowance? And if so, what causes a project to exceed the allowance?”
3. Choosing the Right Pool Plumbing (Rigid PVC vs. Flex Pipe)
Not all pool plumbing is created equal. Some installers use flexible PVC pipe to save on labor and time, but this type of piping can be more prone to damage from rodents, soil pressure, and chemical degradation over time. Rigid PVC is a better choice for colder climates, as it can withstand the freeze-thaw cycles and the chlorine commonly used in pools. .jpg?width=275&height=183&name=02%20Rigid%20PVC%20(1).jpg)
Smart question to ask: “What kind of plumbing is included in this quote, flexible or rigid PVC?”
If the answer is flexible PVC, consider it a major red flag or insist on upgrading to rigid PVC.
4. Accounting for Local Codes and Site Conditions
Local regulations and site-specific conditions can have a big impact on your pool project’s cost, but these factors are often glossed over in quotes. For example, if your property has limited access or you live in an area with strict fencing regulations, these costs can add up quickly.
Smart question to ask: “Does your estimate include costs for local code requirements, fencing, or dirt removal if my site is difficult to access?”
5. Automatic Pool Covers (Often Viewed as an Upgrade, but Maybe Shouldn't Be)
Automatic covers are often seen as a luxury add-on, and yes, they’re a big-ticket item (starting around $12,000+). But their popularity is rising fast, and for good reason: they improve safety, reduce evaporation, retain heat, and keep debris out. That’s
a game-changer if you live in a cooler climate or just want to keep maintenance low.
Here’s the kicker: an automatic cover really needs to be installed at the same time as your pool. When added after the fact, the track has to sit on top of the pool deck, which isn’t just clunky, it seriously compromises the look and function.
If there’s even a chance you’ll want one down the road, it's worth discussing up front so it can be integrated cleanly into the build.
Smart questions to ask:
“Is an automatic cover included in this quote?”
"If not, what would it cost to add one during the initial installation?”
Why These Items Often Get Left Out
It’s not always an attempt to mislead, but some companies may leave these items out to keep their quotes competitive. Others might simply be inexperienced or unfamiliar with the specific challenges of your region. Either way, these surprises can add thousands to your project’s final price.
From the get-go, you should expect transparency. Every important detail should be part of the quote, and anything omitted should be outlined so you know what your responsibilities will be. When vetting installers, these details can be very telling about what the rest of the buying and installation process may be like.
Before You Sign Any Pool Contract, Ask These Key Questions:
- “Can you walk me through what’s not included in this quote?”
- “Have past customers ever paid more than their original contract price? If so, why?”
- “Do you offer a line-by-line breakdown of what is and is not included so I can compare accurately?”
Build Your Pool the Right Way From the Start
You don’t want surprises when you're building your dream backyard. That’s why you should take the time to gather proposals.
Whether you're in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or anywhere else in the country, we're here to help. If you're weighing your options or have a quote from another contractor, we're ready to answer all your questions and help you make a well-informed decision. No pressure, just clear and honest advice.
Meet the Author: A Local Pool Expert Who’s Seen It All
Hey there, I’m Drew Boster, Lead Installer and Marketing Manager at River Pools® of Red Wing. I wrote this article because too many homeowners are being caught off guard by unexpected pool costs that should have been disclosed upfront.
I’ve been working in the fiberglass pool industry for four years, installing pools across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin areas where frost, soil, and access all play a big role in final cost. I’ve seen firsthand how often quotes leave out crucial elements like fencing, utility hookups, or even the right type of plumbing.
What keeps me passionate about this work? Helping families build a backyard they love without budget surprises. There’s nothing better than knowing we gave someone not just a pool, but peace of mind.
The takeaway here is simple: You deserve to know what you’re paying for and why. That’s how we do things at River Pools Red Wing: no shortcuts, no surprise costs, just an honest quote from the start.
Read more about Drew and his company here.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
Ready to take the next step? Click here to request a quote from a local independent installer or River Pools fiberglass pools. With installers across the country, there's a good chance there's a pro near you ready to answer all the questions in this article and make your backyard dreams a reality.
