Above Ground Pool Cost Breakdown
Above ground pools cost as low as $800 for a DIY kit to $15,000 or more for custom pools complete with decks, water features, and other extras.
Types
The type of above ground pool you choose will significantly impact the project cost. Above ground pools cost around $800 for more affordable steel-framed pools to about $4,500 for durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum pools. Resin pools fall in the middle of the price range and are less corrosive than steel but not as durable against UV rays and cold winter temperatures as aluminum.
Pool Liner Cost
An above ground pool liner costs between $100 to $660, not including installation. The price varies based on which brand you choose, as well as the liner's material, color, and thickness. Your pool shape and size will also play a role in how much it costs. Liners for smaller rectangular or circular above ground pools will be less expensive, while liners for larger, custom-shaped pools will cost more.
Size
Above ground pools cost about $800 to $5,000, depending on size. Above ground pools may cost as low as $150 for a DIY kit for a small pool about 10 feet in diameter to about $5,000 for larger pools around 40 feet in diameter. Deeper pools typically cost slightly more, but most above ground pools are 4 to 4½ feet deep.
Shape
Above ground pool costs also vary in cost based on shape in relation to size. Round pools are common, and round and rectangular pools tend to be less expensive than oval-shaped pools.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a round pool with these diameters:
| Diameter | Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 feet | $820 – $1,570 |
| 15 feet | $820 – $2,100 |
| 18 feet | $1,240 – $2,700 |
| 24 feet | $1,300 – $2,900 |
| 30 feet | $1,600 – $4,500 |
If you’re looking for an oval-shaped pool, here are the average costs for these dimensions:
| Dimensions | Cost |
|---|---|
| 24-feet-by-12-feet | $1,480 – $2,720 |
| 33-feet-by-18-feet | $1,800 – $3,530 |
| 41-feet-by-21-feet | $4,010 – $4,840 |
If a rectangle-shaped pool is more your jam, here are price estimates for these sizes:
| Dimensions | Cost |
|---|---|
| 9-feet-by-18-feet | $820 – $2,100 |
| 12-feet-by-24-feet | $1,200 – $2,800 |
Materials
Above ground pool materials cost around $800 to $5,000. You may find above ground pool kits for as low as $150 at major retailers, but you’ll also need to budget $60 and $1,250 for water plus $120 to $190 for pool chemicals.
Labor
Hiring a professional above ground pool installer costs $1,000 to $3,000 on top of the cost of the pool materials. If you opt for professional maintenance and cleaning, this additional expense will cost another $85 to $150 per month.
Land Prep
Preparing the landscape for an above ground pool costs around $1,000 to $3,000 to level the yard and about $6 per square foot to add a concrete base. Above ground pools are safest to install on flat ground made of grass, concrete, or sand. Check the pool manufacturer’s recommendations for the base, but avoid placing pools on decks or other structures since the weight can be too heavy.
Permits
Pool permits cost around $100 to $300, although some cities may not require a permit for above ground pools or small pools. If you plan to add a deck around the pool, expect to spend another $225 to $500 in building permit costs.
Above Ground Pool Cost by Type
When you’re choosing an above ground pool, you have three main types to choose from: steel, resin, and aluminum. Aluminum is the most durable of the three, but it’s also pricier. Here are some average costs to consider.
Steel
Steel is typically the most affordable pool material, costing between $800 to $3,000 on average. Though it’s a wallet-friendly choice, it is the most susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Resin
Resin pools generally cost $1,000 to $3,000. These pools resist rust and won’t oxidize, plus they’re more affordable than aluminum options. However, they are more susceptible to damage in the winter and may fade due to UV rays.
Aluminum
Aluminum pools typically cost $1,000 to $4,500 or more. While they’re the most expensive option, they have superior resistance to rust and corrosion. They’re also better equipped to last through harsh winter temperatures.
Inflatable
An inflatable pool is one of the most affordable above ground pool options, with a typical cost of $350 to $900. On the lower end of the price spectrum, you can find a pool that’s about three to four feet deep with a 15-foot diameter. If you’re looking for something bigger, say four feet deep or more and a diameter of 18 feet, you’ll pay toward the upper end of the price range. You could pay as little as $50, though, for a sturdy kiddie pool that will last a few summers.
Additional Costs to Consider
While you should budget for the cost of the pool kit, permits, and water, don’t forget that pools incur seasonal, if not year-round, costs to keep them clean and prevent damage.
Pool Filters, Pumps, and Heaters
In order to keep your pool comfortable and clean, you should budget for the cost of pool filters, pumps, and heaters. A typical pool filter and pump combo costs about $1,000 on average, though the price can range between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size of your above ground pool. A small cartridge filter costs as little as $250, while a high-end diatomaceous earth filter and pump combo for a large pool runs as high as $4,500.
If you live in a cool climate, you may want to install a pool heater. The average above ground pool heater costs about $2,900, including installation, though it ranges between $1,775 and $4,100.
Above Ground Pool Deck
If you own an above ground pool, odds are you’ll want a deck to be able to access and enjoy it. The cost to build a pool deck for an above ground pool is between $500 and $2,000 for a 300- to 600-square-foot deck. Deck material—like whether you opt for composite or real wood—will impact the price, as well as the deck's size, shape, and any other customization.
Pool Fence
A pool fence can serve as both a safety measure to keep kids and animals out of your pool, and a way to enjoy privacy while you sunbathe and swim. Installing a pool fence costs about $6,500 on average, with a typical range of between $1,500 and $10,000. The final price depends on a variety of factors, including the fence's material, length and height, the fence style, and any special customizations you may want.
Maintenance
To keep your pool in good condition, you’ll need to spend about $85 to $150 per month to clean the pool, balance chemicals, and keep filters and pumps clean and clear of debris. You can save money by maintaining the pool yourself, but it will require a few hours of your time each week.
Operating Costs
If you drain your above ground pool at the end of swimming season, you’ll spend about $60 and $1,250 to fill the pool with water each year and about $100 to $200 per year to close the pool. If you opt to install a heater, you’ll spend $100 to $600 per month in energy bills to keep the pool water warm.
Repairs
The price of pool repairs varies significantly based on the pool type and severity of the damage. Above ground pool repairs cost around $20 to patch a small leak or up to $2,500 if you need to replace a pool liner. Typically, you should only need to replace the pool liner about every 5 to 9 years.
Cost to Install an Above Ground Pool Yourself
Installing an above ground pool yourself costs around $1,000 to $15,000 or more. You can purchase a 10-foot-wide, above ground pool kit for about $150 or a 30-foot wide kit with all the bells and whistles for up to $10,000. Filling the pool costs another $60 to $1,250.
You may also need additional supplies, including the following:
Pool chemicals: $120–$190
Above ground ladder: $70–$400
Pool heater: $50–$2,400
Pool cover: $30–$300
Cost to Install a Pool Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Professional installation for an above ground pool costs around $800 to $3,200 or more. If you have a level yard, you may choose to save some money by installing the pool yourself.
But for more challenging sites, hiring a local above ground pool installer is your best bet. If you install the pool incorrectly, the pool may collapse, leaving you with a flooded yard, possible water damage, and likely some angry neighbors.
Cost of Above Ground Pool Add-Ons
Once the frame is set, you may consider adding extra features to make your swimming experience more comfortable, like steps and ladders for easy access in and out of the pool or pool lights for night swimming.
Steps or ladders: $20–$700
Lights: $30–$120
Fountains and waterfalls: $25–$130
Robotic vacuum pool cleaner: $200–$500
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing an Above Ground Pool
Above ground pools are a less expensive alternative to in-ground pools and you’ll still cool off on those hot summer days. But you can save more by knowing what products to buy and the best time of year to buy a pool.
Use a Kit
Many above ground pools are available in kits complete with filters, pumps, and the pool frame and liner for a bundled price. If you aren’t building a pool kit from scratch, buy a kit to save money on the pool materials. Keep in mind that you may still incur expenses from leveling the land and adding pool water.
Shop In the Off-Season
You can score deals on above ground pools either at home improvement stores or pool companies by shopping in fall and winter, when pools are in less demand. It’s also easier to hire a pool installer during the off-season due to additional flexibility in their schedules.
