Adding a Pool in Hawaii
Yes, Pacific blue waters surround the islands of Hawaii. The ability to reach the sea from any point in the state is something most Hawaiian residents do not take for granted. Still, many individuals and families yearn for a private swimming pool inside or out of their homes for health reasons, for instant gratification, and the sheer beauty of a well-built pool.
There are some vital facts that homeowners on the islands need to know before diving in (pun intended). We’ll discuss some of the most often asked questions concerning the costs, construction, upkeep, and more.
Tree Problems
If you have trees, you’ll have to remember that trees shed debris, which can make keeping your pool clean a bit more tedious. Roots from any trees near the site you have chosen for your pool can crack the pool’s cement.
Unless you want to tend to your pool daily, think long and hard about the location where you want your swimming pool. And, more issues could occur if your pool is fiberglass or vinyl-lined.
The Costs Involved in Building an Inground Pool
Before you can estimate a cost for the pool you want, you will have to make several decisions. You must know what kind of pool you want to build so you can get rough estimates of the costs involved. Home Advisor suggests these arbitrary estimates:
Type of Pool
Inground concrete pool – $35,000 to $100,000
Fiberglass (inground) – $20,000 to $60,000
Inground vinyl – $20,000 to $50,000
Above ground – $1,500 to $15,000
Lap pool – $40,000 to $60,000
Infinity pool – $23,000 to $40,000
Costs can also vary widely according to your location. If you have specific issues, such as uneven property or your pool is going to be larger or smaller than a standard-sized pool, prices will change.
Questions to Ask When Considering Building a Pool in Hawaii
You might be thinking, will I increase the cost and desirability of my home by adding a pool? In some neighborhoods, having a pool is essential because everyone has a pool. On the other hand, some buyers may not want the upkeep costs, maintenance, or potential hazards that might come with having a pool.
Hawaii has a climate that begs for dips in the pool. Some of our clients ask if they will be disappointed if they don’t build a pool.
Clients also ask if their yards are big enough to accommodate a pool and still leave enough lawn for their kids to play or to plant a garden.
Maintenance Costs that Come with Having a Pool
Once you have decided to install a pool, don’t excavate until you understand what pool upkeep entails.
Remember that a pool’s filtration pump uses energy, so get the most efficient pump available. Monthly pool maintenance businesses in Hawaii can cost anywhere from $150 a month to $750 per month, depending on the region in which you live. These visits are for taking samples of the water, checking on pool fittings, valves, and plugs, cleaning the filter, removing debris, adding algaecide, chemical testing, and more.
Pool owners also have to winterize the pool at the end of the season, but not in Hawaii.
Finding a Pool Designer to Help You with Your Pool
Owner Built Design knows pretty much all there is to know about designing and building in Hawaii. They have the expertise and the know-how it takes to navigate the “different set of rules” of the Aloha State. Oahu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is pushing for:
- Affordable housing for all Hawaiian residents
- Multigenerational housing
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Sustainability
- Longevity
- Flexible designs
- Tax-relief plans
Many Hawaiian homeowners choose to do much of the work on a project or remodel, but they often turn to a professional for input, drafts, architectural renderings, understanding the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP), permit processing, engineering coordination, and drafting services. And, yes, we are quite experienced in designing and coordinating pool projects.
Owner Built Design
Now, all you have to do is make an appointment with the team at Owner Built Design. During our meeting time, we will discuss your ideas and intentions. Everyone here looks forward to helping Hawaiian homeowners in any way we can. Just call us to set up a free site meeting. After we understand your plan, we can give you a design and drafting estimate on Oahu.
No worries. We can walk by your side, figuratively and literally, to make sure you have a comprehensive outline of where you’re going and what you want to build.
Call us today.
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10 thoughts on “Everything You Should Know About Building a Pool in Hawaii”
Do we need a permit to build a pool at our home on the beach Oahu ?
Yes.
Do we need a permit for a an above ground pool installed semi inground ?
Yes, you’ll likely need an Erosion and Sediment Control plan too. Here are links to articles on this site to learn more about permitting https://ownerbuiltdesign.com/building-permit/ and the ESCP
https://ownerbuiltdesign.com/escp/.
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How close can you build a pool? I’ve seen a “minimum of 10 feet” from the pool to the residence. Is that correct?
Hi David, there have been many changes in the requirements in the past year but I believe the ordinance still says you can build within that 10′ setback if what you’re building isn’t more than 20″ tall.
So a client told me that you are supposed to have 10 ft between your house wall and your swimming pool is that correct? I am a Realtor and I know of lots of pools that are less than 10 ft. I myself have a pool which is less than 10′ and I had not heard of that rule is that for an inground pool??
Thank you
Mary
Hi Mary, I’ve never heard that restriction and recently had a pool approved that was only 5-6 feet from the house.
Aloha,
Jim