How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost?

An inground pool costs about $55,000 to install, on average, though homeowners typically pay between $39,000 and $70,000 for this coveted backyard feature. How much you’ll pay depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and material of your pool. Our expert guide breaks down all the inground pool prices so you and your household can make a splash.

Inground Pool Cost Breakdown

Between permits, labor, and the landscaping needed to get the job done, installing a pool isn’t as simple as filling a hole with some water. You'll need to consider several items on this list when installing an inground pool.

Pool Size 

The typical inground pool is 12 by 28 feet and has a depth of around 6 1/2 feet. You’re looking at spending around $90 to $160 per square foot on average for this size pool. Though if you’re limited on space, we also have that covered. Here’s what you can expect to spend on a standard inground pool in some of the most common sizes:

While most pools come in these standard sizes, you do have the option for custom-made pools. When you hire a local swimming pool company, they’ll let you know what is possible and work hard to create your dream oasis.

Material

Pool costs vary by material. Higher quality materials cost more but have a longer lifespan.

Style

When it comes to pool prices, style matters. A simple pool in a standard shape will typically cost less than a custom or specialty pool—but it depends on the type. A small lap pool will cost less than a custom lagoon-style pool.

Location

Where you build your pool—both geographically and the exact location in your backyard—can impact the price. It generally costs more to build a pool in areas with a higher cost of living. You also need to keep excavation in mind. Where do you want to put the pool on your property? 

Site Prep

You’ll need to prep the site before you can install a pool. Costs will increase based on the following factors:

• If you have excavation costs.

• If you relocate underground plumbing.

• If you level a sloped area.

• If you demolish an existing patio or backyard structure.

• If you remove trees.

For example, the cost of tree removal alone could add an additional $200 to $2,000 to your project.

Labor

Building an inground pool in a backyard is one of the biggest projects you can take on as a contractor. It involves everything from heavy machinery to dig the basin of the pool to ensure that the pool has no cracks or issues that could cause leaks or other problems.

On average, labor accounts for around 33% of the total cost of the project. So if the average inground pool costs about $55,000, around $19,000 of that is for labor. This comes out to roughly $55 per hour in labor.

Permits

Permits vary from location to location and range anywhere from $450 to $1,800. Hire a local swimming pool installer to handle getting the right permits; failure to do so could end up costing you both time and money. 

Water

Once the pool is finished, you can’t dive in without water. The cost to fill a pool is typically around $60 to $1,250. Keep in mind that water is cycled in and out of the pool constantly, so a higher water bill is to be expected.

When considering salt water pool costs, remember that you’ll need to pay for the salt to be added. An average 20,000-gallon pool requires about 11 bags of salt, which comes out to around $60.

Inground Pool Cost by Material 

The material you choose for your inground pool can impact your final price dramatically. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s all up to your preferences.

Concrete

Concrete pools cost around $50,000 on average but tend to have the longest lifespan. They’re also a great option for those that want to tile their pool. These pools may last upwards of 75 years, but also have the highest maintenance cost to ensure the concrete doesn’t crack.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools will cost around $40,000, typically. With a lifespan of around 25 years, these pools are still easy to maintain and offer a happy middle ground between affordability and durability.

Vinyl

Vinyl-lined pools cost around $30,000 on average and are easier to clean and maintain compared to concrete options. They’ll only last around 10 years or so before the vinyl liner needs replacing, so plan accordingly.

Custom

Custom-built pools have only the limitations of local codes and imagination. Since custom-built pools are individualized, there are no clear terms on pricing. You should expect to pay a minimum of $80,000, but this will change based on size, style, and add-ons.

Gunite

Gunite pools are a highly durable inground option made of a steel rebar structure that's sprayed with a dry concrete mixture. The material, which is applied via a high-pressure nozzle, requires a little more maintenance than other pools. Gunite pools cost $100,000 on average, but last about 100 years.

Inground Pool Installation Cost by Style

Photo: Andrea Rugg / Corbis / Getty Images

Your pool isn’t limited to one set of stairs and a rectangular shape. Here are some other styles to consider.

Beach Entry

Imagine the ocean breeze as you slowly walk down deeper into the water. But instead of having to travel hours to the beach, you simply open up your patio door and enter your pool this way.

Beach entry pools use a slope rather than stairs to enter the pool. These don’t typically cost more, as this is technically an easier feat to accomplish than stairs. So pools with this feature will stay in the $55,000 range.

Lagoon Style

A lagoon-style pool is designed to look like something you might find in nature, compared to a standard rectangular pool shape. Most lagoon-style pools are custom-built and may include items like a waterfall and diving area. Since these are often custom, expect to pay around $100,000 or more.

Infinity Pool

An infinity pool gives the appearance that your pool doesn’t have an end in sight. Instead, it fades off into the horizon as if you were looking off the coast. An infinity pool costs around $80,000, with a typical range of $55,000 to $130,000.

Lap Pools

With lap pools, you’re looking for ways to stay cool and in shape. These pools are set up to resemble Olympic-style pools that you can do laps in. Lap pools cost about $44,000 on average.

Spool Pools

Spool pools are small inground pools (they’re typically around 300 square feet) that have spa features such as jets and heating systems. Spool pools cost about $22,650 on average, but large luxury options can cost upwards of $50,000.

Inground Pool and Hot Tub

An inground pool with a hot tub costs about $44,000 to $90,000 on average. The inground pool costs around $39,000 to $70,000. Adding a hot tub costs about $5,000 to $8,000, while a built-in hot tub may cost around $15,000 to $20,000.

How Much Do Pool Extras Cost?

This is your inground pool, so why not add on some items to give you the ultimate backyard relaxation zone? You can upgrade with a diving board, waterfall, or even a water heater to use the pool for more months of the year. Prices for these features are:

Pool Lighting

Want to use your pool at night? Consider adding pool lighting, which costs around $200 per light.

Diving Board

You can’t get a perfect cannonball without a diving board, which costs anywhere from $300 to $5,000 to install (plus the cost of labor).

Slide

Pool slides are fun for kids of all ages, but to be safe, you can only install them if your pool has a depth of at least 36 inches. Most pool slides cost between $1,500 and $5,000, although very high-end models can cost more than $20,000.

Pool Heater

Pool heaters cost between $500 and $7,500, and allow you to keep using your pool once temperatures outside start to dip. Even in the summer, some people find heated pools more comfortable. The cost to install a pool heater depends on the type you choose.

If you’re installing heating, expect to spend an additional $500 to $2,000 on labor.

Fencing

Many local municipalities require homeowners to fence in their pool as a safety precaution. Even if it isn’t required, it’s still a smart addition for families with children and pets. Generally, the cost of a pool fence is anywhere from $15 to $25 per linear foot. Most homeowners end up spending between $1,500 and $10,000.

Pool Covers

Most people prefer to cover their pool when it’s not in use—especially as the seasons change. Pool covers reduce evaporation and keep out debris like falling leaves. Some also retain heat and act as a safety guard that prevents children and pets from accidentally falling into the water. The cost of a pool cover depends on the type you choose:

• Winter Pool Covers: $75–$225

• Solar Pool Covers: $75–$300

• Solid Vinyl Pool Covers: $1,200–$1,300

• Mesh Pool Covers: $1,500–$3,000

• Automatic Pool Covers: $12,000–$22,000

Waterfall

Waterfalls add a relaxing natural element to your pool—even if your contractor makes it out of artificial boulders. It’s no surprise that they’re one of the most popular water features for inground pools. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 for this extra.

Salt Water Filtration System

All inground pools need filters, but salt water pools require a special filtration system. Expect to spend around $2,000, in addition to increased maintenance costs, since salt erodes equipment over time. 

Landscaping

You can complete your oasis by adding plants and stones. Adding these landscaping options will truly make it feel as if you see a mirage off in the distance, but it’s really your backyard and it won’t disappear as you get closer.

Common landscaping options include:

• Stones: $700

• Grotto plants: $3,300

• Sodding: $1–$2 per square foot

Decking

Decking is a common pool addition, especially for homeowners building above ground pools. Pool decks cost anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, with the average homeowner spending $5,000. To save money, choose a simple wood deck.

Additional Costs to Consider

Swimming pools come with a few other long-term costs that kick in after your build. Not only will you have to regularly refill and treat your pool, but it can also increase your tax bill. Here’s what to expect.

Taxes

It depends on your state, but installing a pool can increase your property taxes. At the same time, if you install a pool for medical reasons, you could get a tax deduction of up to $12,000. The overall savings depend on your particular tax bracket.

Insurance 

Installing a pool can increase the cost of your homeowners insurance. Adding liability insurance for a home with a pool adds about $50 a year to the costs of homeowners insurance. Ultimately, the cost increase will depend on your home’s value, your particular policy and insurance provider, and your location.

Electrician Cost 

Hiring a local electrician to install the pool’s electrical systems will cost about $50 to $150 per hour, or around $2,250 total on average. An electrician will need to ground and bond the pool, install filters, pumps, and heaters, and add a dedicated circuit. You’ll also need to consider the ongoing pool maintenance costs, which are about $300 per year for the electricity to run a pool.

Maintenance 

The typical pool will rack up $3,000 to $5,000 in yearly maintenance costs. This includes normal maintenance, as well as repairs, water, and electricity costs to run your pool.

How Much Does It Cost to Install An Inground Pool Yourself?

Installing an inground pool is not a project you’ll want to do yourself. One wrong move, and you could end up with a flooded backyard and thousands of wasted dollars. Leave this project to the professionals; you can sit back and pretend the tub is a pool while you wait for them to finish.

DIY Inground Pool Costs vs. Hiring a Pro 

Hiring an inground pool installation company near you will cost about $19,000 in labor fees, or 33% of the project total. If you have a background in pool installations and want to DIY, you’ll spend about $36,000 on materials and other pool costs, like water to fill the pool and permits to begin construction. But by going the DIY route, you’ll also need to factor in the costs to rent heavy machinery to install an inground pool, making this project best left to the pros.

How to Save on Inground Pool Installation Costs 

While you should invest the extra money to hire professionals for inground pool installation, you can save money throughout the project by following a few simple cost-saving tips.

Keep the Design Minimal

If you’re looking to save money, you can minimize costs by skipping extras, like waterfalls, colorful lighting, or custom-designed pool tiles. Instead, you can choose from premade design options, which will still result in an attractive swimming pool. You can also add some extras, like slides or diving boards, later on.

Consider Long-Term Costs

Some swimming pool materials may seem like a great deal upfront, when they could end up being more expensive than other types in the long term. For example, pools with vinyl pool liners are one of the least expensive options when you look at the initial cost, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of repairing and replacing liners every few years.

Opt for Smaller and Shallower Pools

Unless you’re looking to build a pool to improve your diving skills or practice swimming long laps, you may not need a huge swimming pool. Save money on excavation, pool materials, and even pool water by installing a smaller, shallower pool. Plus, you’ll spend less on ongoing electricity and upkeep costs for a smaller pool.

DIY Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks

You can hire a local pool maintenance professional or pool cleaner for around $80 to $200 per week during swimming season. But if you have a few hours of spare time per week, you could save about $1,000 a year in maintenance and cleaning costs for an inground pool if you DIY.

Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.