Spool pools cost $5,500 to $50,000, with a national average of $22,650. Save on costs by choosing a basic material or an above-ground setup.
What do you get when you cross the refreshment of a pool with the luxury of a spa? A spool (aka a cocktail or plunge pool). A spool pool costs $22,650 on average, but prices range from $5,500 to $50,000. Though labor costs are comparable to standard pools, spools are smaller and have a lower price tag.
At their heart, spool pools are tiny pools with spa amenities. They’re a perfect resort-style addition to your home, especially if space is at a premium where you live. In this guide, we’ll break down the potential costs so you can set your budget.
Spool or swim spa costs dramatically vary based on features, design, and materials. Compared to the costs of installing a backyard pool, it’s still relatively affordable, especially when you consider lower-than-average energy and upkeep costs. You can expect costs for a 300-square-foot spool pool to break down like this:
Spools are smaller than standard pools, typically 300 square feet, but the spool can be as small as a 4-square-foot single-occupancy model. While the price of labor per square foot is comparable to standard pools, the smaller size makes these pools affordable both on total labor, materials, and operation cost.
Do you prefer an aboveground pool or an inground pool? Inground pools look great but can come with a higher price tag. You can buy spool kits for aboveground pools for as little as $400. By contrast, excavation requirements for inground spools may drive the price up by as much as several thousand dollars.
Spools come in a variety of materials. Things like vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or repurposed metal are typically more affordable, while concrete, steel, and copper are on the higher cost end. Vinyl and wood are affordable materials, ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 for an average 300-square-foot spool. High-end materials like copper can reach $50,000.
You’ll generally have a separate charge for delivery of the materials—which could include a prefab spool. Expect to spend somewhere between $100 and $1,500. High-end costs are typically reserved for long-haul deliveries or complicated deliveries that require a crane.
Installation costs about $5.50 per square foot for the labor, but call a pool installer near you for a more direct quote. You may also need to pay for additional jobs—especially if you go with an inground model. Generally, labor accounts for 25% to 50% of project costs.
| Spool Pool Installation Jobs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Permits | $200–$1,000 |
| Excavation | $400–$1,500 |
| Yard leveling | $1–$2 per square foot |
| Concrete foundation | $4–$8 per square foot |
| Electrical work | $500–$1,600 |
| Water | $10–$400 |
There are so many ways to take a standard spool to the next level. You can add jets, seating, and speakers to spools for various uses, including exercise, relaxation, recreation, and entertaining.
Pool heaters cost an average of $3,000 but are essential for cooler climates. Looking to add some wow factor? Adding a waterfall could be just the ticket. A 48-inch water feature for a spool costs as little as $320.
| Additional Spool Pool Features | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool heater | $1,800–$4,100 |
| Speakers | $30–$150 |
| Waterfall | $300–$2,000 |
| Entertainment system | $500–$2,500 |
| Saltwater system | $500–$2,500 |
| Steps and railings | $150–$500 |
| Infinity edge | $40–$90 per square foot |
| Tiling | $1–$100 per square foot |
The small size of a spool pool allows it to fit in various spaces that a traditional pool would not. However, the location of your spool can also affect your price.
| Type of Spool Pool | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aboveground | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Inground | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Indoors | $5,500–$50,000 |
Expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for an aboveground spool pool, though you could spend less on a particularly small spool or a DIY installation kit. Excavation is one of the biggest costs when considering any pool. So, building an aboveground spool will help you keep costs from ballooning.
Inground spools require more work than aboveground pools. Adding an inground spool pool costs $20,000 to $50,000. Don't forget to check local regulations on requirements for an inground pool, as some areas require specific fencing around your pool, as well as other rules. The more work required, the higher the cost.
Why keep the fun out back when you can add a spool inside your house? An indoor spool pool costs an average of $25,000, with most homeowners spending between $5,500 and $50,000.
A spool offers flexibility, easily accommodating different lifestyles, from fitness buffs to busy families. So, it makes sense that you can create a spool in a variety of styles and materials. The below list provides average estimates for the cost of a spool pool that’s around 300 square feet.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Copper | $50,000 |
| Steel | $25,000 |
| Concrete (gunite) | $23,000 |
| Fiberglass | $15,000 |
| Vinyl | $10,000 |
| Cedar | $5,500 |
A beautiful pool material, copper can react with a variety of chemicals and requires maintenance to keep looking like new.
Steel is a great option for a freshwater aboveground pool. The main disadvantage is that steel can react and corrode from chemicals or salt.
Concrete allows you to customize the shape of your pool. These pools are aesthetically pleasing and lend themselves well to any environment. However, upkeep on concrete pools does present a challenge, as the pool is prone to algae growth.
Fiberglass pools are relatively budget-friendly, durable, and perfect for smaller builds like a spool. That being said, they can fade over time so keep that in mind if aesthetics are important.
Vinyl pools have low upfront costs and can be cut into customized shapes that may blend into an outdoor environment more naturally. A disadvantage of vinyl-lined pools is they only last about five to 10 years.
This is a DIY option that is one of the least-expensive materials but may not last as long. Still, cedar wood can offer a fun way to cool off in a pinch.
Pools come with notorious ongoing expenses—regardless of the type of pool. Luckily, spools are small, so the long-term costs are not as expensive as those for larger pools. Nonetheless, it’s important to work these costs into your budget.
For most homeowners, pool maintenance costs $50 to $350 per month. This includes pool chemicals, pH testing, filters, traps, skimming, and cleaning. You’ll also pay $150 to $300 to open and close your pool for the season. Higher-end spas typically require less maintenance because they have better filtration and purification systems.
For most homeowners, pool repairs cost anywhere from $250 to $1,150. It depends on what breaks. Patching a leak can cost as little as $30, but it could cost as much as $300 to repair your pump motor or skimmer.
Running a spa of any kind will increase your home’s overall monthly energy costs. It depends on how much you use the spool pool, but you can generally expect to spend about $20 to $80 per month. Heated spools are on the higher end, especially if you heat them through the winter.
Installing a spool pool on your own will save you roughly $5.50 per square foot. That's a savings of $1,650 total for a 300-square-foot spool. Spools are available to purchase online as a builder’s kit. Installing an inground spool requires specialized skills that contractors typically have, including excavation, plumbing, and electrical. Finally, expect to pay around $1,000 for permits.
| DIY Installation Factors | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $400–$20,000 |
| Excavator rental | $2,200 per week |
| Permits | $1,000 |
Most homeowners don’t just install a spool pool—they also add-on other jobs and features to customize their space and make it fully functional, such as landscaping, adding a pool deck, or installing lighting. Here are some considerations to work into your spool costs.
Landscaping costs around $4 to $10 per square foot. If you excavated for an inground pool, you’ll need to landscape the excavated areas. Most commonly, homeowners will install sod or lay down grass seed. They may also install some decorative grasses or shrubs or add mulching or a garden bed if they’re redesigning a larger portion of their backyard rather than just a pool.
Expect to spend about $5,000 on aboveground pool deck costs. Pool decks are essential to create a non-slip space around your pool. Some people build decks out of wood or composite (which is especially popular for aboveground pools). Others install a patio as a pool deck around their inground pool using pavers or concrete.
Lighting generally costs $150 to $300 per light, but you could pay as much as $1,000 per light for hard-wired LED lighting. Lighting is a multi-function feature. It can add a relaxing ambiance to the area, increase safety, and allow you to utilize your spool after dark.
The cost of a pool cover depends on the type. A walkable or safety pool cover could cost $600 to $3,600, while a basic solar cover could cost $30 to $150 on average. Expect to spend even more on automatic or custom covers.
Pool covers—especially solar pool covers—reduce monthly electricity and water costs by maintaining your pool's temperature and limiting evaporation.
It’s a good idea to build a fence around your spool pool for safety. In fact, in some areas, it’s required by law. Pool fencing costs an average of $15 to $25 per linear foot, but you could spend less on a basic chain-link fence. A full-on pool enclosure—which safeguards against animals, insects, dirt, falling leaves, and (if you choose glass) inclement weather—costs anywhere from $24 to $200 per square foot.
Andy Sparhawk contributed to this piece.
The decision to install a spool yourself or hire an installer depends on the type of spool and location. If you don't have experience with installations, including excavation, plumbing, and electrical aboveground pool kits are available for purchase. Without the necessary skills for a pool install, it would be wise to hire a local pool contractor for the job.
The decision to add a heating element to your spool depends on where you live. Hot tub-like features may not be the best bet in warm climates, whereas cooler regions might demand it. Spa elements, like jets, offer added relaxation but increase the overall price of your spool. Like your home, your spool should be customized to your needs.
Upkeep. Like standard pools, the cost to maintain and service your pool is a factor. However, the benefit of a spool is that it can warm up in as little as 15 minutes, while it may take several hours to heat a standard pool. This makes owning a spool more cost-effective and energy-conscious.
During planning, consider adding a brick paver patio around the spool. At the same time, take a look at the cost to build an outdoor fire pit to gather around. Finish the experience with landscaping around your patio and consider fencing for privacy or to keep small children away from the spool.
