How much does a concrete pool cost?
How much does a concrete pool cost?
$50,000 – $120,000 average installed cost
Average concrete pool cost
A concrete pool costs $50,000 to $120,000 installed on average, depending on the size, shape, site preparation required, and whether you add any upgrades or extra features. Concrete, or gunite, is the most popular material choice for inground pools due to its long lifespan, which can exceed 50 years when properly maintained.
| National Average Cost | $85,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $30,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $200,000 |
| Average Range | $50,000 to $120,000 |
Concrete swimming pool cost by size
Size is one of the biggest cost factors for concrete pools. Most inground pools are 300 to 400 square feet. The following table shows the total cost for some common pool sizes, using the average cost of $165 to $300 per square foot:
| Pool size (feet) | Square feet | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x20 | 200 | $33,000 – $60,000 |
| 12x24 | 288 | $47,500 – $86,400 |
| 14x28 | 392 | $64,700 – $117,600 |
| 15x30 | 450 | $74,300 – $135,000 |
| 16x32 | 512 | $84,500 – $153,600 |
| 16x40 | 640 | $105,600 – $192,000 |
| 20x40 | 800 | $132,000 – $240,000 |
Concrete inground pool cost factors
Building a concrete pool requires a large investment, and several factors affect the final price:
Labor rates: Costs for skilled workers vary by region and are higher in metro and high-cost areas.
Site conditions: Sloped land, rocky ground, or poor soil can raise excavation and prep costs.
Pool depth: Deeper and larger pools need more materials and labor, raising the cost. Most pools are 3 to 6 feet deep, but some deep ends can reach 5 to 9 feet.
Design: Unique shapes, infinity edges, tanning ledges, and built-in spas increase project costs.
Permits and inspections: Most cities require a permit for pool installation, with fees ranging from $100 to $300+.
Utilities: Adding electrical and plumbing for pool equipment and heating makes the project more expensive.
Water: Filling your pool with water costs $40 to $2,000, depending on if you use a hose or hire a professional.
Features or upgrades
Features like lighting, heating, and automation increase costs. Luxury additions such as spas, waterfalls, and custom decks add even more.
| Feature | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Pool heater cost | $1,600 – $5,200 |
| Pool chiller cost | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Pool waterfall cost | $2,000 – $8,800 |
| Inground hot tub cost | $6,000 – $25,000 |
| Pool enclosure cost | $4,000 – $30,000+ |
| Pool cover cost | $1,000 – $3,600 (manual) $8,000 – $20,000 (automatic) |
| Pool lighting | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Pool automation system | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Landscaping and other additions
Pool installation is a complex process, so you may need to repair or change parts of your yard before or after construction.
Building a pool deck costs $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material.
Fence installation costs $20 to $60 per linear foot. Many locations require fencing for privacy and safety.
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot for new grass.
Yard leveling costs $500 to $1,000 if your yard is sloped.
Maintenance costs
Owning a concrete pool is a big investment and includes the following ongoing expenses:
Maintenance: Professional pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month, depending on your pool's size and the frequency of visits.
Resurfacing: The concrete in pools degrades over time and requires acid wash treatments every 3 to 5 years and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. Pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000.
Repairs: Pool repair costs $500 to $1,500 to fix a leak or $50 to $650 to repair pool parts.
Chemicals: Pool chemicals cost $175 to $750 per year on average and help keep the water clean and algae-free.
Insurance: Homeowners insurance may increase by $50 to $100 per year after installing a concrete pool due to increased risks.
Concrete pool prices vs. other inground pools
The cost to build a pool is $35,000 to $120,000 with installation, depending on the pool type and material you choose. Concrete pools are the most common, followed by fiberglass and vinyl liner pools.
| Material | Average total cost | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $50,000 – $120,000 | 50+ years |
| Fiberglass | $45,000 – $100,000 | 25+ years |
| Vinyl Liner | $35,000 – $80,000 | Liner replacement every 10 years |
Concrete
Concrete or gunite pools cost $50,000 to $120,000 total. Concrete pools give you more options for customizing shape, size, and finishes than fiberglass pools. Builders can form nearly any design and finish the surface with plaster or premium tiles.
Concrete pools take longer to install and cost more up front, but with good maintenance, they can last for decades.
Fiberglass
A fiberglass pool costs $45,000 to $100,000 installed on average. These pools use a prefabricated fiberglass shell most of the time, which can limit the shapes and sizes available. Fiberglass doesn't last as long as concrete but is slightly more budget-friendly and much easier to install.
Vinyl
A vinyl liner pool costs $35,000 to $80,000 total. Vinyl liner pools use a flexible liner over a steel or polymer frame and are a more affordable inground choice.
Their initial cost is lower, but the liner wears out and usually needs replacement every 7 to 10 years. Pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the pool's size and type.
Other pool types
If you're not sure a concrete pool or a traditional inground pool is the right choice for your home, the table below shows several other pool options to explore:
| Pool type | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Above-ground pool cost | $1,600 – $7,500 |
| Semi-inground pool cost | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Stock tank pool cost | $600 – $4,300 |
| Cocktail pool cost | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Plunge pool cost | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Shipping container pool cost | $35,000 – $65,000 |
| Lap pool cost | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Swim spa cost | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Endless Pool cost | $26,000 – $75,000+ |
| Spool pool cost | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Kayak Pool cost | $18,000 – $56,000 |
| Natural pool cost | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Infinity pool cost | $60,000 – $150,000+ |
| Indoor pool cost | $110,000 – $220,000+ |
Tips to save money on a concrete pool
Since concrete pools cost more than other inground pool materials, consider these money-saving strategies:
Pick a smaller pool to cut down on material and labor costs.
Choose a simple shape, like a rectangle or oval, since custom designs cost more.
Avoid adding expensive extras such as waterfalls, diving boards, or built-in spas.
Request quotes from several pool builders to compare prices and services.
Schedule construction during the off-season or colder months when contractors may offer discounts.
Always check for warranties before signing a contract to avoid unexpected expenses later. Also, confirm that all quotes include necessary permits and utility work, so you aren't surprised by hidden costs.
Concrete pool FAQs
How long do concrete pools last?
A well-maintained concrete pool can last 50 years or longer. While the concrete shell itself is extremely durable and often lasts a lifetime, you must resurface the pool every 10 to 15 years to keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning, inspections, and chemical balancing protect the pool's structure and surface for decades.
How long can I leave my concrete pool empty?
You should never leave a concrete pool empty for an extended period. Draining a pool for too long can cause the shell to crack or even pop out of the ground due to groundwater pressure.
If you must empty the pool for repairs, consult a professional, follow proper procedures, and refill it as soon as possible to avoid structural damage.
Can you put a liner in a concrete pool?
Yes, you can install a vinyl liner in a concrete pool if the structure is sound. Pool professionals often use this solution to repair severely damaged or aging concrete surfaces when resurfacing is not practical.
Adding a liner requires careful measurements and modifications to ensure a watertight fit, so always hire an experienced installer for the job.
Getting estimates from concrete pool installers
Use these guidelines to find a qualified inground pool installation company near you:
Compare at least three detailed estimates for pools of comparable size and style.
Choose a company that belongs to professional associations like the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
Check online reviews on HomeGuide and Google and view photos of completed projects.
Avoid paying large sums up front; stick to a payment schedule tied to project milestones.
Questions to ask pool installers
Ask the following questions to find the best concrete pool installer possible:
How many years have you installed concrete or gunite pools?
Can you show me a portfolio of similar completed projects?
Are you a member of any professional associations, such as the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals?
Can you install other features like pool covers or heaters?
What is the estimated timeline for my pool installation?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it cover?
Do you have experience with soil conditions in this area, such as rocks or obstructions?
After installation, how long does the pool need to cure before I can add water?
Do you offer a maintenance plan, and how often will you service the pool?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.