How much does an inground pool cost?

Installing an inground pool in your backyard can provide you and your loved ones with a beautiful outdoor space to relax and have fun. Inground pools are great for hosting pool parties, practicing water aerobics, and learning how to swim. Inground pools (also known as underground pools) can also boost property value by maximizing your home’s utility. 

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However, a pool addition can be expensive. It’s important to consider the full cost of an underground pool before committing to this kind of home renovation. 

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In this article, we’ll break down the costs of an inground swimming pool and discuss the different types of pools you can install. We’ll also discuss the factors impacting cost and provide ideas on how to save money on an inground pool installation. 

How much does an inground pool cost?

The average cost of inground pool installation is $65,658. However, depending on the type of pool being installed and where your home is located, you can pay as little as $14,000 or as much as $135,000 for an underground pool. 

Types of inground pools 

The type of inground pool you install can significantly impact project costs. The most commonly installed inground pools are made of concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Consider the benefits and price ranges of each type of pool, below.

Concrete

Concrete pools are a popular choice among homeowners because they’re durable and easy to customize. However, they’re a bit pricier than other types of pools and require greater maintenance. The average cost of installation for a concrete pool is $35,000 to $65,000. 

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Additionally, annual maintenance for a concrete pool can run homeowners $2,700 to $4,000. This is because concrete pools are usually larger than other types of pools. As a result, they require more chemicals, electricity, and periodic acid washes to remain safe and functional. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of installation, DIYing any part of a concrete pool installation isn’t possible. 

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Still, a concrete pool is a great choice if you can afford one. They last 50-100 years and offer endless customization options in terms of shapes and finishes. 

Vinyl

Vinyl pools are also a popular choice among homeowners because they’re cost-effective and flexible in shape. The average cost of a vinyl pool installation is $20,000 to $40,000. Annual maintenance costs are $1,100 to $1,700. While vinyl pools don’t last nearly as long as concrete pools, they can be DIYed to some extent, which can help reduce total project costs.

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Vinyl pools are usually easier to clean and less prone to algae growth than concrete pools. This makes it easier for homeowners to keep up with maintenance tasks themselves instead of having to outsource professional maintenance. Vinyl liner pools typically last 10 years. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are also commonly installed in homes because they’re low maintenance and long-lasting. The average fiberglass pool installation costs $46,000. These types of pools often come in pre-formed shapes and sizes, making them easy to install. 

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Similar to vinyl surfaces, fiberglass pools are resistant to algae growth, which reduces the need for maintenance. Homeowners can expect to pay $500-$1,500 every year to maintain their fiberglass pool and won’t need to replace it for 25 years. If you choose a DIY installation, you might be able to bring project costs down to $28,000. 

Factors that impact the cost of an inground pool

In addition to pool type and DIY options, the cost of an inground pool will also depend on other factors such as pool size, shape, features, and more. Take a closer look at the factors affecting inground pool costs, below.

Size and shape

Standard pools measure 12 by 28 feet and have a depth of 6.5 feet. Assuming your contractor charges $100 per square foot, a standard pool installation might cost $33,600. However, pools with unique shapes, such as infinity pools, aren’t as easily estimated. Due to the complexity of their design, an infinity pool may cost anywhere between $55,000 and $130,000.

Custom features

Enhancing your inground pool with custom features can also drive up the cost of installation. While adding custom water features isn’t required, they do add a touch of sophistication to your pool area. Here are some common pool features and their corresponding prices:

• Waterfall: $1,500–$5,000
• Slide: $1,500–$20,000
• Diving boards: $300–$5,000
• Pool lighting: $200 per light
• Pool fence: $1,500–$10,000
• Pool decking costs: $3,000–$12,000

Location and site preparation

The location of your home and preparation of your pool site will also impact inground pool costs. Cities and counties with a higher cost of living will likely have higher-priced labor. The area in and around your inground pool will also impact project costs.

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Installing an underground pool typically requires excavation. In order to excavate properly, contractors consider soil conditions and leveling needs. Sometimes, homeowners need to build a retaining wall for additional support, which adds to the cost of installation. A few scenarios that might need to be addressed before inground pool installation can begin are:

• Sloped areas in your backyard
• Trees that need to be trimmed down 
• Patio or backyard demolition
• Location of underground plumbing

Materials and finishes

In addition to concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass, inground pools can also be made out of gunite. Gunite pools cost an average of $100,000. Due to their high costs, these types of pools aren’t installed as frequently. If you’d like to add a custom finish to your pool, such as tile, stone, or quartz, this could also increase pool installation costs. 

Permits and regulations

Depending on your city’s or county’s regulations, you may need to get a permit before you can build an inground pool on your property. Permits can cost anywhere between $450 and $1,800. It’s also wise to hire a pool builder that is familiar with local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid delays. 

Labor costs

The cost of labor varies based on geographical region and contractor experience. However, most inground pool contractors charge between $55 and $150 per hour. Keep in mind multiple contractors may be required to complete the job safely and in a timely manner. 

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The type of pool you select will also impact labor costs because different materials require different amounts of work. Shaping concrete can take about 20-60 days after excavation, while installing a prefab fiberglass pool might take about half that time from start to finish. 

Maintenance 

Pool maintenance costs are also worth considering. Although you won’t be spending this money upfront, you will have to pay for annual maintenance over the life of your underground pool. How much you spend on pool maintenance will depend mostly on the type of pool you install. Annual pool maintenance fees range from $500 to $4,000 and can include regular maintenance, as well as repairs, water supply, and electricity costs.

How to save money on inground pool costs

As you can see from the figures mentioned above, there are several costs associated with an inground pool installation. Luckily, there are ways homeowners can save. 

Choose a simple design

One of the easiest ways to save money on an inground pool is to choose a simple design and cost-effective materials. Skip the extra lighting, slides, and other special features, and install a standard pool instead. You can always renovate in the future. 

DIY prep tasks

There are a couple ways homeowners can install an inground pool. You can either purchase a turn-key package from a pool installation company that includes land excavation, installation, and materials, or you can DIY part of the project and hire a pool contractor to do the rest. 

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You could potentially save thousands of dollars by excavating the pool area yourself. However, you should know where to dig and have a plan for debris disposal. It’s also important to review your property’s original development plans and check local laws regarding digging on your property. Although the property is yours, there may be sewage or gas lines located beneath your property you’re not aware of, which could be a hazard. 

Install off-season

Installing an inground pool in the middle of winter when land is difficult to excavate, or in the summer when it’s extremely hot will probably cost more than installing a pool in the off-seasons. Contractors are usually more inclined to offer discounts during the fall and early spring. Start comparing quotes before these seasons begin and negotiate with different pool companies to get the best deal. 

Final thoughts on paying for an inground pool

While inground pools come with a lot of different costs, there are also many ways to save on this type of project. If you’re willing to compromise on size, excavate the pool site yourself, and build in the off-season, you could significantly reduce total project cost. However, if you’d prefer to include special amenities, such as a quartz finish or diving board, there are financing options available.

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Pay for your inground pool with a Home Equity Investment from Point. Borrowers can forgo excessive credit evaluations and don’t have to worry about monthly payments. Explore Point’s HEIs here.

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