How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

Pools are a rarity in this city, but if you choose to install a pool, you can expect in-ground pool costs in San Francisco to fall between $75,200 and $140,000, with an average cost of $104,000. The total will depend on the size, features, and pool type, and you can use these factors to estimate how much a pool would cost. 

In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

The cost to build an in-ground pool in San Francisco depends on a variety of factors, including its size, pool type, and any additional features you choose to include. Using these factors to get an estimate can help you plan the pool design and stay within your budget. San Francisco’s cost of living is 65% higher than the national average, so keep that in mind as you’re sourcing cost estimates. 

Pool Type and Materials

The type of pool you choose to install will have a large impact on the overall project cost. Pool materials fall into three categories: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so weigh the options carefully before making your final decision.

• Vinyl: The most affordable of the three, vinyl pools are relatively customizable when it comes to the shape. You’ll have to replace the liner around every 10 years to keep the pool in good condition. But if properly maintained, the vinyl pool itself can last much longer.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools are prefabricated, which limits the flexibility in terms of shape. But they’re easy to install and relatively affordable. They’re prone to forming spider cracks over time, and while you can patch some on your own, you may need to get a pool contractor to help with repairs.

• Concrete: For a highly customizable pool, concrete offers the most flexibility in terms of shape and finish. You can choose from tile, polished stone, or plaster, and the shape options are nearly unlimited. It’s the most expensive pool type, and maintenance includes resurfacing every 10 years. 

Size

Pool cost per square foot ranges from $90 to $150, and you can use this range to get an estimate for your pool based on its size. While this is a good place to start, the in-ground pool shape as well as additional features will also impact the final cost. The pool size will be dictated by the amount of yard space you have available, as well as how much room you have in your budget.

Additional Costs

One thing to consider is the cost of site prep in San Francisco. The city’s hilly terrain can make prepping a site challenging and may increase the cost. Factoring in the price of other features—like lighting, a pool cover, landscaping, and yearly maintenance—can help you get a good idea of the total cost. 

• Pool lighting: $200 per light

• Solar pool cover: $75–$300

• Hot tub: $5,000–$20,000

• Slide: $1,500–$20,000

• Landscaping: $700–$3,300

• Pool fence cost: $1,500–$10,000

• Site prep cost: $500–$3,020

• Yearly pool maintenance cost: $120–$5,000

Climate

San Francisco has a unique climate and is classified as a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and moist winters. The city is unique because of its location on the Pacific Ocean, as well as the San Francisco Bay, and the ocean currents, prevailing winds, and hills and valleys create a number of microclimates, or small areas with climates that differ from the area’s general climate.

The city’s warmest months are typically September and October, but the summer months are warm and don’t get a lot of rainfall. During the late fall to early spring seasons, it’s rainy, and there’s often fog throughout the summer. These factors make pools less popular here than they are in other areas of California. 

In-Ground Pool Pro Costs

Beyond purchasing materials and choosing additional features, in-ground pool costs in San Francisco include permit and inspection costs, adherence to building code requirements, labor costs, and a likelihood of increased property taxes long term.

Building Code Requirements

Building code requirements in San Francisco include following fencing requirements and safety quotes. You may also have to navigate water usage restrictions for areas prone to drought. Your local in-ground pool contractor will ensure you’re meeting all building code requirements. 

Permits and Inspections

To build a pool, you’ll need to know your permitting zone and project details to get a permit. You may also need permits for electrical work, site preparation, mechanical work, and more. Your swimming pool contractor in San Francisco, California, can help you navigate the permitting process and make sure you’re meeting all the required permitting and inspection requirements. 

Labor

The process to install an in-pool requires heavy equipment, knowledge of local building codes, and—in San Francisco especially—an understanding of the local climate and terrain. Labor costs to build an in-ground pool typically make up between 25% and 50% of the total cost, or cost between $55 and $150 per hour. Because San Francisco presents challenges like a hilly terrain and dense urban environment , labor costs to contend with these factors may fall toward the higher end of the range. 

Property Taxes

San Francisco’s secured property tax rate is 1.171436593%, which equates to $1.17 per $100 of the assessed property value. Installing an in-ground pool will likely raise your home’s value, so it’s important to understand how the increased value will affect your property taxes so you can budget accordingly.

Does an In-Ground Pool Increase Home Value?

In general, pools can offer a return on investment between 5% and 56% and often increase the home’s value. In San Francisco, the amount of home value increase will be based, in part, on the pool’s condition. Keep in mind that increasing home values will lead to increased property taxes. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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