How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install an in-ground pool is $65,909, based on 1,467 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $44,499 and $87,349, with the spread driven by pool size, material type, and site conditions. Costs can range from $14,000 on the low end to $135,000 for larger or more complex installations.

In-Ground Pool Cost by Material: Which Option Fits Your Budget?

Material choice is one of the biggest drivers of in-ground pool costs, with vinyl starting at $40,000 for installation and concrete pools reaching up to $120,000. Fiberglass pools fall between those two extremes and carry the lowest annual maintenance costs of the three options. Here’s how installation and maintenance costs break down by in-ground pool material:

In-Ground Pool Cost by Size: Square Foot Pricing

In-ground pool installation runs $90 to $250 per square foot on average, and choosing a custom size rather than a standard one will push costs toward the higher end of that range. The table below breaks down average in-ground pool costs based on size:

In-Ground Pool Cost by Style: What to Expect

In-ground pool style directly impacts average price, with options ranging from a lap pool at $44,000 to a lagoon pool at $100,000 or more. More elaborate styles require additional materials, specialized features, and greater labor, all of which drive costs higher. See how in-ground pool style affects your total cost in the breakdown below:

In-Ground Pool Pro Costs: What Do Pros Charge?

Labor accounts for 25% to 50% of your total in-ground pool installation cost, so understanding who you need to hire matters.

• Local in-ground pool contractor: $55–$150 per hour

• Electrician: $50–$150 per hour

• Landscaper: $50–$100 per hour

• Fence installer: $35–$65 per hour

In-Ground Pool Costs by State: Where Does It Cost the Most?

Where you live has a meaningful effect on in-ground pool installation costs, with high-cost-of-living states like New Jersey reaching up to $137,000 and California reaching up to $140,000. Lower-cost states such as West Virginia top out at around $54,000, reflecting differences in local labor and material costs. The table below breaks down in-ground pool installation costs by state:

Additional In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

Beyond the pool itself, a range of additional expenses can affect your total project budget, from site preparation and heating systems to pool covers and insurance. Here is how those additional costs typically break down.

• Pool excavation: $500–$3,020

• Relocating underground plumbing: $500–$5,000 +

• Leveling your yard: $1,000–$3,300

• Demolishing an existing patio or backyard structure: $300–$2,500 +

• Removing trees: $200–$2,000

• Permits: $450–$1,800

• Filling a pool with water: $90–$270

• Saltwater pool costs: $60 for 11 bags of salt, which is required for the average 20,000-gallon pool

• Saltwater filtration system: $500–$3,300

• Pool cover cost: $870–$2,800

• Pool heater: $1,830–$4,210

• Pool pump installation cost: $700–$4,000

• Pool filter installation: $250–$2,000

• In-floor pool cleaner: $125–$4,000

• Pool lighting: $200 per light

• Diving board: $300–$5,000

• Slide: $1,500–$20,000

• Pool fence costs: $1,500–$10,000

• Waterfall: $4,000–$20,000

• Landscaping: $700–$3,300

• Pool decking costs: $3,000–$12,000

• Liability insurance: $50 per year, on average

• Maintenance: $3,000–$5,000 (including normal maintenance, repairs, water, and electricity costs to run your pool)

DIY In-Ground Pool Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

If you hire an in-ground pool company near you for this installation, you'll spend around 25% to 50% of the total project cost on labor. This may seem like a hefty price tag, but it could save you money if a DIY excavation or installation goes wrong—especially if it causes flooding or damage to utility lines.

Here's why it's ideal to hire an in-ground pool installation pro

• Professionals understand how to prevent flooding, cracking, and ground settlement.

• They ensure compliance with building codes and local zoning laws.

• Pros bring the specialized equipment and skills needed for safe excavation.

• DIY mistakes can result in leaks, bulges, or pool failure—potentially costing thousands to fix.

• Pool pros are trained to handle plumbing, filtration, and electrical systems safely.

• Reputable installers offer warranties and carry insurance.

• Experts can complete the job safely, quickly, and efficiently.

• A professionally installed pool often adds greater resale value and passes home inspections more easily.

If you want to DIY an in-ground pool installation

If you want to participate in the process, focus on smaller tasks instead, such as the following:

• Removing trees and shrubs

• Clearing debris, old landscaping, or smaller structures

• Painting or staining fences or future decking

• Assisting with minor landscaping

• Installing furniture or accessories

How to Save on In-Ground Pool Installation Costs

While you should invest the extra money to hire professionals for in-ground pool installation, you can save money throughout the project with simple cost-saving tips.

1. Consider minimizing costs by skipping extras, such as waterfalls ($1,500 to $5,000), colorful lighting ($200 per light), or slides ($1,500 to $20,000).

2. It's essential to consider both short-term and long-term expenses when determining the best value. For example, vinyl is the most cost-friendly pool material to install, but it will set you back $1,100 to $1,700 per year in maintenance. In contrast, fiberglass costs $500 to $1,500 per year in maintenance, although the installation is more expensive.

3. When considering style, you might forgo a lagoon pool (which costs $100,000+) or an infinity pool (which runs around $80,000). The average rectangular pool costs $65,909.

4. You might be tempted to install a large pool, but reducing the size will save you $90 to $250 per square foot.

5. If you have spare time, you can save at least $1,000 per year in maintenance and cleaning costs for an in-ground pool by tackling some DIY tasks.

Does Installing an In-Ground Pool Increase Home Value?

The ROI for a pool is between 5% and 56%, though in-ground pools yield a higher return than aboveground pools. The ROI is lower than that for other home projects, such as kitchen remodels or upgraded landscaping, because pool maintenance requires work. Not all potential buyers want the responsibility and ongoing cost.