How much does it cost to build an outdoor pool


Inground Pool Cost Estimator – Forbes Home

Inground pool costs differ depending on the pool’s material as well as its shape and size. According to HomeGuide, the total cost of an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000, or about $50 to $125 per square foot. That’s an average cost of $35,000.

Inground Pool Cost Estimator

Average Cost$35,000
Highest Cost$55,000
Lowest Cost$28,000

Inground Pool Costs

Those who live in warm climates may consider an inground pool a necessity, especially in the warmer months. Others may consider it a luxury, and some may even think of it as an investment in their property. They are beautiful water features that add fun to a backyard and value to a home.

As opposed to above-ground pools, inground pools are set level with your backyard. Before their installation, landscapers can excavate and dig out an area for the pool to be. Then, the pool is placed inside the hole and its surroundings are filled back in to create a seamless pool area.

Cost to Install an Inground Pool

The cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special customizations and extra features. An added hot tub, for example, will cost $6,000 to $15,000 and pool lighting will be another $700 to $1,800, according to HomeGuide.

You can either choose to purchase a package from a pool supplier, which can include everything from excavation to decking, or go the DIY route. Turn-key packages for inground pools cost between $35,000 and $100,000. You can save thousands of dollars by doing some or all of the installation yourself, but only if you are experienced.

For an inground pool installation, you will need to pay for the pool’s shell, rental equipment including a crane, excavation, water, backfill material, plumbing and pool equipment. That adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Compare the package price to these DIY inground pool installation costs to find out which is more cost effective.

Landscaping $100 - $45,000
Permits $200 - $300
Excavation $400 - $1. 500
Pool Shell $500 - $5,000
Equipment and Crane Rental $2,400 - $2,800
Dirt Disposal $13,000
Pool Equipment $700 - $1,200

Inground Pool Cost by Material

The overall price of pool installation will depend on what material you use. In general, vinyl costs the least and concrete the most, while inground pools made of fiberglass lie in the middle.

Concrete $50,000 - $100,000
Vinyl $28,000 - $40,000
Fiberglass $28,000 - $60,000

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Concrete

Concrete and gunite pools look great, and their price reflects that. Unfortunately, there is no good way to DIY a concrete or gunite pool, so you cannot lower the price by DIYing here. Turn-key concrete or gunite pool projects are between $50,000 and $100,000.

Cement pools are usually larger compared to pools of other materials, and thus they require more chemicals and electricity to maintain. They also require an acid wash to remove algae and mold every three to five years.

After multiple acid washes, you may also need to re-plaster your concrete or gunite pool since the washes will strip layers off. Over a 10-year period, concrete pool owners can expect to pay an average of $27,500 for upkeep.

Vinyl

If you’re on a tight budget, an inground vinyl pool is a good option for low upfront costs. Not only is the price of a vinyl pool shell relatively low at about $28,000, but vinyl inground pools are also DIY-friendly.

The initial costs associated with vinyl pools are lower, but those looking at inground pool options should also consider long-term costs. The average cost to maintain a vinyl pool over a 10-year period is $13,300.

Costs to maintain vinyl pools are less than those of concrete or gunite pools because vinyl surfaces require less cleaning. Algae doesn’t grow as easily on vinyl surfaces, so cleaning chemicals aren’t needed as often. And when cleaning is needed, it can be done yourself.

Fiberglass

The price of fiberglass pools is about $46,000 on average, according to HomeGuide. But the total cost can vary from $28,000 for a DIY or self-install option to more than $50,000 for a turn-key inground pool.

Many homeowners choose to go with a turn-key installation, finding it’s an overall better investment than a self-install. But each supplier is different, so do your homework to determine which option is best for you. Take project and material costs into consideration if you’re leaning towards DIY.

Fiberglass pool maintenance will be between $5,000 and $15,000 over a 10-year period. Fiberglass pools are easier to clean than other pools and their smooth surface prevents algae growth.

Small Inground Pool Cost

According to HomeGuide, pools that are under 26 feet long and up to 12 or 13 feet wide to be small pools. Some examples are plunge and spool pools that cost between $10,000 and $15,000 or more each. Smaller pools are typically used for lounging or quickly cooling off, not for strenuous swimming or play.

Inground Pool Cost by Size

In general, a pool’s price will increase as its size increases.

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THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

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Inground Pool Installation: Pro vs. DIY

While a handy homeowning DIYer who has completed an inground pool installation may be able to take on this task, we recommend hiring a professional pool installer for the job. Considering the high costs to install an inground pool, a poor DIY job could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, which is not worth it in the long run. Plus, a professional installer may throw in a maintenance package or continue to help you keep up your pool for years to come.

Tips to Save on Inground Pool Installation Costs

Inground pool installation can be a costly endeavor. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming of owning your own inground pool. Here are some tips to save yourself money when it comes to inground pool installation:

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To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

2023 Cost To Build A Pool

Written by

Tom Grupa

How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Pool?

The average cost to install a 30’ diameter above-ground pool is $3,500 to $6,000, while the cost to build a 16’ x 32’ inground pool is $46,500 to $66,500. Pricing depends on the pool size and type, the materials used (fiberglass, concrete, or vinyl), and if it's saltwater.

Cost to build a pool - chart

Cost To Build A Pool
National Average Cost $22,200
Minimum Cost $720
Maximum Cost $195,000
Average Range $14,900 to $30,000

Swimming Pool Installation Cost

Swimming pool installation costs $1,000 to $55,000, with inground pool prices at $35,000 on average, and above-ground pools at $2,800. The cost mainly depends on the size and depth of the pool and if it’s installed above or inground. Additional features and different types of pools can easily double the cost.

Swimming Pool Cost Calculator
Type Total Installed Cost
Above Ground Pool $1,800 – $8,000
Semi-Inground Pool $6,800 – $10,000
Inground Concrete / Gunite Pool $29,000 – $60,000
Inground Fiberglass Pool $18,000 – $65,000
Inground Vinyl Liner Pool $25,000 – $45,000
Indoor Pool $110,000 – $220,000
Lap Pool $20,000 – $70,000
Lagoon Pool $50,000 – $150,000
Plunge Pool $14,500 – $24,500
Hot Tub or Spa $8,000 – $25,000
Saltwater Pool Conversion $600 – $2,200

Cost To Build An Inground Pool

Inground pool costs range from $18,000 to $85,000 with pool owners typically spending $28,000 to $55,000. Excavation and labor costs make up 25% to 50% of the pool's cost, followed by a variance in pricing based on the type of pool materials.

Inground pool cost by type - chart

Cost To Build An Inground Pool
Type Average Cost
Vinyl Liner $25,000 – $45,000
Fiberglass $18,000 – $65,000
Concrete / Gunite $29,000 – $60,000

Cost To Add An Above Ground Pool

The cost to build an above ground pool is $1,800 to $5,000 depending on its size and add-ons, with most homeowners spending about $2,800. You’ll pay more if the ground has to be leveled and you have to install plumbing and electrical ports.

Above ground pool prices installed by size - chart

Cost To Add Above Ground Pool
Size Average Cost
12’ Round $1,850
18’ Round $2,450
24’ Round $3,000
30’ Round $4,200
12′ x 24′ $3,300
15′ x 30′ $4,000
18′ x 33′ $5,000

It will take 1 to 3 days to install your above-ground pool, and more if you are also installing a deck and fence around it. Part of that time includes digging a 1.5-foot trench for the electrical wiring from the house to the pool. Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot.

Cost To Put In A Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pool installation costs $29,000 to $57,000 when building new. When converting from a chlorine pool to saltwater, costs range from $600 to $2,200, or about $870 per 10,000 gallons to install a saltwater chlorination system, also known as a salt chlorine generator.

Converting chlorine pool to saltwater cost - chart

Small Inground Pool Construction Cost

Spools or small backyard pools cost $18,000 to $26,000 installed, depending on the materials chosen. Small inground swimming pools are a great option for homeowners with small backyards or a modest budget, and you can bump up the number of add-ons to compensate for the smaller size.

Small Pool Construction Cost
Type Average Cost
Concrete $26,000
Fiberglass $23,400
Vinyl $18,200

Small plunge cocktail pool in backyard

Plunge Pool Construction Cost

Cocktail pools or plunge pools cost $14,500 and $25,000 installed. They are usually small at 10’ x 15’ to 20’ and 5.5’ to 7’ deep, and pool users can’t dive into them, so they are used more for entertainment purposes than serious swimming. Plunge pools are also great for quick cooling purposes and relaxing on a floatie.

Average Cost to Install a Lap or Endless Pool

A lap pool costs $20,000 to $70,000 installed. An average lap pool is 6’ to 9’ deep and 30’ to 70’ long. At a lower price, many homeowners are opting to install an endless pool instead, starting at $24,000.

Adding Hot Tub To Existing Pool Cost

An inground hot tub costs $8,000 to $25,000 to add to an existing pool. Prices depend on the size of the spa, the number of jets, materials, and features. Installing an in-ground hot tub in conjunction with an inground pool costs $6,000 to $15,000 more when built simultaneously.

Indoor Pool Cost Calculator

A vinyl 12’ x 16’ indoor pool starts at $110,000, and costs as high as $220,000 for a 16’ x 32’ concrete indoor pool. Most indoor pools cost $200 to $250 per square foot, factoring in a 4' perimeter around the pool, a roof, and walls, plus the vital dehumidifier system.

Cost To Build Indoor Pool
Item Average Cost
Inground Pool $50 – $125 per square foot
Endless Pool $16,900 – $36,000
Pool House $70 – $150 per square foot
Dehumidifier $20,000 – $30,000

Concrete indoor pool with lighting and dining area

An indoor pool offers year-round swimming, less maintenance because debris can't get into the pool, and less chemical use as there is little sunlight disrupting chlorine levels. However, they come at a much higher construction cost and use more energy.

Pool Enclosure

If an indoor pool is too expensive, consider installing an enclosure around your pool. A pool screen enclosure costs $4,000 to $14,000 or $5 to $15 per square foot on average.

Once you’ve built the structure to house it, a small above-ground lap pool costs $3,000 to $6,000, and a modular lap pool from $16,000 to $30,000. A swim-in-place pool starts at $1,200 is shorter still, and is much more price efficient regarding size, water amount, chemicals needed, and structure required.

Florida pool cage screen with gable roof hot tub and patio furniture

Cost Factors To Build A Backyard Pool

Costs for building a pool in your backyard are high because of all the stages of work that go into it.

Backyard Pool Cost Factors
Factor Average Cost
Pool Size $50 – $125 per square foot
Excavation $1,770 – $13,830
Landscaping $3,000 – $5,000
Pool Equipment $2,000 – $3,000
Labor $8,000 – $30,000
Building Permits $500 – $2,000
Heating $550 to $10,000
Filtration $199 to $1,500
Add-Ons
Covers, Steps, Water Features, Waterfalls, etc.
$500 – $10,000+
Pool Water Delivery $225 – $750
Maintenance $400 – $2,800 per year

Backyard concrete pool with steps and rock landscaping

Questions To Ask When Designing A Pool

In-ground vs. Above Ground Pools

In-ground vs. Above Ground Pool
Factor Above Ground In-Ground
Cost $2,000 – $5,000 $18,000 – $65,000
Install Time
  • Installation can take a few hours.
  • Installation can take weeks.
Return On Investment
  • Won’t add value to your home
  • Will add about 7% to your home’s value
Size
  • Can be as big or small as an inground pool
  • Flat bottomed – they won’t have a shallow and deep end
  • Can be built to any custom size and any depth
Maintenance
  • Require the same maintenance, but costs are cheaper when the pool is smaller
  • Can be harder to clean if there is no deck
  • Similar costs, unless it’s a saltwater pool, which costs about $45 per month
Longevity
  • Will last for 7 – 10 years
  • Can take it with you when you move
  • Will last for at least 25 years, with some lasting 50+ years
Small backyard pool oasis with palm trees

Pool Sizes and Prices

An inground pool costs about 5X to 10X the average cost of an above-ground pool. Compare typical sizes and prices below.

Above Ground Vs. Inground Pool Sizes and Prices
Size Square Feet Above Ground Inground
12’ – 15’ Round 113 – 177 SF

$1,150 – $2,200

$10,000 – $16,000
18’ – 21’ Round 254 – 346 SF $1,400 – $2,400 $23,000 – $31,000
24’ – 30’ Round 452 – 707 SF $1,600 – $3,000 $40,500 – $63,500
12’ x 24’ 288 SF $1,300 – $2,500 $26,000 – $37,500
15’ x 30’ 450 SF $1,500 – $6,100 $41,000 – $58,500
16’ x 32’ 512 SF $1,400 – $4,000 $46,500 – $66,500
18’ x 33’ 594 SF $1,700 – $8,200 $49,500 – $70,500

Pool Excavation Cost

Excavation is priced at $9. 20 per cubic foot, and the total cost to excavate a pool ranges from $1,800 to $13,800, with a typical minimum charge of $3,000. Save money on dirt disposal by using it elsewhere in your yard.

Swimming Pool Excavation Cost
Size Average Cost
12' x 16' $1,800
14' x 20' $2,600
16' x 32' $4,700
18' x 36' $6,000
25' x 45' $10,400

Pool Landscaping Costs

The land must be cleared so the hole can be dug, and the area will possibly have to be re-sloped as well, so the pool is aligned properly.

Once the pool is installed, new landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot.

Heating and Filtration

A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 installed. Pool filters cost $200 to $1,500. Choose a gas or electric-powered water heater based on the amount of water you need to heat and how hot you need the water.

Estimated Costs To Run A Pool

Maintaining and running a pool costs from $400 per year for a fiberglass pool, $1,300 yearly for a vinyl pool, to $2,800 per year for a concrete pool.

The average pool service costs $125 per month, and another $400 yearly to open and close the pool, as well as any repairs needed.

Average pool maintenance costs - chart

Cost To Run A Pool Per Year
Service Average Cost
Monthly Service $80 – $200
First Cleaning $150 – $350
Pool Opening $350 – $500
Pool Closing $300 – $650
Repairs $150 – $800

Typical Pool Maintenance

Pool Add-Ons

While some pool installation packages include a lot of extras, others do not. Some of the add-ons you might want, and their prices are below.

Prices of Pool Add-ons
Feature Average Cost
Diving Board $300 – $800
Slide $900 – $20,000
Lighting $700 – $1,800
Waterfall $200 – $1,500
Pool Steps $200 – $2,500
Pool Deck $2,800 – $23,000
Heater $500 – $10,000
Pool Fence $600 – $4,400
Pool Cover $1,000 – $3,600

Building a Pool on a Budget

With the right combination of factors, you can build a basic pool for a lot less than you think.

Pool Building FAQs

Can I Finance My New Swimming Pool?

Yes, many financing companies lend money for personal home projects, or you can use a home equity loan to cover the cost. You’ll get back about 7% of the pool cost based on the increased value of your home because of it.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool House?

Construction costs to build a pool house are $100 to $160 per square foot and as high as $400 per square foot for high-end, custom builds.

Cost To Build A Pool House
Square Feet Low-End Average High-End
320 $32,000 $49,600 $128,000
400 $40,000 $62,000 $160,000
600 $60,000 $93,000 $240,000
800 $80,000 $124,000 $320,000
1,000 $100,000 $155,000 $400,000

How Much Does It Cost to Put in a Pool by State?

Each state has different material and labor costs. Below are the differences in costs by state.

Pool Installation Costs By State
State Average Cost
Texas $32,200 – $63,250
Florida $25,200 – $49,500
Colorado $30,800 – $60,500
Nevada $29,960 – $58,850
Nebraska $25,760 – $50,600
Mississippi $26,320 – $51,700
Utah $28,840 – $56,650
Georgia $29,120 – $57,200
New York $29,680 – $58,300
California $29,960 – $58,850
Hawaii $33,600 – $66,000
Alaska $34,440 – $67,650

Do Swimming Pools Add Value To Your Home?

You’ll get back 7% of the cost of your pool from the increased value of your home. Having a pool is worth the cost for the enjoyment and entertainment factors, but not as an upgrade to boost the value of your home or get a return on your investment.

DIY vs. Hiring A Pool Builder

A DIY inground pool project could save you $6,000 to $10,000 on an inground fiberglass pool project that would have cost $40,000 to $55,000 with a professional pool installation company.

With all of the expertise required to install a new pool and ensure good soil drainage, land grading, and excavation, the long-term results of a DIY pool install might not be worth it if you don’t do everything correctly, despite the price reduction on the installation.

Unexpected costs can be added on if you hire someone to excavate and your soil is too rocky for them to complete the job for the given estimate; and if the soil isn’t backfilled correctly, the additional pressure on the pool during heavy rains can cause it to crack and leak.

An additional factor is that installing a pool DIY may void its warranty because you can’t give any proof that you have followed all the manufacturer’s protocol during installation.

Getting Pool Installation Estimates

Before hiring a pool installer, be sure to:

Questions to ask

90,000 construction of turnkey heating

CONSTRUCTION OF TURNKEY HEATED POOLS

Many people want to have a heated outdoor pool on their site, as it increases the swimming season and significantly expands the operational possibilities. Outdoor and indoor ponds can be equipped with water heating devices so that the water always has the optimum temperature. We offer to build a heated pool, we will take care of all work processes from design to commissioning.

TYPES OF HEATING EQUIPMENT

A mandatory step is to check the capacity and connect filtering devices. If you want to buy a frost-resistant pool, call or leave a request on our website. The manager will tell you all the details, advise on our services, help you make a choice.