How Much Does It Cost to Build a Swimming Pool?

If you live in a warm climate, want to enhance your outdoor living space, or increase the value to your home, adding a swimming pool to your property can be a great project. Swimming pools provide a place to entertain friends and family or cool off on hot days. They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and can be filtered or cleaned using various techniques. All these variables impact the overall cost of building a swimming pool.

The national average range to build a swimming pool is $3,000 - $100,000 due to the enormous variety of projects involved. The average homeowner will spend around $50,000 for a 12 x 24-foot in-ground fiberglass ¹ swimming pool with a concrete deck.

Swimming Pool Installation Costs

Swimming Pool Costs by Type

Pools are available in a wide variety of options and types, depending on location, size, and what you plan to do with them. Most pools are used outdoors, but a few are designed for indoor use as well:

In-ground Pool Costs

In-ground pools are the most popular and common pool installation. They are typically made of one of three materials - vinyl ², fiberglass, or concrete. Each one has its own cost, pros, and cons to consider, as well as maintenance and installation timelines:

*Costs are for a 12 x 24-foot rectangular pool.

In-ground Pool Costs by Type

All three materials create a beautiful pool with a variety of shapes, sizes, and depths. Of the three, vinyl is the least expensive and one of the fastest and easiest to make. But it requires the most maintenance, including replacing the liner every 7 years on average. Vinyl is also the least likely to enhance your property or provide a good ROI.

Fiberglass is also a fast pool to install, going in within just a few weeks. Sizes and shapes are more limited, and custom pools are not usually an option. The shell can last 25 years, however, and fiberglass pools often resist algae, making them easy-to-maintain.

Concrete pools take the longest to build, up to 12 weeks. They can, however, be the longest-lasting pool and provide the most options for customization, including appearance, size, shape, and depth.

Above-ground Pool Costs

Above-ground pools can be just as enjoyable as an in-ground pool, while also being less expensive and generally easier and less invasive to install. They can be put in with or without decking and come in a range of materials, sizes, and appearances.

Depending on the pool’s size, shape, and material, they cost anywhere from $800 - $7,000 for the pool itself, not including labor or decking.

Above-ground Pool Costs by Size

Indoor Pool Costs

Indoor swimming pools are a great investment if you want to swim year-round or avoid some of the common cleaning issues with an outdoor pool, such as debris and leaves. Indoor pools allow you to swim no matter what the weather or time of year. Without sunlight, they may grow algae more easily and require continuous maintenance. They may also have additional heating costs for the pool and the surrounding area in cooler weather and may become hot and muggy during warmer weather. The pool itself costs between $40,000 - $60,000 on average, with additional costs for the housing structure and surround.

Infinity Pool Costs

Infinity pools make a beautiful addition to any yard or property. They create a waterfall illusion with the water flowing continuously over the edge of the pool into a small basin where it can be recycled. The pool creates a stunning visual effect, which can be very appealing. They are easy-to-maintain with the constantly flowing water, helping to prevent algae buildup. The small basin the water pours into can also make an excellent kiddie pool. Infinity pools are expensive, however, averaging around $90,000 - $105,000. They also require a sloping property to really show off their edge. Otherwise, they are not as impressive. A slope of this kind, however, can be dangerous to have near the pool.

Lap Pool Costs

If you swim regularly for exercise, a lap pool can be a great addition to any property. This is a long, thin pool measuring roughly 8-feet by 50-feet. They can be made of vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete, and because of their unique dimensions, they often fit into spaces where a standard pool may not. They cost around $50,000 completely installed and require the same amount of maintenance as other pools. Like other pools, it should be fenced for security.

Natural Pool Costs

Natural pools make beautiful additions to many yards. This pool uses natural plants to filter the water, rather than chlorine or salt, so it is considered better for the environment. It consists of two parts - the swimming area and the regeneration zone, where the water is filtered. The two areas need to be roughly the same size, so they require about twice the amount of space. They can be made of a few different materials and can have many features, including waterfalls and infinity edges. The plant medium can also be made of various aquatic plants. The pool is low-maintenance once set up but can become home to aquatic animals and insects over time. They cost around $70,000 on average.

Plunge Pool Costs

If you have a small area and want your pool for soaking or cooling off, rather than exercise, a plunge pool is an option. This small pool is usually about 13-15’ long, 6-8’ wide, and 3-5’ deep. They may include a waterfall feature and typically have a concrete deck. This is a great option for small properties and for those who just enjoy the water without wanting to swim. However, they need just as much maintenance as a larger pool, requiring filters, heaters, and chemical treatments. They cost about $15,000 on average.

Saltwater Pool Costs

Saltwater pools are in-ground pools made of vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete that have a saltwater chlorine generator. They cost roughly the same as a standard pool of the same type, around $50,000 for a 12 x 24-foot fiberglass pool, but they have lower ongoing costs. The salt can feel better on your skin, with the water having a softer, silkier feel. The pools may need less maintenance because they do not need to be “shocked” like with chlorine. The salt can damage your landscaping, however, and may corrode some parts of the pool, such as the ladder, stone decking, or the O-rings in your filters.

Pool Deck Costs

When building an in-ground pool, you need to add a deck. Decks provide a non-slip area around the pool and help protect your landscaping, enhance the pool area, and provide a more appealing visual for the yard. Decks come in many materials, including concrete, pavers, stone, or wood. The average pool deck ³ costs around $7,000 installed.

Cost Factors to Build a Pool

Many factors impact the total cost of building a pool. The pool type is just one consideration, as is the material that it is made from. In addition, the pool size, location, how difficult the terrain is to excavate, added features, shape and design, and finish all impact the final cost. Things like decking, heaters and filters, stairs, ladders, pool covers, lighting, and fencing also affect the price.

The following cost ranges provide an idea of how various factors determine the total cost of the pool:

Labor Costs to Build a Pool

Labor costs vary, depending primarily on the pool type. In-ground pools tend to have higher labor costs than above-ground pools, while concrete and fiberglass have higher labor costs than vinyl. Labor costs are also impacted if blasting is needed with the excavation and whether the deck is installed at the same time.

On average, labor costs to build a pool range from $5,000 - $15,000 but can go higher for custom pools with specialty designs.

Design: Top Swimming Pool Shapes

Swimming pools come in many shapes and configurations. The standard shapes are rectangular, round, and oval, but pools come in a nearly endless variety of forms, depending on the material used.

Vinyl pools can be made into many shapes, including freeform shapes and “kidney” designs. Fiberglass is more limited because it must be made in a mold, so each manufacturer has a set number of molds they can pour. They may have some freeform shapes or kidneys, but the majority tend to be rectangular.

There are virtually no limits to a concrete pool. They can be designed in standard shapes and freeform designs, as well as custom shapes, including but not limited to:

• Exclamation points
• Question marks
• Mickey Mouse ears
• Figure 8s
• Lazy L
• Geometric shapes

Keep in mind that deviating from a standard shape increases the pool’s cost. Rectangular, round, and oval pools are usually less expensive to build than freeform, kidney, or custom shapes.

Pool Excavation Costs

The excavation cost for an in-ground pool varies depending on a few factors, including the pool’s size, shape, and depth and the terrain. If the yard is rocky and difficult to dig in, it will require blasting at an increased cost. Any excavation also has dirt-hauling costs added to the total excavation cost.

On average, expect excavation costs to range from $500 - $3,500, with an additional $200 - $400 for dirt hauling and $600 - $7,200 for blasting very rocky terrain.

Running Costs of a Pool

Every pool has costs related to running it, whether this is the cost of adding water or the price of chemicals, filtering, pumping, or heating.

The average cost of running a pool, including opening, closing, maintenance, electricity, chemicals, and repair costs vary depending on location, whether you do the work yourself or hire it out, and pool type. Expect to pay around $3,500 for the combined costs for each year you run the pool. Larger pools may have costs closer to $5,000 per year. Smaller pools requiring less maintenance or using saltwater, solar heaters, or solar covers may have ongoing costs closer to $1,200 a year.

In-ground vs Above-ground Pool

Both in-ground and above-ground pools make great additions to a yard. They both provide hours of enjoyment and exercise for the household, but they have some differences.

In-ground pools are more invasive, requiring you to dig up an area of your yard. They typically last longer, however, especially fiberglass 6 and concrete pools. Above-ground pools are less invasive and generally faster and easier to install. Depending on the pool type, in-ground pools may have more options for size, shape, and depth, but many above-ground pools offer choices as well.

However, the biggest difference lies in the price. In-ground pools cost around $50,000 on average, while above-ground pools are about $11,000 for the same-size pool and deck. 

To help you compare them, the following chart ranks each of the types on six different points: cost, installation, maintenance, appearance, longevity and durability. Each one of these is ranked on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best score that an attribute may have, and 1 being the worst:

Saltwater vs Chlorine Pool Costs

No matter what type of pool you have, you need to treat it regularly to prevent bacteria growth and keep it clean. The two most common methods involve creating either a saltwater pool or a chlorine pool. When building a pool from scratch, there is little difference between the two. In terms of ongoing costs, however, saltwater pools usually have fewer chemical expenses, averaging around $70 - $100 a year, while chlorine ⁴ pools have chemical costs of about $300 - $800.

Pool Maintenance Costs

It is possible to clean, open, close, and maintain your pool yourself. However, many pool owners choose to hire out this maintenance to a pool company for convenience and to ensure that it gets done properly. Annual pool maintenance costs range from $475 - $800 for the summer months. If you use your pool all year, expect the price to be higher.

How Much Does It Cost to Solar Heat a Pool?

One way to cut down on the cost of heating a pool is to use a solar pool heater. The solar heater uses your pool’s pump, which is already running, to circulate the water through tubing in solar panels or material. This heats the water that is then circulated back to the pool. Once you install the solar pool heater, you have no additional monthly costs to heat the pool. Solar pool heaters vary in price depending on the type and size you choose, but most homeowners spend around $5,000 to heat a 12 x 24-foot pool. 

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Enclosure

Enclosing your pool can help keep out debris and make it safer to use. Enclosures can be made of panels or screens and may be permanent or portable. A permanent enclosure with a metal frame and paneling costs around $22,000 for a pool measuring 12’x24’.

Fence

An alternative to a full enclosure is a fence. Fences are required in many communities to ensure the safety of the pool. Pool fences start around $2,000 for a basic chain-link fence and can increase in costs for other materials.

Heater

Swimming pool heaters can make your pool more comfortable for use in cooler weather. They cost around $1,800 - $2,400 to install, depending on size and model.

Waterfall

Waterfalls are popular additions to pools. They help circulate water and enhance the appearance. They have a wide range of costs depending on size and start around $1,500.

Spa or Hot Tub

Many people installing a pool will also choose to add a spa or hot tub separately. These can be used for soaking and relaxing year-round. They cost between $5,000 and $8,000 on average.

Landscape Around the Pool

To enhance your use of the space, you may want to landscape around the pool area as well. Landscaping can take on many forms from simple greenery to paths and benches. Landscaping costs start around $13,000 for a 1,200 sq.ft. yard.

Lighting

Pool lighting can be very elaborate or very simple depending on your needs. Lights for pools start at $450 for simple lights and begin at around $1,200 for more elaborate fiber optics.

Diving Board

If your pool is at least 12’ deep, you may want to add a diving board to the deck. Diving boards come in many sizes and configurations and start around $500.

Pool Steps

Pool steps can help you enter and exit the pool easily. They can be prefabricated or made right on site. They cost around $1,400 to $1,900 on average.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• All inground and many permanent above ground pools will require you to have a permit to build. Count on an additional $80 to $100 in permit costs.
• While an inground pool is generally not considered a DIY project, there are some above-ground kits that you can put together yourself. They start around $450 to $1,500 and range in complexity and size.
• Beyond maintenance costs, you also have several other associated costs to run a pool. This includes chemicals that cost between $70 and $700 per season, as well as electricity costs, which run around $300 per year as well.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Pool deck: Decorative border or edging around a swimming pool, often including a fence