Find the Best Pool Builders and Pool Companies in Buffalo, NY

How to find a good pool company in Buffalo

A new pool is a significant purchase, which is why it’s crucial to find a reputable pool builder in Buffalo. When searching for companies to work with, look for ones with expertise in the exact type of pool you want. If you don’t know what kind of pool you want, ask companies for recommendations on what type of pool would work best for your property. Most of the companies on this guide offer free on-site inspections.

Whether you want a custom-designed lap pool or an inground fiberglass pool, always read online reviews about each company and look through photos of their previous projects. It’s also helpful to ask neighbors or friends with pools if they liked the company they worked with.

After narrowing your list down to a few companies, verify that they are all licensed with the Buffalo Department of Permit & Inspection Services using the licensed contractor search on the city’s website. Then, contact each of those companies for a quote. This helps ensure you get not only a low price but also the right service for your needs.

Ask each company the following questions to find the one that’s your best fit:

• Do you specialize in certain pool types?
• How many years of experience do you have?
• What materials and products do you use?
• How long does the installation process take?
• What type of pool would work best for my property?
• How do you price your services?
• Do you offer a warranty?
• Do you have references or a portfolio I can see?

Buffalo pool prices

The cost to build a pool in Buffalo ranges from $18,000 to $36,000, with $27,000 being the average amount spent. However, pool building costs depend on the pool’s type, size, shape and materials. Inground pools in Buffalo cost about $40,000 on average, with an average price range between $32,000 to $50,000. Above ground pools are a more affordable option and start around $750 for an average cost of $2,500.

Consider the following cost factors when installing a pool:

• Materials: A pool’s material affects its price the most. Inground pools are usually made from vinyl, fiberglass or concrete. Fiberglass and vinyl materials run about $30 to $40 per square foot, but concrete is $55 to $70 per square foot.
• Labor costs: Labor accounts for nearly half of most pool costs. Labor costs start around $5.50 per square foot plus the cost of excavation, which runs from $120 to $150 an hour or $3,000 to $13,000 total for an average-sized pool of 12 feet by 24 feet. Building an inground pool takes two to three months on average. In contrast, above ground pool labor costs range between just $1,000 and $3,000.
• Decorative add-ons: Decorative tile costs between $1,000 to $5,000. Adding a water feature, such as fountains or waterfalls, costs $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Infinity-edges are an additional $15,000 to $20,000, and poolside light bulbs cost $100 to $300 each.
• Decks or fencing: Installing a pool deck or patio ranges from $3,000 to $12,000. Fencing around a pool ranges from $13 to $50 per linear foot. Pool enclosures cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
• Accessories: Slides cost between $1,000 and $14,000. Diving boards are $300 to $5,000. Also, don’t forget about a pool cover, which costs between $600 and $2,200.
• Maintenance: In Buffalo, the average price to maintain a pool is around $241 a month. Maintaining an above ground pool usually costs less than maintaining an inground pool. Regardless, you can save money by doing the maintenance work yourself.

Other ways to save money include buying an above ground pool and installing it yourself or buying a pre-fabricated fiberglass shell for inground pools.

Buffalo pool regulations and requirements

You need a permit to install a pool in Buffalo unless your pool is an above ground design less than two feet deep. You can apply for a pool permit online through the City of Buffalo’s website.

Buffalo pool builder companies FAQ

How much are inground pools?

The cost to build an inground pool in Buffalo is about $40,000 on average, but they usually range in price from $32,000 and $50,000.

How much is an above ground pool?

Above ground pools in Buffalo start around $750, with an average cost of $2,500. Above ground pools can cost up to $15,000, depending on their size and type, though.

How can I winterize a pool in Buffalo?

Winterizing an inground pool in Buffalo takes a full day's work. Start by testing the water chemistry and making sure it’s balanced. Then, lower the water level below the mouth of the skimmer and follow these steps:

• Clear the plumbing
• Drain the filter
• Drain the remaining equipment
• Store the equipment
• Cover the pool

How many gallons of water are in an average pool?

An average above ground pool, measuring 24 feet in diameter and 52 inches deep, holds about 15,000 gallons of water. An average inground pool, measuring about 14 feet by 28 feet with a depth of 6 1/2 feet, holds around 19,000 gallons of water.

When can babies go in a pool?

It’s potentially safe for babies to go in a pool if they’re at least 2 months old, but it may be best to wait until after your baby turns 6 months old. Before this age, they can’t regulate their body temperature. Should they go in a pool before 6 months of age, it's important that the pool is heated to at least 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Always use proper flotation devices and keep the child supervised at all times, too.