Our Family’s Dream Come True: A Simple, Honest Guide to Getting a Pool in Ohio

For years, my family and I dreamed about having a pool in our backyard. You know that feeling, right? When it's a hot, sticky mid-August day in Ohio, the air is thick, and you just wish you could walk out your back door and plunge into cool, refreshing water. That dream was a frequent topic of conversation at our house, a "someday" kind of thing we'd talk about while flipping burgers on the grill.

But dreaming about a pool and actually getting one are two very different things. When we started to get serious, the questions came thick and fast. How much does a premier pool company really cost, beyond the sticker price? Is our sloped, slightly awkward yard good enough? What kind of pool should we even get? Fiberglass, vinyl, gunite… it felt like learning a new language. The whole thing seemed like a huge, complicated, and frankly, intimidating project.

The good news is, we figured it all out. We went through the entire process, from the first confusing quote to the final, joyful cannonball. And now, we have a beautiful pool that has become the absolute heart of our home. I wanted to share our story and everything we learned along the way, in simple, honest terms, to help you make your own dream come true.

Was Getting a Pool Worth It? (Spoiler: An Emphatic YES!)

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, you’re probably wondering the same thing we did: with all the cost, construction, and decision-making, was it actually worth it? For our family, the answer is a resounding, 100% YES. It has been more rewarding than we ever imagined. Here’s why:

It’s Our Family's Favorite Place

Honestly, our backyard is now the most popular spot in the house, and it’s not even close. The transformation has been incredible. The kids are off their phones and in the water, inventing new games and laughing for hours. We’re all spending more quality time together, without the distractions of screens or schedules. Our home has also become the go-to spot for friends and family. We made more wonderful memories in that first summer than we had in the previous five years combined. It’s a magnet for connection and joy.

It’s Our Own Private Vacation Spot

We used to spend a lot of time and energy packing up the car, dealing with traffic, and driving somewhere else just to have fun in the water. Now, we have a "staycation" anytime we want. It’s like having a little private resort right outside our back door. A stressful Tuesday evening can be completely turned around by a quiet, 20-minute float under the stars. That feeling of instant escape is priceless.

It’s a Fun Way to Stay Healthy and Active

Swimming is amazing exercise, and because it’s low-impact, it's easy on your body. I fell in love with swimming laps first thing in the morning; it’s a peaceful, meditative way to start the day. More importantly, the kids burn off an incredible amount of energy playing all day long. They sleep better, they're healthier, and they're having a blast doing it.

It Added Real Value to Our House

While our main motivation was family happiness, we also see the pool as a smart financial move. A well-designed, high-quality in-ground pool is a major asset that can significantly increase your home's value, especially here in the Columbus area where summers are cherished. We think of it as an investment in our home's equity as well as in our family's well-being.

First Things First: The Crucial Planning Phase

Okay, so we decided we were all in. The single most important piece of advice I can give you is this: do not rush the planning phase. Good planning makes the entire process smoother, less stressful, and ensures you get the pool you actually want. Here’s what we figured out before a single shovelful of dirt was moved.

What Did We Want the Pool For? The "Pool Personality"

We sat down as a family and had a serious talk about our "why." What was the primary purpose of this massive investment? This helped us define our pool's personality.

• The Family Fun Pool (Our Choice): This pool is all about play. The design priorities are a large shallow end or a tanning ledge for little ones, plenty of open space for games, and durable, comfortable surfaces.

• The Fitness Pool: This pool is a gym. The priority is a long, straight, unobstructed lap lane, typically rectangular in shape. Depth is less important than length.

• The Entertainer's Pool: This is a social hub. The design focuses on features like a swim-up bar, ample built-in bench seating, and a seamless flow to a large patio with an outdoor kitchen.

• The Relaxation Pool: This is a personal spa. The design might be smaller, with a focus on features like a spillover spa, serene waterfalls, and ambient lighting.

Our choice was clear: we were building a Family Fun Pool. This immediately told us that a large shallow end was a non-negotiable feature, which guided our entire design process.

Making a Real Budget (with No Surprises!)

The price you see advertised for the "pool" is never the final price. I am so glad we learned this early! A realistic budget is the key to a stress-free project. We made a spreadsheet that included everything we could think of:

1. The Pool Itself: This is the main line item, the cost of the pool structure, whether it's a fiberglass shell, a vinyl liner kit, or a concrete build.

2. Labor & Installation: The cost for the professional crew to excavate, install the pool, and handle all the plumbing.

3. The Pool Equipment Package: At a minimum, you need a pump and a filter. This is a great place to consider an upgrade to an energy-efficient variable-speed pump.

4. The Patio or Deck: You need a hard surface around the pool for safety and usability. This cost can vary dramatically, from simple brushed concrete to high-end natural stone pavers. Don't underestimate this cost; it's a huge part of the project.

5. A Fence! This is a big one. In Ohio, you are required by law to have a safety fence of a specific height with self-closing, self-latching gates. This is a major expense that many people forget to budget for.

6. Yard Restoration & Landscaping: A big machine will be in your yard, and it will cause damage to your lawn. You’ll need a budget for new topsoil, sod or seed, and any new plants or trees to make it look beautiful again.

7. Fun Extras & Upgrades: This is the "wish list." A heater (which we decided was essential for Ohio's shorter seasons), an automatic pool cover, cool color-changing LED lights, or a saltwater system will add to the final cost.

8. The "Oops" Fund: We added a 10% contingency fund on top of our total estimated cost. And yes, we had to use it when the crew hit a patch of unexpected rock during the dig.

The Big Choice: What Kind of Pool Should You Get?

This was our biggest and most debated decision. There are three main types of in-ground pools, plus a few other options. Our contractor gave us a fantastic, simple breakdown.

Fiberglass Pools: The "Drop-In and Swim" Pool

This is like a giant, high-quality, pre-made bathtub for your yard. The entire pool shell is manufactured in a climate-controlled factory and then delivered to your house on a big truck. A crane lifts the shell and places it into a precisely dug hole.

• The Good Stuff:

• Incredibly Fast Installation: You can genuinely be swimming in just a few weeks. It’s the fastest path from dirt to fun.

• Silky Smooth and Easy to Clean: The gelcoat surface is non-porous and smooth, which means algae has a hard time growing. This translates to less time brushing and less money on chemicals.

• Perfect for Ohio Winters: The fiberglass material has a small amount of flex, allowing it to handle the ground freezing and thawing without the risk of cracking. It’s incredibly durable and long-lasting.

• The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Limited Shapes: You have to choose from the shapes and sizes the factory makes. You can’t sketch a unique shape on a napkin and have it built.

• Higher Upfront Cost (than vinyl): The initial investment is typically a bit more than a vinyl liner pool.

We almost went with a fiberglass pool. It’s a brilliant, low-maintenance choice for many Ohio families.

Vinyl Liner Pools: The "Custom Shape on a Budget" Pool

This is the most popular type of pool in our region. The pool is built in your yard by first constructing steel or polymer walls. Then, a thick, durable sheet of patterned vinyl (the liner) is fitted inside to create the waterproof surface.

• The Good Stuff:

• Lower Initial Cost: It’s usually the most affordable way to get into a beautiful in-ground pool.

• Unlimited Shapes: Because the walls are built panel by panel, you can design almost any shape or size you can dream of. This is perfect for fitting a pool into an odd-shaped yard.

• Soft on Your Feet: The liner is smooth and has a softer feel than a hard surface like concrete.

• The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Liner Replacement: This is the big one. Every 7 to 12 years, that liner will need to be replaced, which is a significant future expense.

• Potential for Damage: While tough, sharp objects like a dog's claws, broken glass, or even a sharp branch can sometimes puncture or tear the liner.

This is a fantastic option if you have a very specific shape in mind or want the lowest possible starting cost.

Gunite (Concrete) Pools: The "Ultimate Luxury" Pool

This is the high-end, custom-built option. A crew builds a cage of steel bars in the shape of the pool, and then a special kind of concrete called gunite is sprayed on at high pressure to form the shell.

• The Good Stuff:

• Total Design Freedom: If you can imagine it, you can build it. A pool that looks like a natural pond, with built-in waterfalls, caves, and benches—anything is possible.

• Built Like a Fortress: These pools are incredibly strong and have a classic, permanent feel.

• The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• Highest Cost: This is the most expensive type of pool, both to build and to own.

• Very Long Build Time: Be prepared for your yard to be a construction zone for several months.

• High Maintenance: The plaster surface is porous and a bit rough, so it needs more frequent brushing to prevent algae and more chemicals to keep the water balanced.

• Winter Concerns: The rigid structure can be susceptible to cracking over many Ohio freeze-thaw cycles.

This is for homeowners who want a truly one-of-a-kind, legacy pool and have a larger budget and timeline.

How We Chose a Good Pool Company

Choosing the right people to build your pool is the MOST important decision you will make. A great company makes the process fun and exciting; a bad one can be a real nightmare. Here’s our checklist for finding a great one:

1. Talk to Multiple Companies: Don’t just go with the first quote. We met with three different pool builders in the Columbus area. This gave us a feel for different approaches and pricing.

2. Ask for a Portfolio and References: We asked to see pictures of pools they had built nearby. The best companies were proud of their work and happy to provide the phone numbers of recent, happy customers we could talk to.

3. Verify Their Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Make sure they have a valid liability insurance policy and workers' compensation coverage. This protects you in the unlikely event that someone gets hurt on your property.

4. Get a Detailed, Written Contract: A good company will provide a clear, itemized contract that lists everything they are going to do and what it will cost. It should also include a projected timeline and a plan for handling unforeseen issues (like hitting rock). No surprises.

5. Trust Your Gut: We chose the company that we trusted the most. They weren't the absolute cheapest, but they were the best communicators, they answered all of our questions patiently, and they made us feel like partners in the project.

What to Expect During the Build

The process was actually really cool to watch! Here’s a simple play-by-play of what happened in our yard:

1. The Outline: The crew came out and drew the exact shape of the pool on our lawn with spray paint. It was the first time it felt real!

2. The Big Dig: A big excavator arrived and, with surprising precision, dug a giant hole in just a day or two.

3. The Guts: The team installed all the PVC pipes for the water circulation system.

4. The Pool Goes In: This is the most exciting day. The pool shell is set in the hole (for fiberglass) or the walls are built (for vinyl).

5. The Surroundings: They carefully backfilled around the pool and then poured the concrete for our patio.

6. Just Add Water! The water trucks arrived and filled the pool.

7. Pool School: Finally, a technician walked us through our entire system. He showed us how to clean the filter, test the water, and use all the equipment. We felt totally confident and ready to go.

Our Pool Today: More Than We Dreamed

I can't fully express how much we love our pool. It was a big decision and a major project, but it has brought our family an immeasurable amount of joy. The kids are swimming constantly, we're spending more time outside as a family, and our backyard is now, without a doubt, our favorite place to be.

Questions We Had (You Probably Have Them Too!)

How much room do I really need in my yard?

You need space for the pool itself, plus a safe and functional amount of patio space around it. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3 or 4 feet of patio on all sides for walking. Your pool builder can do a site assessment and show you exactly what will fit comfortably in your yard.

When is the best time to get a pool built in Ohio?

We learned that the best time to start planning and sign a contract is in the fall or early winter. This allows the company to secure your spot and get the permits filed during the slow season. As soon as the ground thaws in the spring, you’ll be one of the first projects on their list, which means you'll be swimming by the first truly hot day of summer!

Will my property taxes and utility bills go up?

Yes, you should expect both to increase. A pool adds value to your home, so your property taxes will likely go up a bit. Your electricity bill will also increase from running the pump, and your gas or electric bill will go up if you have a heater. A good builder can help you choose energy-efficient equipment to keep these costs as low as possible.

Can a fiberglass pool really handle Ohio winters without cracking?

We were worried about this too! But we learned that it's extremely rare for a modern, high-quality fiberglass pool to have any issues. They are engineered to be strong and slightly flexible, specifically so they can handle the ground freezing and moving during our tough winters.

What if they hit a big rock when they are digging?

This can happen, and it's called "rock refusal." Your contract should have a clause that explains the plan for this. It usually costs extra per hour for the crew to use a hydraulic hammer to break up the rock. It's a good question to ask about upfront.

What’s a "salt water system" and is it worth it?

A saltwater system is a machine that uses ordinary, food-grade salt to create its own chlorine to keep the pool clean. You don't taste or smell strong chlorine, and it's not like swimming in the ocean (it has about 1/10th the salinity). The water feels incredibly soft and doesn't irritate your eyes or skin as much. We decided to get one, and we absolutely love it. We think it was worth the extra cost.

I hope sharing our family's story—the questions, the decisions, and the joy—has helped you. Getting a pool is a big step, but with a little planning and the right partner, it can be one of the best things you ever do for your home and family. Good luck!