💦 Thinking About a Pool? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Diving In (Okanagan Edition)

Dreaming of poolside lounging with a glass of local rosé in hand? You're not alone. More and more Okanagan homeowners are installing backyard pools to soak up our long, hot summers and take full advantage of that epic outdoor lifestyle. But before you grab a shovel or hire a contractor, let's walk through everything you need to know.

We're talking pool types, saltwater versus chlorine, finishes, maintenance, costs, winterization, drainage, and even how much it'll cost to fill the thing up. Let’s dive in.

🏗️ Concrete vs. Fiberglass Pools – Which Is Right for You?

Both are great options, but they come with different benefits depending on your budget, yard, and preferences.
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My take: If you want a one-of-a-kind showpiece pool with built-in spas or tanning ledges, concrete gives you full creative freedom. But if you're after speed, value, and simplicity, fiberglass is a solid pick.

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🎨 Interior Finishes – Liner, Tile, or Paint?

The inside of your pool is where comfort meets style. Let’s go over your options.

Vinyl Liner

• Soft underfoot and budget-friendly
• Can tear or wrinkle if not handled properly
• Lifespan: 7 to 12 years
• Replacement cost: $5,000 to $10,000

Tile (for concrete pools)

• Premium look with tons of design options
• Very durable but requires grout maintenance
• Long lifespan when installed correctly

Painted Concrete

• Affordable and quick but less durable
• Needs repainting every 3 to 5 years
• Susceptible to fading, chalking, and peeling

Pebble or Plaster Finish

• Used in concrete pools
• Pebble offers a textured, modern feel with a long life
• Plaster gives a smooth classic look but may need more frequent touch-ups

🧂 Saltwater vs. 🧪 Chlorine – What’s Better for You?

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Both systems sanitize your pool but in different ways.

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Saltwater is rising in popularity here in the Okanagan thanks to the smoother feel and lower chemical handling. Chlorine still wins for ease of repair and lower upfront cost.

💸 How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in the Okanagan?

Prices vary by backyard, access, design, and finish. But here’s a rough guide:

• In-ground concrete pool: $90,000 to $150,000+
• Fiberglass pool: $70,000 to $110,000
• Saltwater upgrade: $1,500 to $2,500
• Landscaping and decking: $10,000 to $30,000+
• Pool heater or heat pump: $3,500 to $6,000
• Fencing (required): $3,000 to $10,000

Always build in a contingency for excavation issues, especially if you have rocky soil or limited access.

🧾 Permits and Legal Requirements

You’ll need a few things before breaking ground.

• Building permit (required for all in-ground pools)
• Electrical permit (for pumps, lighting, heaters)
• Plumbing permit (if connecting to home drainage or systems)
• Zoning compliance (check setbacks and lot coverage)
• Fencing – Required by BC Building Code, minimum 1.2 meters tall with self-closing gates
• Strata approval – If applicable, always check before building

Skipping any of these can result in fines, delays, or having to remove the pool.

🧰 Pool Maintenance – Monthly and Annual Breakdown

Even a low-maintenance pool still needs some love.

Monthly Maintenance

• Saltwater: $50 to $100 in salt and minor chemicals
• Chlorine: $100 to $150 in chlorine, stabilizer, and pH balancing
• Skimming, vacuuming, brushing
• Water testing and adjusting levels
• Cleaning filters and baskets

Annual Maintenance

• Winterization: $350 to $600
• Opening the pool: $300 to $500
• Equipment check-ups and occasional replacements
• Filter replacements or deep cleaning

Optional tools like robotic vacuums and smart water monitors can make your life way easier.

❄️ Winterization in the Okanagan – A Must Do

We may get hot summers, but our winters still drop below freezing. If you don’t winterize your pool properly, you're looking at cracked pipes, broken equipment, and thousands in repairs.

Here’s what proper winterization includes:

• Lowering the water level
• Blowing out and sealing all plumbing lines
• Adding antifreeze and winterizing chemicals
• Storing or securing your pool equipment
• Installing a winter cover

Professional winterization costs: $350 to $600
DIY is possible, but it’s not something to “wing.” One missed step can cause serious damage.

💧 Refilling Your Pool – What It Costs

If you drain your pool for repairs or opening, refilling can cost more than you'd expect.

• Using your garden hose: $200 to $400 on your water bill (based on 20,000 to 40,000 gallons)
• Trucked-in water delivery: $250 to $500+ depending on volume and distance
• If using well water: Proceed with caution. Mineral content can throw off your water chemistry and damage your pump.

🌧️ Backyard Drainage – Don’t Overlook This

Poor drainage can cause more issues than any other part of your pool project.

• Decking should slope away from both your home and the pool
• Install proper French drains or weeping tile to direct runoff water
• Plan for backwash and overflow drainage
• Avoid low-lying yards with high water tables unless you install a hydrostatic valve or sump system

This is a conversation you must have with your contractor early on.

🏡 Selling a Home with a Pool

A pool can absolutely add value to your home, especially in sunny, active places like Kelowna, Penticton, or Vernon. But only if it’s in good shape.

If you're planning to sell within a few years, keep up with maintenance and document service records. A sparkling, well-maintained pool is a dream. A cracked or algae-filled one? Not so much.

💬 Final Thoughts from Mark

Backyard pools are a dream addition for many Okanagan homeowners, but they come with planning, cost, and commitment. Whether you're building new or buying a home with a pool, the right guidance goes a long way.

I work with trusted pool contractors who can make the process smooth. Let’s find you the perfect home or build one.

Got questions? Want to chat about pool-friendly properties or what to budget for? I’m happy to help.

📞 250.863.7700
📧 mark@markdrelich.com
🌐 www.markdrelich.com

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