If you’ve ever looked at your neighbor’s pool and wondered why your project is coming in $40,000 higher, this episode is for you.

In Episode 2 of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla sits down again with fiberglass pool expert Jason Hughes to explain why pool quotes that look similar on the surface can be wildly different once you dig into the details.

They walk through the real-world factors that drive pool pricing differences, including proposal structure, site-specific challenges, permitting requirements, installation methods, and the hidden costs most homeowners don’t know to ask about.

You’ll learn:

• Why two pool quotes are almost never truly “apples-to-apples”
• How missing items and vague allowances inflate costs later
• The difference between all-in pricing and base-price proposals
• How permits, engineering, and local regulations affect your budget
• When cranes, dirt hauling, retaining walls, and access issues add thousands
• What builders can’t always predict underground, and how it’s handled
• Common installation shortcuts that lead to long-term problems
• Why cost creep happens, and how to prevent it
• How trusting your gut can save you from regret after construction begins

This episode isn’t about finding the cheapest pool; it’s about understanding where the money actually goes so you can plan intelligently, ask better questions, and choose a builder with confidence.

Because your goal isn’t just to build a pool, it’s to build a smart plan that holds up from contract to that first swim.

Guest: Jason Hughes

Jason Hughes is a partner at River Pools Virginia, a fiberglass pool installation company based in Warsaw, Virginia. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Jason has worked on thousands of residential pool projects across a wide range of site conditions and municipalities. In addition to working directly with homeowners, Jason is a GENESIS instructor with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), where he teaches fiberglass pool installation best practices to pool professionals nationwide. Jason is passionate about helping homeowners understand the realities of pool construction so they can avoid surprises, protect their investment, and enjoy the process with confidence.

If you’re planning to build a swimming pool in 2026, pool pricing can feel confusing fast. One quote might be tens of thousands of dollars higher than another — even when the pools look nearly identical.

In this first episode of The Pool Guides Podcast, Cristian Shirilla sits down with pool industry expert Jason Hughes to explain what pools actually cost in 2026 and why prices vary so widely.

They break down real backyard pool projects — from simple, clean installs to full resort-style outdoor living spaces — and walk through the real numbers behind them.

You’ll learn:

• Realistic 2026 price ranges for vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete pools
• Why a pool builder’s pricing mindset matters more than their starting number
• How “apples-to-apples” pool quotes often aren’t the same at all
• What’s usually missing from low advertised pool prices
• Which upgrades move the price the most — and which ones don’t
• The hidden, site-specific costs that surprise homeowners
• Smart ways to phase your pool project without sacrificing your long-term vision

This episode isn’t about chasing the cheapest price — it’s about understanding how pool pricing really works so you can plan confidently, avoid surprises, and build the backyard you actually want.

And if you’ve ever wondered how two neighboring pools can end up priced $20,000–$40,000 apart, that’s exactly what we tee up for the next episode.

Guest: Jason Hughes

Jason Hughes is a partner at River Pools Virginia, a fiberglass pool installation company based in Warsaw, Virginia. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Jason has dedicated his career to helping families create beautiful, functional backyards while ensuring every fiberglass pool installation meets the highest standards of quality and safety. In addition to his work with homeowners, Jason serves as a GENESIS instructor with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), where he teaches fiberglass pool installation best practices to pool professionals across the country. Whether he’s on a job site or leading a training session, Jason is passionate about raising the bar for fiberglass pool installations and helping families make confident, informed decisions as they transform their outdoor spaces.