Ready to build or upgrade your backyard pool but unsure about the financing? You're not alone. Pool financing can be confusing. Credit pulls, liens, stage funding. We've answered the eight questions homeowners ask most, so you can move forward with confidence.

 —How executing your entire backyard makeover as a single endeavor delivers greater value  

If you are planning a new swimming pool along with other outdoor-living amenities, consider a strategy that optimizes style unity, smoother construction with better costs, and overall project cohesion—as well as some additional benefits.

You can already picture it: kids in the water, weekends in your own backyard instead of a crowded community pool. The only thing standing between you and that pool is the price tag.

Here's the good news: most pool owners don't pay cash. Below are seven ways to finance a swimming pool, plus what lenders look for, so you can choose the option that fits your budget and start building.

 —Helpful tips, practical realities, and how payments can impact construction progress

—Updated July 13, 2018

When it comes to building a new swimming pool, one subject can be a bit touchy: money.

However, it’s a topic that’s better dealt with up front so everyone knows what to expect.