If you’ve seen your neighbors with their colorful mini tulip fields in the front yard this past Easter and wondered how you can have something like that too, we’ve got the answers for you. The best time to plant Tulip Bulbs to have them bloom by Easter next year is early fall. This guide walks you through why fall is the best time to plant tulip bulbs and how to care for them properly.
Why Plant Tulips in the Fall
Different plants should be planted around different times of the year for the perfect results. For example, early-blooming perennials need to settle and mature before their bloom time in February or March for the best visuals, while colorful annuals have very specific blooming periods.
For tulips, you want to plant them in early or mid-September because they need a steady period of cool temperatures to develop properly. The best time to plant tulips is in early fall, right before temperatures begin to cool. This lets the tulips grow their roots and stabilize, setting the stage for beautiful spring colors. A general rule is to plant them approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the ground begins to freeze.
Plant tulips pointy side up with bulbs placed 4 to 6 inches apart.
Planting Your Tulip Bulbs: A Step-By-Step Guide
You’ve got your tulip bulbs, now what? This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to properly plant your tulips so they grow and bloom.
1. Choose the Location
Starting by determining where you should plant your tulips. Tulips like plenty of sun and require good drainage. However, tulips are not generally drought-tolerant and should not be planted in the same zone as existing drought-tolerant plants.
Along the pathways, in a standalone garden bed, or by the curb are all good places to plant tulips.
2. Prepare the Bed
Prepare your flower bed by loosening the soil and removing any debris, rocks, weeds, roots, and trash. For better growth, you can incorporate a small amount of compost into the planting area and apply a bulb fertilizer according to the label directions.
3. Plant the Bulb
Plant your bulbs about 4 to 6 inches apart. Map out the positions and dig holes about 6 to 8 inches deep, or about three times the bulb’s height. Plant the tulip bulbs with the pointy end up. Fit them into the holes firmly, and avoid pressing them into the soil with force.
4. Backfill
Cover the bulbs completely with the original soil you’ve dug out. Make sure the bulbs are covered and the topsoil is firm. Use a garden shovel to gently pat down the surface.
5. Add Mulch
Once the tulips are covered, add mulch to your bed. Mulch will help insulate the soil, retain heat through Kansas City’s harsh winters, and ensure even moisture distribution.
6. Water thoroughly
Finally, give the area a good, thorough watering. This helps boost initial root growth and ensures your tulips settle in steadily.
Do Tulips Come Back Every Year? Hybrid vs. Series Tulips
Contrary to popular belief, not all tulips are perennials. At Royal Creations, we only use hybrid tulips, which are annual blooms. Only series tulips will come back every year.
Hybrid vs. Series Tulips: Pros and Cons
Before we dive deeper into the differences between hybrid and series tulips, be aware that most tulips in the market today are hybrid tulips. If you want series tulips, you may need to find a specialty grower.
Hybrid tulips take the best of their parents, so they are often favored for their bigger flowers and brighter colors. Hybrid tulips are also cold-resistant and can survive through winter why growing out their roots in the fall. However, hybrid tulips are annuals that do not come back.
Series tulips, or species tulips, are the old aristocrats in the tulip world, upon which modern hybrid tulips got their original strands. These tulips are perennial and will return every year to grace your yard. They tend to be smaller and work better as delicate decors or accents.
How to Care for Tulip Bulbs
During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not soggy with standing water. Water generously during dry spells, such as early spring. Apply initial fertilizer during planting, then again when shoots begin to sprout in the spring.
Here are some additional points when it comes to taking care of your tulips:
Tulips thrive the most in temperatures between 55°F and 70°F.
Tulips need ample watering and good drainage. Generally, a weekly rain is sufficient for tulips without additional watering required.
Critters love tulips and may dig them up, but you can plant daffodils with them to repel pests.
Keep your pets away! Tulip stems and flowers are toxic to most animals.
Tulips are vulnerable to fungal diseases. Don’t buy any bulb with obvious blemishes or discoloration (even if they may be marked for clearance!).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy tulip bulbs?
We recommend buying directly from local growers or independent nurseries instead of large box stores or retailers. Small growers pay more attention to their plants. Plus, you are supporting your local community that way. At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, we follow a meticulous plant procurement process to ensure our clients receive the healthiest bulbs. So, if you’re unsure where to get tulip bulbs, come talk to us, and we will take care of you.
2. How long do tulips bloom?
Tulip blooms typically last between 7 and 15 days. Soil conditions, planting quality, root development, temperature, and the tulip variety all come into play. To help your tulips bloom for as long as possible, plant them in the fall so the roots can fully develop during the cooler weather.
3. Why did my tulip bulbs die?
Underwatering and overwatering are two of the most common reasons why tulip bulbs die. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and reduce watering when it is cold outside. Also, don’t mistake their natural dormancy post-blooming for death. Your tulips will come back again so long you take good care of them!
We know this year’s unprecedented heat wave has put pressure on the plants in your yard. Many have opted for drought-tolerant plants, thinking this is the easy solution to keep their curbs lush and green. Soon, many discover with surprise that their drought-tolerant plants are starting to die.
Key Takeaway
The descriptor “drought-tolerant” often gives the misconception that these plants won’t ever die in extreme heat and drought conditions. In reality, many drought-tolerant plants become accidental casualties of poor landscaping design and drown to death because of thirstier neighbors. That’s why hydrozoning, a practice where plants with similar moisture demand are grouped together, can help prevent drought-tolerant plants from dying.
Drought-tolerant plants can die if planted near plants needing more irrigation
Hydrozoning is a landscaping design technique that groups plants with similar watering demands next to each other
Hydrozoning can prevent plants from dying of drought or overwatering
You added drought-tolerant plants. You water your yard regularly as you did before. Next thing you know, these low-water-demand plants aren’t looking too good.
What happened?
More often than not, your drought-tolerant plants die because of overwatering, not the heatwave.
Drought-tolerant plants are often highly vulnerable to overwatering. When you plant drought-tolerant plants next to anything that requires regular irrigation, the excessive water can damage the drought-tolerant plants and eventually kill them.
How Hydrozoning Keeps All Plants Happy and Alive
This is where hydrozoning comes into play. Hydrozoning is a landscape design technique that groups plants with similar water needs together, segmenting your yard into different “zones” by irrigation needs.
Hydrozoning comes with many benefits, including
Prevents plants from dying from overwatering caused by neighboring plants.
Reduces maintenance and water consumption since you can selectively water each zone instead of the entire yard
Works well with pre-programmed irrigation systems
Hydrozoning for Drought-Tolerant Plants
Look around your yard. You may already have natural areas perfect for drought-tolerant plants. Some of the best areas in your yard to turn into a low-watering zone are:
Slopes: Since water naturally runs off the slope, they can be perfect for plants that need less watering.
Southern & western-facing areas: With higher temperatures and lower water retention, southern- and western-facing areas can suit plants that do well in dry, hot conditions.
Awkward areas around your lawn: Think of that tiny strip between your sidewalk and the public street. They can be ideal for drought-tolerant perennials and shrubs.
What are Drought-Tolerant Plants
Drought-tolerant plants can handle heat and dry conditions with ease. They still need watering, just not as much as your “regular” plants would. Sometimes drought-tolerant plants are also called hardy plants, although they’re not completely the same – not all drought-tolerant plants can do well in the winter
Below, we’ve selected drought-tolerant plants for typical plant beds in your home. These plants do well with little water once they’re fully established.
Best Drought-Tolerant Perennials for Your Home
Kansas City has many beautiful perennials that are hardy and lovely to look at. Here are some of our favorite drought-tolerant perennials to add to your garden beds:
Kansas City has a climate suitable for a variety of hardy bushes and shrubs, many of which are also drought-tolerant. Here is an extensive list of drought-tolerant shrubs to add to your landscape:
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Viburnum (drought-tolerant varieties)
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Landscape Roses
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
Best Drought-Tolerant Ornamental Grasses for Your Home
Ornamental grasses are pleasant to the eye and hardy enough to survive Kansas City’s many different weather conditions. Below are some of our favorite drought-tolerant grasses:
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis, non-invasive cultivars)
Best Drought-Tolerant Trees for Your Home
If you are hydrozoning an existing landscape, you may want to keep trees and some shrubs in a separate watering zone. If you’re planting new trees, simply fit them into the proper zoning area.
Below are some drought-tolerant trees to add to your landscape in your Kansas City home:
Yes, although we recommend working with a garden care specialist to hydrozone an existing landscape for the best efficiency. You will want to begin by assessing what’s already there, categorizing it into different zones, and making adjustments accordingly. The process demands specific knowledge and can be labor-intensive if things need to be moved around, which is why it’s best to work with a professional.
2. How to get started with hydrozoning?
Start with what’s already there: where your downspouts are, where water runs off to the sidewalk, where snow gets piled up over winter, and parts of your lawn that tend to dry, or get burnt by the sun. They will help guide you in placing the plants by their irrigation needs.
The undying passion for nature and the outdoors is a shared trait between our Blue Crew and our customers. Fortunately, Kansas City has plenty of hiking trails across the metro that will recharge you with the tranquility of the woods or a creek without having to drive hours out. In this article, we talked to our crew and picked 10 of our favorite hiking trails around Kansas City for you to explore.
Image sourced from All Trails
1. Parkville Nature Sanctuary
The Nature Sanctuary consists of three trails: White Trail and Old Kate Loop, Old Kate Trail, and Parkville Bluebird Trail. Tucked away on the opposite end of Parkville from English Landing Park, the cozy sanctuary features a wide variety of landscapes ranging from tranquil woods and trickling creeks to mini waterfalls.
There are some minor ups and downs throughout the three trails, but overall, this is a very beginner-friendly destination with beautiful views often only available on harder, more remote routes since the Loop takes you through the White Aloe Creek Conservation Area. Since the sanctuary is well-shaded, it’s a great place to go even on hotter days if you’re in desperate need of a dose of nature or just to get away from your regular day-to-day.
Trail Length: 4.3 miles for all three trails
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
2. Platte Landing and English Landing Park Loop
If you’re a lover of breathtaking sunsets, English Landing Park is where you’d want to be. More frequently referred to as just the “English Landing Park Trail,” half of this 2.5-mile loop runs right along the bank of the Missouri River with little to no blockage of your view of the water and beyond. This allows you to easily start from one end of the loop and walk along the river to catch the full spectrum of a sunset, boasting vibrant colors and subtle changes of hues.
While there are several viewing spots and benches along the trails, more adventurous hikers have also walked down to the bank enough times to have created side paths that will safely lead you closer to the water. Be careful anytime you go off the trail, of course. Since most of the trail is paved with gravel, many also use this loop as a running track.
Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
3. Hidden Valley Natural Loop
As its name suggests, Hidden Valley Natural Loop is a well-guarded secret often only shared among friends. This 3.4 mile loop features rich nature scapes, including woods, hill slopes, dry creeks, and running creeks. As a natural trail, there are some elevations throughout the trail. There are also two “side loops” that are optional, if you’d rather do a quick hike than the full experience.
If you love foraging, this trail also offers abundant turkey tails and fresh wood ears when the season is right. The best time to come would be after a wet, damp season. However, be mindful that the trail could get muddy and slippery, so it’s bets to wait a few days if a heavy storm has just passed.
Trail Length: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
4. Lower Rock Ledges Trail
Located inside Fleming Park, the Lower Rock Ledges Trail is a nice loop easily accessible of Beach Road. It goes around the main park campsites, and takes you right along Lake Jacomo, then into the well shaded woods accompanied by beautifully formed rocky terrains.
The lake side is much easier to hike through, but the shaded, woody side requires more careful footing. There are lots of wildflowers along the way, and sometimes you’ll even get to see animals living their best lives.
Trail Length: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Image sourced from All Trails
5. Blue Springs Lake North Shore Loop
For those looking for a slightly longer loop in Fleming Park, Blue Springs Lake North Shore Loop in Fleming Park might be right up your alley. While it’s long and winding, the footings are much easier than Lower Rock Ledges. You will still get the rocky terrains and lake view since it’s another shore-side loop. Many also take their dogs on the trail.
However, note that this trail loop connects to several other trails. While it’s perfect for impromptu hikers who like the flexibility of extending their hike, we recommend you keep a map at hand or in your phone photo folder just in case.
Trail Length: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
6. Shawnee Mission Lake South Shore Trail
This might be one of the most challenging trails on this list. But trust us, it’s worth the effort. If you have an evening to spare, the hike will cleanse you from body to soul as you walk through endless layers of trees. The moment the lake opens up in front of you is breathtaking, thanks to the high vantage point. The trail is great for wildflower observation and wildlife watching, too. If the full 6.3-mile feels intimidating, there are several crossing points on the loop that will allow you to take a shortcut back.
Note: South Shore Trail often closes due to seasonal maintenance requirements. That said, you can always check with the park beforehand to see if the trail is partially or fully closed!
Trail Length: 6.3 miles
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Image sourced from All Trails
7. Maple Woods Natural Area Trail
Looking for a quick natural trail loop to clear your mind? Head over to Maple Woods Natural Area Trail! This lightweight loop is often overlooked because of its short length, but is a little gem located not too far from Metropolitan Community College’s Maple Woods campus. While most of the trail is not paved, there are steps laid out with wooden edges and a few benches along the way.
Trail Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
8. Longview Natural Trail
While most know Longview Lake to be a good biking spot, there is a lovely natural trail tucked away right off the youth campground. There is plenty of wildlife and wildflowers to see. You’ll discover Lumpkin Creek, where shallow water runs over stones large enough for you to go barefoot. Do carry a stick, as water moccasins and other snakes may be present.
The only challenging part about this trail is that there is over 1,000 feet of elevation, with a low dip about halfway through the trail. The trail is also much less maintained, so wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself against thorns.
Trail Length: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
9. Cave Spring Park
Cave Spring Park has four separate trails: two shorter lake loops and two longer hikes that are slightly under 1 mile. All four trails connect with each other, so you can easily customize how much you’d like to explore.
Cave Spring Park has a good combination of history and nature. The Truman Walk is a historic walkpath famously enjoyed by President Truman and now features 43 plaques embedded in the sidewalks providing information about important landmarks and homes related to the president.
Trail Length: 2.6 miles total
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Image sourced from All Trails
10. Riverfront Heritage Trail
This trail is enjoyed by bikers, hikers, and runners. It is also puppy-friendly. The view of the river is quite magnificent, and it’s another great spot to enjoy a sunset stroll. With the streetcar, you can get to the trail easily without having to deal with parking in the area. However, there are also plenty of existing parking spaces at the trailhead.
One must-visit spot on the trail is the lock grid on top of the bridge. It has long been a place where couples vow their undying love to each other, or for friends to lock in their memories before one moves away.
Trail Length: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Protecting Yourself While Hiking on Trails (A Checklist)
You should always choose a trail within your comfort zone, or at least nothing too challenging. On top of that, there are a few things you should bring with you in case of emergency, especially with this year’s heat wave. To make your hiking journey safer and more enjoyable, we’ve put together a trail prep checklist below.
Essential Equipment
Well-charged phone
Power bank, especially for longer trails
Sunglasses and sun cap
Bug spray
Sun screen
Band-aids and a small first-aid kit
A stick (especially on natural trails)
Rubberbands/hair ties
A small plastic bag to hold your trash (leave nothing behind!)
Tiger balm (for emergency cooling)
Food & Drink
A large water bottle, preferably one that keeps your drinks cool
Electrolyte powder or a separate electrolyte drink
Energy bars or trail mixes
Pickles (for quick sodium replenishment)
Dried or fresh fruit (for water and vitamin replenishment)
That’s it! We hope you enjoy exploring the many trails Kansas City has to offer!
If you haven’t considered installing a sprinkler system before, this year’s excessive heat has probably changed your mind. But exactly how much should sprinklers cost you in Kansas City? This guide goes deep into the design principles for residential sprinkler systems, key cost factors, and the cost to repair an existing sprinkler system in Kansas City.
Designing Residential Sprinkler Systems
Before looking into prices, it’s important to understand how a sprinkler installation company in Kansas City maps your sprinkler system. In most cases, there are three key components of any sprinkler system design: head layout, matched precipitation, and pipe layout.
Each of these components affects the efficacy of your residential sprinkler system:
Head Layout: Each water spray should hit the nearby heads to ensure even watering.
Matched Precipitation: Nozzles should provide even water distribution (gallons-per-minute) for each zone.
Pipe Layout: Choose a system that feeds the center of each zone rather than a manifold design, so that pressure and flow at each head are as even as possible. This ensures that the first and last heads of each zone work in the same way.
The cost of a new sprinkler system for your Kansas City home is affected by several key cost factors:
Design: Different types of design can significantly affect the total cost, since it affects how much piping and how much total hardware is needed.
Square Footage: For larger systems, we often bundle taps and controllers in the installation price. For smaller installations, however, those costs would come as a separate charge.
Property Details: Can affect layout, structure, and design, which then affects the cost. For example, slopes and obstacles may affect the total zones needed in your sprinkler system.
Hardware: Your equipment (make, brand, style) can make a huge difference in terms of total cost.
Add-ons: Certain add-ons, such as wi-fi connection, would cost extra.
Sprinkler Costs by Parts
Another way to estimate how much your new sprinkler system would cost in KC is to do a quick calculation based on the number of each part you’d need. There are four key parts to a sprinkler system: tap, controllers, piping, sprinkler heads, and valves.
Sprinkler Costs in KC by Parts
Parts
Cost
Taps
$10 – $30 each
Backflow Device
$100 – $300 each
Controllers
$50 – $200 per zone
Piping
$0.50 – $2 per linear foot
Sprinkler Heads
$5 – $20 each
Valves
$125 – $250 per zone
New Sprinkler System Installation Cost
Installing a completely new sprinkler system at your home in Kansas City can cost from $1,000 to $1,500 per zone. On average, most residential sprinkler systems have 2 to 6 zones. Smaller yards typically need only 2 to 3 zones, whereas larger properties with more complex landscaping require 4 to 6 zones on average.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping offers professional sprinkler inspection and repair services.
Cost to Repair or Replace Sprinklers
If you begin to notice common issues with your sprinkler system, it might be time to get some repairs done. Like all other landscaping equipment, regular maintenance and inspection can significantly extend your sprinkler system’s longevity and help you catch problems early.
In most cases, there are three types of sprinkler repairs you may need: head repair, valve replacement, and wiring or piping work.
Often, sprinkler heads are exposed to weather conditions. This makes them susceptible to physical damage and clogging. Sprinkler head repair and replacement in Kansas City usually costs $75 to $150 per zone.
Cost to Repair or Replace Valves
Over the time, valves may become rusted or stuck. Valve replacements typically cost $125 to $250 per zone.
Cost to Repair Leaks or Wiring
Wiring and piping age and become brittle. Wildlife can also cause damage to your pipes and wires. The cost to repair leaks or wiring can vary significantly depending on how severe the issue is. In many cases, it might be a better deal to replace your sprinkler system than trying to locate exactly where the problem is.
Do I Need a Contractor for Sprinkler Installation?
If you have a small yard, you may be able use portable sprinklers that can be connected to your external faucet. Otherwise, you should only work with a professional sprinkler installation company for your residential sprinkler installation needs in Kansas City.
Make the utmost use of your backyard space by installing a new inground pool. A backyard pool will turn your home into a summer paradise and significantly increase your property’s value. It is an investment in your quality of life and financial future both!
How Much Does a New Inground Pool Cost in 2025
On average, a well-built new inground pool constructed by a professional pool company should cost you $50,000 to $1500,000 in 2025. This number is more than reasonable if you take the amount of time, effort, labor, and skills that go into the project into account.
If you’re looking to refurbish or restore an existing inground pool, the cost would be much lower. For example, resurfacing an inground pool costs $4,500 to $12,000 on average. Miscellaneous renovation tasks such as retiling, upgrading the chlorination system, or adding lights cost around $2,000 to $5,000.
Cost of a New Inground Pool by Material
Material is the most important factor impacting the cost of your new pool. Common materials for pools include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Concrete
A concrete inground pool costs about $80,000 on the low end and $100,000 on average. For larger, more complex concrete pools, the cost can easily exceed $125,000. To make the investment worth, concrete pools add the most value to your home.
Concrete pools are the most dynamic, allowing irregular shapes and forms. However, concrete pools require regular maintenance and can therefore be expensive to maintain.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass inground pools cost about $60,000 – $80,000 on average, making them slightly more affordable than concrete pools. Fiberglass is extremely low-maintenance, and the smooth surface makes it easier to maintain the water’s pH level. If you are not too particular about shape and design, a prefabricated installation kit might allow you to do some of the work yourself.
Vinyl
Vinyl inground pools are a good choice for those with a modest budget, as these usually cost as low as $50,000. However, the more affordable installation comes with a higher maintenance cost because the liners can crack and break easily. Meanwhile, vinyl is definitely easier to clean since you can easily wipe off most residues. You also don’t need too many chemicals to maintain the water’s pH level.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Other Factors Affecting the Cost of a New Pool
In addition to materials, other factors can affect the cost of your new inground pool, including size, shape and design, additional features, labor required, permit needs, and surrounding landscape needs.
Size
Size is the second primary basic factor affecting the cost of your new inground pool. A small, 10-by-16 inground pool may only cost around $30,000, whereas a 15-by-30 pool can easily exceed $70,000.
Shape
Irrergular-shaped pools might significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. However, they can cost significantly more compared to standard, rectangular pools. Depending on the shape, you may also have more limited material choices. For example, concrete allows the most customization when it comes to shape and design.
Additional Features
Additional features cost extra to install. Here is a list of popular features and their associated average costs:
Water features: $5,000 to $15,000 based on size, complexity and design.
Pool lights: $1,000 to $3,500
Slides: A few thousand on the low end or over $10,000 on the high end, depending on material, size, and design.
Hot tub: $8,000 or more on average.
Pool cover: $3,000 or up to $15,000 for a motorized cover.
Pool deck: Up to $30,000 or more based on deck size and materials.
Labor
Labor cost may vary depending on where you live, as well as the scope of the project. For example, are you replacing an old inground pool with a new one? Or are you digging from ground zero? Some companies also charge labor differently depending on the skill level required for different tasks, such as drafting, building, and site cleanup.
Landscaping Cost
Thoughtful landscaping can ensure your new pool blends into your existing landscape and maintains a consistent aesthetic. Landscaping cost can vary depending on the scope of the project. For example, you might only need some minor plant rearrangement to surround the pool. Other times, you might need to install some type of walkway for easy access.
Permits
In-ground pools usually require a permit to be built. Your best bet is to work with an architectural landscaping company for a smooth permitting process.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
How to Plan for Your Outdoor Inground Pool Project
Asking yourself the right questions can bring clarity to your outdoor in-ground pool project and make your communication with contractors much clearer. Knowing what you want can also help you budget and estimate total investment before requesting a quote. Below are the areas we recommend you to think through when adding an outdoor inground pool to your property.
1. Size
The size directly affects the cost of your outdoor in-ground pool. Understand what square footage is available for your pool project, and how large it needs to be. First, ask yourself how many people it should hold at most, both in the water and around the pool for out-of-water activities. Next, think about the primary activities people would be doing in your pool, such as lounging, water slides, tanning, diving, water or pool-side sports (e.g.: volleyball, basketball). Remember, when contemplating the size of your new pool, you should factor in the size of the pool and the surface area around it.
2. Depth
Think about the depth at the shallowest and deepest parts in the pool, especially if you have little children who might be learning to swim, or if you want to accommodate diving. On average, 3.5 to 4 feet provides sufficient flotation for people to lounge and chill, but at least 8 feet is required to allow diving. You should also think about whether you need a diving board or jumping rock, which can add further to the cost of your outdoor in-ground pool in 2026.
3. Waterfalls and Bubblers
Waterfalls and bubblers are two of the most popular additions people use to make their pool more fun. These are especially good choices if you plan on having pool parties regualrly, or have little ones at home. Waterfalls and bubblers can cost anywhere between $60 to $170 per unit, not including installation labor.
4. Construction Method
As you might imagine, custom in-ground pools will cost a lot more than a prefabricated one. Different construction method also affects the cost of your in-ground pool. Generally speaking, the most common construction methods cost as follows:
LinerPool: $70,000 to $90,000
Gunite & Plaster: $100,000 to $150,000
Pre-fabricated Fiberglass Pool: $90,000 to $125,000
5. Filtration System
The quote you receive usually includes a standard filtration system. However, some choose to upgrade for a salt filtration system due to the use of chlorine in normal systems. Salt filtration systems for pools usually cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
6. Pool Controls
Do you want to add remote or bluetooth control for your pool, including turning lights on/off, changing water temperature (heating system), and other functions? Pool automation can add another $4,500 to $6,500 to your total cost.
7. Pool Cover
A pool cover can protect your in-ground pool from debris and hail damage, making regular cleaning easier and also extend your pool’s longevity. Adding an automatic pool cover costs about $15,000 to $20,000.
8. Heated or Chilled Pool
Adding a heating system makes your inground pool enjoyable throughout the year. A heating system costs between $4,500 and $6,500. Note that this cost doesn’t include the cost for plumbers.
A new inground pool is a major project that comes with many nuances. From permitting, utility mapping, to the actual building process, there are many challenges a regular homeowner may not be familiar with. Plus, the construction process can also be dangerous for those without industry experience. A professional pool contractor can handle everything from design to build, and can even work as a project manager to help you coordinate with other contractors. Professional builders are also insured, giving you an extra layer of protection.
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