How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool? [2025 Data]
Building a pool costs between $25,217 and $58,952, or an average of $41,980 depending on size, style, placement and additional features. Since different designs have drastically different prices, only a pro can give you an accurate estimate.
The cost to build a pool is $41,980 on average, but it can range from $150 for a tiny inflatable pool to more than $135,000 for a luxury in-ground pool. Budget an average of $88 per square foot for an in-ground pool and $13 per square foot for an aboveground pool.
Vacation days aren't limitless, but a backyard pool will give you a small slice of luxury all summer. Since the price varies widely because of the diverse options, let’s dive into it so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Aboveground vs. In-Ground Pool Cost
Before deciding on the exact type, you’ll have to choose between an in-ground vs. above ground pool.
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| In-ground | $44,300–$86,500 |
| Aboveground | $1,000–$6,000 |
In-Ground Pools
The average cost of an in-ground pool is $66,000. Most homeowners spend between $44,300 and $86,500—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 $135,000.
Aboveground Pools
The average cost to build an aboveground pool is $3,350, but homeowners can spend anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 or more. Aside from temporary options like an inflatable pool, aboveground pools are the most affordable.
Size
You should generally expect to spend between $50 and $125 per square foot for an in-ground 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 | In-Ground 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
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 versus chlorine debate is a common one, particularly because their installation costs are quite similar. Customizations like zero entry (a sloped entrance) or seating ledges will raise the cost.
Design will have one of the biggest impacts on price. A standard design and size could make one project relatively affordable, while another with a custom pool design could require a high-end budget.
| 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+ |
Pool Material
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 | In-ground | $65,000–$120,000 |
| Fiberglass | In-ground | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Vinyl | In-ground | $20,000–$40,000 |
| Aluminum | Above Ground | $1,000–$10,000 |
| Resin | Above Ground | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Steel | Above Ground | $800–$5,000 |
Pool Contractor Costs
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 in-ground pool and an additional 20 to 60 days to build concrete pool walls.
Location
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 |
Additional Costs to Consider
The cost of a pool includes more than just the installation. You’ll need to prep the land, which could include excavation. You’ll also pay for any pool upgrades or accessories, as well as for finishing off the project with landscaping, hardscaping, and additional work to your yard. Consider the following extra costs.
Site Preparation
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
Excavation
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 in-ground 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.
Permits
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.
Heating
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.
Filtration
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
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.
Cost of Common Pool Add-Ons
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
A pool chiller costs $2,000–$6,500
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
Ongoing Pool Costs
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.
Maintenance
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).
Electricity Costs
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.
Monthly Cleaning
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.
Winterizing
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.
Opening the Pool
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.
Pool Repairs
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.
Cost to Build a Pool Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
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 in-ground 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.
4 Ways to Save on Swimming Pool Installation Costs
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 in-ground 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.
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’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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Does Building a Pool Add Value to Your Home?
The ROI of a pool depends on the design. It can range anywhere from 5% to 56%. In-ground pools add the most value, around $36,700 on average. Aboveground pools have a lower return, around $250 on average.
These aren’t hard figures. They’re only estimates, and don’t account for what’s happening in your local market. The true value of a pool depends on what’s in demand in your specific area, along with the quality of the pool. You’ll need to look at listings similar to your home to determine how much building a pool will add.
Beyond that, even if your pool doesn’t have a huge monetary return, it’s hard to put a value on countless summer days spent swimming and enjoying the sun. Simply wanting a pool is enough of a reason to get one as long as you have the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. In-ground pools, on the other hand, require a lot more labor—especially if you’re building one out of concrete.
Building an in-ground 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.
- Swimming Pool Installation
- Pool Liner Replace & Install Companies
- Above Ground Pool Contractors
- Pool Remodeling Companies
- Inground Pool Companies
- Pool Removal Companies
- Inground Pool Repair Companies
- Sauna Companies
- Hot Tub Companies
- Sauna Repair
- Fiberglass Pools
- Pool Designers
- Pool Pump Repair
- Pool Closing Services
- Solar Pool Heater Installers
