How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost?

Few things beat jumping into a swimming pool on a scorching summer day. This backyard feature boosts your home’s resale value and makes outdoor living more fun, but you need to know what inground pools really cost before daydreaming about those poolside parties.

Installing a swimming pool runs between $44,500 and $87,500 for most homeowners, with smaller vinyl pools starting around $40,000 and fancy custom fiberglass or concrete pools hitting $135,000 or more. Your choice of material makes a huge difference in price — vinyl costs less upfront but needs more TLC over the years.

Where you live affects the price tag, too. Expect to shell out 15–25% more in Florida and California compared to cooler northern states. And remember: the initial installation is just the beginning — pools typically cost $1,500–$5,000 yearly for maintenance, chemicals, and utilities.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three local installers before making any decisions. We’ve seen many homeowners wish they’d shopped around more. This article breaks down everything you should know about inground pool costs to help you budget realistically for materials, installation, maintenance, and those extras that add up fast.

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Vinyl Liner Pool

Vinyl-lined swimming pools generally cost between $40,000–$65,000 to install.

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Gunite Pool

Gunite or concrete pool installation typically costs $50,000–$100,000.

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Fiberglass Pool

A fiberglass swimming pool will likely cost you between $60,000 and $120,000.

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What Is the Cost of an Inground Pool Installation?

On average, inground pool installation runs between $44,500 and $87,500, with a national average of around $66,000. But these numbers bounce around a lot depending on what you’re looking for — we’ve seen basic pools go for as little as $30,000, while luxury custom jobs can easily top $140,000.

This cost data comes from RSMeans, a price database for home improvement contractors. Figures included in this article include materials and installation unless otherwise stated.

Your budget isn’t the only thing to consider when putting in a pool. In this video, Danny Lipford discusses a few other things to think about:

How Do Inground Pool Costs Differ by Material?

Not all swimming pools are created equal. When designing your dream pool, you’ll typically choose from three materials: vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. Each has its own pros and cons, and these differences greatly affect your wallet. Through our extensive research and conversations with pool owners, we’ve found that your material choice impacts both your upfront costs and what you’ll pay years down the road.

Vinyl Liner 

VVinyl liner pools are your cheapest option up front, usually costing between $40,000 and $65,000. But don’t let that lower price tag fool you — these pools come with their own long-term expenses that can really add up.

You’ll need to replace the liner every five to nine years at about $4,000 to $5,000 a pop. Think of it like replacing your roof; it’s a maintenance cost you need to budget for. Without regular replacement, you’ll face leaks and structural issues that cost even more to fix.

Vinyl pools also need regular attention to keep algae away. Plan to spend four to eight hours weekly on cleaning and chemical balancing, or budget for a pool service ($125–$200 monthly). The liner feels nice under your feet, but watch out if you have pets — excited dogs with unclipped nails often cause tears and patches.

Gunite 

Gunite is just a fancy name for concrete that’s sprayed onto a rebar framework. This creates a super sturdy, custom pool shell. Unlike those pre-made vinyl or fiberglass pools, workers build a gunite pool right in your yard from the ground up. Want a specific shape or unique depth changes? Gunite’s your answer — perfect if you’ve got a weird yard layout or specific vision in mind.

These pools are built like tanks and can last 50+ years, but they’re not maintenance-free by any stretch. The rough, porous surface is basically a welcome mat for algae and calcium buildup. You’ll spend more time scrubbing and more money on chemicals than with other pool types. Every three to five years, you’ll need an acid wash ($300 to $1,000), and about every decade, you’re looking at complete resurfacing ($8,000).

We’ve observed that homeowners with gunite pools in areas that freeze in winter often deal with cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. And saltwater systems? They’ll wear through concrete faster than regular chlorine. We’ve commonly seen saltwater pools need resurfacing twice as often.

Fiberglass

We’ve become big advocates of fiberglass pools after years of research and homeowner feedback. They offer that sweet spot between durability and ease of maintenance. The smooth, non-porous gel coat surface naturally resists algae growth and doesn’t harbor bacteria, which means you’ll spend way less time cleaning and about half as much on chemicals compared to concrete pools.

These pools come ready-made from a factory and get dropped into your excavated yard in one piece. That limits your size and shape options (they typically top out at 16′ × 40′), but the installation is super quick — usually 3-4 weeks compared to 8-12 weeks of construction mess with concrete.

Yes, the upfront cost of $60,000 to $120,000 is steeper than vinyl, but trust us — when you add up maintenance costs over 25+ years, fiberglass often ends up cheaper in the long run. The material also handles ground movement better than concrete, which makes it great for areas with shifting soil. We’ve heard from installers in regions with clay soil that they now almost exclusively recommend fiberglass because of how well it handles soil expansion.

How Do Inground Pool Costs Differ by Size?

Size matters; especially when it comes to your pool budget. Larger pools need more of everything: more excavation, more materials, more water, more chemicals, and more energy to run.

Standard inground pools range from 10–24 feet wide and 20–48 feet long, costing between $65 and $130 per square foot to install. Here’s a breakdown of what different sizes might cost you:

Remember, material is often the biggest factor in determining cost. Check out how pools of the same size vary in price based on material:

How Do Inground Pool Costs Differ by Shape?

The shape of your pool affects installation costs too. Square, oval, and rectangular pools are standard options, but those custom or freeform pools always cost more because they require specialized manufacturing and installation.

We suggest getting quotes from local pool installers for the most accurate pricing on specific shapes. We’ve compiled some prices from Pool Warehouse* to give you a ballpark idea of how various shapes compare:

How Do Inground Pool Prices Differ by Location?

Swimming pool costs bounce around quite a bit depending on where you live. This isn’t just about different labor rates — it also reflects how popular pools are in different regions and how long you can use them each year.

For example, pool contractors in Florida charge more partly because the demand is higher — everyone wants a pool when it’s sunny year-round. Meanwhile, in northern states, costs are often lower, but pools might only be usable for about four months a year. Here are recent price ranges for various states:

Don’t see your location listed above? Click your state below for local price estimates:  

What Additional Features Go Into Inground Pool Installation Costs?

When budgeting for your new pool, you need to think beyond just size, shape, and material. The extras and customizations can easily add thousands to your bill — and honestly, these are what transform a basic water hole into the backyard oasis you’re dreaming of.

We’ve seen many homeowners budget perfectly for the pool itself but completely overlook things like proper lighting, adequate decking, and heating. Later, they add these features piecemeal, which typically costs about 20% more than if they’d included them from the start.

If you’re planning a complete backyard transformation, we recommend setting aside an extra 30-50% beyond your pool budget for these finishing touches. Here’s what they might cost you:

Landscaping

Pool landscaping isn’t just about looking pretty – it creates the vibe that transforms your basic pool into a resort-like retreat. Professional landscaping runs between $5 and $20 per square foot, depending on how fancy you go. For the typical 500-square-foot area around a pool, you’re looking at $2,500 to $10,000.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. We recommend starting with just privacy shrubs and a few key trees around your pool, adding decorative plants and lighting over subsequent seasons. If you’re handy with a shovel, you can save 40–60% by tackling some of the simpler plantings yourself.

We always advise choosing plants that play nice with pools. Skip the mess-makers like oak or pine trees that drop leaves, needles, and sap into the water. Instead, go with clean plants that won’t shed into your pool or demand tons of maintenance.

Fencing

Many cities require fencing around inground pools for safety reasons. This keeps neighborhood kids and pets from accidentally falling in. Plus, you get the bonus of added privacy for your swimming and sunbathing.

Though certainly worthwhile, pool fences aren’t cheap. They generally run between $15 and $50 per linear foot, depending on the material and height. For a typical pool, that could add $3,000–$8,000 to your project.

Pool Decking

The decking is that surface surrounding your pool where you’ll put loungers, tables, and other outdoor furniture. You’ve got lots of options, from basic concrete to fancy stone or tile. The most budget-friendly choice is concrete, but we’ve noticed that many homeowners eventually wish they’d invested in something more upscale like brick pavers or travertine.

Plan to spend between $3,500 and $16,000 for pool decking, depending on size and materials. Remember, this is literally the foundation of your outdoor living space, so it’s worth getting right the first time.

Water Features

Want your pool to make a statement? Water features like fountains, waterfalls, bubblers, and spillover spas turn an ordinary pool into something special. These extras aren’t just for show — the sound of running water is incredibly relaxing, and they’re always popular with kids.

Basic water features start around $400, but those gorgeous rock waterfalls or spillover spas can easily hit $5,500 or more. We’ve seen some elaborate setups push $15,000, but they completely transform the pool experience.

Pool Heating

A pool heater might seem like a luxury until you’re shivering in your “refreshing” pool water in late September. With a heater, you can stretch your swimming season by 2–4 months in most climates. Even in warmer states, evening swims are much more pleasant with a little heat boost.

There are three main types to consider:

1. Gas heaters are cheaper upfront ($2,000 to $2,800) but cost more to run ($300–$500 monthly). They heat water fast but guzzle propane or natural gas. We’ve observed that many homeowners in colder climates use gas heaters just for occasional swimming parties to save on fuel costs.
2. Heat pumps cost more initially ($2,800 to $4,500) but run much more efficiently at $100–$200 monthly. They work like air conditioners in reverse, pulling heat from the air. They’re ideal in places that don’t get too cold – below 50°F, they struggle to work effectively.
3. Solar systems have the highest upfront price ($4,000 to $7,000) but cost almost nothing to operate. We’ve seen solar heating systems in sunny regions pay for themselves within 3–5 years through energy savings.

For most homeowners in moderate climates, we recommend a heat pump for the best balance of cost and efficiency. For sunny spots like California or Arizona, solar is usually the best choice if you can manage the initial investment.

Diving Board

Diving boards aren’t as common as they once were (partly due to safety and insurance concerns), but they’re still popular with families who love to make a splash. Though they look simple, diving boards can add $700 to $6,500 to your pool costs, depending on the type and quality.

Pool Covers

Pool covers aren’t just accessories — they’re essential workhorses that save you time and money. A good cover cuts evaporation by up to 95%, which means less water refilling and fewer chemicals. It also keeps leaves and debris out, slashes cleaning time, and can reduce heating costs by 50–70%.

Safety covers strong enough to support the weight of a child or pet typically run $1,500 to $3,800, depending on your pool’s size and shape. Those fancy automatic covers that open and close with a button start around $5,500 and can exceed $12,000 for larger pools.

Yes, the price tag seems steep, but a quality cover easily pays for itself. Less water usage, fewer chemicals, lower heating bills, and extended equipment life add up fast. Many insurance companies even offer discounts for pools with safety covers — sometimes knocking 5–15% off your premiums.

We’ve seen too many homeowners skimp on pool covers only to regret it later. Investing in a quality safety cover usually proves to be cost-effective within just a few seasons.

What Other Factors That Impact Inground Pool Cost Estimates?

Add-ons and features aren’t the only things that can inflate your final bill. Here are some other factors to keep in mind:

• Site conditions: If your yard is tough to access, needs special equipment, or has challenging soil conditions, expect to pay more. In a recent project in Pennslyvania, the installation team hit the bedrock during excavation, this added $3,000+ to the final cost.
• Permits: Most cities require building and electrical permits for inground pools. These generally run $500 to $2,000 but vary by location and project scope.
• Homeowners Insurance: Pools are fun, but they’re also a liability. Plan for your insurance premiums to increase by $50 to $75 annually after adding a pool.
• Ongoing maintenance: This is perhaps the biggest expense over time. Depending on the pool material and your climate, budget $4,000 to $7,000 per decade for cleaning, water, chemicals, and electricity. Vinyl liner replacement costs around $4,500 every five to nine years.

How Can You Save Money on Your Inground Pool? (5 Tips)

An inground pool will likely set you back between $44,500 and $87,500 for materials and installation. That’s a hefty investment, but there are ways to trim costs without cutting corners on quality:

• Consider a smaller pool: Through our discussions with pool owners, we’ve found that almost none wish they’d gone bigger — but many wish they’d saved money with a smaller pool. Cutting your pool size by just 20% can save 10–15% upfront and lower ongoing expenses too. For most families, a 12′ × 24′ pool provides plenty of splash space without breaking the bank.
• Install during fall or winter: Pool companies get desperate for work in the off-season (September-February in most areas). We typically see discounts of 5–10% during these slower months. Materials often cost less, and installation crews have more flexible schedules. We recommend booking in October or November to avoid January’s typical price hikes.
• Start with the essentials and upgrade later: You don’t need all the bells and whistles right away. Focus on building a solid, well-constructed pool first, then add the fancy lighting, water features, or automation systems later when your budget recovers. We’ve seen many homeowners start with a basic concrete deck around their pool and add pavilions and outdoor kitchens in subsequent years.
• Go easy on the decking: You don’t need massive decking all around the pool. Limiting your initial deck to just 4–5 feet around the perimeter can save thousands. We know many homeowners who started with concrete decking on just one side of their pool (where they put lounge chairs) and added more the following year.
• Handle maintenance yourself: Weekly pool service costs $125–$200 a month, but with about 30 minutes of work 2–3 times a week and some basic knowledge, you can manage routine maintenance on your own. Modern pool chemistry isn’t rocket science — test strips and pre-measured chemicals make it pretty straightforward. Many homeowners we talk to actually find pool maintenance relaxing once they get the hang of it.

Professional Vs. DIY Inground Pool Installation

We won’t sugarcoat this — installing your own inground pool is rarely a good idea. Cutting costs by DIYing likely means cutting corners, and those savings often evaporate when problems pop up later.

Even if you skip hiring a pro installation company, you still need to buy all the materials and equipment. Some specialized machinery requires certification to operate, so you’ll either rent it or hire someone qualified – both adding costs.

Consider these downsides of DIY pool installation:

• No warranty protection: Professional installations come with material and workmanship warranties. DIY means you’re on the hook for any mistakes or failures.
• Safety risks: Pool installation can be dangerous for you and your property. Without proper expertise, you could hurt yourself or damage your landscape.

Hiring a Professional Pool Installation Company

Hiring pros isn’t just safer, it’s also straightforward:

1. Find local experts: Research pool companies in your area, checking reviews, pricing, and services.
2. Get multiple quotes: Always get at least three estimates to compare.
3. Compare carefully: Look beyond the bottom line at what each quote includes.
4. Ask for recommendations: Talk through options with your chosen company about materials, safety features, and customizations.

Ready to start your inground pool project? Use the quick form below to get estimates from local installation experts:

So, Is an Inground Pool Worth the Cost?

Inground pool installation typically costs between $44,500 and $87,500 but can jump by thousands depending on customizations and add-ons. Beyond the initial price tag, there’s also ongoing maintenance to consider.

The key to a successful pool project is understanding all the costs before diving in. With realistic expectations, you can budget properly for your new backyard oasis.