Exterior cost · Yard, Patio & Pools
Inground Pool Cost
Quick take: An inground pool costs about $65,909 on average according to Angi, and $62,500 according to HomeGuide, with most pools between $44,499 and $87,349. Vinyl liner pools are the cheapest, fiberglass costs more, and concrete or gunite costs the most at up to $120,000. A 16x32 pool runs about $41,000 to $128,000. Decking, fencing and a heater add to the total.
| Inground pool, installed | $44,499–$87,349 |
|---|---|
| Average | $65,909 |
| Sources checked | 2 |
Angi puts the national average inground pool at $65,909, with most homeowners paying $44,499 to $87,349. HomeGuide's average is $62,500, with a range of $25,000 to $100,000, or $80 to $250 per square foot.
Cost by pool type
| Type | Angi | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl liner | $40,000 – $75,000 | $35,000 – $80,000 |
| Fiberglass | $55,000 – $100,000 | $45,000 – $100,000 |
| Concrete / gunite | $65,000 – $120,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
Cost by size
| Size | Angi (average) | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|
| 10x20 | – | $16,000 – $50,000 |
| 12x24 | $25,200 | $23,000 – $72,000 |
| 14x28 | $34,000 | $31,400 – $98,000 |
| 15x30 | $39,400 | $36,000 – $112,500 |
| 16x32 | $44,800 | $41,000 – $128,000 |
| 18x36 | $56,700 | $51,800 – $162,000 |
| 20x40 | $70,000 | $64,000 – $200,000 |
Extras
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pool decking | $3,000 – $12,000 | Angi |
| Pool fence | $1,500 – $10,000 | Angi |
| Aluminum pool fence | $30 – $45 per linear foot | HomeGuide |
| Pool heater | $1,830 – $4,210 | Angi |
| Solar heater | $2,500 – $6,500 | HomeGuide |
| Pool cover | $870 – $2,800 | Angi |
| Permits | $450 – $1,800 | Angi |
| Lighting | about $200 per light | Angi |
Upkeep
HomeGuide lists maintenance at $80 to $150 per month. For resurfacing an older pool, see pool resurfacing cost.
Installation costs (HomeGuide)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Yard leveling | $500 – $1,000 |
| Water delivery | $400 – $2,400 |
| Pool filter | $300 – $1,700 |
| Pool pump | $300 – $1,600 |
| Building permit | $100 – $300 |
Other pool types (HomeGuide)
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Plunge / cocktail pool | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Semi-inground | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Lap pool | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Infinity | $55,000 – $130,000 |
| Natural pool | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Above-ground (for comparison) | $1,800 – $5,000 |
Upgrades (HomeGuide)
Pool lights $700 – $1,800, diving board $300 – $700, slide $1,000 – $4,000, waterfall $2,000 – $8,800, beach entry $50 – $125 per sq ft, and an attached hot tub built with the pool $6,000 – $15,000. Automatic covers run $8,000 to $20,000, and an enclosure $4,000 to $14,000.
Long-term costs (HomeGuide)
Concrete pools need an acid wash ($300 to $1,000) every 3 to 5 years and resurfacing ($8,000 to $10,000) every 10 to 15. Vinyl liners cost $3,000 to $7,500 to replace about every 10 years. Converting to saltwater runs $1,100 to $2,200.
Pool types
- Concrete (gunite or shotcrete): fully custom shapes and sizes. The longest build time.
- Fiberglass: pre-formed shell, quicker to install, smooth surface.
- Vinyl liner: lower upfront cost, but liners need replacing over time.
What adds to the cost
- Size and depth.
- Decking and coping.
- Water features, lighting and heating.
- Fencing and safety covers.
- Landscaping.
Ongoing costs
Pools need chemicals, electricity for the pump, cleaning, repairs and possibly higher insurance. Plan for these before building.
Permits and safety
Most cities require permits and safety barriers, such as fences or alarms. Check local rules early.
Questions to ask
- How long will construction take?
- What is included in the base price?
- What are the expected yearly maintenance costs?
In Texas
Pools are popular in Texas because of the long, hot summers. Expansive clay soils in parts of the state can affect pool shells and decks, so ask how the builder handles soil conditions.
Concrete, vinyl or fiberglass
Concrete (gunite or shotcrete) pools are built on site, so they can be any shape and size. They are the most durable but cost the most, take the longest to build and need resurfacing every so often. Their rough surface requires more chemicals and brushing.
Vinyl liner pools have a flexible liner over a frame. They cost less to build and are smooth to the touch, but the liner needs replacement periodically and can tear.
Fiberglass pools arrive as one pre-made shell. They install quickly, have a smooth surface that resists algae, and need fewer chemicals. Size and shape are limited by what can be shipped by truck.
The building process
- Design and permits. The pool, decking, equipment location and fencing are designed. Permits are required.
- Excavation. The hole is dug, and soil is hauled away or spread on site.
- Structure. Steel and concrete for gunite, a frame and liner for vinyl, or the shell for fiberglass.
- Plumbing and electrical. Lines are run to the pump, filter, heater, lights and other equipment.
- Decking. Concrete, pavers or stone around the pool.
- Finish and fill. Plaster or another finish for concrete pools, then the pool is filled and the water is balanced.
- Fencing and safety features.
Construction can take weeks to months, depending on the type of pool and the weather.
Equipment choices
The pump, filter and heater affect both cost and running expenses. Variable-speed pumps use less electricity than single-speed pumps. Cartridge, sand and DE filters each have different maintenance needs. Heat pumps, gas heaters and solar heaters extend the swimming season at different costs. Saltwater systems produce chlorine from salt, which some owners prefer, though they still need regular care.
Running costs
A pool adds ongoing expenses: chemicals, electricity for the pump, water to top up, repairs, insurance and possibly a cleaning service. Opening and closing the pool each season adds cost in colder climates. Plan for these when deciding whether a pool fits your budget.
Safety and fencing
Many local codes require pool barriers, such as fences with self-closing, self-latching gates, door alarms or safety covers. Requirements vary, so check with your building department. Insurance companies may also have requirements.
Choosing a pool builder
Look for a licensed and insured builder with a solid track record. Ask for references and visit pools they built several years ago to see how they have held up. Get a detailed contract that lists the pool type, size, equipment, decking, finishes, permits, payment schedule and warranty. Payment schedules should be tied to construction stages, not paid mostly up front.
Timeline
Fiberglass pools can be installed faster because the shell is pre-made. Concrete pools take longer because of the steel, shotcrete, curing and finishing. Weather, permits and inspections affect the schedule.
Landscaping
Plan landscaping and drainage around the pool early, since leaves and runoff affect maintenance. Trees close to the pool drop leaves and seeds into the water, which means more cleaning and more work for the filter. Grading the deck so rain flows away from the pool keeps dirt and fertilizer out of the water.
Pool covers
Safety covers, solar covers and automatic covers reduce debris, heat loss and evaporation. Automatic covers cost more but are easier to use daily.