How much does an inground pool cost?
How much does an inground pool cost?
$80 – $250 cost per square foot
$25,000 – $100,000 total average cost
Average cost of an inground pool
An inground pool costs $80 to $250 per square foot with installation or $25,000 to $100,000 total, depending on the size and material. Fiberglass and vinyl swimming pools cost less than concrete inground pools but don't last as long. Small plunge pools and semi-inground pools cost less than average.
| National Average Cost | $62,500 |
| Minimum Cost | $16,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $200,000 |
| Average Range | $25,000 to $100,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Inground pool cost by size
The cost of inground pools varies by size. The average inground pool is about 300 to 400 square feet and 6 to 7 feet deep at the deep end.
| Size (feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 10x20 | $16,000 – $50,000 |
| 12x24 | $23,000 – $72,000 |
| 10x30 | $24,000 – $75,000 |
| 12x28 | $26,900 – $84,000 |
| 14x28 | $31,400 – $98,000 |
| 15x30 | $36,000 – $112,500 |
| 16x32 | $41,000 – $128,000 |
| 18x36 | $51,800 – $162,000 |
| 20x40 | $64,000 – $200,000 |
Inground pool cost by material
Inground pools cost more but last longer when made of concrete. Fiberglass and vinyl pools cost less but typically don't last as long.
| Material | Total installed cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $30,000 – $85,000 |
|
| Concrete | $50,000 – $120,000 |
|
| Vinyl | $25,000 – $65,000 |
|
Fiberglass
Inground fiberglass pools cost $30,000 to $85,000 installed on average. Fiberglass pools are durable, flexible, and pet-friendly. This material isn't as customizable as concrete but doesn't require a liner replacement like vinyl. Fiberglass is algae- and mineral-resistant, unlike concrete and vinyl.
Concrete
An inground concrete or gunite pool costs $50,000 to $120,000 on average. Concrete pools are customizable and durable but susceptible to algae. Maintenance for concrete pools is also high because they need acid wash treatments every 3 to 5 years, which costs about $300 to $1,000.
Concrete pools need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years, which costs $8,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your pool.
Vinyl
Vinyl inground pools cost $25,000 to $65,000 with installation. Vinyl pools are cheaper and easier to install but are susceptible to algae. Vinyl liners tend to tear or scratch easily, so they're not the most pet-friendly option.
Vinyl pool liners cost $3,000 to $7,500 for inground pools and should be replaced every 10 years.
Inground pool cost factors
The following factors will influence the total pool cost:
Maintenance – Pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month on average, depending on the material. Maintenance includes cleaning, chemicals, opening or closing for the season, and any necessary repairs.
Location – Pools typically cost more in northern states compared to warm southern states where pools are more common. If your home is far away from the pool company or on a steep hill, the total price will increase.
Depth – Deeper-than-average pools cost more to build and require more water. The average pool is around 6 to 7 feet deep. If you plan on having a diving board, you may need a deep end of 9 or more feet.
Water type – Saltwater pools cost $1,100 to $2,200 to convert water in an existing inground pool. Saltwater is gentler on skin and hair than chlorine but costs more.
Homeownership costs – Installing an inground pool increases home value, but it may also increase your property taxes and homeowner's insurance.
Winterizing – Pools in cold climates need to be winterized every year, which includes lowering water levels, cleaning, clearing the water lines, and installing a cover.
Pool removal – Removing or filling in a pool costs $4,000 to $16,000 for inground pools or $300 to $2,500 for an above-ground pool.
Permit – A building permit for installing a pool costs $100 to $300. Most contractors include permit fees in their total price.
Labor and installation costs
Installing a pool is a complicated process that involves excavation, leveling, and removing trees if necessary. Pool installers typically charge more in labor fees for concrete pools because they're harder and more time-consuming to install than fiberglass or vinyl pools.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation costs | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Yard leveling costs | $500 – $1,000 |
| Pool water delivery costs | $400 – $2,400 |
| Pool filter costs | $300 – $1,700 |
| Pool pump cost | $300 – $1,600 |
| Tree removal costs | $150 – $2,000 |
Uncommon pool types
The following types of pools are less common and vary in cost:
Semi-inground – A semi-inground pool costs $7,000 to $25,000 on average, which is more than an above-ground pool but much less than a standard inground pool. Semi-inground pools are best for small yards and steep slopes.
Lap pools – An inground lap pool costs $40,000 to $70,000 on average, depending on the size and material. Traditional lap pools are rectangular, 6 to 9 feet deep, and are used to exercise and improve swimming skills.
Small / mini pools – Small inground pools cost $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the size, and are also called plunge pools or cocktail pools. Common sizes include 6' x 6', 10' x 16', and 10' x 20'. Mini pools are typically 4 to 7 feet deep.
Infinity pools – An infinity pool costs $55,000 to $130,000 and is also called a zero-edge pool or rimless pool because they give the illusion of a missing edge. Some infinity pools feature a waterfall on one side.
Natural pools – A natural pool costs $50 to $100 per square foot with installation or $50,000 to $150,000 total on average, depending on the size and features. Natural pools use aquatic plants to filter the water.
Unless your family enjoys diving, skip adding a diving board. They often go unused and require lower deep ends, which will raise the total cost.
Cost of inground pool upgrades
Custom upgrades or additions cost extra and extend the installation timeline. Common upgrades include:
Custom shapes – Rectangular or oval pools typically cost the least, while freeform, lagoon, L-shaped, kidney-shaped, or geometric pools cost more.
Waterfalls – A pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800 on average, depending on the material and design complexity. A sheer descent or sheet waterfall costs $400 to $1,600. A rock waterfall costs $1,500 for faux rock or up to $17,600 for a large waterfall made of real stone.
Beach entry – Beach entry, also called zero entry,costs $50 to $125 per square foot on average. These pools gradually slope and are warmer in the shallow end than traditional pools.
Hot tub – Adding an attached inground hot tub costs $8,000 to 25,000 or $6,000 to $15,000 when built at the same time as the pool.Hot tubs add value to a home but cost $30 to $100 per month extra to operate.
Lights – Inground pool lights cost $700 to $1,800. Some LED and fiber optic light systems can often be controlled from your phone. It costs a lot less to have pool lights installed during installation than afterwards.
Diving board or slide – Diving boards for inground pools cost $300 to $700 for a surface-mounted board. A pool slide costs $1,000 to $4,000.
Pool heater – An inground pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 installed, depending on the type and the pool size. Solar pool heaters cost $2,500 to $6,500 and are better suited to sunny climates.
Landscaping costs $3,000 to $5,000 on average, or $4 to $12 per square foot to add plants, trees, and shrubs around a new pool. Three common styles of landscaping design around pools are tropical, modern, and desert.
Inground pool safety features
Fences, enclosures, and covers can help keep pets and children safe around the water and prevent accidents.
| Feature | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Fence | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Enclosure | $4,000 – $14,000 |
| Cover | $1,000 – $20,000 |
An aluminum pool fence costs $30 to $45 per linear foot installed. These fences are typically 4’ to 6’ tall and are often a requirement for building safety regulations.
A pool enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $4,000 to $14,000 total and are made with mesh, glass, plastic, or vinyl. Enclosures keep insects, debris, and pollen away from the pool and protect you from the elements so you can swim year-round.
A pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 installed for automatic or $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual cover. A pool cover keeps pets and children safe, retains heat in the water, and helps prevent water damage to the home.
Check local regulations for pool fencing before installing an inground pool. Many cities require homeowners to fence their pools for safety, and minimum fence height requirements vary by location.
Inground vs. above ground pool cost
Inground pools cost $25,000 to $100,000 on average. In comparison, an above ground pool costs $1,800 to $5,000 with installation. Above ground pools may be cheaper and easier to install or remove, but they often lower the resale value of a home and don't last as long as inground pools.
Inground pool FAQs
Does an inground pool add value to a home?
An inground pool increases the overall value of a home by 5% to 7% on average, depending on your location.
How long does it take to build an inground pool?
Installing a vinyl liner inground pool takes 2 to 3 weeks, while building a concrete inground pool takes 6 to 8 weeks.
How long do inground pools last?
Inground pools last 20 to 50 years on average, depending on the type:
Concrete inground pools last 50 years or more but need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
Fiberglass pools last 25 to 30 years but may need refinishing every 10 years.
Vinyl inground pools last 20+ years but require a new vinyl liner every 6 to 12 years.
How far do I drain an inground pool for the winter?
Drain an inground pool until it's 6 to 24 inches below the bottom of the tiles, skimmer, or jets. This makes sure there's no water in the pumping system during the winter, when temperatures drop and pipes can burst.
What is a semi inground pool?
A semi inground pool is installed in the ground and partially above the ground. Some are built with above ground pools that are framed and buried, while others are traditional inground pools with a retaining wall on one side. Semi-inground pools are best for small yards and steep slopes.
Getting estimates from inground pool installers
While hiring an inground pool installation company near you, follow these steps:
Compare at least three estimates for similar pool sizes.
Select pool companies that are licensed, insured, and certified.
Look for installers who are members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google and check out pictures of their work.
Ask if they offer warranties or guarantees.
Ask for an itemized estimate in writing.
Avoid making large upfront payments. Come up with a payment schedule instead.
Questions to ask inground pool installers
Ask these questions to find the best inground pool company in your area:
How long have you been installing inground pools?
Can I see a portfolio of other pools you've done?
Are you a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)?
Which pool material do you recommend?
Do you also install pool covers or heaters?
How long should this project take?
Do you know if this area has a lot of rocks in the soil?
Does this material need to dry or cure before adding water?
Do you offer a maintenance plan? If so, how often would you visit?
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.