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

Pools are common in Houston homes, which is no surprise considering its humid, subtropical weather. Building an in-ground pool costs $75,337 for most homeowners, but prices range from $51,832 to $100,605. If you’re dreaming of going swimming whenever you want, creating a budget can help get you there. From the big picture, like the size of your pool, to the smaller details, like permits, find out how much you’ll spend on your pool installation.

Houston In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

If you’re eager to start the pool-building process in Houston, start with the three main cost factors: size, materials, and design.

Size

The best place to start is by looking at in-ground pool costs by size, which average $50 to $120 per square foot nationally. In Houston, costs are slightly above the national average, so expect them to be on the higher side.

Your pool size is limited to your yard size. In Houston, the median lot size is 7,020 square feet, with homes being 1,830 square feet. This means that for most homeowners, there’s plenty of space to install a large pool.

Pool Materials

In Houston, where temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s during the summer months, pool owners must perform proper maintenance to avoid algae growth. To combat the issue before it starts, opt for a fiberglass pool, which is nonporous and the most resistant to algae.

With that being said, it’s possible to install all three pool types in Houston without issue, as long as you stay on top of regular maintenance tasks.

In-Ground Pool Design

In addition to size and materials, the design of your pool will have a big impact on costs. In Houston, infinity pools make a splash with their chic appearances. If you have a specific vision in mind, a custom pool is the way to go.

In-Ground Pool Installation Pro Costs

Here are additional pro costs to keep in mind when planning your in-ground pool in Houston.

Labor 

Labor accounts for a large portion of the total costs, ranging between 25% and 50%. To get a better idea of the necessary budget, hire an in-ground pool company near you. Your pool builder will help you navigate all the steps, from design to construction. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Building a pool is a complex process with multiple moving parts. Your pool contractor will hire subcontractors for different aspects of the job, including: 

• Excavation crew: $120-$150 per hour

• Electrician: $60-$120 per hour

• Plumber: $45-$200 per hour 

• Landscaper: $50-$100 per hour

• Fence Installer: $1,600 

Permits 

In Houston, you’ll need to get a Swimming Pool Permit before beginning construction. This multi-tiered process starts with an application and plan review and wraps up with inspections. Your builder will submit a complete set of plans along with drawings of structural, architectural, electrical, and plumbing systems. 

Site Prep 

Prepping your yard for an in-ground pool may require the following:

• Deciding on the pool’s layout, design, and size with the pool company

• Temporarily moving fences and landscaping features to make room for construction equipment

• Rerouting underground utilities so they’re not in the pool area

• Notifying your insurance company and homeowners association about the pool installation

A local excavator will understand the region’s soil composition and how to handle Houston’s sandy, highly plastic, and expansive clay soils. They’ll likely need to remove expansive soil and replace it with select structural fill—in other words, soil that won’t expand or shift over time. In some cases, a vertical moisture barrier is installed to prevent the soil surrounding the pool from expanding and contracting.

Add-Ons

Popular add-ons for pools in Houston are luxury amenities, like tanning ledges, LED lights, and smart pool technology. Integrated hot tubs built seamlessly next to a pool are also highly sought after. Here are some options to consider:

• Pool heater cost: $1,800–$4,200

• Diving board: $300–$5,000

• Hot tub: $2,000–$11,000

• Tanning ledge: $5,000–$10,000

• Pool cover cost: $900–$2,800

• Lighting: $500–$900 per light

• Pool deck: $300–$20,000

Maintenance 

Maintenance costs for in-ground pools in Houston range between $30 and $260 per month. 

This covers everything from cleaning and water balancing to filter cleanings. Your pool maintenance pro can also open and close your pool, which is essential for winterizing your pool before temperatures in Denver dip to freezing. 

Does an In-Ground Pool Increase Home Value in Houston?

Houston is a warm-weather metro area with a high percentage of residential properties with pools. Homebuyers with families looking at high-end neighborhoods are likely to gravitate toward properties with visually appealing pools. 

The return on investment (ROI) on an in-ground pool installation depends on the neighborhood and the pool's condition. If you live in a neighborhood where most homes have a pool, it could negatively affect your home value if you don’t have one. 

Taking good care of your pool and keeping it in good shape will attract homebuyers who prefer not to spend money on fixing up a pool. If your pool is in poor condition, your ROI will be on the low end. If you’re planning to build a new in-ground pool in the area, plan ahead for maintenance needs and budget accordingly.

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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