How Much Does It Cost To Install An Inground Pool?

Initial cost vs. lifetime cost

When it comes to adding a pool to your back yard, there are two types of costs you need to take into consideration. The first is the initial cost of the pool. This is the amount of money it takes to install a pool in the back yard and complete the landscaping around it. The second cost you need to consider is the lifetime cost of the pool. This cost includes the daily, monthly, and annual costs of running and repairing the pool. It is important to consider your budget for both during the initial planning process.

Determine your budget for the initial installation. If you are financing the pool, that would include the monthly cost of the loan. Secondly, consider the ongoing costs associated with the pool you choose and make sure you can afford those in addition to the initial cost.

There are some things you can do to keep the lifetime costs of the pool lower. You can use an insulated pool cover between swims to lower the heating costs. Choosing a smaller pool will lower both water and heating costs, as well. When planning the initial design, the professionals you hire can help you adjust the design to accommodate your budget of both the initial cost and the lifetime cost.

Initial cost

The initial cost of installing an in-ground pool typically ranges from $28,000 to $55,000 but the sky is really the limit depending on what materials and finishes you choose. If you add waterfalls, in-pool dining tables, and special features, you can expect to add anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to the initial cost of your pool. When you're trying to find out how much your in-ground pool will cost, it averages between $50 and $125 per square foot depending on what type of in-ground pool you choose.

Lifetime cost

Once your pool is installed, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 a year on the running and maintenance of that pool. This number accounts for hiring a pool company to come in and keep your chemical levels consistent and the pool operating properly.

Doing your pool maintenance on your own will drastically cut down on the lifetime cost of pool ownership but it is important to educate yourself on proper pool maintenance. If you don't maintain the pool correctly, the repairs needed will cost much more than the cost of bringing in a professional for monthly pool maintenance.

Types of pools

When you've decided to install an in-ground pool, there are three primary pool types to choose from:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are a desirable choice because they are the least expensive to maintain. In fact, you can maintain a fiberglass pool for as little as $400 a year. A fiberglass pool cost ranges between $18,000 and $65,000 on average. After it is installed, you can expect your new fiberglass pool to last around 25 years with proper maintenance.

Concrete

When you want a pool that's built to last, a concrete pool makes the best choice. This durable material will hold up to 50 years of use or more with proper maintenance. A concrete pool will cost between $29,000 and $60,000 on average to install and roughly $2,800 to maintain each year.

Vinyl

The third option is installing a vinyl pool. This option has an initial pool installation cost of between $25,000 and $45,000 on average. There's a pool liner cost to consider, because the liner only lasts 10 years or so. Finally, the annual pool maintenance cost of a vinyl pool is about $1,500 per year. When it is time to replace your pool liner, you can find an estimate for the cost to replace the pool liner with our calculator.

Factors that affect pool costs

As with any home renovation or improvement project, there are a vast number of factors that go into the swimming pool cost.

Local labor costs

The cost to build a pool is largely dependent on where you live and the local costs of labor in your area. Expect to pay much more in a big city than you would in a rural area. If you're handy, you can help lower the cost to install an inground pool by selecting a fiberglass pool with a self-installation or assisted installation instead of a basic installation. A self-installation would include the delivery of the pool shell, but you do the rest. If you choose this method, your total installation will cost only $6,000 to $10,000 but it will require a lot of work and isn't recommended unless you're an experienced contractor.

Pool size

As with anything, the cost of the pool will increase concurrent with the size of the pool. A small inground pool cost could range between $18,000 and $39,000 and provide you with a pool that's 10 feet by 20 feet. From there it increases, with a pool that's 30 feet by 50 feet costing upwards of $200,000 to complete.

Type of pool

The type of pool you install plays a role in the total cost of the pool installation. A vinyl pool is the most affordable option, but it doesn't have the same lifespan of other pool types. Fiberglass and concrete make better choices because they will last much longer and don't cost much more to install.

Special features

It's tempting to add a bunch of special features into your design. A sloped beach walk-in, built-in seating, waterfall, or in-pool dining table are all desirable add-ons that will also increase the total cost of your pool installation. If you want special features, see where the rest of your pool price comes out and add in items that still fit within your budget.

Hardscaping

Once the in-ground pool is installed, the project is far from complete. You have to consider the hardscaping around the pool, as well. Will you create a concrete pool deck surrounding the deck or upgrade to natural stone tiles or brick pavers? Most contractors will factor the pool surround into the pool cost, but that price will vary based on the size of the surround, the materials chosen, and any special features you may want to add, such as a fire pit. A concrete pool deck starts around $2,500 and goes up from there if you choose a different material or want a more expansive deck.

Landscaping

Making your pool seem like a relaxing oasis requires a little bit of the outdoors being incorporated into the design. Surround your new pool with landscaping that will introduce color and plant life to your back yard. As you choose the plants that will surround your pool, try to choose plants that are beautiful year-round while being minimally messy. Plants with a lot of flower or leaf drop will have you constantly skimming the pool and emptying the filter.

Inground pool vs. above ground pools

An above ground pool installation costs a fraction of the amount of an in-ground pool installation. This makes them a great solution if you don't have the funds available for an in-ground pool or if you aren't sure you want the pool to be a permanent fixture in your back yard. An above ground pool cost can be as little as around $1,000 with professional installation. If you choose a large oval pool or want a raised deck surrounding your new pool, the cost will increase. With all the landscaping, decking, and trimmings included, the price could go up to $10,000 or more.

When deciding whether an inground pool or an above ground pool makes the best decision for your space, budget is only one of the factors. An above-ground pool stands above your lawn, so it will affect the view from the back of your home. You must also consider that the life of an above-ground pool is only between 7 and 15 years with proper maintenance, and it is possible that the pool liner will need changed in that time period.

If you are only planning on staying in a home for that time frame, it is a much more affordable option than adding an in-ground pool. It is possible that your realtor will want the above-ground pool removed before you list a home for sale while an in-ground pool can make a home sell more quickly and drastically increase the price you get for your home.

Speaking of selling a home, having an in-ground pool will increase the listing price of your home, but that doesn't mean you'll recuperate the total price of the pool installation. In fact, homeowners typically only receive a 39% return on investment when selling a home with an in-ground pool. Of course, the hours you'll spend with your family basking in the sun is invaluable.