An infinity pool costs anywhere from $55,000 to $130,000
If you live for refreshing dips in your pool and your yard's got an enviable view, you may want to install an infinity pool. Vanishing edge pools blend with the horizon to give you a stunning and dramatic vista. An infinity pool costs about $80 per square foot, or about $80,000 on average. However, you may pay more than $130 per square foot for custom installations and extras. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the price of an infinity pool.
Average Cost of an Infinity Pool
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $55,000 | $80,000 | $130,000 |
Infinity Pool Cost Breakdown
When you're planning on taking the plunge on building an infinity pool, it's useful to know where your money's going so that you can work out where you can save and where you want to splurge. Take a look at this vanishing edge pool cost breakdown.
Labor
Labor costs account for approximately 25% to 50% of the total price. With the typical total cost sitting at $80 per square foot, this equates to around $20 to $40 per square foot, with the average falling at $30 per square foot for labor.
Materials
Materials make up the remaining 50% to 75% of the cost of installing an infinity pool. Expect to pay $40 to $60 per square foot for materials for an average vanishing edge pool. Remember that costs for materials can double, depending on any extras you plan to include.
Infinity Edge Pool Cost by Size
The cost of installing a pool with a vanishing edge is usually based on square footage. The bigger the pool, the more you'll pay for installation. For the pool installation itself, expect to pay between $55 and $130 per square foot. This includes excavation of the land and installation of the pool and catch basin and may include a basic pool surround and finish. These costs are reflected in the table below for common inground pool sizes.
For a custom finish, a fancy deck, or a pool enclosure, you'll pay more. In fact, a mosaic tile pool finish and a large pool enclosure with all the modern conveniences could push your total pool project price as high as $300 per square feet.
| Pool Size | Cost Range (All In) | Average Cost (All In) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft. (200 sq. ft.) | $11,000 – $26,000 | $18,500 |
| 12 x 24 ft. (288 sq. ft) | $16,000 – $37,000 | $26,500 |
| 14 x 28 ft. (392 sq. ft.) | $22,000 – $51,000 | $36,500 |
| 15 x 30 ft. (450 sq. ft.) | $25,000 – $58,000 | $41,500 |
| 16 x 32 ft. (512 sq. ft.) | $28,000 – $67,000 | $47,500 |
| 18 x 36 ft. (648 sq. ft.) | $36,000 – $84,000 | $60,000 |
| 20 x 40 ft. (800 sq. ft.) | $44,0000 – $130,000 | $87,000 |
Land Preparation Costs
Land preparation includes clearing the site, excavating it, and grading or leveling it. Clearing the site in preparation for excavation costs $1.50 to $2 per square foot, and extra for removing large trees and well-established bushes. Pool excavation costs between $8 and $25 per cubic yard.
Permits
Typical permits for this kind of construction cost between $450 and $1,800. Where you live determines what permits you'll need and how much they cost, so check with your local authority and the pool contractor you hire.
Cost of Infinity Pool by Material Type
Material is the largest factor impacting the price of an infinity pool. Luxury materials can drastically increase the cost of the job, but they can last longer than more inexpensive materials. The right option depends on the look you want, the maintenance you’re comfortable with, and your budget.
Fiberglass
The cost of a fiberglass pool is typically between $20,000 and $40,000, which includes a basic pool deck. This is one of the most popular styles of infinity pool because it’s budget-friendly and easy to clean. That said, the maintenance will cost around $5,000 to $10,000 over the course of a decade.
Vinyl Liner
Vinyl liner infinity pools cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. These are relatively budget-friendly and easy to maintain. It also provides a smooth, non-abrasive surface for swimmers. Unfortunately, it’s not the most durable. Vinyl liners can rip and tear. On average, you’ll have to replace your liner every 10 years.
Concrete/Shotcrete/Gunite
Concrete, shotcrete, or gunite pools cost an average of $42,000 to $98,000. This type of pool is on the high end, but it offers a wide range of customizations and greater durability. It’s one of the most versatile choices, but patience is a virtue. It can take months to build a concrete pool because the concrete needs time to cure. It also requires increased maintenance to stave off mold and algae growth.
Tile
A tile infinity pool costs anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000, depending on size and the type of tile. This is one of the most popular materials for luxury infinity pools. Tile allows for complete customization. You can choose different colors, patterns, and decorative designs. It’s also durable, but it can take a long time to install, which raises costs.
Additional Infinity Pool Costs to Consider
After the initial cost of your infinity pool, you can splurge for extras and upgrades. Depending on the upgrade, it can raise costs significantly. For example, a diving board could cost as little as $300, while a pool deck could cost as much as $12,000. Here are some common upgrades and their typical prices.
Seamless Viewing Wall Cost
A seamless viewing wall or window will significantly increase the cost per square foot. Installing a small viewing window of 15 square feet in glass or acrylic will run you around $16,500.
Price to Tile a Vanishing Edge Pool
Tiling a vanishing edge pool costs anywhere from $2,000 to $70,000, depending on the size of the pool and the tile material you choose. Porcelain and ceramic are fairly budget-friendly at $1 to $35 per square foot, while luxury custom ceramics or glass tiles can cost $35 to $100 per square foot.
Building a Pool Deck
Building a deck for your pool costs between $3,000 and $12,000. The price of the deck depends on the materials you choose and can cost as little as $3 per square foot for simple pressure-treated wood to $40 per square foot for luxury stone options.
Diving Board
If your pool is deep enough (at least 9 feet, according to the American Red Cross), then you can add a diving board at a cost of $300 to $5,000. If you're feeling extra fun, you can go for a water slide which costs between $1,000 and $14,000.
Waterfall
Installing a waterfall or an elaborate water feature costs anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000. While not essential, a waterfall adds another layer of beauty, charm, and luxury to your pool setup.
Lighting
Pool lighting is about more than just ambiance. It also increases safety, allowing you to use your pool area after dark. There is a range of options, both permanent and temporary. Generally, lighting will cost $150 to $300 per light, but hard-wired LED lighting could cost as much as $1,000 per light. Here’s what you can expect:
Floating pool lights: $20–$100 each
Standard pool lighting: $150–$300 each
LED pool lighting: $750–$1,000 each
Pool Cover
Pool covers protect your pool from the elements. They can also help keep the pool area safe and conserve energy in a heated pool. Generally, homeowners spend between $800 and $2,500 on a standard safety cover, but there are different types of pool covers that span every budget:
Winter pool cover: $30–$350
Solar pool cover: $30–$150
Safety cover: $400–$2,500
Automatic cover: $3,000–$12,500
Increased Insurance
Because pools come with a risk of pool-related injury, it’s likely that the addition of an infinity pool will raise the cost of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Speak to your insurer before you plan your project so there are no surprises.
Cost of Maintaining an Infinity Pool
Installation costs are obviously the most significant consideration, but there are also ongoing maintenance costs to keep your pool safe and healthy that you also need to be aware of. While some are a one-off cost, such as tools and equipment, and others are occasional pool repair costs, there are regular monthly costs you need to factor into your household budget. You also need to decide if you want to DIY the general pool upkeep or hire a local pool maintenance service.
Here are some common pool maintenance costs:
Electricity: $1,200 per year
Pump replacement: $475 per replacement
Motor replacement: $110 per replacement
Pool chemicals: $400 per year
Pool cleaning: $500 per year
Heating and cooling: $1,800 per year
Cost of DIY Vanishing Edge Pool Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Because of the nature and complexity of vanishing edge pool installation, this really isn't a job you can DIY. Hiring a local infinity pool installation specialist is your only option. However, you can reduce costs a little by performing some tasks yourself, such as clearing the land ready for excavation, tiling the pool interior, filling the pool, and even building the decking.
While you'll still spend a considerable sum on the installation, if you have the right skills and tools, you could save 5% to 15% of the total project cost by tackling those tasks that don't require specialist knowledge.
4 Ways to Save on Infinity Pool Installation Costs
There’s no way around it—infinity pools are not an inexpensive project. It’s a big spend with a big reward. You get to wake up every day with a little slice of vacation right in your backyard. That said, there are still some ways you can save money while installing an infinity pool
1. Choose a Smaller Pool Design
It’s not just about width. It’s about depth, too. The smaller the pool, the less you’re going to pay. Instead of choosing a full-sized pool with a dive-ready deep end, opt for a small plunge pool. The average plunge pool costs $20,000, which is $60,000 less than the average infinity pool. It’s still just as refreshing (unless, of course, you want to swim laps).
2. Choose Affordable Materials
The longer a pool takes to install, the more it’s going to cost. Certain materials like tile and concrete have long installations, which can dramatically impact your budget. Instead, reach for affordable materials like fiberglass or vinyl.
To find the material that works best with your budget, climate, and lifestyle, contact an in-ground pool installation service near you.
3. Nix the Extras
Extras like water features, diving boards, slides, and fancy lighting can all increase costs. Instead, stick with the necessities. If you live in a warm climate, you may even want to consider skipping out on pool heating—let the sun do its job. This won’t just save you upfront; it will lower long-term operating costs.
4. Choose a Basic Pool Deck
Since pool decks can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, you can save thousands by opting for plain concrete. If you want luxury stone tiles, intricate pavers, or custom wood, you can always upgrade later.
Katy Willis contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's possible to make an above ground zero edge pool. Note that it's most common to build an inground one, but if you raise the deck and surrounding poolscape, you can install an above-ground version.
Installing an infinity pool takes up to 12 weeks. It's a big job that requires a lot of time and labor to get right. This is not a job that should be rushed, as poor installation can lead to expensive recurring repair costs.
With a regular pool, the water is contained by visible walls that are higher than the water level. An infinity pool has one or more walls that are right at the waterline so they're not truly visible. For an invisible look, the lower wall is often made of glass or clear acrylic. The water laps over the lower edge and into a catch basin below where it gets pumped back into the pool.
Endless pool may refer to one of two things. For some, it’s a term used interchangeably with infinity pool. Because infinity pools don’t have a visible edge, they look endless. For others, it’s a brand of jetted lap pool. Endless pools are engineered to fit in small spaces, but provide the benefits of a full-sized pool (think: aquatic exercise or hydrotherapy). You can even use them indoors, and they’re relatively budget-friendly because of their small size.
Infinity pools do require slightly more maintenance than other pools because you’ll need to constantly monitor the water level. If the water level is out of whack, it won’t correctly flow over the edge, which gives the pool its infinity look.
That said, the rest of the maintenance is largely dependent on the type of material you choose. Concrete needs a little extra care to prevent algae growth, and you will eventually need to resurface it. Fiberglass and vinyl liners are algae-resistant but they’re not as durable.
