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How Much Does a Salt Water Pool Cost to Install? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $12,000 - $38,500
A salt water pool costs $25,000 on average, with prices ranging from an average of $12,000 to $38,500. However, you'll spend a lot less money to convert an existing pool into a salt water pool.
How we get this data
Photo: piovesempre / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: piovesempre / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Installing a saltwater pool is only a few thousand dollars more than a chlorine one, with ample benefits.
Save money by opting for a smaller pool with a standard, non-custom design.
Fiberglass is the best material for a saltwater pool and is, luckily, the most affordable.
Concrete or acrylic are two other common materials, but they won’t hold up to the salt as well.
Digging for a pool costs about $3,400 unless your site requires more intensive excavation and prep.
Installing a new salt water pool costs an average of $25,000, with a typical range of $12,000 to $38,500 (only slightly more than a chlorine pool). However, it may cost as little as $500 if you already have a pool and want to convert it to a salt water system—which might make you less salty about the steep price tag to install a salt water pool.
Salt Water Pool Cost Factors
There are several costs associated with installing a salt water pool: the installation of the pool, the cost of a salt water chlorination system, the size and material of the pool, and the cost to fill the swimming pool with water.
Salt Water Pool Installation vs. Conversion
Salt water pool installation costs will differ significantly depending on whether you’re putting in a new pool or simply converting an existing pool.
Installing a New Pool
Installing a brand-new pool will be a lot more expensive since you’ll have to hire contractors to dig the space for the pool and build it. As a result, the average cost of installing a salt water pool ($25,000) is slightly more expensive than the average cost of installing a chlorine pool ($23,000).
Cost of Converting a Chlorine Pool to a Salt Water Pool
In this situation, homeowners spend about $500 to $2,500 on the cost of a salt water pool chlorination system. Since the lion’s share of the cost of installing a salt water pool comes down to the actual installation cost of a pool and not the water in it, you can save a lot of money by simply converting a chlorine pool into a salt water pool.
Inground vs. Above Ground Salt Water Pool
The cost to convert an above ground pool to a salt water pool is less than converting an inground pool. This is because the chlorine generator—AKA the part you’ll need to swap—for an above ground pool is less expensive than that of an inground pool. That being said, it is worth browsing the inground pool companies near you to find the best possible price for converting your pool into a salt water pool.
Pool Material
You can build an inground salt water pool out of a variety of construction materials. Different materials vary in price, and some work better with salt water generators than others. Consider your choice carefully to avoid needing major renovation work a few years after installation.
| Pool Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $50,000–$200,000 |
| Vinyl | $20,000–$63,000 |
| Fiberglass | $9,000–$40,000 |
The most common types of pools include:
Concrete: Salt can be rough on this porous pool material, which costs $50,000 to $200,000.
Vinyl: This material has a customizable steel frame that requires maintenance to prevent rust from salt water. Expect a cost of $20,000 to $63,000.
Fiberglass: These shells come at $9,000 to $40,000 with little risk of damage from salt.
Pool Size
The size of any pool significantly impacts its installation cost. This is true even if you're converting an existing chlorine pool into a salt water pool. Larger pools require more expensive salt water chlorinators, and their ongoing costs will include higher amounts of salt. Most standard pools are at least 12-by-14 feet in size, and prices for other common sizes are listed below.
| Pool Size | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 10-by-16 ft. | $15,000 – $26,000 |
| 10-by-30 ft. | $24,000 – $42,000 |
| 12-by-24 ft. | $27,000 – $50,000 |
| 14-by-28 ft. | $37,000 – $55,000 |
| 16-by-32 ft. | $48,000 – $70,000 |
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Salt Water Chlorination System
You will pay between $500 and $2,500 for a salt water chlorination system, with the cost largely determined by how big your pool is.
Filling the Pool With Water
The cost of filling a swimming pool with water is between $60 and $1,250, depending on the size of the pool.
Site Prep
Preparing the site for the salt water pool installation involves clearing anything that’s in the way, like tree roots and large rocks, as well as excavating the land to make a hole for the pool. The cost of site preparation depends on the size of the site and whether it's easy to access. On average the pool excavation cost is $3,400, but it can go up to as high as $20,000 depending on the land itself.
Pool Pump and Filter Installation
It is vital to have a pump and filter system for your salt water pool. For an inground salt water pool, the pump and filter system typically costs between $700 to $1,000. For an above ground salt water pool, it costs around $500 and up.
Location
Location factors into the salt water pool cost in two ways—geographic location and location within your yard. As previously mentioned, whether the proposed installation site is easily accessible can up the costs of site preparation. Additionally, the cost to install a salt water pool depends on the region in which you live. For instance, labor rates may be higher due to higher demand in regions with more consistent warm weather.
Cost of Pool Salt
You'll need to add salt to your salt water pool regularly. You can buy salt in bulk or spend around $10 to $40 for a 40-pound bag. On average, that's $0.25 to $0.63 per pound. You'll need one bag for every 2,000 gallons of water during your initial pool conversion. A small pool may only require two bags, while a large one may require seven or more bags.
Pool Heater
Expect to pay $1,600 to $3,800 for the cost of a pool heater, and you'll also need to spend another $70 for a corrosion-resistant check valve for your salt water system.
Ongoing Salt Water Pool Costs
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Salt water pools, like any pool, require regular cleaning, maintenance, and other ongoing costs to keep them operating properly.
Salt Water Pool Maintenance Cost
Knowing how to maintain a salt water pool is important and luckily, adding salt is the only monthly maintenance you'll need to do for a salt water pool. Most salt generators only need a concentration of salt between 2,800 and 3,500 parts per million. You'll need to regularly test the salt level in your pool water and add salt accordingly.
Cleaning Costs
Salt water pools are low maintenance compared to traditional chlorine pools. They generally only require manual debris removal with a net skimmer and telescoping pole. You can get these tools for $25 to $65 from your local home improvement store.
Why You Should Hire a Pool Installation Pro
Installing a salt water pool—or any type of pool—is complex, labor-intensive work. That’s why this project should always be left to an experienced pool installation pro near you.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a pool installation pro
You should hire a professional for salt water pool installation for these reasons:
Pros can help you design a pool that suits your property, meets your needs, and complies with local codes and safety regulations.
Pool installation is a complex process that requires excavation, electrical work, plumbing, structural support, and proper backfilling.
Pool installation is not a DIY weekend task—most pools require a coordinated crew working over several weeks.
Contractors will handle the necessary permits and inspections.
Trained professionals ensure your pool is installed correctly, preventing major issues such as water leaks, structural damage, and safety hazards.
When you work with a pro, the installation will be backed by warranties.
DIY pool installation can make it harder to sell your home.
If you want to DIY a salt water pool installation
While you shouldn’t attempt to install your own pool, it might be possible to convert an existing chlorine pool into a salt water system, which could save $300 to $500 in labor. This is still complex work, but you may be able to complete it yourself in the following situations:
You have experience with plumbing and pools
You understand the steps for the conversion
You can acquire the necessary equipment and verify compatibility with your pump, heater, and pool materials
Even so, we recommend working with a pro for safe and proper installation. Many manufacturers require professional installation to validate the warranty, and some parts of the process, such as electrical wiring, must be performed by a licensed electrician for safety and code compliance.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of a Salt Water Pool
If you're decided on getting a swimming pool but balk at the huge cost of installing a brand-new pool, you can invest in the cost of an above ground pool instead—which is more affordable than an inground pool. You can install a salt water chlorination system for these as well.
You can also save money by being willing to scale down the pool size until it fits within your budget. Or, if a custom-shaped pool drives up the cost, you can go for a more standard-shaped rectangular pool.
Another option is to opt for a vinyl pool rather than fiberglass or concrete, which tends to be more expensive. You may have to replace it earlier, but it should still last for years.
Finally, consider holding off on some of the features you were thinking of adding along with the pool. Maybe install a spa down the road or scale down your landscaping plans.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Clarify the full project timeline, including excavation, equipment setup, and the expected date for pool use.
Confirm what permits are required and whether the contractor will handle them.
Review all warranties included with the project.
Ask your pool installer about the maintenance needs of a salt water pool.
Discuss any optional upgrades, such as heaters, lighting, or pool covers.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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