Swimming Pool Installation Cost Calculator

Depending on the type, installing a swimming pool typically costs $800 to $65,000. Include features like a waterfall, swim out spa or lagoon style layouts and you might pay in excess of $100,000.

*Requires vinyl liner replacement after 10 years. Most tears and damage can be repaired, even with water still in the pool.

Inground Pool Construction

In-ground pools cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more. However, you can expect to pay an average of $39,000 to $70,000. The excavation represents a large percentage of the price. Material types for in-ground designs also add to the expense.

*These ranges represent the typical ranges most homeowners pay. Your project could run higher or lower.

Above Ground Pools

Building above ground pool runs $800 to $15,000. While you can save considerably by skipping the excavation, an above ground pool does not add the same value to your home as an in-ground variety since most consider them aesthetically unappealing.

Spool, Cocktail or Small Pool Installation

Spools cost $22,650 on average with labor. The name comes from a combination of either “small” or “spa” and “pool,” depending on who you ask. They usually come equipped with powerful jets, much like a spa, only larger. These “cocktail pools” offer an outdoor oasis at half the price. They’re perfect for homeowners with tight spaces or smaller budgets. .

Lap and Endless Pools

Lap pools cost $44,000 with labor. They’re generally narrow and long, commonly 10 feet by 40 feet. For the space and budget conscious, consider an Endless Pool for $23,000 to $40,000. They’re far shorter with an artificially-generated current to keep you swimming endlessly.

Plunge Pools

Plunge pools cost $10,000 to $25,000. Often not much larger than a hot tub, they’re often incorporated into larger backyard landscapes. They usually don’t have jets or currents but act more like a traditional swimming hole for those short on space.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pool installation costs $12,000 to $67,000 while converting from chlorine to saline costs $1,000 to $5,000. The only real difference is in the plumbing, it has an identical structure to chlorinated types. These types use a chemical process to chlorinate the water at lower levels. It maintains the levels for you. It’s also much healthier for your skin and eyes.

Already have a pool? There’s no difference in the actual structure. Conversion only requires:

• A salt system, also called a salt chlorine generator, installed in your current plumbing.
• A sacrificial zinc anode to absorb any corrosion.
• If you add a heater, consider a cupro nickel heater which withstands salt corrosion better than other types.

Spa or Hot Tubs

Spas and hot tubs cost $3,500 to $15,000 for standard ones that fits four to six people. For a swim style, like the Endless Pool with a large jet that makes a current and fits 8+ people, you’ll pay $36,000 or more. Labor usually falls between $150 and $500 with an additional $100 to $500 for delivery.

Indoor Pool Cost Calculator

The total for installing an indoor unit from scratch ranges between $40,000 and $200,000. If you already have a structure to put it in, like a garage, pool house or basement, an indoor swimming pool costs $20,000 to $100,000.

If you’re building from scratch, you’ll need to consider various design and budgeting choices, including:

Small freestanding styles, like Endless Pools, make great additions without pricey upgrades. Consider a pool enclosure priced at $5,000 to $20,000 for an affordable alternative.

Cost to Build a Pool by Location

Cost data is based on actual project costs reported by HomeAdvisor members.

Cost Factors to Build a Pool in Your Backyard

Questions to Ask While Designing a Pool

A few questions to ask yourself before talking to your installation professional. Your answers will determine your budget and final project price.

1. What’s the main use? For example, if you want it for exercise, consider a lap pool. If you’re entertaining, go for a lagoon style.
2. Are there other pools in the neighborhood? If they are common, that means it’s an expected feature when you go to sell your home. If it’s a standout, then it comes down to the type of buyer. You’re just as likely to find buyers who want it as a feature as you will ones who are turned away by the upkeep costs.
3. What’s the climate like? More hot weather means more time in the water. Plus, you’ll find more in southern states, so more buyers expect to see one in the backyard.

Swimming Pool Excavation Costs

Excavation costs $400 to $1,500 in most cases, but hard-to-reach areas may cost more. Over half the price comes from dump trucks hauling the dirt away. You can save money by spreading the dirt around your property or using it to create unique landscaping designs.

Pool Size

You’ll spend anywhere from $50 to $125 per square foot on an inground pool. The single largest installation cost factor is its size. The larger it is, the higher the costs. It takes more equipment, materials and labor hours as the bigger you go.

Pool Materials

While inground pools run $20,000 to $60,000 on average, the type of material you choose dictates the final price. Do you want cement, tile or vinyl lined? Solid concrete costs more but it will last longer than vinyl. And while you might love the look of porcelain tiles, you may not want to incur the expense.

There are as many price points as there are types of materials, so it is important to talk to your pool installation professional about which is best for you. You can create some high-end looks with less expensive materials, such as stamped concrete over tile.

Heating and Filtration

You’ll need a combined $2,500 to $7,000 on heating and filtration. Although you can find low-priced heating and filtration systems, remember that they work around the clock. Don’t skimp on these. Cutting corners leads to costly repairs and maintenance later.

• Pool heaters cost: $1,800 to $4,000
• Water filter costs: $500 to $3,000

Pool Extras

Do you want a diving board? How about a whirlpool attached to the main one? A forced current system is great if you're looking for an intense workout. Do you feel you need cement benches or a covered deck adjacent to it?

All these extras can add a lot to your project. Save money by adding these after the initial installation. Just be sure to tell your pro what extras you're considering so they can let you know what makes sense to install now and what you can install later.

Running Cost of an Inground Pool

You’ll spend anywhere from $500 to $4,000 per year to run it. After it’s installed, you’ll need to consider these increased costs of utilities and maintenance. The two largest factors include size and whether you have a heated or non-heated type.

Budget Pool Estimator

If you’re on a budget, follow these tips for an affordable oasis.

1. Cut the size. Shaving the area in half can cut your budget by even more than half. It also takes less in upkeep and electricity.
2. Choose a fiberglass shell. These premade options run almost 50% less than a concrete option.
3. Go above ground. Ditch the digging and put in a freestanding oval for as little as $1,500 professionally installed. Add a deck for $5,000
4. Choose endless for exercise. Endless Pools are small, self-contained and provide all the benefits of a lap style for half the price.

Building Your Own Pool Costs vs. Pool Builder Prices

DIY pools save you nearly 50% off the project total. Some DIY jobs come in under $1,000. However, only attempt this project if you’re a competent and experienced DIYer with some construction background. And in most cases, use an above ground kit designed for the DIYer. One mistake can mean a collapsed wall and thousands of gallons of water destroying your landscape and possibly damaging you and your neighbor’s homes.

Hire a certified, insured and competent pool installation professional near you to avoid costly mistakes.

FAQs

Can I finance my new swimming pool?

You can use a swimming pool loan or a home equity loan to finance it.

How much does it cost to build a pool house?

It costs anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 or more to build a pool house.

How much does it cost to put in a pool by state?

You’ll pay from $25,000 to $100,000 or more to put a pool in depending on the state you live in. See our list of popular states and costs above.

Is it worth the cost to get a pool?

Unless you’re going to use the it regularly, the ROI of 7% isn’t worth the upfront price. Get it because you want one, not for the meager increase in market value.