How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide

Having an inground pool is the dream of many homeowners, but the cost of getting one can be intimidating. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to the cost of an inground pool, such as the type of material, the size, and the design. In this post, we’ll cover all the factors that affect the cost of an inground pool. We’ll also discuss ways to save money to get the pool of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Types of Inground Pools

Permanent Inground Pools

Permanent inground pools are built with permanent construction materials such as concrete, gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner. These materials are expensive, but they are very durable and require little maintenance.

Concrete and gunite pools offer the most customization options and can be designed in any shape or size. Fiberglass pools are pre-formed and popular for homeowners who want to install a pool quickly. Vinyl liner pools are also pre-formed and feature a vinyl liner installed over the pool’s walls and bottom for additional protection from water damage. Besides water upkeep using pool test strips and other chemicals, these pools are the longest lasting.

Semi-Permanent Inground Pools

Semi-permanent inground pools are often constructed from less expensive materials such as steel or polyethylene plastic. These pools can be disassembled at any time, making them perfect for those who want to save money upfront but may need to move or resize their pool in the future. However, they do require more maintenance than permanent pools due to their lighter construction materials, and they may not last as long.

Factors Affecting Cost

Type of Material Used

The type of material used to construct your inground pool will have a major effect on its cost. Concrete and gunite pools can be more expensive than semi-permanent pools depending on their size and shape, while fiberglass and vinyl liner pools typically range around the same price point as semi-permanent pools.

Size and Shape of Pool

The size and shape of your inground pool will also affect its cost. The larger the pool or the more intricate its design, the more costly it will be to install and maintain over time. A simple rectangular pool may cost less than a curved or freeform-shaped pool due to its simpler design and construction requirements.

Any Additional Features

Any additional features you choose for your inground pool, such as diving boards, water slides, rock walls, etc., will also add to its cost. Even smaller items, such as ladders, chlorine dispensers, lighting fixtures, etc., can add up quickly so it’s important to consider how each item will affect the total cost of your project before selecting them.

Steps to Building an Inground Pool

Site Preparation

Before construction can begin, the installation site must be prepared for building an inground pool. This includes leveling the ground used for the foundation and removing any obstacles, such as trees or large rocks, that may interfere with construction work later on. Depending on the size of your project, site preparation may involve extensive excavation work.

Excavation

Once the excavation is complete, it’s time to start digging out the area where your inground pool will be built. It is important that this step is done carefully to ensure that your inground pool’s foundation is stable when completed.

Construction

This is when all of the various components of your inground pool come together, such as walls, liners, filter systems, lights, pumps, etc. Depending on the material used for construction, this process can take anywhere from several days up to a few weeks, so it’s important to factor this into your timeline before building an inground pool, if possible.

Cost Estimates for Inground Pool Construction

Permanent Pools

Generally speaking, expect a range between $25K – $75K depending upon the abovementioned factors, with most projects ranging between $40K – $60K on average once complete with no additional features included.

Semi-Permanent Pools

Cost estimates for constructing semi-permanent inground pools generally range between $10K – $30K depending upon the material type selected (steel vs. polyethylene plastic), size/shape chosen, and any additional features requested. On average, though, expect most projects to end up somewhere between $15-20K once all components have been installed.

Cost of Inground Pool Maintenance

Keeping an inground pool in good condition is no easy feat! Regular maintenance is required if you want it to stay in tip-top shape for years. Expect repairs every few years, depending on the environment/age. Budget around $500-$2k per repair job with the actual cost varying based upon the severity of repair required.

Most minor cleaning tasks can be done yourself, but hiring professionals at least once per season is also recommended—budget around $200-$500 typically for this. Depending upon climate/location, heating & circulation equipment needed may increase maintenance costs/ Budget around $300-$1k annually for these repairs.