Building a pool costs between $25,217 and $58,952, or an average of $41,980 depending on size, style, placement and countless additional features.
Vacation days aren't limitless, but a backyard pool will give you a small slice of luxury all summer. The cost to build a pool ranges from $25,217 to more than $58,952—but the average homeowner spends around $41,980. The price varies widely because of the diverse options. Let’s dive into it so you can plan your budget accordingly.
A standard design and size could make one project relatively affordable, while another with a custom pool design could require a high-end budget.
Before deciding on the exact type, you’ll have to choose between an inground vs. above ground pool.
The average cost to install an inground pool is $64,696. Most homeowners spend between $44,293 and $86,401—but there’s an even larger range of possibilities. A small, bare-bones pool made from cost-effective materials could cost as little as $19,000. A large, custom pool with luxury features and high-end materials could cost more than $130,000.
The average cost to build an above ground pool is $3,350, but homeowners generally spend anywhere from $700 to $5,000. Aside from temporary options like an inflatable pool, above ground pools are the most affordable.
You should generally expect to spend between $50 and $125 per square foot for an inground pool and between $10 and $15 per square foot for an above-ground model. The higher end accounts for deeper pools and pools with unique features.
| Dimensions | Inground Pool Cost | Above-Ground Pool Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 9 ft. diameter | $640–$960 | $3,200–$8,000 |
| 10 ft. diameter | $800–$1,200 | $4,000–$9,900 |
| 6-by-10 ft. | $600–$900 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| 9-by-15 ft. | $1,400–$2,000 | $6,800–$17,000 |
| 10-by-20 ft. | $2,000–$3,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| 12-by-24 ft. | $2,900–$4,300 | $14,400–$36,000 |
| 10-by-40 ft. | $4,000–$6,000 | $20,000–$50,000 |
| 16-by-32 ft. | $5,100–$7,700 | $25,600–$64,000 |
Pool design pertains to the type of pool, as well as its size, shape, and purpose. You can even opt for a range of filtration and water options. The salt water vs. chlorine debate is a common one, particularly because their installation costs are quite similar.
| Pool Design | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Spool Pool | $5,500–$50,000 |
| Plunge Pool | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Lap Pool | $6,000–$500,000 |
| Salt Water Pool | $12,000–$38,000 |
| Endless Pool | $23,000–$40,000 |
| Natural Pool | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Infinity Pool | $55,000–$130,000 |
| Lagoon Pool | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Custom Pool | $100,000+ |
Heating typically costs $1,800 to $4,000 to install. This isn’t a requirement, but it is a worthwhile luxury in climates with chilly weather—especially if you want to use your pool on cloudy days or at night. Keep in mind that running a pool heater could cost $120 to $850 per month, depending on the type of heater, though solar pool heating usually costs less.
Water filters cost $500 to $3,000. Unless you have a natural pool equipped with an organic filtration system, this is a necessary part of keeping your pool clean.
Finishing your pool could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000. Concrete pools tend to have higher finishing costs because they need their surface finished, whether that’s installing tile, aggregate, or plaster.
Higher-end materials last longer but tend to cost more upfront. Budget-friendly materials may not be as durable. When choosing a material, definitely consider repair and replacement costs.
| Pool Material | Type of Pool | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Inground | $35,000–$65,000 |
| Fiberglass | Inground | $20,000–$60,000 |
| Vinyl | Inground | $20,000–$40,000 |
| Aluminum | Above Ground | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Resin | Above Ground | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Steel | Above Ground | $800–$3,000 |
Geographical and the exact location in your yard will impact the cost to put in a pool. Generally, you can expect to spend more in an area with a higher cost of living (like a major city) than in a rural location.
| City | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $24,000–$61,000 |
| New York | $19,000–$43,000 |
| Houston | $27,000–$66,000 |
| Denver | $50,000–$115,000 |
| San Francisco | $40,000–$91,000 |
| Miami | $26,000–$51,000 |
| Nashville | $48,000–$65,000 |
Site preparation can add significant costs. Common site prep tasks include:
Relocating underground plumbing
Tree removal
Demolishing a patio or backyard structure
Leveling sloped areas
Labor typically accounts for 25% to 50% of your pool construction costs—but the true labor cost has a lot to do with how long it takes to build a pool. For example, it can take a week to excavate for an inground pool and an additional 20 to 60 days to build concrete pool walls.
Land excavation costs an average of $3,400, though some homeowners can spend up to $20,000 if they’re excavating an inaccessible area. Usually, this expense only applies to inground pools and accounts for up to 50% of the total cost of building a pool. Above ground pools, at most, require minimal excavation—unless you’re building on uneven ground.
You’ll need a permit before building a pool in your yard. Typically, this costs between $450 and $1,800, though every location has different laws and pricing. Luckily, your contractor will likely obtain a building permit on your behalf.
Set aside between $960 and $1,800 each year for the cost of pool maintenance. Balancing the pool chemicals and making even minor repairs can add up, not to mention the bump in your utility bills.
Though construction requires the most significant budget considerations, you could spend a couple of thousand dollars annually on repairs and regular maintenance. Some homeowners hire a local pool maintenance service, though you can save around $1,000 per year by maintaining your pool DIY (as long as nothing breaks).
Pools use between $300 to $1,300 worth of electricity each year. The price ranges depending on the size of your pool, the type of pump and filtration system, and the extent of your pool lighting. Pool heaters will also contribute to these costs, which pulls your local climate into the mix as a cost factor. Always be sure to hire a pool electrician when finishing your design to ensure proper efficiency.
Cleaning and shocking your pool will cost between $80 and $150 a month. You can cut this cost down to between $25 and $50 a month if you handle it yourself, but remember that unbalanced chemicals could lead to murky water and algae.
Unless you live in a balmy area, you'll likely close up your pool in the winter for between $150 and $300. Pool winterizing costs include the cover, end-of-year pool chemicals, and extra accessories to keep the pool safe during a freeze.
Reverse the process for between $150 and $400 each year when you open the pool at the start of summer. The cost accounts for either the DIY or professional process of removing the cover, adding water, cleaning the water, and cleaning all the mechanical elements.
As your pool ages, pool repair becomes more common. The average pool repair costs about $680, but small fixes can cost as little as about $85 and large leaks can cost up to $3,500.
Here are some common enhancements and expenses for a pool:
A diving board costs $300–$5,000
A hot tub costs $2,000–$35,000
An outdoor kitchen costs $1,000–$50,000
A pool house costs $26,000–$180,000
A utility shed costs $350–$5,000
Landscaping costs $3,000–$5,000
The cost of a pool deck ranges from $500–$20,000
Fencing/enclosures around a pool cost $1,500–$10,000
Adding a pool cover costs $800–$2,600 on average
Water features will add $450–$1,900 depending on the design
Labor generally accounts for 50% of the cost of installing a pool, so you can slash your pool price in half by doing the labor on your own. Handy homeowners with a strong DIY background can install an above ground pool with a kit over the course of a weekend.
Building an inground pool is significantly more difficult, since you’ll need to excavate land. You may even need to hire a certified and licensed electrician and plumber. Either way, unless you have professional contracting experience, it’s best to hire a swimming pool installer near you. A simple mistake could lead to serious water damage in your yard and foundation.
These tips will help you tighten your budget, so you can dive in without breaking the bank.
Keep it above ground: The best way to save thousands on a swimming pool is to choose an above ground option. The average above ground pool costs $57,000 less than the average inground pool cost.
Small pool design: Larger pools take longer to excavate, erect, and finish. Even if you don’t choose the smallest pool design, opting for a standard size and shape will keep costs as low as possible.
Consider timing: Pools and pool equipment (like heaters, pool enclosure materials, and fencing) tend to go on sale in the fall. Contractors may also be willing to cut a deal during the off-season, since most people start this project in the spring, right ahead of warm summer weather.
Skip extras: Save on pool construction by keeping it basic. Avoid elaborate tiling and water features. Skip out on high-end decking.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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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A pool is a feature that can boost your home value, but it only has modest returns. According to a large-scale Angi study, homes with swimming pools sold for about 1.57% more than similar homes without pools. The real value is in the eye of the homeowner. It could be worth it if you enjoy swimming in the summer or lying out by the pool.
Excavation and labor are the largest pool costs. They account for 25% to 50% of the total cost to build a pool. For this reason, above ground pools are generally significantly less expensive. They typically don’t require excavation, and a skilled contractor can build one in a few hours. Inground pools, on the other hand, require a lot more labor—especially if you’re building one out of concrete.
Building an inground pool can take anywhere from two to three months, and weather can absolutely throw a wrench in your timeline. Generally, you can expect to spend two to six weeks obtaining permits, a week excavating and preparing the land, and about a month or two building the actual pool (including the plumbing and electrical work). Keep in mind that concrete takes around 30 days to cure, but it won’t take nearly as long to install a fiberglass insert or vinyl liner.
Concrete pools have the longest life span. As long as you properly maintain your concrete pool, you can expect it to last 50 to 100 years. That said, you will need to resurface your concrete pool as it ages. Fiberglass is durable, but fiberglass pools generally only last around 25 to 30 years. That said, some high-end fiberglass pools can last more than 50 years if they’re well-maintained.
Fiberglass pools require the least amount of maintenance. Part of this has to do with their durability. Fiberglass has a smooth, non-porous surface that helps resist algae growth, cutting down on weekly maintenance. They also require less long-term maintenance than other pool types. They don’t need resurfacing like concrete pools, and you won’t have to replace the liner like you would with a vinyl-lined pool.
