Fiberglass Pool Cost Breakdown
Fiberglass pool costs can range from as low as $5,000 to $57,000 or more on the high end. Challenging locations, like hilly yards, can raise the price, and you’ll need to budget for permits as well.
Types
Fiberglass pool installation costs around $15,000 for a simple plunge pool to over $75,000 for above-ground pools or zero-entry pools. If you’re looking for a space to get your daily exercise, a lap pool runs around $30,000 to $65,000.
Size
Fiberglass pool installation costs about $800 per linear foot for the materials, or about $1,200 per linear foot with labor included.
Materials
Fiberglass pool materials cost around $5,000 to $55,000 for materials. The pool’s fiberglass shell ranges from $4,500 to $30,000, and the pump and filtration system cost $1,200 to $4,500. For backfill, gravel will cost about $1 to $3 per square foot. You’ll also need water, of course, which will cost about $60 to $120 for a standard 15,000- to 30,000-gallon swimming pool.
Labor
A major cost involved with installing a fiberglass pool is paying your pros. You can expect to pay about $5.50 per square foot in labor costs, or about $10,000 to $20,000 total. However, most companies quote homeowners for a five-person crew at 160 labor hours. We recommended discussing labor costs with the pool installation company during the planning stages of the project.
Prep
The average cost of land excavation is $3,200. Excavating the yard to prepare for fiberglass pool installation costs from $400 for smaller sites and properties with soil that is soft and easy to work with or up to $20,000 for more difficult sites.
Permits
Permits to install a pool typically cost $100 to $300. If you are also adding a patio or deck, you may need additional permits that cost $100 to $500 per project.
Installation Costs by Pool Type
There’s a fiberglass pool design to fit most preferences and needs, so let’s review how much homeowners can expect to spend for each type of pool.
Above Ground
Fiberglass pools installed at least partially above ground need additional support so that they stay level and don’t crack over time. That’s why they’re installed with a structure around its shell, resulting in the entire project costing $20,000 to $75,000.
Lap Pool
The average cost of a fiberglass lap pool is $30,000 to $65,000. Lap pools are long, rectangular pools that are best used for swimming laps around the pool. Since they’re usually 40 feet by 8 feet, their narrow design makes them a great candidate for small properties.
Saltwater Pool
To install a fiberglass saltwater pool, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $60,000. These pools rely on salt instead of chlorine to keep the water clean. This type of pool works particularly well with fiberglass because the salt won’t damage the material.
Infinity Pool
It will cost an average of $40,000 to $70,000 to install this elegant type of pool. An infinity pool is a pool with an exposed side that gives the illusion that it’s extending toward the horizon, ocean, or backyard.
Zero Entry
Expect to pay $30,000 to $75,000 for this convenient type of pool, which allows you to walk right in from the shallowest side or the deepest end—no climbing ladders or steps required.
Plunge Pool
The average cost for a fiberglass plunge pool is $15,000 to $40,000. While plunge pools aren’t made for swimming, their small size—6 feet by 12 feet wide and 4 feet to 6 feet deep—makes them perfect for small properties and quick dips to cool off in warmer months.
Additional Costs to Consider
Once the fiberglass pool is installed in the backyard, you’ll still need to set aside a pool budget for ongoing costs, like regular cleanings, operations, and potential repairs.
Maintenance
Fiberglass pool maintenance costs about $600 to $1,200 per year for regular cleanings. Fortunately, fiberglass pools tend to require less maintenance over their lifespans compared to other pool types, like concrete or vinyl liner pools.
Operating Costs
Opening a pool costs around $300 to $400. Closing a pool for the winter costs about $150 to $300. Aside from regular cleaning costs, you’ll need to open your pool at the start of the season and close it for winter to keep the equipment in good condition.
Repairs
Fiberglass pool repairs cost from $300 to fill small cracks or fix fading colors to about $6,500 to refinish the fiberglass shell. You may also want to repaint the pool from time to time, which costs around $800.
Cost to Install a Fiberglass Pool Yourself
Extremely handy and experienced homeowners can install a fiberglass pool as a DIY project, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s better suited for a local swimming pool contractor. Without the experience and know-how to install everything yourself, you’ll potentially have to pay thousands of dollars to hire a professional to fix any installation errors. The type of installation requires extensive experience with various components like:
Planning the pool layout
Operating heavy machinery, such as an excavator
Installing the plumbing system
Leveling the pool’s shell
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
If you install your fiberglass pool by yourself, you can save between $10,000 and $20,000 in labor fees, depending on factors like the pool shell, filter pump, backfill material, and permits.
Cost of Common Fiberglass Pool Add-Ons
Having a pool is fine, but it’s not as fun without add-ons like diving boards, slides, or waterfall features. And for safety and functionality, you’ll likely want to include lighting, handrails, and ladders. In total, these extras can cost $100 to $22,000, with most pool accessories costing up to $3,800 each.
Lights: $700 – $1,800
Rails: $100 – $500
Ladders: $100 – $2,000
Heating and cooling pumps: $2,100 – $4,500
Covers: $760 – $2,500
Diving boards: $500 – $2,000
Slides: $100 – $10,000
Waterfalls: $200 – $6,000
How You Can Save Money on Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs
Installing a fiberglass pool can be a large upfront investment, but there are some ways to save money on this project.
Go Small
The smaller the fiberglass pool, the lower the cost. If you don’t care to swim or dive, you may opt for a small plunge pool that is only a few feet deep and starts around $15,000 for materials and labor.
Opt for Basic Shapes
Manufacturing and installing custom fiberglass pools or those with curvy perimeters cost more than simple rectangular pools. You can save by installing a square or rectangular pool if your landscape allows for it.
Keep It Simple
If you can do without all the bells and whistles, you’ll save more on your pool. Consider just adding enough ladders and lights to make swimming feel safe any time of day or night. Or, instead of buying expensive extras like a separate hot tub, try adding less expensive add-ons like a heat pump for a similar effect at a lower cost.
Look for Off-Season Deals
The best time of year to buy pools and pool equipment is usually fall and winter, when peak swimming season is long gone. You’ll usually be able to find off-season sales, whether you want to purchase an entire pool or you’re just looking to save on extras like diving boards and lighting.
