How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost in Seattle?

Even though Seattle’s weather is rainy for much of the year, summers are often hot and humid, which can make an in-ground pool a good investment. Before you begin construction, it’s important to understand in-ground pool costs in Seattle. On average, homeowners pay $93,750 to install an in-ground pool, but the actual cost can range from $52,500 to $135,000. Here are some of the factors that ultimately determine the final cost to install a pool. 

In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

There are a number of factors to think about when you’re planning for this major project. In-ground pool costs in Seattle include the size, material, and additional features. Labor costs account for a substantial portion of the total, so make sure to include that in your planning.

Pool Type and Materials

The pool type you choose will dictate the materials needed. There are three main types of pools, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

• Vinyl: Vinyl pools offer a good balance of flexibility and affordability. While you’ll have to replace the liner around every 10 years, the initial purchase and installation falls on the lower end of the spectrum. 

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools are prefabricated into the shape of your choosing which makes installation relatively quick and easy. They don’t offer as much flexibility as a concrete pool, but they fall in the middle of the cost range. 

• Concrete: Concrete pools offer unparalleled design flexibility, but they come at the highest cost. They also have to be resurfaced every 10 years to keep them in good condition. 

Seattle sales tax is 10.35%, which is the total of the city’s sales tax combined with the state’s sales tax. This high rate can cause material prices to be higher than it would be in states or cities with lower tax rates.

Size

Pools typically cost between $90 and $250 per square foot to build, so you can get an estimate of how much the project will cost by first determining how large you want it to be. You can use the table below to compare pool size against your budget. The in-ground pool shape will also impact the cost.

Additional Costs

The actual pool will be the bulk of the in-ground pool cost in Seattle, but you should also prepare for additional costs that come with building a pool. Site prep, landscaping, and the cost of pool fencing will factor into the total, and additional features plus ongoing maintenance costs can also affect how much you’ll ultimately pay.

• Pool lighting: $200 per light

• Solar pool cover: $75–$300

• Hot tub: $5,000–$20,000

• Slide: $1,500–$20,000

• Landscaping: $700–$3,300

• Pool fence: $1,500–$10,000

• Site prep: $500–$3,020

• Yearly pool maintenance: $120–$5,000

Climate

Seattle is known for being rainy: It sees about 150 days of rain per year, with an average of 37 inches of rain per year. But summers are usually drier than the winter months, which will allow you to get good use out of your in-ground pool. Mean minimum temperatures rarely get below freezing and mean maximum temperatures top out in the high 70s in the summer. Because the city sees relatively mild temperatures throughout the year, Seattle might not be the best candidate for an in-ground pool, but installing one can help you enjoy the warmer days.

In-Ground Pool Pro Costs

In-ground pool installation requires knowledge of building codes and local permitting requirements, so it’s important to work with a qualified swimming pool contractor in Seattle who knows the ins and outs of the city’s requirements. 

Building Code Requirements

According to the Seattle Residential Code, the following requirements apply to in-ground swimming pools:

• A surrounding barrier at least 48 inches above grade

• Access gates with a locking device that open outward from the pool

• Powered safety cover in certain instances

Make sure to consult with a swimming pool contractor in Seattle who will understand the building code requirements and make sure your pool meets them. 

Permits and Inspections

When it comes to permits, pools aren’t listed as one of the common projects on Seattle’s government website, but other permits, like a grading permit or electrical permit, may be necessary to complete work related to in-ground pool installation in Seattle. Check with a local pool contractor to make sure you obtain the correct permits. Permit costs vary based on the type of permit you need.

Labor

Labor to install a pool accounts for between 25% and 50% of the total project cost with some contractors charging between $55 and $150 per hour for labor. When you get your estimate from the contractor, you can ask what portion of the total is for labor.

Taxes

If you live in Seattle, you’ll pay King County property taxes, which are assessed based on your property’s market value. Adding an in-ground pool to your property will increase your property value and therefore the amount you pay in property taxes. 

Does an In-Ground Pool Increase Home Value?

Constructing an in-ground pool can increase your home value between 5% and 56% of the pool’s cost. Because of Seattle’s wet and cold winters, a pool might not raise property value as much as it would in a warmer, sunnier climate. But according to the National Association of Realtors 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, homeowners report a joy score of 10 after completing in-ground pool installation, and 90% report an increased sense of enjoyment when they’re home. 

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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