How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool?
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Interested in installing a pool to cool off when it’s warm out? The cost to build a pool ranges from $1,800 to $58,540, with the national average at $36,730.
Highlights
- The typical range for the cost to build a pool is $1,800 to $58,540, with a national average of $36,730.
- Cost factors for building a pool include the pool size, shape, and type as well as materials, location, labor and permits, excavation, filter type, and pump type.
- Building a pool can provide entertainment value and health benefits and also boost property value.
- While some homeowners may be interested in learning how to build a pool themselves, it’s a complex and time-consuming job that is best left to experienced professionals.
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A backyard pool is a perfect place to cool off during those hot summer months—or year-round for those lucky enough to live in a climate that allows it. While some will search online for “swimming pool near me,” others prefer a pool right in their own backyard. Many homeowners are interested in getting a pool in their backyard, but how much does it cost to build a pool? The cost ranges from $1,800 to $58,540, with the national average cost to build a pool coming in at $36,730. For those who are interested in a custom pool with luxury add-ons, the price can jump to $125,000 or more.
When evaluating swimming pool installation, homeowners will want to consider all the factors and additional costs that will affect the project. Combining options and features during the installation will usually result in a discount but will increase the overall up-front costs. Some homeowners decide to postpone installing a hot tub, additional water features, and a patio until a later date. To find the best price on pools for backyard fun, an online search of “pool builders near me” will yield helpful results for homeowners to review.
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Key Cost Factors
Calculating how much it costs to build a pool depends on several factors. Prices can differ from the national average due to pool size, shape, type, location, labor costs, permit fees, excavation costs, landscaping, materials, and filtration.
Pool Size and Shape
On average, it costs $50 to $125 per square foot to build an inground pool. The bigger the pool, the higher the project cost. A small inground pool costs around $19,000, but a large pool requires more materials, equipment, and labor. Pools come in many different shapes, and the material dictates what shape of pool can be built. Chad Christenson is the founder of Watermark Pools, a pool-building company in Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee. He says, “The shape can also impact installation costs, particularly if it alters the pool’s square footage, the hardscape, or if the installation is complex.” Some of the most popular pool shapes include rectangle, oval, kidney, round, lagoon, and full-L.
Pool Type
Pools can be categorized as either inground or above-ground. Inground pools are significantly more expensive due to the cost of excavation, their larger size, as well as the cost of upkeep and maintenance. On average, the cost of an inground pool is $44,290 to $86,400. Above-ground pool installation costs less, and these pools are quicker to install, more space efficient, and easier to care for. An above-ground pool costs $700 to $5,000, and homeowners can save even more if they learn how to level the ground for a pool themselves.
Pool Material
Pool building costs are largely determined by the materials. A concrete pool will cost $35,000 to $65,000, but it will last longer than a vinyl pool, which costs $20,000 to $40,000. Fiberglass is the other option for an inground pool and can cost $20,000 to $60,000. Talking to a pool installation professional about material options will help homeowners get the look they want while staying within budget. Above-ground pools are often made of aluminum, steel, or resin.
Geographic Location
Location will affect the cost of building a pool in a backyard. For example, the cost to build a pool in California is $35,000, whereas the cost to build a pool in Florida averages $37,700. Pool costs in an urban area are typically more expensive than they would be in rural areas due to a higher cost of living driving up labor prices.
| State | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Arizona | $22,000 |
| California | $35,000 |
| Florida | $37,700 |
| New York | $28,500 |
| South Carolina | $18,000 |
| Texas | $31,000 |
Labor and Permits
Labor usually makes up 25 percent to 50 percent of the total cost of building a pool. Inground pools have more expensive labor costs than above-ground pools, and fiberglass and concrete pools cost more than vinyl. The average labor prices to build a pool range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on pool size, shape, and design. Homeowners may want to search online for “pool builders near me” to get started.
Permits for pool installations can range from $200 to $2,000 and can vary due to pool type and geographic location. Homeowners are advised to keep in mind that the pool will need to be inspected before it can be used. A pool inspection costs $125 to $250.
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Excavation
Excavation costs around $3,400 on average. If the potential pool’s location is hard to access, the costs can reach as high as $20,000. Homeowners can consider saving some money by using the dirt on the property for gardening or landscaping.
Filter Type
Pool filtration systems cost $30 to $2,000. Pocket filters are the cheapest variety at only $30 to $100. Cartridge and sand filters are in the middle range, costing $200 to $1,600 and $300 to $1,200, respectively. Diatomaceous earth and glass filters can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. To avoid costly repairs and maintenance, homeowners will want to install a filtration system that works for the size and shape of the pool.
| Filter Type | Cost (Material Only) |
| Cartridge | $200 to $1,600 |
| Diatomaceous earth | $520 to $2,000 |
| Glass | $500 to $1,500 |
| $30 to $100 | |
| Sand | $300 to $1,200 |
Pump Type
If the water in a pool is stagnant, it will not be circulated through the filter, and debris and dirt will stay on the surface of the pool. Swimming pool pumps are designed to keep the water in the pool moving and range in cost from $250 to $4,000. There are a variety of pool pumps on the market to accommodate pools of different sizes and shapes, including dual speed, high-head submersible, low head, medium head, single speed, and variable speed.
| Pump Type | Cost (Material Only) |
| Dual speed | $300 to $1,600 |
| High-head submersible | $1,250 to $4,000+ |
| Low head | $250 to $1,600 |
| Medium head | $400 to $2,500 |
| Single speed | $250 to $1,000 |
| Variable speed | $800 to $2,500 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
When homeowners are budgeting for how much it costs to build a pool, there are usually additional price factors and considerations. These can include heating, covers, water features, fencing, maintenance, enhancements, and upgrades.
- Landscaping: Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $3,000 to $5,000 or $4 to $12 per square foot for professional landscaping around the pool. Some options to choose from include simple grass around the pool and water fountains, masonry paths, and custom shrubbery.
- Heating: A pool heater costs between $1,800 and $4,000, and the cost of running the heater can range from $120 to $850 per month. Pool heaters can be solar, gas, or electric powered.
- Pool cover: Covers keep debris out of the pool, keep people safe, and ensure unwanted visitors and critters can’t get in. The average cost of a pool cover ranges from $800 to $2,600. Automatic covers are typically much pricier.
- Water features: Fountains and waterfalls can elevate a pool area and make it more inviting. “We recommend water features like fountains, bubblers, negative edges, and splash pads because they extend the usefulness of the space and add vibrancy to the outdoor area,” says Christenson. In general, adding water features to a pool will cost anywhere from $450 to $1,900.
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- Fence or enclosure installation: A pool fence costs between $1,500 and $10,000 and provides an element of safety when the pool isn’t in use. Enclosures keep out leaves, bugs, and dirt, and they can be made in materials that range from screen to glass. A pool screen enclosure costs an average of $10,675.
- Pool deck installation: A deck for an above-ground pool can provide easier accessibility than climbing into the pool via a ladder. Pool deck installation costs between $500 and $20,000. Inground pool decks are typically more expensive than above-ground decks.
- Maintenance: Pool maintenance costs include increased electricity bills (anywhere from $300 to $1,300 annually) and regular maintenance. If any repairs are needed, these can run $85 to $3,500 per repair. The homeowner or one of the best pool cleaning services can regularly adjust the pool’s chemicals and clean the pool. Monthly pool maintenance costs $110 to $350.
- Additions, enhancements, and upgrades: “Features like fire pits, fire bowls, and torches can transform your space into a resort-style paradise,” Christenson says. Adding optional features to a pool will add to the final bill. A diving board can range from $570 to $6,020, while custom upgrades like steps (rather than a ladder) can add $1,800 to $3,270 onto the project price. The cost to build a pool house can range from $26,000 to $180,000, depending on the size and features.
| Feature or Addition | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Diving board | $570 to $6,020 |
| Lighting | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Pool house | $26,000 to $180,000 |
| Retaining wall | $5,000 |
| Steps | $1,800 to $3,270 |
Types of Pools
Pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the pool type a homeowner chooses will directly impact the project cost. Knowing what options are available as well as the respective pool installation prices can help homeowners make an informed decision.
| Pool Type | Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Above-ground pool | $700 to $5,000 |
| Cocktail pool (“spool”) | $5,500 to $50,000 |
| Custom pool | $100,000+ |
| Endless pool | $23,000 to $40,000 |
| Hot tub or spa | $3,500 to $15,000 |
| Indoor pool | $20,000 to $200,000 |
| Infinity pool | $55,000 to $130,000 |
| Inground concrete pool | $35,000 to $65,000 |
| Inground fiberglass pool | $20,000 to $60,000 |
| Inground vinyl pool | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Lap pool | $6,000 to $500,000 |
| Natural pool | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| Plunge pool | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| Saltwater pool | $12,000 to $38,000 |
Above-Ground Pool
Above-ground pools can cost $700 to $5,000. Since there is no large-scale excavation involved for an above-ground pool, the costs are lower than for inground pools. Some downsides of an above-ground pool are that they don’t last as long, and homeowners don’t get