Pool construction and installation costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
A combination of factors impact the cost of this significant investment, including pool size and shape, materials, and added features.
Adding a hot tub to your in-ground pool allows you to take a dip during the winter.
A heating system adds a significant cost, and you’ll need an electrician to install it, but it helps keep your pool functioning in Boston.
Pools add less value to a home in Boston than in sunnier areas like Los Angeles.
Massachusetts doesn’t have a ton of in-ground pools compared to sunnier areas, but this is still a luxury upgrade that can make your backyard an oasis in the summer. Installing an in-ground pool costs $59,545 in Boston, on average. Most homeowners spend between $42,333 and $80,200, but costs could soar up to $111,000 for certain installations, such as a concrete pool. Let’s dive into potential project costs.
The cost of an in-ground pool in Boston depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and material of the pool, as well as added features or upgrades you might want to install.
The size of your pool will impact the price. In-ground swimming pool installation in Boston costs $90 to $200 per square foot. Most pools are between 10-by-20 feet and 20-by-40 feet. A larger property could accommodate a larger pool, but building it will cost more.
Shape also matters, with in-ground pool shapes like figure eights or kidney-shaped pools costing more. Standard shapes, like rectangles or ovals, are more affordable.
| Pool Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10x20 | $18,000–$40,000 |
| 12x24 | $25,920–$57,000 |
| 16x32 | $46,080–$102,400 |
| 20x40 | $72,000–$160,000 |
Pool materials have one of the largest impacts on price. Vinyl pools are the most affordable, but they’re not the most durable. They may struggle to hold up to Boston’s harsh winters, and you’ll find yourself replacing your liner sooner rather than later. Concrete is the most durable, but it needs proper winterization to protect it from ice freezing in crevices and cracking the surface. Fiberglass is a good middle ground.
| Pool Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $50,000–$80,000 |
| Fiberglass | $65,000–$100,000 |
| Concrete | $75,000–$150,000 |
Most in-ground pools in Boston are fairly standard. You most likely won’t find beach-entry or lagoon-style pools, which are more common in areas with warm or tropical weather. Instead, to combat colder weather, you may opt for a spool pool (a combination of a spa and pool) or a pool with a built-in hot tub. The prices differ depending on the style.
| Pool Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Spool pool | $15,000–$50,000 |
| Lap pool | $40,000–$80,000 |
| Infinity | $50,000–$150,000 |
| In-ground pool with hot tub | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Lagoon style | $100,000–$150,000 |
In-ground pools require significant site prep, and you’ll need to get this part done when there’s good weather before the ground freezes. For most homeowners, pool excavation costs $500 to $3,100, but you may also need to level your yard or put up retaining walls to support your pool.
Pools come with a variety of potential features you can choose to add. Some bells and whistles—like fencing and lighting—are recommended (or required) for safety. To combat the city’s colder climate, consider adding a heating system and hot tub.
| Pool Feature | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Heating system | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Automatic pool cover | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Lighting | $150–$300 per light |
| Waterfalls | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Hot tub | $5,000–$25,000 |
| Decking | $3,000–$12,000 |
| Fencing | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Saltwater generator | $2,000–$3,000 |
Heating: In Boston, pool heating systems cost $1,800–$4,200 on average. This is higher than other areas, but it’s a recommended addition since Massachusetts has a shorter swim season because of the cold.
Lighting: Pool lighting costs $200–$300 per light. Lights will make your pool safer after sunset.
Waterfalls: Waterfalls and other water features are a common addition for larger residential properties if you want an oasis feel. Budget $1,500–$5,000 for this add-on.
Automatic pool cover: Automatic pool covers cost $3,000–$7,000. They can help your pool retain heat as it gets colder, reducing your electric bills.
Hot tub: Installing a hot tub costs $5,000–$25,000. Hot tubs are great in cities like Boston with colder weather. If you want to use your hot tub during the winter, consider sectioning it off from the main pool.
Decking: A pool deck costs $3,000–$12,000. In Massachusetts, most in-ground pool installations come with a basic concrete deck, but you can upgrade to pavers or natural stone for an elevated look.
Fencing: A pool fence costs $1,500–$10,000 to install. In-ground pools require fencing in Massachusetts.
Saltwater generator: Saltwater generators cost $2,000–$3,000. Some homeowners prefer saltwater to traditional chlorine because it’s gentler on the skin.
Labor is a significant portion of the total cost of installing a pool in Boston. There are also other costs to consider, including permits and taxes.
On average, swimming pool builders in Boston, Massachusetts, charge $95 per hour for labor. You’ll find ranges between $55 and $150. Labor makes up anywhere from 25% to 50% of the total cost of your pool.
You may want or need to hire additional contractors when you install your pool. For example, if you’re installing lighting or a pool heater, you’ll need a licensed electrician. You may want to hire a landscaper to clean up the area and install the required fencing. Here are some standard prices:
Electrician cost: $50–$150 per hour
Plumber cost: $45–$200 per hour
Landscaper cost: $50–$100 per hour
Pool maintenance contractor cost: $50–$300 per month
Boston requires homeowners to obtain a building permit before they install a pool. This permit costs $100 to $1,0000, depending on the size of the pool and the extent of the work. Your local in-ground pool contractor will obtain the permit on your behalf.
A pool will raise your homeowners insurance (because of the potential for someone to get injured on your property) and property taxes (because it increases the value of your home). Since Boston already has relatively high property taxes, consider this potential ongoing cost.
In Boston, in-ground pools are a luxury, but they’re not a hot commodity. A report from RedFin found that homes in Boston with pools sell for about $15,000 less than similar homes without pools.
Nonetheless, there are some things you can do to optimize the value. If you're looking at an in-ground pool versus an aboveground pool, in-ground pools are always worth more. They’ll add the most value for luxury properties in high-end neighborhoods. You can also prioritize maintenance for your existing pool to keep it looking fresh for prospective homebuyers.
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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