Installing an in-ground pool averages $65,909 but most homeowners pay between $44,499 and $87,349. A pro will take many factors into account when coming up with an estimate, like pool size and material.
An in-ground pool costs about $65,909 to install, though most homeowners pay between $44,499 and $87,349 for this coveted backyard feature. How much you’ll pay depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and material of your pool. Our expert guide breaks down all the in-ground pool prices so you and your household can make a splash.
Though in-ground pools are more expensive than aboveground pools, choosing affordable materials can help tighten your budget significantly—especially when you factor in maintenance costs over time. Certain materials may cost less upfront but require more frequent repairs or replacements, which could cost more in the long run.
Pool Material | Average Installation Cost | Average Maintenance Cost (Per Year) |
---|---|---|
Vinyl | $20,000–$40,000 | $1,100–$1,700 |
Fiberglass | $25,000–$60,000 | $500–$1,500 |
Concrete | $35,000–$65,000 | $2,700–$4,000 |
Concrete pools cost the most and last 50 to 100 years. Vinyl pools cost the least and last around 10 years. Fiberglass pool costs fall somewhere in the middle and last 25 or more years before you need a replacement.
The average in-ground pool is 12-by-28 feet with a depth of around 6 1/2 feet. You’re looking at spending around $90 to $160 per square foot for this pool size. Though if you’re limited on space, we also have that covered. Here’s what you can expect to spend on a standard in-ground pool in some of the most common sizes:
Sizes (in Feet) | Average Cost |
---|---|
10x10 | $17,500 |
12x24 | $25,200 |
14x28 | $34,000 |
15x30 | $39,400 |
16x32 | $44,800 |
18x36 | $56,700 |
20x40 | $70,000 |
While most pools come in these standard sizes, you can choose a custom-made pool. When you hire a swimming pool company, they’ll let you know what is possible and work hard to create your dream oasis.
Most in-ground pool contractors charge $55 to $150 per hour, but costs depend on the number of contractors required and the length of the job. For example, shaping concrete walls can take 20 to 60 days after the excavation, while installing a prefab fiberglass pool can take half that time from start to finish. Expect labor to make up 25% to 50% of the total cost of your pool installation.
In-ground pool construction involves many tasks—from installing the actual pool to landscaping the area around the pool and installing additional features. You’ll need different pros for specific jobs. One of these pros will be a licensed electrician who can handle the electrical aspects of your pool (whether that’s heating, pumps, or lighting). A pool fence is often a legal requirement, and you’ll need to hire someone to install it properly.
Here are some additional contractors and their hourly rates:
Electrician: $50–$150 per hour
Landscaper: $25–$50 per hour
Fence contractor: $35–$65 per hour
Many local governments require a fence or barrier around a pool or hot tub for safety reasons. Check with your contractor beforehand about local regulations.
Where do you want to put the pool on your property? Should you excavate first or build a retaining wall to support the pool? Your pool contractor can guide you through the best options.
Unsurprisingly, building a pool in areas with a higher cost of living costs more. Based on the standard 12-by-24 pool size, these are the costs you can expect to spend by state and geographical region. As always, it’s best to consult with an in-ground pool installer for a quote for your specific project.
Northeast Region | Average Cost of Inground Pool, Installed |
---|---|
Connecticut | $57,000–$76,000 |
Maine | $47,000–$69,000 |
Massachusetts | $54,000–$73,000 |
New Hampshire | $49,000–$68,000 |
New Jersey | $56,000–$85,000 |
New York | $60,000–$80,000 |
Pennsylvania | $45,000–$67,000 |
Rhode Island | $52,000–$72,000 |
Vermont | $52,000–$79,000 |
Midwest Region | Average Cost of Inground Pool, Installed |
---|---|
Illinois | $42,000–$59,000 |
Indiana | $39,000–$64,000 |
Iowa | $38,000–$58,000 |
Kansas | $40,000–$60,000 |
Michigan | $39,000–$54,000 |
Minnesota | $43,000–$58,000 |
Missouri | $38,000–$51,000 |
Nebraska | $40,000–$59,000 |
North Dakota | $45,000–$65,000 |
Ohio | $38,000–$63,000 |
South Dakota | $35,000–$55,000 |
Wisconsin | $40,000–$70,000 |
Southeast Region | Average Cost of Inground Pool, Installed |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,000–$55,000 |
Delaware | $47,000–$69,000 |
Florida | $45,500–$95,000 |
Georgia | $45,000–$85,000 |
Kentucky | $40,000–$65,000 |
Louisiana | $41,000–$55,000 |
Maryland | $56,000–$75,000 |
Mississippi | $35,000–$57,000 |
North Carolina | $45,000–$65,000 |
South Carolina | $40,000–$65,000 |
Tennessee | $48,000–$65,000 |
Virginia | $51,000–$75,000 |
West Virginia | $39,000–$54,000 |
Southwest Region | Average Cost of Inground Pool, Installed |
---|---|
Arkansas | $39,000–$51,000 |
Arizona | $45,000–$70,000 |
California | $59,000–$89,000 |
Colorado | $42,000–$61,000 |
Nevada | $45,000–$65,000 |
New Mexico | $42,000–$57,000 |
Oklahoma | $36,000–$52,000 |
Texas | $54,000–$84,000 |
Utah | $41,000–$57,000 |
Western Region | Average Cost of Inground Pool, Installed |
---|---|
Alaska | $59,000–$78,000 |
Hawaii | $66,000–$91,000 |
Idaho | $42,000–$67,000 |
Montana | $41,000–$61,000 |
Oregon | $47,000–$64,000 |
Washington | $43,000–$59,000 |
Wyoming | $41,000–$56,000 |
Beyond the basics, a few additional factors will impact the total cost of your pool. These include the style of your pool (trendier styles may cost more if they require extra labor) and ongoing electricity costs. Let’s dive in.
In-ground pools come in different styles beyond the basic rectangular pool. Certain styles require additional materials, features, and labor that impact the price. Here are some common styles and prices:
Inground Pool Style | Average Cost |
---|---|
Beach entry | $55,000 |
Lagoon style | $100,000+ |
Infinity pool | $80,000 |
Lap pool | $44,000 |
Spool pool | $22,650 |
Inground pool with a hot tub | $44,000–$90,000 |
Beach entry: This sloped pool doesn’t have steps or a wall at the entrance. Instead, it’s sloped like a beach, so you can walk right into the water.
Lagoon style: Lagoon pools mimic natural pools and are the most expensive style. They have a round, organic shape and added elements like waterfalls.
Infinity pool: The water line of an infinity pool goes directly to the top of the pool edge, giving the illusion that the water goes on forever.
Lap pools: Lap pools are designed for swimming laps, so they are longer than standard rectangular pools.
Spool pool: Spool pools are a hybrid of a pool and spa. These smaller pools (around 300 square feet) include features like jets and heating.
In-ground pool with hot tub: Hot tubs are a common addition to in-ground pools, but this add-on will add to your costs.
You’ll need to prep the site before you can install a pool. Costs will increase based on the following factors:
If you have pool excavation costs
If you relocate underground plumbing
If you level a sloped area
If you demolish an existing patio or backyard structure
If you remove trees
Permits vary from location to location and range anywhere from $450 to $1,800. Hire a local swimming pool installer to get the right permits. Failure to do so could cost you both time and money.
Once the pool is finished, you can’t dive in without water. The cost to fill a pool is around $2,500 to $8,500. Keep in mind that water is cycled in and out of the pool constantly, so a higher water bill is to be expected.
When considering saltwater pool costs, remember that you’ll need to pay for the salt to be added. An average 20,000-gallon pool requires about 11 bags of salt, which costs around $60.
Most people prefer to cover their pool when it’s not in use—especially as the seasons change. The cost of a pool cover depends on the type you choose:
Winter pool covers: $75–$225
Solar pool covers cost: $800–$1,000
Solid vinyl pool covers: $1,200–$1,300
Mesh pool covers: $1,500–$3,000
Automatic pool covers: $12,000–$22,000
Pool heaters cost between $500 and $7,500, and they allow you to keep using your pool once temperatures outside dip. If you’re installing pool heating, expect to spend an additional $500 to $2,000 on labor.
Type of Pool Heater | Average Cost |
---|---|
Gas or propane | $1,000–$4,500 |
Electric resistance | $500–$5,000 |
Heat pump | $2,000–$6,500 |
Solar | $2,000–$7,500 |
Most homeowners install extra features around their pools, such as lighting, decking, and landscaping. These can significantly increase the overall cost, so it’s important to choose your extras wisely.
Remember that some locations require decking or fencing around your pool for safety. Lighting is also an important safety feature that gives your pool area visibility after dark. Here are some common costs:
Pool lighting: $200 per light
Diving board: $300–$5,000
Slide: $1,500–$20,000
Pool fence costs: $1,500–$10,000
Waterfall: $1,500–$5,000
Saltwater filtration system: $500–$2,500
Landscaping: $700–$3,300
Pool decking costs: $3,000–$12,000
Depending on your state, installing a pool can increase your property taxes. At the same time, if you install a pool for medical reasons, you could get a tax deduction of up to $12,000. The overall savings depend on your particular tax bracket.
Installing a pool can increase your insurance costs. Liability insurance for a home with a pool adds about $50 a year to the cost of homeowners insurance. Ultimately, the cost increase will depend on your home’s value, policy and insurance provider, and location.
The average pool will rack up $3,000 to $5,000 in yearly maintenance costs. This includes normal maintenance, repairs, water, and electricity costs to run your pool.
While it’s possible to DIY a basic aboveground pool using a kit, leave in-ground pool projects to the pros to avoid making a costly or dangerous mistake. If you hire an in-ground pool company near you for this installation, you'll spend around $19,000 on labor. This may seem like a hefty price tag, but it could save you money if a DIY excavation or installation goes wrong—especially if it causes flooding or damage to utility lines.
While you should invest the extra money to hire professionals for in-ground pool installation, you can save money throughout the project with simple cost-saving tips.
Keep design minimal: To save money, you can minimize costs by skipping extras, like waterfalls, colorful lighting, or custom-designed pool tiles.
Consider long-term costs: Some swimming pool materials may seem like a great deal during installation, but they could be more expensive to upkeep than other types in the long term. Stick to a material that will save you money in the bigger picture.
Smaller and shallower pools: Installing a smaller, shallower pool can save money on excavation, pool materials, and even pool water. It will also save you money on ongoing electricity and maintenance costs.
DIY tasks: If you have a few hours of spare time per week, you could save about $1,000 a year in maintenance and cleaning costs for an in-ground pool if you DIY some of the tasks.
According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), in-ground pools have a 56% ROI. In other words, you’ll get back around half your investment in the sale of your home. The ROI isn’t as high as other home projects like installing an irrigation system or upgrading your landscaping because pool maintenance is a lot of work. Not all potential buyers want the responsibility and ongoing cost, especially if they live in a climate where they can only use the pool for a couple of months of the year.
The main reason to build a pool isn’t the potential value—it’s about the fun and playfulness it adds to your yard. According to the NAR report, a whopping 90% of homeowners who take on the project have an increased sense of enjoyment at home.
"In-ground pools made with sealed concrete are considerably more expensive than aboveground pools, but they also last longer and add more value to your home. Metal or resin shells are the most durable for aboveground pools, while flexible liners are more vulnerable to damage."
— Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, Jacksonville, FL
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.
In-ground pools are more durable and have a longer life span, but aboveground pools are an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. Aboveground pools are also easier to remove if you no longer want to maintain one.
The cost of an aboveground pool is $800 to $5,000 for materials and $1,000 to $3,000 for labor. Weigh the pros and cons of each pool before deciding.
The cost to repair a swimming pool is around $700, depending on the issue. While some simple DIY fixes can cost as little as $10, complex repairs like a cracked beam require a professional and cost $6,000 or more. Extensive overhauls, such as resurfacing the interior of a concrete pool and replacing tile, can cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
There are a few key pool maintenance tips you’ll want to follow. Ensure the chemicals are at an appropriate level by checking at least once a week. Skim your pool daily to keep it free from debris, and vacuum it once a week. Covering the pool when it’s not in use during the offseason is also helpful.
The average 12-by-24-foot in-ground pool costs $25,200, but prices can reach upward of $46,100 depending on the features and materials. You’ll spend less on a rectangular vinyl or fiberglass pool than on a concrete pool in an elevated style (think: infinity pool or lagoon pool). Added features like heating, lighting, diving boards, or decking will increase your overall cost.