How Much Do Lap Pools Cost? [2025 Data]
A lap pool costs $44,000 on average and ranges from $6,000 to $80,000, depending on size and materials. A pool installer can break down the costs further.
Are you looking for ways to stay fit and keep cool all summer? Installing a lap pool in your yard is a great way to meet both marks. Lap pool prices average $44,000 and can fluctuate quite a bit, depending on size, style, and labor. You might be looking at spending anywhere from $4,000 for a store-bought, aboveground pool to over $100,000 for an in-ground, indoor pool.
Below we cover everything you need to know about budgeting for a lap pool.
Pool Size
The size of your lap pool will largely determine its cost. The most common length for a lap pool is 40 feet, which costs an average of $45,000 to install. Increasing that size to 82 feet—the equivalent of a 25-meter short course lap pool—will increase the cost to between $100,000 and $400,000.
If you have a vast backyard and a budget deeper than a diving well, you can build an Olympic-size 50-meter pool for between $300,000 and $500,000. The width of the lap pool, which ranges from 6 to 10 feet, will also impact the pool’s cost.
Materials
If you’re installing an in-ground pool, you’ll need to pick the type of surface that goes along the walls and floor of your pool. Most residential lap pools are 8-by-40 feet and are 4 feet deep. You’ll need to have enough materials to cover the sides and the bottom of the pool, as well as the surrounding area.
The main types of materials used are:
| Lap Pool Material | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $21 |
| Fiberglass | $35–$66 |
| Concrete | $55–$72 |
| Stainless steel and copper | $128 |
“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
Lap Pool Cost by Type
You have several options for where you can place your new lap pool. You can go with aboveground outside, aboveground inside, in-ground outside, and in-ground indoor pools. Choosing between an in-ground versus an aboveground pool will come down to your budget and available space.
| Type of Pool | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aboveground | $6,000 |
| In-ground | $67,000 |
| Indoor lap | $50,000 |
| Infinity | $80,000 |
| Saltwater | $50,000 |
| Endless | $24,000 |
Aboveground Pools: Aboveground pools cost $6,000 for professional installation and $3,000 for a DIY option. They’re easily disassembled if you don’t want a permanent pool. However, they’re susceptible to damage from weather, particularly high winds.
In-Ground Pools: In-ground pools average $67,000 but go up to $135,000. Many customizable options are available, including shape, surface, and style. If the cost of a pool heater is in your budget, it can also be a convenient upgrade.
Indoor Lap Pool: Indoor lap pools cost $50,000 to $100,000 or about $6,000 for an aboveground option. These pools require a dehumidifier system—either a portable one for $200 or a built-in one for $5,000. Having an indoor pool allows you to enjoy it year-round regardless of the weather.
Infinity Pool: Luxury infinity pools cost $80,000 to $130,000 and have an edge that seems to disappear on the horizon. You’ll need two pool pumps: a standard one and one for the overflow edge.
Saltwater Lap Pool: These pools are gentler on eyes and skin than chlorine pools and cost $50,000. A saltwater generator converts the salt into chlorine to sanitize the pool, which costs $500 to $2,500.
Endless Lap Pool: Like a treadmill, an endless lap pool allows you to enjoy swimming long distances without a big pool. A pump creates a current you can swim against for as long as you want. An endless lap pool costs $24,000 and measures 14 feet long.
Pool Contractor Costs
Labor costs account for 25% to 50% of the total project. Pool contractors handle all the aspects of your pool build, including planning, excavation, construction of the pool, features, and more.
Since pool construction requires different skill sets, many pool contractors hire subcontractors to handle specialized work like plumbing, electricity, and more.
| Subcontractor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Plumber | $45–$200 per hour |
| Electrician | $50–$100 per hour |
| Pool designer | $600–$2,500 |
| Land excavator | $1,000–$1,500 |
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning a lap pool project, there are additional costs to consider. You’ll need to budget for factors like excavation, permits, and water to fill the pool.
Excavation
If you're planning on installing an in-ground lap pool, you’ll need an excavator to dig a hole for the pool. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 in pool excavation costs, including digging the hole and backfilling it once the pool is in place. That cost can run higher if the excavation company encounters obstacles such as roots, rocks, or dense soil. Expect an additional cost of around $600 if extra dirt needs to be loaded into a truck and hauled away.
Land Leveling
Yard leveling costs about $200 to $900 for pools. This step is crucial for a proper pool installation. When you install an in-ground pool on uneven ground, your pool can suffer from expensive damage down the road, like pool liner leaks and soil erosion. For aboveground pools, an uneven yard can lead to pool collapse if there’s too much of a slope.
Water to Fill the Pool
To find how much water you need, you’ll use the calculation “length x width x average depth x multiplier.” The multiplier varies based on the shape of the pool.
The multiplier for:
Square, Rectangle, or Free-Form Pools: 7.5
Round or Oval Pools: 5.9
So if you have an average rectangular pool (8-by-40 feet with a depth of 4 feet), you’re looking at around 9,600 gallons. The average water cost is about $1.50 per 1,000 gallons. Keep in mind that you’ll be using water to filter the pool, so once your pool is filled, it doesn’t mean the water bill stops there.
You’ll need to chlorinate the water as well, which will also factor into your regular maintenance costs.
Permits
Whether you’re going for an aboveground lap pool or an in-ground lap pool, chances are good you’ll need to pull a permit. You’ll need to file a permit to start the installation process, which has an average cost of around $1,000. The true cost of the permit will depend on your state, county, and even city-level ordinances.
Maintenance
It's easy to underestimate the cost of maintaining a pool on a month-to-month basis. During swim season, pools cost between $150 and $260 per month for maintenance. This price includes vacuuming, skimming, and chemicals to maintain the pool's chemistry. If you choose to complete the maintenance yourself, you’ll spend about $50 per month on pool chemicals and supplies.
Pool Add-Ons or Features
These pool add-ons and features will help elevate your pool experience. Here are the common ones you might want for your home:
Pool Covers: Pool covers cost $150 to $4,500 or more. They keep your pool protected during the offseason, and you can opt for a basic cover that you install manually or a fancy automatic one that works at the touch of a button.
Pool Enclosure: Pool enclosures cost $7,000 to $18,000, and depending on your area, building codes may require them. They keep the pool safe from unwelcome intruders like alligators and allow you to enjoy a swim without the nuisance of insects.
Adding a Hot Tub: Adding a hot tub to your pool costs $2,500 to $15,000. You can choose from in-ground, aboveground, prefab, or custom tubs. Hot tubs are relaxing and enjoyable year-round, so they might be a good choice regardless of your climate.
Pool Heater: Pool heaters cost $1,800 to $4,100 and are powered by electricity, gas, heat pumps, or solar energy. They’re a great addition to consider if you live in an area with cooler weather.
Pool Lighting: Lighting for a pool costs $450 to $1,700. It’s an intensive job, so you’ll want to tackle this during the pool installation. Lighting is a must-have if you’re planning on enjoying night swims, plus it adds a nice ambiance to the area.
Cost to Install a Lap Pool Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
The only lap pool that you can DIY is an aboveground pool. This will cost you around $3,000 to $4,000 and the project will take half a day. Most of that time will be spent waiting for the pool to fill with water, so it’s a good weekend project.
Any type of in-ground lap pool will require the help of knowledgeable pros. From excavation, plumbing, and electrical wiring to the actual construction of the pool, there are many moving parts.
When a pool is improperly installed, many things can go wrong, like an uneven pool, gaps between the deck and the pool, a loose liner, and water leaks. On the other hand, when you hire a reputable swimming pool installer near you take on the job, you can enjoy your pool from day one.
Are Lap Pools Worth It?
Lap pools are worth it if you plan to use one regularly for exercise. Since they’re narrower than traditional pools, it’s a fitting option if you have a smaller yard.
The ROI of a pool installation is 7% to 8% on average, but it ranges between 5% and 56%. Your area, the pool’s design, and maintenance all impact the overall value. Your ROI will be on the higher side if you live in a sunnier state where pools are highly desirable, like California and Florida. ROI is the highest for well-kept in-ground pools that are ready to be used. The pool should be free of algae and have equipment that’s in good condition.
On the other hand, if you aren’t passionate about swimming laps, consider a traditional pool with more space to accommodate friends and family for pool parties and neighborhood barbecues.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain your lap pool, add or drain water when needed, test and rebalance chemical levels, and check tile and surface for damage. Always clean the pool when you find debris, as those autumn leaves can damage the filtration system. Skim the top of the pool to remove leaves and debris, clean off the bottom of the pool and the walls, vacuum, clean the filter, and run the pump.
You’ll need at least 50-by-10 feet for a residential lap pool. Endless pools need as little as 15-by-8 feet. Deciding which type of pool is right for you and your family will depend heavily on the size of your backyard and what can comfortably fit. Don’t forget to leave room for other structures and activities in your yard, such as a swing set, shed, garden, or outdoor grill.
The best time to buy a lap pool is during the fall. While you might not be able to enjoy it for long, you’ll be happy with the money you save. Since fall and winter are the slow seasons for pool companies, they may offer specials or discounts. Talk to a pool installation company in your area to see what deals they have available.
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