How much does it cost build a pool?
How much does it cost build a pool?
An average pool installation costs $22,200 with most homeowners spending $14,900 to $30,000 depending on the pool type. The average cost to add an above-ground pool is $1,800 to $5,000, while the cost to put in an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000.
$1,800 – $5,000 Above ground pool cost installed
$28,000 – $55,000 Inground pool cost to build
An average pool installation costs $22,200 with most homeowners spending $14,900 to $30,000 depending on the pool type. The average cost to add an above-ground pool is $1,800 to $5,000, while the cost to put in an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000.
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.
| National Average Cost | $22,200 |
| Minimum Cost | $720 |
| Maximum Cost | $195,000 |
| Average Range | $14,900 to $30,000 |
Inground pools cost $50 to $125 per square foot to install without any upgrades, whereas above-ground pools cost $8 to $16 per square foot.
Custom pool upgrades like a pool deck, fence, hot tub, lighting, or a cover, will add $2,000 to $10,000 to your project cost.
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.
| 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 $16,000 to $200,000 with pool owners typically spending $25,000 to $100,000. 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.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Liner | $25,000 – $65,000 |
| Fiberglass | $30,000 – $85,000 |
| Concrete / Gunite | $50,000 – $120,000 |
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.
Leveling or regarding a yard costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to install new plumbing pipes.
Electrician hourly rates are $50 to $130, plus a $100 to $200 service call fee that typically covers the first hour.
| 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.
A saltwater pool is still a chlorine-treated pool, but the chlorine is created by turning the salt water into the necessary amounts of chlorine through electrolysis.
The benefits of a saltwater pool include not having the smell and irritation of chlorine on the skin and the lower maintenance costs of $45 per month, or $80 to $150 per month if you pay a cleaning service.
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.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $26,000 |
| Fiberglass | $23,400 |
| Vinyl | $18,200 |
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.
Yearly costs for endless pools are much lower because there is less water to maintain and balance.
An endless pool is a narrow 10’ to 20’ pool with a current that keeps the swimmer pushed back in one place.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
| 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 |
Questions To Ask When Designing A Pool
Will you be diving, exercising, chilling, or entertaining? Choose a pool design, size, and depth based on its use.
Which is more important to you—inground, indoors, or whatever is cheapest? There is an option for every budget.
How much do you want to spend on grading and re-sloping the backyard? If your yard is relatively flat already, this shouldn’t be an issue.
What type of pool material do you want? What you choose will dictate your yearly pool maintenance costs and the longevity of the pool.
How much are you willing to spend on yearly maintenance? A fiberglass pool has the lowest costs, and if you have a fiberglass saltwater pool, the cost is even lower.
How many add-ons do you want? The sky is the limit on add-ons, but what’s in your budget?
How much landscaping do you want around the pool? Choose from popular themes like tropical.
Do you want a pool fence and deck? These can add thousands to the cost, but they provide privacy and safety.
In-ground vs. Above Ground Pools
| Factor | Above Ground | In-Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,000 – $5,000 | $18,000 – $65,000 |
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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.
| 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.
| 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.
Re-sloping your lawn costs $1,900 on average.
Tree removal costs $100 to $1,800, depending on the size.
A retaining wall costs $5,000 and helps level your yard.
Installing a yard drainage system costs $1,000 to $4,000.
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.
Water – Your pool will evaporate an average of ½” per day or 2” per week, so expect ongoing water costs of $4 to $20 per month, depending on the price of water in your city.
Electricity – You’ll pay to keep the pool pump and filter running. The average price of electricity is $780 to $1,200 per year, depending on where you live.
Taxes – Inground swimming pools can cause your home's value to go up, thus
increasing your property taxes.
Insurance - A pool increases the chances of someone getting hurt on your property, which directly increases the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.
| 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
Fiberglass – $400+ per year. Long-term, a fiberglass pool makes more sense when you add up ten years of upkeep.
Vinyl – $1,300+ per year. A vinyl pool liner costs $3,000 to $7,500 for an inground pool, and $2,000 to $5,000 for an above-ground pool, and has to be replaced every 10 years.
Concrete – $2,750+ per year. Concrete can crack and will require expensive resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
Saltwater – The saltwater cell is replaced every 3 to 6 years at the cost of about $800. Salt is added a few times per year at an average price of $10 per 40-pound bag, compared to a chlorine pool that goes through 1 to 2 buckets of chlorine tablets a year at the cost of $100 to $755, in addition to other balancing chemicals.
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.
| 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.
Instead of a large pool, choose an above-ground pool for $2,000 to $5,000, or a semi-inground pool for just above that, around $8,500.
Delay add-ons. While there are many nice add-ons possible when installing a pool, like a hot tub or waterfall, these can be delayed a year or two until you have more to spend.
If you go with a traditional inground pool, think about a smaller size. Costs start as low as $14,600 for vinyl, $18,700 for fiberglass, and $20,800 for concrete.
Install a shallow pool which requires less excavation and installation costs.
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.
| 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.
| 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:
Get at least three detailed estimates to compare.
Look for experts with experience installing they type of pool you want.
Ask for references and check out their similar completed installations.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the installation take?
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
What kind of regular maintenance will my new pool require?
Do you offer an ongoing pool maintenance plan?
What do you charge for repairs?