In-ground pools cost $54,000 to $100,000 in Indianapolis, with an average cost of $72,400. A local contractor can help you design a pool that works for your budget and space.
Pools in Indiana are on par with average in-ground pool costs in the United States.
Fiberglass pools are generally preferred, as cold winters can wear down concrete.
You’ll need to fence in your pool or install an automatic pool cover for safety.
Pool contractors may not hold a pool-specific license, but will need one for plumbing and electrical work.
The average in-ground pool in Indianapolis costs $72,400, and most homeowners spend somewhere between $54,000 and $100,000. The total cost depends on your pool’s design (things like material, size, and shape all make a difference) as well as added features.
With average summer lows in the high 60s, Indianapolis doesn’t have the warmest weather. Nonetheless, in-ground pools are a really popular amenity among homeowners. You’ll find more pools in Indiana than in warmer southern states, such as Louisiana, Nevada, and New Mexico. If you want to build a pool, let’s take a plunge into potential costs.
A local pool contractor will help you budget out different pool options for your property, but you can consider the design beforehand. Certain things like pool shape, size, and materials will impact the budget, along with added features and the labor costs.
Indiana has some of the largest property sizes in the United States. This means that pools are generally a little bit larger, but you’ll find smaller lots and smaller pools closer to the city center of Indianapolis. In-ground pools in Indianapolis cost $50 to $125 per square foot. Here are some average prices for basic models in different pool sizes.
Sizes | Average Cost |
---|---|
10x20 | $10,000–$25,000 |
12x24 | $14,400–$36,000 |
16x32 | $25,600–$64,000 |
20x40 | $40,000–$100,000 |
Fiberglass and vinyl-lined pools are generally favored in Indiana because they’re low maintenance and relatively affordable. They also offer good protection against Indiana’s winter freeze-thaw cycles, whereas concrete has the tendency to crack as moisture sinks into the porous surface and freezes.
That said, maintained concrete (or gunite) pools work well with Indiana’s soil conditions and are the most durable. They can also be fully customized, which can substantially raise the price, depending on the design.
Material | Average Cost |
---|---|
Vinyl | $50,000–$90,000 |
Fiberglass | $70,000–$135,000 |
Gunite/Concrete | $80,000–$160,000 |
In Indiana, many homeowners have the space for larger pools, but property sizes are smaller in the most populated areas of Indianapolis. Space-saving options like spools or plunge pools are common and tend to be more affordable than other pools because of their smaller size.
Certain luxury pools will increase your costs. For example, a vanishing edge (also known as an infinity pool) costs about $20,000 more than a standard pool. Any designs that require added labor, like beach entry or freeform pools, will cost more.
When you install an in-ground pool, you’ll need to first prepare the land. Though Indianapolis primarily has loamy soil, you can find sandy or clay soil in certain areas. Sandy soil costs less to excavate, while clay soil is difficult to excavate and costs more. Here are some average costs:
Pool excavation costs: $1,700–$3,200
Land grading costs: $1,000–$4,300
Tree removal costs: $200–$2,000
In Indianapolis, you’ll need to fence in your pool for safety, but some counties allow you to use an automatic pool cover instead of a fence. Because automatic pool covers are so popular and accessible, they are more affordable than in other areas.
Other upgrades, like heating systems, winter safety covers (for pools without an automatic cover), and hot tubs, are popular to combat cold temperatures. Every upgrade comes with an extra cost.
Feature | Price Range |
---|---|
Heating system | $1,500–$6,000 |
Automatic pool cover | $6,000–$8,500 |
Automatic pool cleaner | $1,500–$3,000 |
Winter safety cover | $1,500–$2,500 |
Lighting | $300–$1,700 |
Water Features | $1,000–$25,000 |
Hot tub | $2,500–$15,000 |
Decking | $3,000–$12,000 |
Fencing | $2,000–$7,000 |
Slides | $4,500–$12,000 |
Decorative tiling | $4,500–$8,000 |
You’ll need to hire a professional to install an in-ground pool in Indianapolis. This comes with a few costs.
Most swimming pool contractors in Indianapolis charge $50 to $100 per hour for their labor. There is no pool-specific, state-level license, but contractors must carry a plumbing or electrical license to perform plumbing or electrical work. Local jurisdictions outside the city of Indianapolis (like Beech Grove, Lawrence, and Speedway) have their own contractor licensing regulations.
You will need a permit to build an in-ground pool in Indianapolis. This costs around $750, plus an additional $150 if you’re doing any plumbing work. Permits are only granted if pools meet the setback requirements (i.e., they’re the right distance from certain elements like septic tanks, property lines, and gas or electric meters).
If your contractor doesn’t hold an electrical or plumbing license, you may need to hire additional contractors for that type of work. Some additional contractor expenses include:
Electricians cost: $55–$75 per hour
Plumbers cost: $50–$85 per hour
Landscapers cost: $35–$65 per hour
Pool maintenance cost: $30–$150 per month
On average, you can expect your home’s value to rise around 7% if you install an in-ground pool. An in-ground pool’s return on investment (ROI) in Indiana usually caps out at around 56% but a lot of different factors come into play.
If you have small property, a pool may actually decrease value because it takes up space that won’t be usable during Indiana’s cold winters. If your home is more affordable, the increased cost of maintenance may turn off some potential buyers. Pools see the most value in the luxury market.
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