How Much Does a Spool Pool Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for a spool pool is $22,650. Most homeowners pay between $5,500 and $50,000, with the final price driven by pool size, material choice, and whether you go aboveground or inground. Though labor costs are comparable to standard pools, spools are smaller and typically carry a lower price tag.

Spool Pool Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Swim spa costs vary significantly based on features, design, and materials, though a spool remains more affordable than costs of installing a backyard pool when you factor in lower energy and upkeep costs. Here is a breakdown of how costs for a 300-square-foot spool pool typically compare across the key factors.

Spool Pool Size

Spools are smaller than standard pools, typically around 300 square feet, though single-occupancy models can be as compact as 4 square feet. Labor costs per square foot are comparable to standard pools, but the smaller overall footprint keeps total spending on labor, materials, and ongoing operation well below what a full-size pool would require.

Installing a Spool Pool Inground vs. Aboveground

Whether you choose an aboveground pool or an inground pool is one of the biggest cost decisions you will make, with aboveground spool kits available for as little as $400. Inground spools require excavation that can add several thousand dollars to your total, making them a noticeably more expensive commitment.

Spool Pool Material

Material choice is a primary cost driver for spool pools, with affordable options like vinyl and wood ranging between $5,000 to $10,000 for an average 300-square-foot spool. Premium materials such as concrete, steel, and copper sit at the higher end, with copper reaching $50,000.

Delivery and Installation

Delivery of spool materials, including prefab units, typically runs $100 to $1,500, with higher costs reserved for long-haul or crane-assisted deliveries. Installation labor runs about $5.50 per square foot, and a pool installer near you can provide a more precise quote based on your specific project. Labor generally accounts for 25% to 50% of total project costs, and inground models often require additional jobs that push that figure higher. 

Costs for common installation tasks vary by job type, as shown below:

Spool Pool Additional Features

Extra features can make your spool pool more suited to your needs, like a pool heater that costs an average of $3,000 and is essential in cooler climates. A 48-inch waterfall feature starts at $320 for a more dramatic visual upgrade. 

Other options like jets, seating, and speakers can transform a standard spool into a space for exercise, relaxation, or entertaining. 

Here's how different additional, optional features cost: 

Spool Pool Cost by Type: How Does Type Affect Price?

A spool pool fits in spaces where a traditional pool would not, but the type and placement you choose will affect your final cost, with pricing ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. 

The table below shows the costs by type of spool pool:

Aboveground

An aboveground spool pool typically costs $5,000 to $20,000, though a very small model or a DIY kit can bring that figure down. Skipping excavation is the main reason aboveground builds stay more affordable than inground alternatives.

Inground

An inground spool pool costs $20,000 to $50,000, reflecting the additional excavation and labor involved compared to aboveground builds. Before you commit, check local regulations, since some areas require specific fencing or other compliance measures that can add to your total.

Indoors

An indoor spool pool costs an average of $25,000, with most homeowners spending between $5,500 to $50,000 depending on size, materials, and the complexity of the installation.

Spool Pool Cost by Material: Which Option Fits Your Budget?

Spools are available in a wide range of materials that vary in cost by $5,500 to $50,000. Different pool materials suit different lifestyles and budgets, from fitness-focused builds to family-friendly retreats. 

See how material affects your total cost in the breakdown below:

Copper: $50,000

Copper is a visually striking spool material, but it reacts with a variety of chemicals and requires consistent maintenance to preserve its appearance over time.

Steel: $25,000

Steel works well for freshwater aboveground spool pools, though its main drawback is susceptibility to corrosion from pool chemicals or saltwater exposure.

Concrete (Gunite): $23,000

Concrete gives you the most flexibility to customize your spool's shape and blends well into virtually any outdoor environment. The trade-off is higher upkeep, since concrete surfaces are prone to algae growth and require more frequent cleaning.

Fiberglass: $15,000

Fiberglass pools are relatively budget-friendly, durable, and well-suited to smaller builds like a spool. Keep in mind that fiberglass can fade over time, which is worth considering if long-term appearance is a priority.

Vinyl: $10,000

Vinyl pools offer low upfront costs and can be cut into custom shapes that blend naturally into an outdoor setting. The main drawback is longevity, since vinyl liners typically last only five to 10 years before needing replacement.

Cedar: $5,500

Cedar is one of the least expensive spool materials and is well-suited to DIY installation, though it may not last as long as other options. It remains a practical and appealing choice for homeowners looking for a straightforward way to add a cooling feature to their yard.

Spool Pool Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

Spool pools carry ongoing expenses just like any pool, though their smaller size keeps long-term costs lower than those of full-size pools. Plan to include these recurring costs in your overall budget before moving forward.

Maintenance

Pool maintenance costs most homeowners $50 to $350 per month, covering chemicals, pH testing, filters, traps, skimming, and cleaning. You will also pay $150 to $300 to open and close your spool for the season, though higher-end models with better filtration and purification systems tend to require less routine upkeep.

Repairs

Pool repairs cost most homeowners $250 to $1,150, depending on what needs fixing. Patching a leak can run as little as $30, while repairing a pump motor or skimmer can reach $300.

Monthly Energy Costs

Operating a spool pool adds $20 to $80 per month to your energy bill, depending on how frequently you use it. Heated spools, particularly those kept warm through winter, tend to land at the higher end of that range.

Why You Should Hire a Spool Pool Installation Pro

The price you will pay to hire a pool installation pro near you depends on the size of the pool, materials, and location. However, you should budget 25% to 50% of the total project cost for labor. Installing a spool is no easy task, and incorrect installations can cause significant problems, such as leaks and cracks. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a spool pool installation pro

Spool pool installation is a complex task, so here are the main reasons why you should hire a pro:

• Professionals have extensive experience and the equipment required to ensure the pool is properly installed.

• Pool pros can identify potential issues that can arise and install fixes to avoid them.

• The pros will obtain all necessary permits and comply with all codes and regulations.

• DIY mistakes can lead to leaks, structural damage, and safety hazards.

• Most reputable pool installers will warranty their work and materials.

If you want to DIY Spool Pool Installation

It’s best to leave the majority of this project to a pro, but here are some DIY tasks you can focus on, such as:

• Remove small trees, shrubs, and other vegetation.

• Clear the area of debris or items that are in the way.

• Stain fences and decking yourself to save on costs.

• Consider adding the finishing touches yourself, such as landscaping or installing furniture and accessories.

Spool Pool Add-On Costs: What Other Costs Should You Consider?

Most homeowners pair their spool installation with additional projects, such as landscaping, a pool deck, or lighting, to make the space fully functional and visually complete. Factor these common add-on costs into your overall spool budget from the start.

Landscaping

Landscaping around your spool runs $4 to $10 per square foot, and inground installations will require you to address the excavated areas once construction is complete. Common approaches include installing sod, seeding grass, or adding decorative grasses, shrubs, mulch, or garden beds for homeowners redesigning a larger portion of their backyard.

Pool Deck

A pool deck is essential for creating a safe, non-slip surface around your spool, with aboveground pool deck costs averaging around $5,000. Aboveground pools commonly use wood or composite decking, while inground pools are often paired with a paver or concrete patio.

Lighting

Spool lighting typically costs $150 to $300 per light, though hard-wired LED fixtures can reach $1,000 per light. Beyond aesthetics, lighting serves a practical purpose by improving safety and extending the hours you can use your spool.

Pool Cover

The cost of a pool cover depends on the type, ranging from $30 to $150 for a basic solar cover to $600 to $3,600 for a walkable or safety cover, with automatic or custom options costing even more. Solar covers in particular help reduce monthly electricity and water costs by maintaining water temperature and limiting evaporation.

Pool Enclosure and Fencing

Fencing around your spool pool is a smart safety measure and is legally required in some areas, with pool fencing costs averaging $15 to $25 per linear foot, though a basic chain-link option can cost less. A full pool enclosure, which protects against animals, insects, debris, and inclement weather, runs $24 to $200 per square foot depending on the materials and design you choose.

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. 

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