How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pool?

Cost to Build a Pool by Type

The average pool cost $33,600, but prices can range from $700 for a simple above-ground pool to around $66,500 or more for an in-ground pool made of concrete.

In-ground

In-ground pools cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more. However, you can expect to pay an average of $28,000 to $66,500. The excavation represents a large percentage, up to 50%, of the price. Material types for in-ground designs also add to the expense.

*These ranges represent the typical ranges most homeowners pay. Your project could run higher or lower.

Above-ground

Building an above-ground pool costs $700 to $5,000. While you can save considerably by skipping the excavation, an above-ground pool does not add the same value to your home as an in-ground variety since many buyers consider them aesthetically unappealing.

“Spool” or Small Pool

Spool pools cost $22,650 on average with labor, with prices ranging from $5,500 to $50,000. The name comes from a combination of either “small” or “spa” and “pool,” depending on who you ask. They usually come equipped with powerful jets, much like a spa, only larger. These “cocktail pools” offer an outdoor oasis at half the price. They’re perfect for homeowners with tight spaces or smaller budgets.

Lap or Endless Pool

Lap pools cost around $44,000 with labor. They’re generally narrow and long, commonly 8 feet by 40 feet. For the space- and budget-conscious, consider an endless pool for $23,000 to $40,000. They’re far shorter with an artificially generated water current to keep you swimming “endlessly.”

Plunge Pool

Plunge pools cost $10,000 to $25,000. Often not much larger than a hot tub, they’re frequently incorporated into larger backyard landscapes. They usually don’t have jets or currents but act more like a traditional swimming hole for those short on space.

Saltwater

Saltwater pool installation costs $12,000 to $67,000. If you already have a pool, you can convert it to a saltwater pool for about $1,000 to $5,000. Conversion only requires:

• A salt system, also called a salt chlorine generator, installed in your current plumbing.

• A sacrificial zinc anode to absorb any corrosion.

• If you add a heater, consider a cupro nickel heater, which withstands salt corrosion better than other types.

Hot Tub

Standard, built-in spas and hot tubs cost $3,500 to $15,000 and fit four to six people. For a larger hot tub or heated spa that fits eight or more people or custom options, you’ll pay $36,000 or more. Labor usually falls between $150 and $500 with an additional $100 to $500 for delivery.

Indoor

The total for installing an indoor unit from scratch ranges between $40,000 and $200,000. If you already have a structure to put it in, like a garage, pool house or basement, an indoor swimming pool costs $20,000 to $100,000.

Cost to Build a Pool by Material

In-ground pools can be made from a number of different materials that will alter the look and feel of the pool as well as the final cost.

Gunite or Concrete

Concrete or concrete pools cost $35,000 to $65,000. Gunite is a mixture of sand, cement, and water, and both options are durable and reinforced with steel, making them a strong, long-lasting pool material.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools cost around $20,000 to $60,000 and generally have lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to concrete, gunite, or vinyl pools. This type of pool material is easy to clean and should last about 25 years. The one downside is that fiberglass pools often have more limited shape options compared to gunite or vinyl pools.

Vinyl

Vinyl is one of the least expensive materials for in-ground pools at $20,000 to $40,000. Vinyl pools have a liner, the part you can feel underfoot, that can impact the cost. Thicker liners will cost more but require less maintenance and repairs over time.

Pool Cost Factors

When you’re shopping for or designing your pool, there are a lot of factors to consider that can impact the final cost. The shape and size of the pool, whether or not you need to excavate, and if you decide to add a deck or fencing around the pool can all affect the final price.

Pool Size

You’ll spend anywhere from $50 to $125 per square foot on an in-ground pool or around $10 to $15 per square foot for an above-ground pool. The single largest installation cost factor is its size. The larger it is, the higher the costs. It takes more equipment, materials and labor hours the bigger you go.

Location

Installing pools in northern parts of the U.S. often costs up to 25% more than in southern locations. Pools in metropolitan areas tend to cost more for professional installation compared to rural locations.

Materials

For in-ground pools, there are multiple material options that range from around $20,000 to $65,000. Concrete or gunite pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 and can last a lifetime with proper upkeep. Fiberglass pools range from $20,000 to $60,000. Vinyl-lined pools are usually the least expensive material, with costs from $20,000 to $40,000.

Labor

The average cost for professional pool installation is around $5,000 to $30,000, or 25% to 50% of the final cost. The cost you’ll pay to build a pool heavily depends on the type you choose. For example, if you select an in-ground pool, you’ll pay more in labor than you would for an above-ground.

Excavation

Excavation costs an average of $3,400, but hard-to-reach areas may cost up to $20,000. Over half the price comes from dump trucks hauling the dirt away. You can save money by spreading the dirt around your property or using it to create unique landscaping designs.

Heating

Adding heating to your pool costs about $1,800 to $4,000 extra. Buy high-quality heaters to ensure they work properly and will require less costly maintenance and repairs over time, especially if you have the heater running for most of the year.

Filtration

Water filters for pools cost from $500 to $3,000 and are necessary to keep your pool clean with minimal maintenance.

Permits

For permits, you can expect to pay $200 to $2,000. Permit costs can fluctuate based on the type of pool and where you live.

Pool Accessories

Do you want a diving board? How about a whirlpool attached to the main pool? A forced current system is great if you're looking for an intense workout. Do you feel you need cement benches or a covered deck adjacent to it?

All these extras can add a lot to your project. Save money by adding these after the initial installation. Just be sure to tell your pool professional what extras you're considering, so they can let you know what makes sense to install now and what you can install later.

Fences or Enclosures

Depending on the materials you choose, a fence will cost $600 to $4,400. If you need a full enclosure, you’ll pay anywhere from $4,800 to $14,300. When building a pool, you’ll need to think about fence installation and enclosures for safety reasons. From kids to pets, this is an essential step to prevent the vulnerable from falling into your pool.

Decking

Adding a deck or patio around an above-ground pool costs about $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and material of the decking and any customizations. Decks can make above-ground pools more aesthetically appealing while also making them easier to climb in and out of.

Additional Landscaping

Whether you opt for palm trees, ornamental grass, or drought-tolerant plants, landscaping will cost $3,000 to 5,000, or $4 to $12 per square foot. Water features will also factor into the cost, from water bowls to fountains.

Ongoing Maintenance

Swimming pool maintenance costs may range from $500 to $4,000 per year, depending on your pool type. This involves keeping the pool water clean with chemicals and filters, paying for increased utility bills to keep the filters, lights, and heaters running, and costs to open and close for off-season.

Cost to Build a Pool In Your Area

Pool costs may vary based on location. Northern parts of the U.S. tend to be more expensive for pool installations.

How to Save Money On Your New Pool

Swimming pool costs can come with some sticker shock, but there are ways to reduce the installation costs. If you’re on a budget, follow these tips for an affordable oasis.

1. Cut the size. Shaving the area in half can cut your budget by even more than half. It also takes less in upkeep and electricity.

2. Choose a fiberglass shell. These premade options run almost 50% less than a concrete option.

3. Go above-ground. Ditch the digging and put in a freestanding oval for as little as $1,500 professionally installed.

4. Choose endless for exercise. Endless pools are small, self-contained and provide all the benefits of a lap-style pool for half the price.

5. Finance it. Consider a swimming pool loan or home equity loan to finance the pool.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Professional

You can save about 50% of the costs to install a pool by doing it yourself, but this is a huge task that requires more advanced construction skills, particularly for indoor pools. If you have a strong DIY background, you can safely install an above-ground pool. But leave the in-ground pools to the pool professionals, who will safely build the pool and ensure it lasts for decades. Plus, by hiring a pool installation professional near you, you can avoid costly damage to your property or neighboring homes.

FAQs

Is it worth the cost to get a pool?

The best reason to get a pool is because you know you’ll enjoy it regularly. While a nice swimming pool can give you major bonus points in your friend circle, building a swimming pool has only about a 7% ROI. Still, if you love to swim and have backyard parties, it may be worth it in other ways for you to install a new pool.

How long will a pool last?

A pool can last a few years or a lifetime with proper construction and care. Above-ground pools generally do not last as long as in-ground pools.

• Above-ground: Lower quality above-ground pools may last only a few years, although most will last 10 to 15 years.

• Concrete or gunite in-ground: Concrete and gunite pools can last 50 years or even a lifetime. Just be sure to resurface the concrete about every 10 years.

• Fiberglass in-ground: Fiberglass pools tend to last about 25 to 30 years.

• Vinyl in-ground: Vinyl inground pools can last over 20 years, but you’ll need to replace the liner about every 6 to 12 years.