How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost in Columbus, Ohio? [2026 Data]

If you want to enjoy warm Ohio summers, it’s time to dive into a brand new pool installation. The average in-ground pool in Columbus costs $74,750, but most homeowners spend somewhere between $58,500 and $91,000. Different factors, like your pool’s overall design, added features, and the work required to prep your yard, will all impact the price. Here’s how it breaks down.

In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

A local pool contractor can help narrow down your options when it comes to price, but it’s a good idea to keep the biggest budget factors in mind.

Pool Size 

Most pools in Columbus are $50 to $125 per square foot. Larger property sizes further away from the city can handle larger pools, but most measure 10 to 20 feet by 20 to 40 feet. The bigger your pool, the higher the cost because it takes more labor and materials to install. 

Here are some common pool sizes in Ohio and their prices.

Materials

Fiberglass pools are the most common type of pool in Columbus because they can withstand the freeze-thaw cycle of winters. Concrete is prone to cracking unless carefully winterized, and vinyl lacks overall durability. That said, you can still choose a vinyl pool if you want to tighten up your budget or go for a concrete pool if you want a custom build.

Style of In-Ground Pool

The style of your in-ground pool will also impact the price. Different pool shapes, like a figure eight or a freeform custom pool, will cost more. An infinity edge will add about 20% to the cost of your pool. Other smaller styles, like spools and plunge pools, will cost less than the typical pool and are ideal for smaller properties near the city center.

Site Prep

Columbus has a high prevalence of clay soil, which can be problematic when it comes to pool installation. It will cost more to excavate than other areas, and you may need to add supports to keep the soil in place. Other jobs include leveling the land and removing rocks and trees. Costs include:

• Pool excavation costs: $3,700–$6,500

• Land grading costs: $1,800–$5,000

• Tree removal costs: $200–$2,000

Added Features

Since Columbus has cold winters, you’ll want to install a heating system in your pool. This will help extend the swim season earlier into spring and deeper into fall. You’ll also need to install a fence around your pool, as it’s required by law, and it can’t be considered climbable. If you choose a chain link option, the mesh has to be smaller than 1-1/4 inches by 1-1/4 inches.

Utilities

In Columbus and the nearby area, it will cost anywhere from $19 to $660 to fill up your pool after the installation. The price is determined by the exact location and the size of your pool. From there, your pool will cost $30 to $120 per month to run, but it could cost more than $300 if you’re heating a large pool.

In-Ground Pool Pro Costs

Labor is 25% to 50% of the cost to install an in-ground pool. The complexity of the job will determine labor costs, but here’s what you can expect.

Labor

Most swimming pool contractors in Columbus charge $35 to $75 per hour for their labor, but you may find some pros that charge upwards of $100 per hour for specialty jobs like installing gunite pools or custom builds. If you choose to hire a general contractor, their fee is 10% to 20% of the cost of the pool.

Permits

You'll need a building permit, which costs $300, before you can install an in0-ground pool in Columbus. The only exception is if your pool is shallower than 24 inches.You may also need electrical and plumbing permits, along with inspections to make sure your pool is up to building code. These come at an additional cost between $125 and $300.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

You may need to hire an additional contractor to finish your job. For example, if you’re installing a pool heater, you may want to hire an electrician. If you want to spruce up your landscaping around the pool, you may want to hire a landscaper. Here are some potential contractor costs:

• 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

Does an In-Ground Pool Increase Home Value?

An in-ground pool’s return on investment (ROI) can be as high as 56%, but most homeowners see a 7% increase in their property value. In Columbus, where it’s cold during the winters, pools don’t offer the same value as in warmer and sunnier places like California or Florida. That said, you’ll get more value if you have a well-maintained pool and live in an upscale neighborhood where pools are an expected amenity. In more price-sensitive areas, the potential long-term costs of a pool can deter buyers.

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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