How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in Charlotte? [2025 Data]

Inground pools in Charlotte cost $80,746 on average. Most homeowners spend somewhere between $66,229 and $103,181. Your actual cost depends on the type of pool, its size, and any additional features.

North Carolina boasts scenic mountains, lush forests, and warm summer weather. In other words: it’s a great place to spend a lot of time outside. An inground pool can give you more of a reason. This guide will help you understand the costs.

Inground Pool Cost Factors

A local inground pool company can help you design a pool with your budget in mind. That said, certain things are always going to increase the price, such as choosing a luxury material, building a larger pool, and adding high-end features. Here are a few things to consider.

Pool Size and Shape

An inground pool in Charlotte costs $50 to $125 per square foot for a fairly standard base model, so the bigger your pool, the more you’ll pay. This is partially because it takes more materials, but it also takes more labor and excavation.

The most common pool sizes for residential North Carolina properties are between 10 and 20 feet wide and 20 to 40 feet in length, with a maximum depth of five to eight feet. Certain pool shapes, such as freeform pools with numerous curves, tend to be more expensive than standard rectangular shapes.

Materials

There are three major types of swimming pools, each with a distinct price point. In Charlotte, fiberglass pools are highly popular because they’re very durable, relatively budget-friendly, and fight off algae in the hot and humid summers. 

At the same time, North Carolina doesn’t have extreme cold in the winter, which tends to wear down vinyl and concrete more quickly. Vinyl is a great choice for affordability, while concrete has supreme durability and is fully customizable.

Style of Inground Pool

The style of inground pool can impact the price. Smaller properties closer to the city center may want to consider installing smaller plunge pools or spools to maximize their space. These are more affordable than standard-sized pools. 

On the other hand, certain luxury pools will cost more. Natural pools, which work well in wooded areas and can blend into the nature of North Carolina’s mountains, will be on the high end of the price spectrum, often exceeding $100,000. An infinity pool will cost around $20,000 more than a standard pool, since the edge requires more labor and materials.

Site Prep

You’ll need to prep the site before you can install your inground pool. This includes tasks such as leveling the land, removing large stones and trees, and excavating for the pool. If you live in an inaccessible, rocky, or wooded area of North Carolina, your costs will be on the higher side. Excavation is typically higher here than in other areas of the United States because Charlotte has a lot of clay soil, which is harder to excavate. Costs include:

• Excavation costs: $3,900–$6,900

• Land grading costs: $1,000–$3,350

• Tree removal costs: $200–$2,000+

Added Features

There are some additional features you’ll want or need for an inground pool. In North Carolina, you’re required to have a fence around inground pools for safety. You may also want to add a heating system, which can help extend the swim season from April to October (versus the more traditional May to September). Here are some upgrades to consider.

Inground Pool Pro Costs

Labor makes up 25% to 50% of the cost of installing an inground pool. Permitting and the need for additional pros may also drive up your costs.

Labor

Most swimming pool builders in Charlotte charge $50 to $150 per hour for their labor, but you may want to hire a general contractor to manage the installation. They usually charge a 10% to 20% fee on top of the pool's cost. Your installer will need a license with a Swimming Pool Classification if your pool costs more than $40,000.

Permits

Most homeowners in Charlotte spend between $600 and $1,000 on permits to build their pools. All pools deeper than 24 inches require a building permit, but many also require an electrical permit and plumbing permit. Homes in flood zones will require special approval before construction of a pool.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

You may need to hire other contractors to finish your pool construction. This includes a licensed contractor or plumber, as well as a landscaper (since inground pools do significantly change your landscaping). Here are some labor costs:

• Electricians cost: $65–$85 per hour

• Plumbers cost: $60–$90 per hour

• Landscapers cost: $25–$125 per hour

• Pool maintenance cost: $50–$300 per month

Does an Inground Pool Increase Home Value?

In Charlotte, pools add around $35,000 in value to your home. To get a good ROI for your pool, you’ll need to keep track of your budget and keep your neighborhood in mind. Inground pools tend to add the most value in luxury properties and upscale areas, but they must be well-maintained. If you have a more affordable property, it can deter buyers who don’t want the added expense of maintenance. 

Take a look at similar homes in your area before you start construction. If many have a pool, your pool will add more value. If most don’t have a pool, your pool will add less value—but monetary value isn’t always the end-all, be-all. If you enjoy swimming, there may be enough personal value in having one.

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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