How Much Does A Fiberglass Pool Cost To Install?
$23,400 – $59,900 ($117 Per SF)
Small fiberglass inground pools cost $18,700 to install while large fiberglass pools run $93,600 or more. Prices vary depending on the type of pool, shape, size of the pool, and degree of customization. Check out our pool sizes and cost chart below. Get free estimates from pool builders near you.
Fiberglass Pool Cost
The average cost to install a fiberglass swimming pool is $46,000 with most homeowners spending between $23,400 for a 10x20 to $59,900 for a 16x32 pool. The additional cost of pool ownership for basic maintenance, increased utilities, and repairs add close to $375 per year.
When adding custom upgrades like decking, slides, lighting, covers, or a hot tub, expect to add $2,000 to $10,000 to your pool project cost. Your overall price will mostly depend on the size and location of your pool.
| National Average Cost | $46,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $18,700 |
| Maximum Cost | $93,600 |
| Average Range | $23,400 to $59,900 |
When comparing inground pool costs, fiberglass is the most cost-effective type of built-in pool with the lowest initial setup prices, and the least yearly pool maintenance costs compared to a concrete or vinyl liner pool. Also, fiberglass pools will last for 25 years or more, are much easier to clean, requires less maintenance of pH levels, and the smooth surface is resistant to algae.
Table of Contents
- Fiberglass Pool Cost
- Fiberglass Inground Pool Prices
- Fiberglass Pool Costs Vs. Other Pool Types
- Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Main Cost Factors
- Fiberglass Pool Maintenance
- Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Inground Pool Companies Near Me
Fiberglass Inground Pool Prices Installed
Fiberglass inground pool prices range from $23,400 to install a 10x20, all the way up to $93,600 for a 20x40. The average size fiberglass pool is 16x32 and costs $59,900 on average to install.
| Pool Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10x20 | $23,400 |
| 15x30 | $52,600 |
| 16x32 | $59,900 |
| 16x40 | $74,800 |
| 18x43 | $90,500 |
| 20x40 | $93,600 |
Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs
There are a few different fiberglass pool packages to choose from, with the most expensive being a turn-key fiberglass pool installation that costs $45,000 to $85,000. As you go lower in price, you’ll have to do more of the installation work involved yourself, but you can get a DIY or self-install package for as little as $12,000.
| Package | Average Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| DIY or Self-Install | $12,000 to $30,000 | The fiberglass pool shell and kit is shipped and delivered. |
| Assisted Pool Installation (Dig, Set, Fill) |
$20,000 to $45,000 | Permits are taken care of, the hole is dug, the shell is installed, backfill is packed around it, and it’s filled with water. |
| Standard Pool Installation | $30,000 to $65,000 | As well as the steps above, you get decking, pool cleaning, and grading. |
| Turn-Key Pool Installation | $45,000 to $85,000 | This includes a pool enclosure or fence and electrical work. |
You can choose the level of service you want and pay a higher pool installation cost at each level. Labor costs for fiberglass pool installation will account for about 25% of the price of your swimming pool project.
DIY or Self-Install
DIY fiberglass pool kits cost $18,000 on average, and you could save about 25% by installing your fiberglass inground pool yourself. However, this is only the base price, and you need to keep in mind the time involved and additional costs.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass Pool Shell | $9,000 – $24,000 |
| Equipment Rental | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Crane | $400 – $800 |
| Water (Trucked In) | $700 – $1,200 |
| Backfill Material | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Plumbing | $300 – $600 |
| Pool Equipment | $700 – $1,200 |
However, you may find that paying for a package with more labor done for you can end up costing less than if you piecemeal it yourself, especially when it comes to digging the hole for your pool and disposing of the dirt which costs $10,000 or more.
Fiberglass Pool Shell Prices
The average cost of a fiberglass pool shell is $13,000 for a 14x28 pool but can range from $9,000 to $24,000 depending on the size, and delivery costs between $600 and $2,500.
| Shell Size | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Small – 27’ or less | $9,000 – $13,000 |
| Medium – 28’ to 34’ | $12,000 – $16,000 |
| Large – 35’ or more | $16,000 – $24,000 |
After the cost for the fiberglass shell, you’ll need to pay for the excavated hole it will be dropped into, along with your backfill, plumbing fittings and pipes, and pool pump.
This cost also covers the depth of the pool at an average of 5.5’ to 6.5’ deep, but doesn’t account for any of the additional aspects most homeowners enjoy adding to their inground pools, such as decking and lighting. Don’t forget the cost of filling the pool with water as well.
Add-Ons For Fiberglass Swimming Pools
Add-Ons are widely available from most pool and online stores, as well as from the company you hire to install the pool, the average cost for add-ons are as follows.
| Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Slide | $100 to $2,300 |
| Diving Board | $300 to $800 for a surface mounted board |
| Handrails and Ladders | Handrails from $100 to $500 and ladders for about $130 |
| Stairs | $1,400 to $1,900 for entering or exiting the pool. |
| Mosaic Tile | $4.50 to $8.00 per square foot |
| Security Pool Cover | A manual or automatic pool cover costs $550 to $3,000 |
| Automatic Pool Cover | A high-end motorized cover will cost $4,800 to $6,000 |
| Surface Colors | $50 to $100 per gallon of gelcoat paint which covers about 300 square feet of the pool. |
| Lighting | $700 to $1,800, with LED and fiberoptic solutions with phone controls |
| Fountain or Waterfall | A horizontal slit waterfall starts around $200 while a rock waterfall costs about $1,500 for a prefabricated imitation rock installation, or up to $15,000. |
| Hot Tub or Spa | Entry level – $2,000 to $4,000; medium quality – $5,000 to $8,000; high end – $9,000 to $12,000; premium – $13,000 to $20,000 |
| Automatic Vacuum System | $85 to $850 |
| Retaining Wall | $2,450 to $6,650 and helps level your yard |
| Salt Chlorine Generator | $500 to $950 |
Fiberglass Pool Costs Vs. Other Pool Types
Overall, your fiberglass pool will be about 10% cheaper than a concrete or gunite pool but about 20% more expensive than a vinyl pool. However, over ten years of upkeep costs, fiberglass is the clear winner, costing 50% less to maintain than a vinyl pool and 75% less than a concrete pool.
| Material | Cost To Install | Yearly Maintenance | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $18,000 – $65,000 | $375+ | 25+ years |
| Concrete | $29,000 – $60,000 | $2,750+ | 50+ years |
| Vinyl | $25,000 – $45,000 | $1,325+ | Replace liner every 10 years |
Vinyl Liner Inground Pools
Vinyl inground pools typically cost $25,000 to $45,000, and are available in a range of designs and styles. However, the yearly maintenance is about $1,325 and the vinyl liner will need to be replaced every 10 years. A new pool liner costs $3,000 or more to install or replace.
Concrete or Gunite Inground Pools
Concrete pools cost between $29,000 and $60,000 on average but typically need to be replastered every 8 to 12 years for $6,000 to $10,000. Concrete pools require high chemical use, acid-washing, and the 10-year cost of ownership to maintain a concrete pool averages $27,500.
Above-Ground Pools
The average cost of an above-ground swimming pool kit is $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the brand, size, and quality of the pool. Hiring a professional to install the kit costs an additional $1,000 to $3,000. The average above ground pool will only last for 7 to 15 years before needing to be replaced, whereas the liner will likely need to be replaced every 6 years.
Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons
Fiberglass pools present their owners with many benefits compared to other pool materials.
Advantages of Fiberglass Pools
- Fiberglass pools are around 20 percent cheaper than concrete pools and low-maintenance.
- Fiberglass shells can be designed and created in any shape or size you want.
- The fiberglass shell comes delivered as a single unit that will be dropped into the space dug out for it.
- The time from ordering to swimming is much shorter than that of a traditional pool install. In some cases, this could be less than a week, including digging out the ground and the electrical work.
- Because of the gelcoat finish, not only will it last until your kids have left the house, but it needs almost zero maintenance, looks lovely, and has a really smooth surface. You’ll never need to replace a liner or resurface it. It’s the best type to stand up to dogs’ nails too.
- The smooth surface is super resistant to algae and requires low-maintenance of pH levels. It’s also smooth underfoot rather than abrasive.
- You can use fiberglass pools with salt-purification systems to create a saltwater pool.
- Maintenance costs are very low—$4,000 versus $27,400 for a concrete pool over a 10-year period.
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Pools
- Because of transportation and the install process, it will generally not come any larger than 16 feet wide. However, being molded at the factory, it still manages to be a significant length.
- The extent of customization, as well as the range of sizes, is minimal if you choose from prefab pools in stock.
- If the backfill is not correctly packed in around the pool shell, the shell can bend, affecting plumbing pipes and drains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Fiberglass Pools Last?
A fiberglass pool will typically last for 25 years or more. Compare this to a concrete pool which lasts for 50+ years, 8 to 12 years for a vinyl liner pool, and an above ground pool lasts for 7 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
Are Fiberglass Pools Cheaper Than Concrete?
A fiberglass pool is about 10% to 20% cheaper to install than a concrete or gunite pool. Over a ten-year period, fiberglass is the clear winner, costing 75% less to maintain than a concrete pool.
How Much Does A 12x24 Inground Pool Cost?
A 12x24 inground pool costs an average of $33,696 for fiberglass, whereas a vinyl liner pool runs $26,208, and a gunite or concrete pool costs $37,440.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Fiberglass Pool?
To install a fiberglass pool, it will take 1 to 6 weeks to get the proper permits, then 3 to 5 days for inground pool builders to excavate, install the shell, install plumbing, place the backfill, and then fill with water.
Can You Do Salt Water In A Fiberglass Pool?
Yes, fiberglass pools are compatible with salt water by installing a Salt Chlorine Generator which costs between $500 to $950 not including installation.
Can a Fiberglass Pool Pop Out of the Ground?
A fiberglass pool can pop out of the ground is the surrounding area is drastically flooded with groundwater damage over a long period of time. Be sure your pool builder installs a concrete locking collar and proper drainage around the pool with a sump tube for easy inspection.
Fiberglass Pool Cost Factors
Size of Pool Shell
The size of your fiberglass shell is one of the most significant upfront costs. Fiberglass pool shell prices range from $9,000–$13,000 for a small shell to $12,000–$16,000 for a medium shell (that’s 28’–34’ long) to $16,000–$24,000 for a large shell.
Delivery fees range from $600–$2,500. Some inground pool shell kits will include the cost of the shell, permits, and setting the pool in place—straight and level, while others will include decking and a fence.
Dirt Removal
Another major cost factor is the excavation. Removing the dirt alone for a 14’ by 28’ pool costs in the region of $12,825, which includes the dirt being disposed of properly.
Electrical
You’ll need to hire an electrician as well. To bring power to your pool pump and the pool filter costs about $2,200. Also, installing the right wiring and hookup for your water heater, if you have one. It will cost $6,000 to upgrade breaker panel capacity and change the meter base.
Heat Pumps
If you want to add a heat pump to your inground pool, your price range will be an average of $950 to $10,500 installed. The colder the climate you live in, the more power your heater will require, hence the higher cost in more northern climates.
- Electric tankless waters – pricing starts between $500 and $600
- Similar gas-powered pool water heaters – fall between $800 and $2,500
- Larger and more powerful electric pool water heaters – average between $1,500 and $3,500
- Solar pool heaters or electric pump water heaters – from $2,500 to $10,000
Pool Decking
The cost to build a deck or patio around your inground pool is $3,000 to $10,000. Most installation packages include a concrete deck, but you can choose the look of the concrete. Stamped concrete comes in practically any pattern, color, or texture, and if you take this route, you’ll pay about double the original concrete cost at $6,000–$20,000.
Pool Fencing
You’ll pay about $400 to $4,400 for your pool fence depending on which material you choose and how long and tall the fence will be. You can have a 6-foot aluminum pool fence installed for $4.40–$5.55 per linear foot or approx. $450 for a 15’ x 30’ pool. Add a gate with a latch for an additional $200–$250 installed. Aluminum fencing is the most popular material for pool fences or enclosures as it’s economical and comes in a variety of colors.
Permits
Swimming pool permits costing $50–$200 are required to ensure the installation meets all local building codes for water sources, plumbing plans, and closeness to water and wastewater easements, septic systems, protected trees, and erosion hazard zones. The inground pool also can’t go over your impervious ground cover limits for your property or be an obnoxious sight to your neighbors.
Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Costs
Your only fiberglass pool maintenance costs are in electrical power at $200/year and chemicals at $175/year, which come to a total of $375/year or $3,750 over a ten-year period. Compare this cost to $7,000 over ten years for a vinyl pool’s maintenance and $11,500 in maintenance costs for a concrete pool. Fiberglass pools are so easy to maintain. They don’t need yearly pool cleaning, acid washes, retiling, replastering, or the replacement of the liner.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Choosing the Wrong Size and Depth – Decide what you want the pool for before you add on all the possible features available. You won’t be happy with a family pool, deep end, and diving board if you only want to do laps.
- Poor Pool Maintenance – Choose your maintenance plan and expenses in advance.
- Picking the Cheapest Options – Uninsured or unbonded pool installers might save you thousands up front but cost you much more than that when the pool starts showing problems from a bad installation job. Check online ratings for contractors on any bids you get, and ask to see their insurance certificate.
- Buying a Pool with No Warranty on Labor or Parts – You’ll have no way to get any repair or replacement costs covered if something wasn’t installed properly.
- Inexperienced DIY Work - You can avoid the angst of having an off-kilter pool if you level the ground properly to begin with, and keep it perfectly straight while adding backfill.
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