How Much Does a Disappearing Pool Cost?

As disappearing pools become increasingly popular for creating dramatic backyard oases, it’s very important for homeowners to comprehend the full costs involved before taking the plunge. In this guide, we’ll get into disappearing pool pricing, unpack hidden fees that sneak up on buyers, and provide insider tips from builders for maximizing value.

Whether you’re budgeting for a new installation or estimating long-term maintenance, these insights will empower you to make fully informed financial decisions when investing in your private aquatic paradise. Let’s dive in and shed light on the true cost of owning one of these luxurious disappearing pools.

Article Highlights

• Anticipate an average all-in investment of $90,000 to $250,000 (≈8 years working without vacations at a $15/hour job) for full installation.
• Lavish add-ons and premium touches raise costs, but focus budget on durability.
• Complex custom designs and large scale increase project pricing significantly.
• Diligent maintenance saves thousands over the long run by preventing costly repairs.
• Partner with a quality pool pro you trust to get the backyard oasis you've dreamed of while optimizing value.

How Much Does a Disappearing Pool Cost?

So what’s the bottom line on how much a disappearing pool costs? As luxurious amenities with complex designs and illusion-creating features, disappearing pools sit at the high end of swimming pool investments with realistic prices between $90,000 and $250,000 (≈8 years working without vacations at a $15/hour job) or more. Here's an overview of typical pricing:

• Total Installation Cost: Ranges from $90,000 to $100,000 (≈3.2 years of continuous work at $15/hour) for a standard sized disappearing pool.
• Entry-Level Costs: Some homeowners spend as little as $55,000 (≈1.8 years working every day at a $15/hour wage) for smaller and simpler designs on the low end.
• Luxury Price Points: On the high end, costs can surpass $250,000 (≈8 years working without vacations at a $15/hour job) for oversized custom designs with premium materials and features.

According to Pool Magazine, the starting price for a Hydrofloor system, one of the most popular movable pool floor brands, is around $230,000 (≈7.4 years working to pay for this at $15/hour). The cost per square foot for the movable floor system alone ranges from $300 to $550 (≈4.6 days working without days off at $15/hour), and fully customized projects can reach into the millions of dollars, especially for luxury installations or unique designs. For example, a San Francisco-area pool builder cited in the article estimated a recent Hydrofloor project at about $2 million (≈64.1 years of dedicated labor at $15/hour) for a high-end residential installation.

Another source, Hidden Water Pools Cost, provides a broader estimate, stating that the cost of a hidden water pool typically ranges from $25,000 to $65,000 (≈2.1 years of career dedication at a $15/hour wage) depending on the size and installation procedures. However, this lower range may reflect more basic or smaller-scale hidden pool systems, and does not always include the advanced mechanical flooring found in luxury installations.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the system alone for a disappearing pool can cost "hundreds of thousands of dollars," and these pools are most commonly found in high-end homes due to their significant price tag.

For comparison, traditional inground pools generally start at around $50,000 (≈1.6 years of uninterrupted work at $15/hour), but the addition of a disappearing or movable floor system dramatically increases the total cost, often exceeding $230,000 (≈7.4 years working to pay for this at $15/hour) for the technology alone and reaching into the millions for large or highly customized projects.

Ultimately, the specifics of each homeowner’s desired design largely determine where the total cost lands within that broad spectrum. Carefully evaluating the factors below will help you budget accurately.

Real Life Examples

To make the costs more tangible, here are some real-world examples of homeowners’ disappearing pool investments:

• A homeowner in California installed a mid-sized fiberglass disappearing pool for $85,000 (≈2.7 years spent earning $15/hour instead of living), including new landscaping and accent lighting.
• The owner of a luxury estate in Florida spent $140,000 (≈4.5 years of your professional life at $15/hour) constructing a large, ornate concrete disappearing hydrofloor pool with high-end emerald tile, multiple cascading water features, and an expanded tropical landscape.
• An average family in Texas invested $65,000 (≈2.1 years of career dedication at a $15/hour wage) in a compact vinyl disappearing pool integrated into their naturally sloped backyard.
• A condo owner in Las Vegas financed a petite rooftop hydrofloor with a vanishing edge plunge pool for $95,000 (≈3 years working to pay for this at $15/hour) through her HOA fees, keeping costs low by minimizing size and frills.

These real-world examples illustrate the vast range of investment levels, from lavish six-figure projects down to more modest backyard upgrades. As you evaluate your own goals, keep these anecdotes in mind as a reference.

Components That Comprise Costs

When budgeting for a disappearing pool, it’s crucial to understand the diverse elements that contribute to the total investment:

• Design Plans and Engineering – Architectural drawings and structural engineering to create a customized movable floor.
• Excavation and Site Prep – Land clearing, grading, soil testing, and prepping the pool foundation.
• Pool Structure – Materials and extensive labor for crafting the pool shell. Options include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
• Disappearing Hydrofloor – Specialized materials and construction techniques involved in building the movable floor.
• Decking and Surrounds – Patios, pathways, non-slip surfaces, and other deck features surrounding the pool.
• Mechanical Systems – Pumps, filters, heaters, valves, and controls to operate the pool.
• Special Features – Any upgrades like waterfalls, slides, fountains, fire features, or accent lighting.
• Landscaping – Design and installation of greenery, hardscaping, boulders, and retaining walls around the pool.
• Safety Fencing – Materials and labor for code-compliant fence installation to secure the area.
• Permitting and Insurance – Costs for securing legal permits and adjusting property insurance policies.

Identifying these diverse upfront and hidden costs makes budgeting and selecting affordable features much simpler.

Factors Shaping Disappearing Pool Pricing

Several important considerations significantly impact the costs quoted by pool builders:

• Scale and Dimensions – Larger pools require expanded materials, excavation, and finishing, increasing overall costs.
• Design Complexity – Highly customized plans with intricate details, water features, or complex edges boost pricing.
• Material Selection – Premium options like concrete, tile, or natural stone add costs compared to basic vinyl liner builds.
• Local Labor Conditions – Shortages of qualified pool contractors in a region can drive up labor costs.
• Optional Features and Upgrades – Elements like heating systems, infinity spas, or automation contribute to the total price.

Weighing these factors allows you to strategically balance design ambitions and budget restraints when planning your ideal disappearing pool.

You might also like our articles on the cost of an above ground pool, inground pool, or infinity pool.

Comparison to Traditional Inground Pools

To provide helpful pricing perspective, here's how disappearing pool costs measure up against regular inground pools:

• Traditional inground pool: $35,000 to $100,000 (≈3.2 years of continuous work at $15/hour)
• Vanishing edge pool: $90,000 to $100,000 (≈3.2 years of continuous work at $15/hour)
• Disappearing Hydrofloor Pool: $90,000 to $200,000 (≈6.4 years working without vacations at a $15/hour job)

The disappearing edge itself adds $20,000 to $35,000 (≈1.1 years spent earning $15/hour instead of living) in upfront costs compared to a standard pool. For this premium, you gain the beautiful cascading, vanishing edge that makes disappearing pools so visually stunning. The mechanism for the Hydrofloor Pool, on the other hand, adds $30,000 (≈11.4 months locked to your job at $15/hour) or more!

Other comparisons worth considering:

• Above-ground pool: $1,500 to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour)
• Lap pool: $25,000 to $45,000 (≈1.4 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop)
• Endless exercise pool: $15,000 to $40,000 (≈1.3 years working to pay for this at $15/hour)

While not offering the luxurious moving floor or a vanishing edge, these can provide more budget-friendly backyard swimming options.

Insider Tips

We consulted veteran pool construction professionals to get their insider advice on extracting maximum value from a disappearing pool investment:

"Focus budget on structural durability over luxury finishes—a flawlessly built pool will save money long-term." - Noah K., Master Waterscapes

"Don't feel pressured into unnecessary extras—stick to features that fit your budget and backyard goals." - Andrew R., Prestige Pools

"An experienced, ethical builder is worth the investment for smooth installations and minimal issues down the road." - Miguel S., Aqua Oasis Pools

"Regular disappearing pool maintenance is crucial—it prevents much pricier repairs from neglect." - Karen L., Sparkling Pools

Their top tip? Partner with a reputable pro you trust to translate your backyard vision into reality while optimizing costs.

Reduce Disappearing Pool Costs

If your budget is limited, here are some potential avenues to decrease disappearing pool expenses:

• Opt for the most affordable liner material that meets your needs. Vinyl and fiberglass cost less than concrete or stone.
• Start small; you can always expand the pool later when funds allow.
• Phase in secondary features like water slides, infinity spas, or pricier lighting down the road.
• Take on basic maintenance yourself instead of paying a pool service.
• Explore DIY options for partial installs, like basic decking.
• Supply your own accessories and chemicals vs. buying from the pool builder.
• Ask builders about off-season discounts for installations in winter or fall.

While getting creative can trim costs, pool experts don’t advise compromising on foundational build materials or professional installation quality just to save money.

Costs Over the Long Run

Once your disappearing pool is installed, proactive maintenance is very important to avoiding massive unplanned repair bills down the road. Here are smart strategies for keeping costs contained long-term:

• Adhere to a diligent monthly maintenance routine - skimming, testing chemicals, cleaning filters - to prevent deterioration.
• Inspect disappearing floor mechanics regularly to identify potential leaks early before they worsen.
• Watch for cracks in concrete or decking and re-seal promptly before they expand.
• Replace worn parts like pumps or valves before catastrophic failures occur.
• Take advantage of off-season savings on pool chemicals and bulk accessory purchases.
• Invest in a quality safety pool cover to reduce chemical, heating, and water expenses.

With some good upkeep habits, you can maximize the lifespan of your pool and minimize painful unexpected costs.

Considerations by Design Aspect

Beyond just total price, it’s useful to understand how choices in important design aspects affect disappearing pool costs:

Size: Larger surface areas mean expanded costs for materials, excavation, and construction labor.

Shape: Complex curved, rounded, or freeform shapes often increase project expenses compared to simple rectangles.

Perimeter: An expanded perimeter boost costs but create greater drama.

Features: Items like slides, fountains, fire elements, and infinity hot tubs all contribute to a higher total price.

Materials: Premium options like imported tile, natural stone, glass tile, or concrete elevate costs compared to fiberglass and vinyl.

Lighting: Multiple LED lighting systems and fiber optic accents look stunning but add to the project price tag.

Landscaping: Lavish multi-elevation rockscapes, pathways, plants, and retaining walls raise the budget for your surroundings.

Fencing: Ornate or lengthy disappearing pool fences made of iron, copper, or wood add a premium over standard types.

Answers to Common Questions

What is a typical starter price range for basic disappearing pool packages?

For most homeowners, investing $55,000 to $75,000 (≈2.4 years spent earning $15/hour instead of living) can deliver a small to medium-sized disappearing pool using standard materials for the structure. This provides an affordable entry point to test the concept before upgrading.

What are some of the long-term maintenance costs pool owners need to budget for?

Beyond just installation, long-term costs like utilities, chemicals, cleaning services, routine maintenance, and potential repairs add up. Most pool owners spend $150 to $350 (≈2.9 days working without breaks at $15/hour) monthly for proper disappearing pool upkeep and operation.

Should I invest in the most budget-friendly disappearing pool model?

While you don't want to overspend beyond your means, cheaper pools built with questionable craftsmanship often cost more long-term through continual repairs and reduced longevity. Paying a little more upfront for quality and durability often saves substantially down the road.