How much does a lap pool cost?
How much does a lap pool cost?
$40,000 – $80,000 average installed cost
Average lap pool cost
A lap pool costs $40,000 to $80,000 installed on average, with most homeowners spending about $60,000 for labor and materials. The total cost to install an inground lap pool can range from $25,600 to $100,000+, depending on the size and features. Installing an above-ground lap pool costs much less at $4,000 to $6,000 total.
| National Average Cost | $60,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $4,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $500,000 |
| Average Range | $40,000 to $80,000 |
Lap pool cost by size
Lap pools range in length from 40 to 164 feet. If your property has the space to accommodate it, most experts recommend at least 45 feet to comfortably swim laps.
| Pool length (in feet) | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|
| 40 | $25,600 – $80,000 |
| 45 | $28,800 – $90,000 |
| 75 | $48,000 – $150,000 |
| 82 (half-Olympic) | $52,500 – $164,000 |
| 164 (Olympic) | $105,000 – $328,000 |
*Includes labor and materials for an 8' wide, inground lap pool.
Lap pool cost by type
A lap pool is essentially a pool that is longer but thinner than a typical residential swimming pool. Prices vary depending on the type of lap pool you install. Above-ground pools are the most budget-friendly, while an upscale custom infinite edge lap pool costs much more.
| Pool type | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Above-ground pool cost | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Inground pool cost | $25,600 – $100,000+ |
| Infinity pool cost | $60,000 – $150,000+ |
| Indoor pool cost | $110,000 – $220,000+ |
| Saltwater pool cost | $29,000 – $57,000 |
Lap pool cost factors
Factors that affect the cost of installing a lap pool include:
Size – Most lap pools are at least 8 feet wide and 40 feet long. The larger the lap pool, the more materials and labor needed to build it.
Material:
Fiberglass pools cost $115 to $125 per square foot installed and are typically the happy medium between cost and durability.
Vinyl pool liners cost the least but also need more frequent replacement.
Concrete and tile cost the most, but these materials last the longest.
Time of year – Installing a lap pool during the slower fall and winter months may cost less than installing one during the pool industry's busy season.
Above ground vs. inground – Most above-ground lap pools cost less to install than inground models that require extensive planning, soil testing, and excavation.
Water – The cost to fill a pool with water is $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons when filling from a garden hose or $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons when using a water delivery service. Lap pool volume ranges from 9,600 to 30,000+ gallons.
Maintenance – Professional pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 monthly. Lap pools are often shallower than standard residential swimming pools and require fewer chemicals, reducing overall maintenance costs.
Labor
The labor to install a lap pool makes up 25% to 50% of the total project cost. Installation often involves several skilled professionals, depending on the type of pool and the existing condition of the property.
A pre-construction geotechnical report costs $1,000 to $5,000 to test the soil and confirm the it is suitable for installing a lap pool.
Land excavation costs $1,000 to $5,000 to dig the hole for an inground lap pool.
Land leveling costs $500 to $1,000 on average to create a flat surface for an above-ground pool.
Permits cost $500 to $2,000 for lap pool installation, depending on the project location and scope.
Plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour to run the plumbing lines for the new lap pool.
Electricians cost $50 to $130 per hour to set up the electrical wiring for the pool pump, heater, and lighting.
Additional costs
Consider the following lap pool features and additional outdoor enhancements when calculating your lap pool installation costs.
| Feature | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Pool features | |
| Pool lighting | $500 – $1,700 |
| Pool heater cost | $1,600 – $5,200 |
| Pool waterfall cost | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Pool cover cost | $1,000 – $3,600 (manual) $8,000 – $20,000 (automatic) |
| New pool enclosure cost | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| Outdoor enhancements | |
| Fire pit cost | $325 – $2,000 |
| Outdoor kitchen cost | $7,000 – $16,000 (prefab) $10,000 – $35,000 (custom) |
| New landscaping cost | $50 – $100 per hour |
| Patio cost | $5 – $35 per square foot |
| Deck cost | $25 – $50 per square foot |
| Pool house cost | $150 – $600 per square foot |
| Fence installation cost | $20 – $60 per square foot |
Lap pool vs. swim spa
Lap pools are 40+ feet long, which may not work for every property. A swim spa offers a smaller alternative that still allows for swimming practice and exercise. Swim spas generate a current to swim against and often include hydrotherapy jets for relaxation.
| Type | Average installed cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lap pool | $40,000 – $80,000 | 8' – 12' wide 40' – 164' long |
| Swim spa cost | $20,000 – $40,000 | 5' – 10' wide 10' – 21' long |
Lap pool FAQs
Are lap pools worth it?
Lap pools may be worth it for swimmers or fitness lovers wanting to swim laps regularly without having to travel to a gym. However, a lap pool is a significant investment, so discuss the project with an experienced contractor to be sure the planning, permitting, and construction fit into your budget.
How long is a lap pool?
A lap pool is 40 to 80+ feet long—adequate space to swim a lap before having to flip and swim in the other direction. Widths range from 8 to 12 feet, depending on whether you want room for 1 or 2 swimmers. Lap pool depths range from 3 to 4+ feet.
Half-Olympic lap pools are 82 feet (25 meters) long.
Olympic-size lap pools are 164 feet (50 meters) long.
How much space do I need for a lap pool?
You need a 10'x50' minimum space to install a lap pool. This allows for an 8'x40' pool and room to move around it. If you're planning to build a larger, half-Olympic or Olympic-sized lap pool, or a pool that can accommodate more than one swimmer, plan for a much larger area.
A lap pool to support 2 swimmers should be at least 12 feet wide.
How long does it take to install a lap pool?
Installing a lap pool takes 1 to 5+ months, depending on the material, size, and design. Vinyl liner pools take about a month to install, while fiberglass lap pools take up to 2 months. Concrete pools take several months to complete as the material needs time to cure and dry.
Getting estimates from lap pool installers
Follow these guidelines when researching lap pool installation companies near you:
Compare at least three estimates with similar details from companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Look for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Check for positive customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Contact one of these professionals for an installation estimate, depending on the type of lap pool want to install:
Beware of extremely low prices, as this may indicate lack of experience or lower quality work.
Have a contract and warranty in hand before the work begins.
Avoid making large payments up front.
Don't make the final payment until the pool is installed and all cleanup is finished.
Questions to ask a lap pool contractor
Ask these questions to help you choose the best contractor for your lap pool installation:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide a list of references?
What experience do you have building lap pools?
How long will the installation take?
How should I prepare my yard before you arrive?
Do you handle the installation yourself, or do you use subcontractors?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation?
Do you offer support if I have any problems or questions after the installation?
How much deposit do you require up front?
Do you have any financing options?
How much will it cost to maintain this type of pool?
Do you offer an ongoing maintenance plan?
Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover?
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.