Pool Budget Check: How We Made Our Dream Pool a Reality

For years, this Franklin family watched their summers pass by, wishing they had a backyard pool where their active kids could play and friends could gather. Like many homeowners, they assumed a quality pool was beyond their reach. However, they discovered that with the right approach, their dream pool was more achievable than they’d imagined. Learn how they made their pool budget work.

Hot Tennessee summers and a houseful of energetic kids created the perfect motivation. “We wanted our house to be a place where family, friends and community want to spend their time,” the homeowner explained. But wanting a pool and feeling confident about getting one are two different things.

The concerns were familiar: How long would installation disrupt their lives? Could they make it safe for their family and neighbors? And the big one: they’d heard the costs could be outrageous.

“We had gotten many different quotes from many different companies throughout the past few years,” they shared. “Not until Kevin Sparks Signature Pools offered a special deal on a fiberglass pool from Leisure Pools that fit our budget and ideal plans did we decide to commit.”

What caught them off guard during the research process was the sheer range of options. “The prices and spectrum of pools available are so wide-ranging. Finding the right pool within your budget can be difficult because there are so many options and add-ons.”

This is where working with the right dealer made all the difference. “Without a guide like Jeff Slaughter at Kevin Sparks Signature Pools, we could have ended up without what we hoped for, or with way more than what we needed. Jeff helped guide the process well.”

When it came to choosing pool types, the family opted for fiberglass over vinyl liner for durability, and over concrete after hearing about cracking issues and repair expenses. “We needed a durable pool that stayed within the budget.”

The family’s success came down to three key strategies:

Timing their purchase right. The breakthrough came when Kevin Sparks Signature Pools offered a special on a specific Leisure Pools’ model. “Although it wasn’t the first choice, we ended up altering the orientation of the pool in our yard; as such, we were able to ultimately save tens of thousands of dollars.”

Prioritizing smartly. By working with Jeff to find cost-effective solutions for pavers and tile, they freed up budget for what mattered most: a heater unit and an automated pool cover.

Choosing features that served double duty. The automated pool cover not only provided convenience and energy savings, but also eliminated the need to modify their existing fencing to meet Franklin city requirements, which resulted in another significant cost savings.

Sometimes what feels like settling turns out to be ideal. “Originally I thought I wanted a larger pool with a diving board, but this pool is the perfect size for our yard and our family,” the homeowner reflected.

The slightly smaller pool meant lower upfront costs, reduced heating and chemical expenses and easier maintenance, all while still providing everything their family needed for fun and relaxation.

For this family, value meant more than just the lowest price. “We are willing to pay a bit more for a quality product that we know will last. Knowing that we are dealing with a reputable company and not a fly-by-night pool dealer that might be out of business or gone next year was worth not saving a few bucks,” the homeowner emphasized.

That peace of mind extended to the installation process itself. “Although not lower than I expected, there weren’t as many surprises as I expected. Once we developed our plan and contract, nothing changed and the payments stayed as advertised.”

When asked what they’d tell someone who says they wish they could afford a pool, the homeowner is emphatic: “Save up, and look for deals and specials, but when it comes down to it, putting in a pool has been worth the investment for our family.”

Their advice is practical and encouraging: “There are so many options out there, and Kevin Sparks Signature Pools has a pool option to fit any need. Take the time to ask questions and figure out what the best fit for your family and your home is. Enjoy the process of dreaming and designing, so that you come up with a plan that you are happy with, then the financial costs will be worth it in the end.”

Today, this Franklin, Tennessee family’s backyard has become exactly what they envisioned: a gathering place where memories are made. “We value time together as a family with our friends and community, and this time in and around our pool has been worth every penny.”

Their journey proves that a dream pool doesn’t require an unlimited budget. It requires research, flexibility the right timing…and, perhaps most importantly, a knowledgeable dealer who can guide you toward smart choices that maximize value without sacrificing quality.

Ready to explore how a fiberglass pool from Leisure Pools could fit your budget and lifestyle? Contact your local Leisure Pools dealer today to start the conversation. Your dream backyard might be more achievable than you think.