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An in-ground pool costs about $66,000 on average, but can run anywhere from $14,000 to $135,000 for materials alone, according to home services website Angi. An above-ground pool typically costs from about $1,000 to $6,000 and can be DIY installed.
With both pool types, you’ll need to budget for ongoing costs, including cleaning, water filtration, chemical balancing and repairs. Maintenance can cost a few hundred dollars a month, depending on the size of the pool.
Understanding what kind of pool is feasible for your budget can help you tailor your construction planning. Before you start studying the blueprints, learn what’s behind in-ground pool costs and some strategies for financing your summer swims.
» MORE: Ways to pay for your pool
In-ground pool cost factors
Large in-ground pools, and ones made of higher-quality materials (which can last longer) or with special design features cost more. Installation and materials cost $25,000 at the lowest end and more than $100,000 at the highest.
Here are a few considerations that can affect the price of your pool, with corresponding estimates.
Location
Your city's cost of living affects labor and material prices. Building an in-ground pool in a dense, high-cost metropolitan area is typically more expensive than in a suburban or rural area. Northern climates, where pools are less common, can also have higher installation costs than sunny southern states.
For example, the average pool costs between $52,000 and $79,000 to install in Vermont, compared to a range of $34,000 to $55,000 in Alabama, according to Angi.
Size
Large in-ground pools require more labor and materials than small ones. The same goes for deep vs. shallow pools. You can expect to spend about $50 to $125 per square foot.
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft. | $10,000-$25,000. |
| 14 x 28 ft. | $19,600-$49,000. |
| 16 x 32 ft. | $25,600-$64,000. |
| 20 x 40 ft. | $40,000-$100,000. |
Pool type
Vinyl-lined, fiberglass, concrete and gunite (a type of concrete) pools often have different installation costs. More expensive options tend to last the longest without needing to be replaced.
| Material | Installation cost | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $20,000-$40,000. | 10 years. |
| Fiberglass | $20,000-$85,000. | 25 years. |
| Concrete or gunite | $35,000-$120,000. | 50-100 years. |
| Sources: HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Angi | ||
Shape and features
The shape of your pool will play a role in the installation price. For instance, a lagoon-style pool typically costs between $38,000 and $150,000, while you can expect a lap pool to cost between $40,000 and $95,000.
Special features also can add up:
- Diving boards: often $300-$1,000 (though some cost more).
- Lighting: $450-$1,800.
- Heating: $500-$7,500 (with electric heaters costing less and solar heaters or heat pumps costing more).
Above-ground pool cost factors
Above-ground pools typically cost $1,000 to $6,000, but can be as inexpensive as $150 for a small DIY installation or as much as $20,000 for a large aluminum pool. Here are factors that can affect the final price tag:
Pool type
There are three main types of above-ground pools, each with its own cost range, pros and cons.
| Type | Cost range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-sided | $200-$2,500. | Easy to DIY install and move, but difficult to repair and best not to keep up year-round. |
| Resin | $1,500-$3,700. | Rust- and dent-resistant, but can crack in cold winter weather. |
| Metal-framed | $1,800-$10,000. | Made from steel or aluminum. Durable, but can rust. |
Above-ground pool liners cost about $100 to $660 to add on.
Size and shape
A round above-ground pool is the most affordable option. Oval-shaped and rectangle-shaped pools typically cost more, starting at at least $1,000.
In general, the larger the pool by square feet, the higher the cost. Most above-ground pools are around 4 feet deep, so depth won’t affect the price much.
Additional pool installation costs for above-ground and in-ground pools
Site prep: $500 to $3,000. Excavation for an in-ground pool costs about $2,500 on average, but you might be surprised to know that land preparation for an above-ground pool can cost just as much. If you need to add a concrete base for your above-ground pool, expect to pay another $6 per square foot.
Permits: $100-$1,800. Like other permanent home additions, in-ground pools require a permit from the local building authority. You may also have to pay an inspector to locate potential sewer or utility lines before digging. Some cities don’t require a permit for small above-ground pools, but if they do, expect costs of around $100 to $300.
Deck: $3,000-$20,000. In-ground pools must be surrounded by a sidewalk or deck. Costs can range widely by material. For example, pavers tend to be far less expensive than stamped concrete or brick. A deck for an above-ground pool will likely be smaller and therefore cost less, typically between $1,000 and $5,000.
» MORE: The cost to build a deck
Fencing: $1,500-$10,000. Local laws or your insurance company may require you to install fencing around your pool. Larger fences will cost more, as will fences made of premium materials. For instance, a mesh or chain fence may cost less than $10 per square foot, while tempered glass can cost hundreds of dollars per square foot.
Pool cover: $75-$22,000. The least expensive covers simply keep debris out of your pool during the winter season, while more expensive options may offer added durability to last longer, provide safety and withstand heavier loads (such as snow). They may also offer added features, such as being automatic. Expect a cover for an above-ground pool to cost $30 to $300, depending on the size.
Pool heater: $2,000 to $4,000. Upfront and ongoing costs vary by the heater type. For above-ground pools, heaters are less complex and therefore less costly to install, but ongoing energy costs can be similar.
Pool filter: $250 to $2,000. Both in-ground and above-ground pools need a filter and pump combo, though installing a cleaning system in an in-ground pool typically requires more labor and can incur an additional installation cost.
Ongoing pool costs for in-ground and above-ground pools
Once the pool is built, you’ll pay ongoing costs as well. Here are the main recurring costs to prepare for:
Insurance. Insurers call pools “attractive nuisances,” which means they’re desirable but dangerous. Because a pool increases the chance of someone getting hurt on your property, it can also increase the price of your homeowners insurance.
Taxes. In-ground pools sometimes bump up property value; when it goes up, property taxes tend to follow suit.
Maintenance. After installation, someone will need to clean the pool, balance chemicals and make repairs. Maintenance costs $50 to $100 per hour on average for both in-ground and above-ground pools, though larger in-ground pools may require more labor. Opening or closing a pool costs around $200 to $300.
Utilities. Expect your energy and water bills to climb once you’ve added a pool to your property. Average energy costs for a pool are around $50 per month, though this goes up to $300 per month for homeowners with heat pumps. It costs an average of $180 to fill an average-size pool with water for the season.
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