How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?

On average, a fiberglass pool costs around $29,178. That includes about $15,000 in labor and $30,000 in materials. Most homeowners report spending an average between $20,451 and $38,196 but costs can get as high as $75,000 depending on size, shape and house location. Fiberglass pool installation is only slightly more expensive than vinyl-lined pools at $20,000 to $40,000, but less than concrete pools that typically cost about $50,000.

Fiberglass pool prices vary so much because of add-ons like a heat pump, security cover, or decking. Your location and the size and shape of your pool will also influence the overall budget.

Fiberglass Inground Pool Prices Installed

The $15,000 to $75,000 price range depends on the size and shape you choose. It splits into materials at $5,000 to $55,000 and labor at $10,000 to $20,000. Materials include the shell, backfill, and necessary equipment like a filter, heat pump, and cooling pump.

Prefab Pool Prices

A fiberglass pool shell costs between $4,500 and $30,000. The exact price depends on the configuration (shape and depth) and size. You may pay up to $50,000 for large, custom shapes and sizes more than 40 feet long.

You can save that budget by building a pool yourself, but it's a labor-intensive process that requires significant knowledge, expertise, and the right equipment.

Fiberglass Pool Installation Cost

A pool company will charge between $10,000 and $20,000 for the installation. That price includes:

• Shell

• Shipping

• Excavation

• Filter pump

• Backfill

• Filling the pool

It does not include decking, fencing, and other optional add-ons like lighting, fountains, or an automatic cover.

Labor alone will be around $5.50 per square foot, or $1,500 total for about 275 square feet. Most companies base their quote on a 5-man crew at 160 labor hours, taking the size of the pool into account. Ask the installer whether labor costs are included in the quote.

Average Cost to Convert a Vinyl Liner Pool to Fiberglass

Expect to pay between $40,000 and $65,000 to replace a vinyl liner with fiberglass. That's more expensive than installing an in-ground pool from scratch in most cases. It's necessary if you want to improve on your vinyl option in the same space in your yard.

The reason for the greater expense is the increased workload. The price of removing the vinyl liner can range up to $2,000. Access to the installation site is typically more difficult. You might need to dig up more space for the stones to backfill around the new shell.

Fiberglass In-Ground Pool Cost Factors

The wide range for a fiberglass pool cost is due to many different factors:

Pool Size

The primary cost factor is how large your pool will be. Plan for about $800 per foot, not including installation. All things considered, your pool will cost about $1,200 or more per foot.

Decking

Decking costs are usually $4 to $20 per square foot and materially most commonly used is concrete. Choices go from a rough broom finish ($4 to $8) to stamped concrete and pavers ($11 to $20).

Heat pumps

Heat pumps cost $1,500 to $3,500 including installation. Adding a cooling pump to maintain a specific temperature range adds another $600 to $1,000.

Fencing

Installing a fence around your pool is highly recommended if you have pets or small children. Fencing prices average $13 to $50 per linear foot and a gate adds $350 to $500.

Finishing

Most fiberglass pools include a solid gel coat finish, but you can also opt for multi-color finishes to include different colors or patterns.

Permitting

Pool permits range from $50 to $200 in most states. Most contractors will be responsible for the application but may charge you for them in their first invoice.

Insurance

Most insurance providers will recommend you increase your liability coverage on your homeowners insurance. This usually averages around $50 extra to your annual premium, but contact your insurance for specifics for your plan.

Property Taxes

As with all home renovation projects, including a pool increases your home’s value. This in turn increases your property taxes. While the potential increase is custom to your jurisdiction, expect to see an increase between 6% to 11%.

Additional Accessories

Finally, you may need to plan for the price of optional pool accessories, which can go up to $3,800 each. They may include:

• Slides

• Diving boards

• Handrails and ladders

• Mosaic tile

• Security covers

• Automatic covers

• Surface colors

• Lighting

• Fountains

• Waterfalls

• Hot tubs

• Jets

• Automatic vacuum systems

• Retaining walls

• Salt chlorine generators

Exact prices depend on the accessory as well as its size, style and manufacturer. Shop around for your best deals and ask if the quote includes installation.

Fiberglass Pool Designs and Costs

Above-Ground Fiberglass Pool Prices

Expect to pay between $20,000 and $75,000 for a fiberglass pool that's at least semi above-ground.

This is much higher than the typical cost of an above-ground pool ($800 to $4,100). Fiberglass needs more support to avoid cracks and stay level, requiring a structure around it that keeps everything in place

Fiberglass Lap Pools Prices

The price of a lap pool ranges between $30,000 and $65,000. Its narrow shape is perfect for small properties, taking up only about 40x8 feet.

Fiberglass Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pool prices range between $20,000 and $60,000. Fiberglass is great for this option because the salt will not damage or compromise the material.

Fiberglass Infinity Pools

The typical budget for an infinity pool ranges between $40,000 and $70,000. Also known as zero or negative edge, they add elegance by blending the edge of the water with the horizon. Fiberglass and custom tile are the most common building materials.

Zero-Entry

Expect to pay between $30,000 and $75,000 for a zero-entry pool. This option is also known as a walk-in, offering a smooth path to enter rather than steps or a ladder. The water at the shallow end is typically warmest.

Fiberglass Plunge Pools

The price of a plunge pool ranges between $15,000 and $40,000. It's a more cost-effective option for small properties and budgets. The basin measures 6 by 12 feet and is 4 to 6 feet deep.

Fiberglass Swimming Pool Pricing by Size

Small Fiberglass Pools Prices

Beyond the standard sizes listed above, small cocktail or spool pools cost between $15,000 and $35,000. They're perfect for smaller gatherings, providing a cool spot in summer or heated plunge for the winter.

Fiberglass Pool Accessory Costs

Be sure to budget between $100 and $22,000 for accessories to get the most enjoyment from your fiberglass pool. Your costs will likely fall somewhere in between, this range covers the most basic slide to the most expensive automatic pool cover.

Slides and Diving Boards

Expect to pay $1,000 to $14,000 to add a slide to your fiberglass pool, and plan to spend $300 to $5,000 for a diving board, depending on a range of features, like water jets and meeting local codes, respectively.

Tile

Anticipate pool tile costs to sit between $2,000 and $70,000, depending on materials. Standard pool tiles, like ceramic, stone and porcelain cost $1 to $35 per square foot. High-end finishes, like glass or ceramic tiles, cost between $35 and $100 per square foot.

Lighting

Installing lights around your fiberglass swimming pools costs $600 to $1,600, depending on which type you choose. LED—one of the most popular options—comes in towards the bottom; fiber optic lighting sits at the top of the range. While considered an add-on, investing in lighting is always a wise choice for safety, ambience and character.

Landscaping

On average, landscaping costs $1,500 to $5,200, depending on many variables, like a sloping yard, types of plants or grasses or whether you need stump removal or a retaining wall. Basic landscaping projects cost $2 to $6 per square foot, intermediate projects cost $6 to $10 per square foot and full tear out and remodel projects cost $10 to $40 per square foot.

Pool House

Expect your pool house to cost $160 to $600 per square foot—essentially how much you’d pay per square foot to build a house. For a 300-square-foot pool house, expect costs to sit between $26,600 and $180,000 or more, with an average of $114,000. Anticipate spending $34,200 to $68,400 just for labor, or roughly 30% to 60% of the cost to build a pool house. Be sure to budget for any pool house features, too.

Pool Cover or Enclosure

Pool covers cost $600 to $2,300, averaging $1,500. While some pool covers cost as little as $100, some manual pool covers reach as high as $3,800. Standard, automatic pool covers can cost $10,000, while custom automatic pool covers cost $20,000 or more.

Pool enclosure cost much more, averaging $10,200 for a 700-square-foot enclosure. Most people pay $5,300 to $15, 300, though glass pool enclosures cost $38,500 or more. Expect to pay more than $70,000 for a high-end, retractable pool enclosure.

Screen, glass and retractable enclosures cost $14, $55 and $100 or more per square foot, respectively.

Average Cost of Fiberglass Pools by State

Preformed Pool Prices by Brand

Popular brands to manufacture fiberglass pools include Viking (now part of Latham Pools), San Juan, Trilogy, Leisure, and River Pools and Spas. These brands don't offer standard, direct-to-consumer pricing. Instead, they work with installation companies, who include the price of the shell in their overall quote.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Costs

The price to maintain your pool ranges between $120 and $380 per cleaning, or about $400 to $600 total per year. That's relatively low compared to other options. A concrete liner, for instance, costs up to $2,700 per year to maintain.

Some installers offer maintenance programs for as little as $15 per month. It’s critical to maintain your pool regularly to avoid bigger repair costs down the road.

FAQs

Is a fiberglass pool worth it?

It all depends on what you want from your fiberglass pool. If you’d like a lower maintenance pool (relative to other types) with greater energy efficiency and relatively quick installation timeframe, then a fiberglass pool is probably worth your investment.

How much does a fiberglass pool liner cost?

The liner ranges between $4,500 and $30,000. Unlike vinyl, it's a completely finished hard shell by the time it's shipped to your property.

How much does it cost to put in a fiberglass pool yourself?

DIY fiberglass pool installation ranges between $5,000 to $55,000. You save all professional labor costs, but this option only makes sense if you have extensive expertise and experience in preparing your property and placing the shell.

Is a fiberglass pool cheaper than concrete or Gunite?

Fiberglass compares favorably to the price of a concrete pool, which ranges between $35,000 and $100,000 or more. Other benefits of fiberglass pools include faster installation time and less maintenance. On the other hand, the shape is less custom and the lifespan (25 years) is about half the 50-year life of a Gunite cast.

How long do fiberglass pools last?

You can expect about 25 years from your fiberglass pool with relatively little maintenance. If you don't maintain its pH levels, that lifespan can drop to 10 years or less as the chemicals damage the shell.

Are fiberglass pools worth the money?

The average in-ground pool only returns about 15% to 25% of its original investment. But you also have to consider intangible valuables, like the increased time spent outside or ability to exercise. Whether a fiberglass pool is worth the money depends largely on these intangibles.

What's the cheapest fiberglass pool shape and type?

The cheapest shape tends to be a simple rectangle that's no longer or wider than 20 feet. Most installation companies either have it in stock or can order it quickly from their preferred manufacturer.

How much does fiberglass pool repairs or resurfacing cost?

On average, refinishing your shell costs around $6,500. Smaller fiberglass pool repairs range from $300 to $700 and may include fixing a spider crack or retouching fading color.

Are there fiberglass semi-above-ground pools for sale?

All fiberglass shells can be half-above ground, but only with the proper support around them. The material is not designed to hold up on its own above the surface. Ask your installation company about your options.

Are there downsides to a fiberglass pool?

Fiberglass pools do have some downsides, including often costing as much more than common types, like concrete. But poor installation is the biggest potential downside. Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured, meaning they arrive ready to install. If your contractor doesn’t have experience installing fiberglass pool shells, they may not install it correctly. Poor installation can lead to an expensive and headache-inducing journey to remedy the problem—assuming a solution exists. Before you hire a local fiberglass pool installer, be sure to explore multiple pros’ reviews and reach out to at least three for quotes.