swimming pool price

How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost?

Last Updated on January 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

If you’re considering installing an inground pool to create a backyard oasis, one of the first questions you probably have is – how much does an inground pool cost?

The price tag for an inground pool can range quite a bit based on the type, size, features, and other factors. But generally, you can expect to spend $30,000 to $60,000+ for a basic installation.

In this in-depth blog post, we’ll break down all the details around inground pool costs so you can gain a clear understanding of what goes into the total price.

You’ll learn how choices like the pool type, size, accessories, and construction specifics impact your budget. We’ll also provide tips to help you save money on your inground pool project.

Let’s dive in!

How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost?

A new inground pool costs $30,000 to $60,000. The price range reflects the pool type, size, and features selected. The construction materials and building process differs for each pool type. This leads to significant differences in cost.

According to Forbes, the cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special features.

River Pools and Spas notes that turn-key gunite pool projects typically cost between $95,000 and $225,000. The average cost of a concrete inground pool is usually around $95,000 and up for basic packages, depending on the size of the pool.

Base vinyl liner packages from most pool builders typically cost $75,000–$150,000. Turn-key vinyl liner packages will typically cost $75,000–$100,000.

Your Pool Builder writes that most inground swimming pools within the range of $55k – $65k include attached hot tubs, and possibly one other main water feature, or a combination of different features. Pool designs ranging from $30k – $100k.

Angi says that an inground pool costs about $55,000 to install, on average, though homeowners typically pay between $39,000 and $70,000 for this coveted backyard feature. The cost depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and material of your pool.

Concrete Inground Pools

Concrete, also called gunite, pools are the most popular—and most expensive—option. The concrete is sprayed onto reinforced steel walls and smoothed. Costs typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 installed.

Benefits of concrete include strength, durability, and design flexibility. The smooth plaster interior also requires minimal maintenance. Custom sizes, shapes, and depths are possible.

Overall, concrete inground pools provide the most options for creating a customized backyard pool. But the higher cost takes them out of reach for some budgets.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liner pools feature a steel wall structure that is coated with a liner featuring your choice of pattern. These economical pools run $30,000 to $45,000 installed.

The vinyl liner itself will need periodic replacing, every 5-10 years on average. But vinyl liner pools offer more flexibility in shapes and styles versus fiberglass. The material is also gentler on your feet versus abrasive surfaces.

Overall, vinyl liner pools provide an affordable way to get a customized pool. Just account for periodic liner replacement costs down the road.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are pre-fabricated shell pools built offsite and then installed. These pools cost $30,000 to $50,000 installed.

Benefits include fast installation, smooth finishes, and low maintenance. The interior surface is gelcoat, similar to boats. Drawbacks are limited size and depth options and inability to customize.

Still, if you want an attractive and modern-looking pool on a budget, a fiberglass pool delivers. Just confirm sizing works for your space.

Next, let’s look at other cost considerations that come into play.

Factors That Influence The Swimming Pool Cost

What determines the total cost for an inground swimming pool? Here are the primary elements that affect the bottom-line price:

  • Type of pool: The main options are concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass pools. Concrete pools are the most expensive, while vinyl liner pools are often the most affordable.
  • Size and shape: Larger and more complex shaped pools require more materials and labor, increasing costs. Standard sizes range from 15×30 feet up to 20×40 feet.
  • Depth: Deeper pools require extra excavation and building materials, adding to expenses. Typical depths range from 3.5-8 feet.
  • Features and accessories: Items like waterfalls, lighting, heating, advanced filtration, and pool cover systems add considerably to the overall price.
  • Local labor and material costs: Construction expenses vary across the country based on demand, fuel prices, etc. Labor makes up about 50% of the total pool cost and depends on the inground pool installation company as well.
  • Backyard terrain and access: Flat, open terrain reduces installation costs. Slopes, poor drainage, or limited access can escalate costs quickly.

Now that you know the main price factors, let’s examine the different pool types and associated costs. This info will give you an initial budget range.

Additional Cost Drivers for All Inground Pools

While the type of pool itself plays a significant role, other factors impact the total project cost across all pool types. Be sure to account for these additional expenses in your pool budget.

You might also like our articles about the cost of an infinity pool, pool acid washing services, or pool closing services.

Pool Size and Dimensions

Pool size has a major influence on price since bigger pools require more materials, excavation, and stronger filtration systems. Consider these average sizes and associated costs:

  • Small pools (under 15x30ft) = $30,000 to $40,000
  • Medium pools (15x30ft to 20x40ft) = $40,000 to $55,000
  • Large pools (over 20x40ft) = $55,000 to $100,000+

Maximize your budget by choosing the largest pool size you can afford based on yard space. Just don’t overbuild based on unrealistic expectations of usage.

Complexity of Shape

Simple kidney and rectangle pool shapes offer the most economical options. But for unique curved, freeform shapes or the infinity edge look, costs climb quickly. The required custom engineering and wall structuring increase labor and materials.

Depth

Going with a deeper pool adds considerable cost because it requires more excavation, materials, and technical specs. Typical residential pool depths range from 3.5ft to 6ft. Beyond 6ft, prices skyrocket.

Access and Site Preparation

If your yard is flat and accessible, installation costs stay lower. But expenses go up quickly if slopes, drainage issues, or limited access complicate construction. Any tree clearing, retaining walls, or grading also adds costs.

Added Features and Upgrades

Turn your pool into a backyard resort with features like water slides, fountains, fire elements, built-in seating, tanning ledges, and outdoor kitchens. High-end pool lighting, heating, cover systems, and stone or tile work also add cost. Conservative budgets start around $30k. Loaded, luxury pools can exceed $100k.

Local Construction Factors

Regional construction costs fluctuate based on demand, fuel prices, etc. In northern states, in ground pool costs run higher due to shorter building seasons. Labor shortages right now are also leading to price increases.

Be sure to factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for your dream pool.

6 Tips to Reduce Your Inground Pool Construction Costs

Looking for ways to cut costs on your new pool? Here are six savvy tips to make your pool dreams more affordable:

1. Install During the Off-Season

Schedule your pool build during the off-season when demand drops and contractors offer discounts. Wait until spring or fall vs peak summer season.

2. Stick With a Simple Shape

Opt for a basic kidney or rectangle pool shape for the most economical design. Avoid curved or freeform shapes which get pricey.

3. Downsize Dimensions

natural swimming poolReduce width, length, and depth specifications to cut costs on materials and excavation. But don’t sacrifice too much size that you later regret.

4. Select a Vinyl Liner Pool

For budget-friendly construction, vinyl liner pools offer the best bang for your buck. Just factor in liner replacement every 5-10 years.

5. Skip the Upgrades

Limit upgrades like water features, tile, lighting, and stone decking which quickly elevate costs. Focus on basic finishes to contain expenses.

6. Get Quotes From Multiple Contractors

Comparison shop several highly-rated pool builders and negotiate pricing. But confirm bid details since the cheapest quote may skimp on quality.

Inground Pool Installation Cost Examples

To give you a clearer sense of real-world costs, below are three sample inground pool project quotes. You’ll see pricing for small, medium, and larger pool installations.

15×30 Inground Vinyl Liner Pool Costs

This is a smaller, basic vinyl inground pool liner measuring 15x30ft with a depth of up to 6ft.

  • Excavation & site prep (digging, grading, removing trees): $5,000
  • Plumbing, fittings, PVC pipes: $5,000
  • Steel wall structure: $7,000
  • Vinyl pool liner: $5,500
  • Filter system & pool pump: $4,500
  • Electrical, lights: $2,500
  • Decking & pool fence: $3,500
  • Labor & construction: $12,000
  • Permits & inspection fees: $1,500
  • Total Cost: $46,500

For this smaller 15x30ft vinyl liner pool, you’re looking right around $45,000 installed. Pool maintenance costs will be minimal, outside of periodic liner replacement every 5-10 years for around $4,000.

18×36 Inground Concrete Pool Cost Breakdown

Moving up to a medium-sized concrete pool, here are estimated costs:

  • Excavation, site clearing and prep: $7,000
  • Concrete pool shell (gunite): $20,000
  • Tile work: $5,000
  • Plumbing, pipes, fittings: $7,000
  • Pool equipment (filter, pumps): $7,000
  • Decking, fencing: $5,000
  • Electrical, LED lighting: $4,000
  • Labor, construction: $15,000
  • Permits & inspection fees: $2,000
  • Total Cost: $72,000

You can see the costs rising for this larger 18x36ft concrete pool. But the strength and design flexibility make concrete a top choice for many homeowners. Expect minimal annual maintenance costs.

Custom 20×40 Inground Pool Cost Breakdown

For high-end backyard living, here is an estimate for a larger, customized concrete pool with extra features:

  • Excavation, grading, site prep: $12,000
  • Concrete pool shell (gunite): $30,000
  • Tile work and rock features: $15,000
  • Extensive decking and outdoor kitchen: $20,000
  • High-end filtration equipment: $12,000
  • LED Lighting, fixtures: $10,000
  • Landscaping, trees, plants: $8,000
  • Labor, construction: $25,000
  • Permits, drawings, engineering: $5,000
  • Total Cost: $137,000

This loaded 20x40ft luxury pool enters the $100K+ range when you add extensive upgrades. But the pool becomes a true backyard resort for family and entertaining.

Now that you’ve seen real-world pool project costs, let’s recap the key takeaways around budgeting for your new pool.

Bottom Line on Inground Pool Costs

Building a new inground pool is a major investment, ranging from $30,000 to well over $100,000 depending on your choices. With proper planning and reasonable expectations, you can create a pool that fits your needs and budget.

To recap, these are the key cost factors to keep in mind:

  • The type of pool (concrete, liner, fiberglass) plays a big role in price, with concrete being most expensive.
  • Larger pool dimensions cost exponentially more than smaller sizes due to materials/labor.
  • Added features and upgrades also boost costs significantly. Limit extras to control budget.
  • Construction expenses by region fluctuate based on demand and materials pricing.

The overall cost will come down to the combination of pool type, size, features, and site conditions. Carefully weigh your needs and budget to design a pool you can enjoy for years. An inground pool adds value and enjoyment to your backyard living.

Alec Pow
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