Best Pool Financing Options in 2026
A swimming pool can turn your backyard into a summertime oasis. But adding an above-ground or in-ground pool can be expensive, so you may need to finance the project.
Installing a pool could cost more than $100,000, depending on the size and features. At that price point, several financing options can help distribute the cost over time.
The best pool financing option depends on the estimated cost as well as your home equity, credit and income. Here are our top picks.
Best pool loan options
There are a handful of ways to finance a pool, but these are the best options.
Personal loans
With a personal loan, you receive funds in a lump sum and repay with interest in fixed monthly installments. This is an unsecured loan, which means no collateral is necessary.
Instead, a lender uses information, such as your credit score, income and other debts, to decide whether you qualify for a loan and what annual percentage rate to offer you. Banks, credit unions and online lenders offer pool loans. Each type of lender has its own borrower criteria and loan features.
Here’s what you can expect if you use a personal loan to pay for a pool:
- Maximum loan amount: Up to $50,000 or sometimes $100,000, depending on the lender.
- Repayment term: Two to seven years.
- APRs: 6% to 36%, but the lowest rates often go to borrowers with good or excellent credit (scores of 690 or higher).
✅ No impact to your credit score
Pros, Cons, and Our View
- Time to get funds:
- Same day
- Availability:
- Lends in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Rate discounts:
- Autopay, Direct payment to creditors and Direct deposit accounts
- Min income:
- No minimum requirement
- Soft credit check:
- Yes
- Loan uses:
- Debt consolidation, Credit card consolidation, Home improvement, Medical/dental, Emergency expenses (car repair, vet bill, etc.), Vacation, Moving/relocation, Wedding, Funeral, Auto/motorcycle/RV/boat financing and Other large purchase
Pros
- Multiple rate discounts.
- Joint loans.
- Hardship assistance.
Cons
- High minimum loan amount.
- No secured loans.
✅ No impact to your credit score
Pros, Cons, and Our View
- Time to get funds:
- Same day
- Availability:
- Lends in all states and Washington, D.C. except Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts
- Min income:
- No minimum requirement
- Soft credit check:
- No
- Loan uses:
- Debt consolidation, Credit card consolidation, Home improvement, Emergency expenses, Vacation, Moving/relocation, Wedding, Funeral, Auto/motorcycle/RV/boat financing, PreK-12 education and Other large purchase
Pros
- Competitive APRs
- Rate discounts
- No fees
- Large loans and long repayment terms
- Same-day funding
Cons
- Limited ability to pre-qualify
- High minimum loan amount
- No direct payment to creditors
- No mobile app
✅ No impact to your credit score
Pros, Cons, and Our View
- Time to get funds:
- 1 day
- Availability:
- Lends in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Rate discounts:
- AutoPay discount, Direct pay to creditors discount, Auto-secured discount and Existing customer discount
- Min income:
- No minimum requirement
- Soft credit check:
- Yes
- Loan uses:
- Debt consolidation, Credit card consolidation, Home improvement, Emergency expenses (car repair, vet bill, etc), Vacation, Moving/relocation, Wedding, Funeral, Auto/motorcycle/RV/boat financing and Other large purchase
Pros
- Multiple rate discounts.
- Secured and co-signed loans.
- Fast funding.
- Wide range of loan amounts and repayment terms.
Cons
- Origination fee
- No option to choose repayment date
» MORE: How to get a personal loan
Home equity loans
A home equity loan is a second mortgage that’s structured similarly to a personal loan with fixed APRs and monthly payments. If you’re comfortable using your home as collateral for the loan, home equity loans can be a low-rate financing option. Generally speaking, it makes sense to use a home equity loan to fund a pool if the pool and upgrades to the yard will increase your home’s value. It's important to note that home equity loans often have a minimum initial draw — $15,000 for example — so a home equity loan may not be the right solution for a lower-cost pool.
Here’s what you can expect if you use a home equity loan to pay for a pool:
- Maximum loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
- Repayment term: Up to 30 years.
- APRs: Vary depending on the lender.
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Offers a higher than typical borrowing limit.
- Flexible term options, including terms of 30+ years.
- Home equity loans are available for second homes.
Cons
- Does not post sample home equity loan rates online.
- Slower average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
- Originates home equity loans with a third-party partner.
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Flexible term options.
- Home equity loans are available for second homes.
- Easy access to customer support.
Cons
- Appraisal required.
- Does not offer a 30-year term option.
- Slower average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
at Better
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Flexible term options.
- Borrowers can personalize home equity loan rates online, by location.
Cons
- Charges closing costs.
- No mobile app.
» MORE: Compare other home equity loans
Home equity lines of credit (HELOC)
A HELOC is an open credit line that you can draw on as needed for a period of time (usually 10 years), making it ideal for projects that last a long time or have surprise costs. A HELOC also makes sense if you plan to do multiple projects over many years, such as building a pool this year and painting your house two years later. They have variable interest rates, so your monthly payments could fluctuate. Similar to home equity loans, HELOCs often have a minimum initial draw to open the line of credit.
Here’s what you can expect if you use a HELOC to pay for a pool:
- Maximum loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
- Repayment term: A 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period is common.
- APRs: Vary depending on the lender.
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Customized HELOC rates are available online.
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- A rate discount is available to some borrowers.
Cons
- Charges an annual fee.
- Slower average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
at FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Low introductory rate for 12 months.
- No origination or annual fees.
- Borrowers can get a rate discount for enrolling in autopay or by meeting minimum balance requirements.
Cons
- Average reported time to close on a HELOC (40 days) is slower than most.
- You must repay closing costs if you close the line of credit within the first three years.
at Figure
Pros, Cons, and Our View
Pros
- Faster average time to close than many lenders surveyed by NerdWallet.
- A rate discount is available to some borrowers.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- You must withdraw the full loan amount at closing.
- Does not post sample HELOC rates online.
» MORE: Compare other HELOC lenders
Alternative ways to pay for a pool
Several financing alternatives may be a better way to pay for your pool, depending on the cost of the pool and your financial situation.
Credit cards
A credit card with a 0% APR for an introductory period can be a great option when used strategically for home improvement projects. If you have good or excellent credit, you may qualify for a card with a high enough limit to pay for part or all of a new pool, as long as you can pay off the balance before the introductory period ends.
Here’s what you can expect if you use a credit card to pay for a pool:
- Loan amount: Depends on your credit limit.
- Repayment terms: Introductory period, typically 12 to 21 months.
- APRs: 0% for the introductory period (up to 21 months), then can go up to almost 30%.
» MORE: Compare low-interest credit cards
Cash-out refinance
A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger loan. You “cash out” the difference between your new loan and the amount owed, and use it to pay for the pool. Because it’s a brand-new mortgage, you’ll have to get a home appraisal and pay closing costs, and the loan will have new terms. This is worth considering only if rates are lower than your current rate.
Here’s what you can expect if you use a cash-out refinance to pay for a pool:
- Loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
- Repayment terms: 15 years and 30 years are common mortgage repayment terms.
- APRs: Vary depending on the lender.
» MORE: Compare cash-out refinance lenders
Contractor financing
Your contractor may offer you an in-house financing option, usually through a third-party lender. Because this offer is specific to a new pool, loan amounts may be larger than a personal loan and repayment terms may be longer.
Compare this offer with other financing options to be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Loan amounts, repayment terms and rates can vary by company, but here’s what to expect if you finance through a contractor:
- Loan amount: Maximums are often more than $100,000.
- Repayment term: Could be up to 30 years, depending on the contractor.
- APRs: Vary depending on the contractor.
How much do in-ground pools cost?
Installing an in-ground pool can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $135,000, with an average cost of $66,000, according to Angi, which connects homeowners with home service professionals. The cost depends on several factors, including the materials used to build the pool, its size and depth, and whether you add other features like a waterfall or diving board.
Your financing options narrow as you firm up the cost estimate. For example, you may consider contractor or home equity financing if the inground pool costs more than $100,000.
How much do above-ground pools cost?
Above-ground pools typically cost $1,000 to $6,000, but pricing can be as low as $150 for a small DIY installation or as high as $20,000 for a large aluminum pool. Costs vary depending on the material, pool shape, longevity and add-ons such as a water heater and pool liner.
You may be able to pay for a smaller above-ground pool with cash, especially if you DIY the installation, but consider financing options if you’re paying for a pool that’s up year-round with longer-lasting materials like metal and features like a deck.
Ongoing costs to consider
Your monthly loan payment isn’t the only cost you’ll need to manage once your pool is installed. Cleaning, maintenance and insurance are additional costs to consider.
Cleaning: If you’re not cleaning the pool yourself, you’ll want to budget for regular cleaning during the pool season, typically around $20 to $50 per week.
Maintenance: Your new pool may also require water level checks, repairs and electricity costs. Most pool repairs cost $250 to $1,200 each. Energy costs for a pool average about $50 per month without a heater and $300 per month with a heater.
Insurance: Adding a pool to the backyard can increase the cost of your homeowner’s liability insurance. Having a pool can add $50 to your premium annually, though costs depend on factors like your location, insurance provider and home value.
Steps to finance an in-ground pool or above-ground pool
- Determine the pool’s cost. Get quotes from contractors and decide how much you’ll need to borrow. Personal and home equity loans come in a lump sum, so you will need a firm estimate to apply for the correct amount.
- Compare financing options. Once you have a solid cost estimate, compare loan options up to that amount. For example, if the pool costs more than you can borrow in equity, a personal loan may be a better option.
- Compare rates. After you’ve chosen the financing option with the right loan amount and repayment structure, compare lenders to find the lowest rate. Many personal loan lenders will let you pre-qualify online to see prospective rates and monthly payments.
- Make a repayment plan. Calculate your monthly pool loan payments and see if they fit in your budget. Plan to pay on time each month over the entire loan term.
- Apply. Once you’ve chosen a lender, submit an application. This step will usually trigger a hard credit pull, which will cause your credit score to dip temporarily.
Methodology
How we chose the best personal loans
Our team of consumer lending experts follows an objective and robust methodology to rate lenders and pick the best.
30+
Lenders reviewed
30+
Lenders reviewed
We review over 35 lenders, including major banks, top credit unions, leading digital platforms, and high interest installment lenders operating across multiple states.
25+
Categories assessed
25+
Categories assessed
Each lender is evaluated across five weighted categories and 27 subcategories, covering affordability, eligibility, consumer experience, flexibility, and application process.
60+
Data points analyzed
60+
Data points analyzed
Our team tracks and reassesses hundreds of data points annually, including APR ranges, fees, credit requirements, and borrower tools, ensuring up to date, accurate comparisons.
Star rating categories
We evaluate more categories than competitors and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
5.0
Overall score
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates personal loan products from more than 30 financial technology companies and financial institutions. We collect over 60 data points and cross-check company websites, earnings reports and other public documents to confirm product details. We may also go through a lender’s pre-qualification flow and follow up with company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer consumer-friendly features, including: soft credit checks to pre-qualify, competitive interest rates and no fees, transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to credit bureaus and financial education. Our ratings award fewer points to lenders with practices that may make a loan difficult to repay on time, such as charging high annual percentage rates (above 36%), underwriting that does not adequately assess consumers’ ability to repay and lack of credit-building help. We also consider regulatory actions filed by agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to consumers and how meaningfully they impact consumers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for personal loans and our editorial guidelines.
Home equity loan methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's performance in NerdWallet’s home equity loans category. For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must offer home equity loans and achieve a star rating of 4.5 or above in the home equity loan rubric from NerdWallet. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
All reviewed mortgage lenders that offer home equity loans were evaluated based on (1) maximum CLTV, (2) application fees, (3) closing costs, (4) whether or not an appraisal is required, (5) range of repayment terms, (6) rate transparency, (7) digital application availability and (8) customer support options. The highest scoring lenders appear on this page.
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews.
HELOC methodology
The star ratings on this page reflect each lender's performance in NerdWallet’s HELOC category. For inclusion in this roundup, lenders must offer HELOCs and achieve a star rating of 4 or above in the HELOC rubric from NerdWallet. We scored the category and chose lenders for this page using the following methodology:
NerdWallet reviewed more than 40 mortgage lenders, including the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (measured among lenders with at least a 1% market share), lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country.
All reviewed mortgage lenders that offer HELOCs were evaluated based on (1) HELOC loan volume, (2) maximum CLTV, (3) whether they offer a fixed-rate option, (4) annual fees, (5) origination fees, (6) transaction fees, (7) initial draw requirements, (8) length of draw and repayment terms, (9) application availability online or via mobile app, (10) range of customer support options, (11) average closing time transparency, (12) interest rate transparency and (13) transparency regarding how to access funds. A recent regulatory action against a lender may affect its HELOC star rating. The highest scoring lenders appear on this page.