For many homeowners, having a pool in the backyard is a dream come true. You can serve as the social hub of your neighborhood while your family gets to cool off in the summer heat. While it’s true that inground swimming pools are expensive to install, they provide a one-of-a-kind relaxation and recreation experience. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the installation and maintenance of various types and sizes of inground pools.

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Inground Pool Cost

Installing a standard in-ground pool measuring 12 feet by 24 feet will have an average cost of anywhere from $38,000–$100,000 based on the following factors.

• Size: The larger the pool, the more labor and materials will be required, thus the higher the cost.
• Material: Vinyl is generally the least expensive pool material, followed by fiberglass and concrete.
• Style: Opting for a simple prefabricated shell in a common style will be much less expensive than a customized design.
• Location: Pool construction will cost less in some climates and regions.
• Labor: Materials and designs that are more difficult or time-consuming to install will come with higher labor costs.
• Permits: Installing a swimming pool is a substantial home improvement project that will require a permit.
• Site Preparation and Excavation: Before pool installation can begin, your yard will need to be prepared, and the land will need to be excavated.

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Inground Pool Cost Factors

Here are the most relevant factors to the cost of inground pool installation.

Inground Pool Cost by Square Foot

Overall, pool installation costs tend to range from $180–$350 per square foot of pool space. Dimensions of 12 feet by 24 feet are considered fairly standard, but residential pools come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how costs vary as pool size increases.

Material

The most common materials used to create a pool shell are vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Vinyl pools cost about $130–$240 per square foot, fiberglass costs $175–$330 per square foot, and concrete costs $200–$350 per square foot. These cost ranges apply to pool installation only, with no extra features like decking or fencing.

Style

In addition to material, the pool’s design and style contribute to the total project cost, so small pools such as spools and endless pools will be less expensive than larger ones.

Geographic Location

In areas with warmer climates where inground swimming pools are popular, installing a pool will be easier and less expensive. There are more professional pool builders in places like Florida and Texas, so prices will usually be a bit lower. Expect to pay about 15%–25% more in the northeastern states and urban areas where construction is more complicated.

Labor

The percentage of swimming pool costs that go toward labor will vary by the type of pool and the geographic area. A freeform concrete pool requires more time and expertise to install than a prefabricated vinyl or fiberglass shell. Additionally, the more landscaping your yard requires, the higher labor costs will be.

Permits

Since inground pool installation is a substantial construction project, most cities and municipalities require homeowners to have a building permit. Pool permits may vary from $450–$1,800 depending on where you live and how extensive the project is. You may need to get additional permits to install lighting, pool decks, or other features.

Site Preparation and Excavation

Putting in a new pool involves more than just digging a hole in the ground. Yard preparation includes moving landscaping features, grading the ground, building retaining walls, and whatever other steps are needed. If landscapers need to break up and remove large obstacles like rocks and tree roots, it can substantially add to the cost of your pool project.

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Inground Pool Cost by Material

The pool material you use will impact not only installation price but also the amount of money and time required for pool maintenance over the years.

Vinyl

Vinyl liner pools are the least expensive to install, and vinyl is customizable, easy to clean, and resistant to algae growth. The drawback is that vinyl is less durable. These pools must be relined every 7 to 8 years, since the vinyl liner can become brittle and crack in the sun. Additionally, while algae won’t grow on top of vinyl, it can build up underneath the liner if there are leaks. Maintenance costs for vinyl pools average about $11,000–$17,000 over 10 years.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools cost a little more to install, but the long-term costs of upkeep are lower at $5,000–$15,000. Whereas vinyl and concrete are fairly customizable, fiberglass shells must be prefabricated, so your pool shape options will be limited. Fortunately, prefabricated shells are highly durable and easier to install, lowering labor costs. Fiberglass is the best option for a saltwater pool, since abrasive salt won’t cause the material to degrade.

Concrete

Shotcrete and gunite pools are both made of variations of concrete, which is the most durable and customizable pool shell material. It can be poured in any shape or size of the excavated hole to create unique shapes like islands, waterfalls, and river pools. 

It’s also the most expensive to install and maintain. Unlike vinyl and fiberglass, concrete is porous, so algae can grow on the surface, requiring regular brushing and special water chemistry to keep clean. Additionally, concrete will need a professional acid wash every 3 to 5 years, which will strip off the finish and require resurfacing. That’s why maintenance costs for a concrete pool can total $27,000–$40,000 over 10 years.

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Inground Pool Cost by Style

The pool type you choose may determine its size and extra features, which will contribute to the cost. Here are some common types of private residential swimming pools.

Beach Entry

Beach pools, also known as walk-in entry pools, have a sloped shallow end that mimics the shore of a beach. This style is a good choice for people with mobility problems who have trouble getting in and out of water using stairs or a ladder. Vinyl isn’t durable enough for the entry area, so these pools must be made of fiberglass or concrete and typically cost $40,000–$115,000.

Custom Pool

Customized pools can essentially be any shape and size, though they’ll need to be made out of vinyl or concrete. Because they can vary so widely in size and features, you might pay anywhere from $15,000–$200,000 for the design you want. Consider a custom pool if your yard is small, has an unusual shape, or you want additional water features.

Endless Pool

If your main motivation for installing a pool is swimming laps, but your yard won’t fit a long, narrow lap pool, an endless pool is a good alternative. These pools are small with powerful water jets that push against you while you swim, simulating a sort of water treadmill. Since they tend to be small, they’re usually lower on the cost spectrum—$25,000–$35,000—but are typically only usable by one person at a time.

Family Leisure Pool

When most people think of a backyard swimming pool, they think of a family leisure pool. This type of pool typically has amenities like a diving board and a deck for entertaining. It can be any shape, but it’s usually about 288 square feet and costs $38,000–$100,000 to install.

Infinity Pool

A high-end option, an infinity pool has at least one exposed side, where a constantly outward-flowing waterfall empties into a catch basin that recycles the water. From certain angles, it looks like the pool has no edge at all. Because this is a semi-inground pool that must typically be installed on a slope or terrace, it’s a specialty installation that’s more expensive than the norm at $100,000–$150,000. Building up from the ground and installing the catch basin and pumps account for the higher expense. 

Lagoon Style

If the typical swimming pool would look a little too artificial in your backyard, opt for a lagoon style pool for about $38,000–$110,000. These are typically freeform in shape, which means they’re usually vinyl or concrete, and are meant to mimic the look of a natural body of water. This also means there’s no deck, and landscaping might come up to the water’s edge.

Lap Pools

Designed specifically for exercising, lap pools are typically 8 feet wide and 50 feet long. They can cost between $50,000–$95,000, and require enough room on your property for a very long, narrow structure.

Saltwater Pools

Using saltwater in a pool has some advantages. Saltwater needs less chlorine to stay algae-free, and the lower chlorine levels mean the water is gentler on the hair, skin, and eyes. On the other hand, salt from the pool can damage landscaping features and pool machinery, and the pool shell will typically need to be fiberglass. Saltwater pool installation costs $30,000–$70,000.

Spool Pools

Also called a cocktail, plunge pool, or swim spa, a spool pool is a combination of a small soaking pool and a hot tub. Spool pools often have built-in benches and jets, plus adjustable water temperature for a cool or hot soak. At $10,000–$18,000, they’re a more affordable option, but they’re also meant for sitting rather than swimming.

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How Much Do Pool Extras Cost?

If you want amenities around or in your pool, prepare to pay additional costs for these add-ons.

Pool Lighting

Installing lights in and around the pool will allow you to more comfortably use it in the evening. This costs about $450–$1,200 depending on the electrical work’s extensiveness, for which a licensed electrician will be needed

Fence

A pool fence helps keep unsupervised children and animals away from your pool. State and insurance company regulations may require pool owners to put up a fence, even around a private residential pool, to lower the likelihood of an accidental drowning. Pool fence installation costs anywhere from $3,000–$10,000 depending on the fence’s size and length.

Diving Board

A diving board can cost $500–$1,000 and must be installed in an area where the pool is no less than 9 feet deep. This is a fun feature for children, but it requires careful supervision to avoid the risk of serious injuries to users.

Slide

Another entertaining feature for kids that requires supervision is a water slide. A simple slide may add $1,000 to the final price, but a larger, more complex slide can cost up to $14,000. Remember the slide must be regularly cleaned and kept in good condition to be safely usable.

Heater

Heating your swimming pool will allow you to use it earlier in the spring and later in the fall, though heating equipment comes with its own installation and maintenance costs. Installation for a typical electric or gas pool heater costs $3,450–$5,450, but a heat pump or solar panel system will cost more.

Covers

Pool covers keep debris out of the pool for easier cleaning and may help with evaporation and maintaining temperature. They cost between $2,700–$3,700 depending on whether you get a soft mesh cover or a hard plastic cover.

Saltwater Filtration

Saltwater pools require a special filtration system that costs $1,100–$2,200 to install. These systems convert salt into chlorine to keep your pool clean, so you won’t typically have to supply extra chlorine. However, you will need to add salt and repair any damage to the equipment.

Decking

Unless you opt for a lagoon-style pool, you’ll probably build decking around the pool to provide a non-slip walking surface and protect landscaping features from chlorine or salt. A pool deck can cost anywhere from $5,000–$20,000 to construct depending on the chosen materials and deck size. Concrete, paving stones, and wood are all common deck materials.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

Taxes

When considering the cost of an inground pool, make sure to take the extra taxes into account. Because a pool increases your home value, your property tax will also increase. The amount will depend on your location and other factors, so you may have to get your home reappraised once pool construction is complete. 

Homeowners’ Insurance

A pool is an additional home feature and having one raises the likelihood of someone filing a liability claim against you, so expect your insurance premium to increase. The amount of increase will depend on your insurance policy. Keep the increase down by installing a fence and forgoing a diving board.

Maintenance

Pools tend to cost anywhere from $90–$270 per month for maintenance. This includes buying chlorine or salt, filtering, cleaning, and basic repairs. You may also need a yearly winterizing service if you live in a cold climate.

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Pros and Cons of Installing an Inground Pool

Here are some benefits and drawbacks of inground pool installation.

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Professional vs DIY Inground Pool Installation

Excavating your yard to install an inground pool isn’t a do-it-yourself (DIY) job. It typically involves heavy machinery as well as specialty trades like plumbing and electrical. Here’s what’s involved in the process.

Professional Inground Pool Installation

Pool construction contractors will handle the entire process from start to finish. They’ll know how to excavate and alter your yard to ensure you get your desired results. They may need to build retaining walls for extra support or account for slopes or rocky terrain. Most can also do the finishing work including decking and fencing. Although you’ll pay extra for labor, most contractors’ work comes with a warranty if anything goes wrong.

DIY Inground Pool Installation

If you were to attempt to do this job yourself, you’d first have to move all landscaping features away from the future pool site. Then you’d need to rent an excavator, removing and disposing of dirt, rocks, tree roots, and any other debris. You’d need a crane to install the pool shell, and you still may need to hire a licensed contractor to hook up the plumbing and electricity. If you insist on doing a pool project yourself, consider an above-ground pool, which costs less and is much easier to install.

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How To Save on an Inground Pool Cost

Since a professional must be hired to install your inground pool, use the following tips to save on pool prices in other ways.

• Choose a smaller, shallower pool to reduce both labor and material costs.
• Skip the upgrades and add-ons for now. You can add extra features later when the budget allows.
• Install a simple concrete paver deck. If you want to upgrade later with tile, you can.
• Do your own cleaning and maintenance instead of hiring professional pool cleaners.
• Get multiple quotes from local pool installation contractors before making your choice.

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Our Conclusion

An inground pool represents a substantial investment, including continued time and money spent on maintenance and cleaning to keep the pool usable. However, many families find inground pools to be well worth the cost for the entertainment and exercise benefits. Although a swimming pool may increase the value of your home, it’s primarily for the current homeowner’s benefit, so consider how much use you’ll get out of it before committing to the project.

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FAQ About Inground Pool Cost

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