Home Improvement Projects That Pay Off - Forbes
Instead of spending loads of money and months of work moving walls and building a home addition, grab a paintbrush. Painting is the least ...
inground pools
Many potential buyers simply scroll past home listings with <anchor>inground pools</anchor>. Especially in colder climate areas, trying to sell someone a long list of pool maintenance chores is a daunting task. Besides ROI values that hover around 50%, buyers looking for a functional backyard will look the other way. Like other big-ticket renovations, build your pool when you’ve found your forever home.
How Much Does An InGround Pool Cost In 2024? – Forbes Home
Select Region

- advisor_usaUnited States

- advisor_ukUnited Kingdom

- advisor_deGermany

- advisor_inIndia

- advisor_auAustralia

- advisor_itItaly

- advisor_caCanada

Moving Services

- Moving Company Reviews

- Guides

Home Warranty

- Home Warranty Reviews

Solar

- Solar Company Reviews

Pest Control

- Pest Control Reviews

Home Security

- Home Security Reviews

Internet

- Internet Reviews & Comparisons

Other Categories

- Plumbing

- HVAC

- Lawn Care

- Windows

- Roofing

- Outdoor Living

- Kitchen

- Electrical

- Flooring

- Construction

Advertiser Disclosure

The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

# How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost?



Lauren has six years of experience writing and editing home improvement content. She covered lifestyle, DIY, design and cleaning at The Spruce for five years and contributed home improvement pieces to Angi and Forbes Advisor before working as an editor at Hunker, a home and design site, for over a year. She currently offers freelance editing and writing services to publications including Angi, Forbes Advisor, Bob Vila and Apartment Therapy.



Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.



Lauren has six years of experience writing and editing home improvement content. She covered lifestyle, DIY, design and cleaning at The Spruce for five years and contributed home improvement pieces to Angi and Forbes Advisor before working as an editor at Hunker, a home and design site, for over a year. She currently offers freelance editing and writing services to publications including Angi, Forbes Advisor, Bob Vila and Apartment Therapy.



Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.

Contributor,

Editor

Updated: Mar 1, 2024, 8:20am

We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost?

Esther Susag / Forbes Home

Inground pool costs differ depending on the pool’s material as well as its shape and size. According to HomeGuide, the total cost of an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000, or about $50 to $125 per square foot. That’s an average cost of $35,000.

Featured Partner

Advertisement

advertisement details

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

1

Angi

Task Type

Pool

Estimation Fee

None, Free Estimates

Response Time

Excellent

1

Angi

On Angi's Website

## Inground Pool Cost Estimator

TYPE OF COST  AMOUNT

Average Cost

$35,000

Highest Cost

$55,000

Lowest Cost

$28,000

Left ArrowRight Arrow

See MoreSee Less

## Inground Pool Costs

Those who live in warm climates may consider an inground pool a necessity, especially in the warmer months. Others may consider it a luxury, and some may even think of it as an investment in their property. They are beautiful water features that add fun to a backyard and value to a home.

As opposed to above-ground pools, inground pools are set level with your backyard. Before their installation, landscapers can excavate and dig out an area for the pool to be. Then, the pool is placed inside the hole and its surroundings are filled back in to create a seamless pool area.

## Cost to Install an Inground Pool

The cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special customizations and extra features. An added hot tub, for example, will cost $6,000 to $15,000 and pool lighting will be another $700 to $1,800, according to HomeGuide.

You can either choose to purchase a package from a pool supplier, which can include everything from excavation to decking, or go the DIY route. Turn-key packages for inground pools cost between $35,000 and $100,000. You can save thousands of dollars by doing some or all of the installation yourself, but only if you are experienced.

For an inground pool installation, you will need to pay for the pool’s shell, rental equipment including a crane, excavation, water, backfill material, plumbing and pool equipment. That adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Compare the package price to these DIY inground pool installation costs to find out which is more cost effective.

ITEM/PROJECT  COST

Landscaping

$100 – $45,000

Permits

$200 – $300

Excavation

$400 – $1.500

Pool Shell

$500 – $5,000

Equipment and Crane Rental

$2,400 – $2,800

Dirt Disposal

$13,000

Pool Equipment

$700 – $1,200

Left ArrowRight Arrow

See MoreSee Less

## Inground Pool Cost by Material

The overall price of pool installation will depend on what material you use. In general, vinyl costs the least and concrete the most, while inground pools made of fiberglass lie in the middle.

MATERIAL  AVERAGE COST

Concrete

$50,000 – $100,000

Vinyl

$28,000 – $40,000

Fiberglass

$28,000 – $60,000

Left ArrowRight Arrow

See MoreSee Less

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new pool!

Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.

### Concrete

Concrete and gunite pools look great, and their price reflects that. Unfortunately, there is no good way to DIY a concrete or gunite pool, so you cannot lower the price by DIYing here. Turn-key concrete or gunite pool projects are between $50,000 and $100,000.

Cement pools are usually larger compared to pools of other materials, and thus they require more chemicals and electricity to maintain. They also require an acid wash to remove algae and mold every three to five years.

After multiple acid washes, you may also need to re-plaster your concrete or gunite pool since the washes will strip layers off. Over a 10-year period, concrete pool owners can expect to pay an average of $27,500 for upkeep.

### Vinyl

If you’re on a tight budget, an inground vinyl pool is a good option for low upfront costs. Not only is the price of a vinyl pool shell relatively low at about $28,000, but vinyl inground pools are also DIY-friendly.

The initial costs associated with vinyl pools are lower, but those looking at inground pool options should also consider long-term costs. The average cost to maintain a vinyl pool over a 10-year period is $13,300.

Costs to maintain vinyl pools are less than those of concrete or gunite pools because vinyl surfaces require less cleaning. Algae doesn’t grow as easily on vinyl surfaces, so cleaning chemicals aren’t needed as often. And when cleaning is needed, it can be done yourself.

### Fiberglass

The price of fiberglass pools is about $46,000 on average, according to HomeGuide. But the total cost can vary from $28,000 for a DIY or self-install option to more than $50,000 for a turn-key inground pool.

Many homeowners choose to go with a turn-key installation, finding it’s an overall better investment than a self-install. But each supplier is different, so do your homework to determine which option is best for you. Take project and material costs into consideration if you’re leaning towards DIY.

Fiberglass pool maintenance will be between $5,000 and $15,000 over a 10-year period. Fiberglass pools are easier to clean than other pools and their smooth surface prevents algae growth.

## Small Inground Pool Cost

According to HomeGuide, pools that are under 26 feet long and up to 12 or 13 feet wide to be small pools. Some examples are plunge and spool pools that cost between $10,000 and $15,000 or more each. Smaller pools are typically used for lounging or quickly cooling off, not for strenuous swimming or play.

## Inground Pool Cost by Size

In general, a pool’s price will increase as its size increases.

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Build Your Dream Backyard Retreat

Custom build your pool, spa or hot tub of your dreams! Connect with prescreened top-rated contractors on Angi in your area.

## Inground Pool Installation: Pro vs. DIY

While a handy homeowning DIYer who has completed an inground pool installation may be able to take on this task, we recommend hiring a professional pool installer for the job. Considering the high costs to install an inground pool, a poor DIY job could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, which is not worth it in the long run. Plus, a professional installer may throw in a maintenance package or continue to help you keep up your pool for years to come.

## Tips to Save on Inground Pool Installation Costs

Inground pool installation can be a costly endeavor. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming of owning your own inground pool. Here are some tips to save yourself money when it comes to inground pool installation:

- Get multiple quotes: Doing your research and getting multiple quotes from different inground pool installation companies will help you save money and ensure you get a fair price for the work.
- Choose a basic design: A simple inground pool design can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that the more features you add, the more expensive the installation will be.
- Consider the type of pool: Fiberglass pools are typically less expensive to install than concrete or vinyl liner pools. However, they may have a shorter lifespan and limited design options.
- Think long-term costs: From regular maintenance and energy use to insurance and potential impact on resale value are all long-term costs of an inground pool to consider.
- Opt for a smaller-sized pool: If you dream about a large inground pool, it’s important to know the moreexpensive it will be to install. Consider a smaller pool that can still meet your needs to save on installation costs.
- DIY installation: If you have experience with construction and pool installation, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. However, keep in mind that pool installation requires unique expertise and specialized equipment.
- Maintain Your Pool: The best way to prevent costly pool repairs is regular maintenance, ultimately saving you money in the long run and extending the lifespan of your inground pool.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### How can I afford a pool?

You can finance your pool through a pool loan. These can be personal loans, home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, or a home equity line of credit. Each comes with their own set of pros and cons, but they will all help you afford an inground pool.

### Do inground pools add to home value?

Yes, but you’ll have to do your homework to decide if it’s worth it in your own unique situation. Real estate experts estimate that an inground pool can add five to eight percent to a home’s value. Factor in the average cost of your home and the average cost to install a pool to determine if this added value is worth it.

### How long do pools last?

With proper maintenance, fiberglass pools can last upwards of 25 years. Concrete pools can last even longer—over 50 years. Vinyl inground pools are inexpensive upfront and generally don’t last as long. Expect to replace a vinyl pool liner every 10 years.

### Is an inground pool worth the cost?

The decision to install an inground pool depends on a variety of factors, such as budget, climate, lifestyle, property value and personal pool design preference. If you have the financial resources and enjoy swimming, an inground pool is a valuable investment.

### How do you maintain a pool?

The key to keeping your inground pool running smoothly is regular pool maintenance. You’ll need to test and balance the water chemistry, clean and backwash the filter, clean debris from the pool and equipment and continuously check for any problems that may develop.

### What is the cheapest price for an inground pool?

The cheapest price for an inground pool will depend on several factors, such as the size, type and location of the pool. Generally, vinyl inground pools are considered the cheapest option, costing around $35,000 to install.

Best Of

Services

Cost Guides

Read More

## More from  Home Improvement

Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.

Forbes Home adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Lauren has six years of experience writing and editing home improvement content. She covered lifestyle, DIY, design and cleaning at The Spruce for five years and contributed home improvement pieces to Angi and Forbes Advisor before working as an editor at Hunker, a home and design site, for over a year. She currently offers freelance editing and writing services to publications including Angi, Forbes Advisor, Bob Vila and Apartment Therapy.

Corinne Tynan is a highly skilled contributing editor at Forbes Home, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas such as interior design and home improvement. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing and SEO content strategy for digital properties, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Harmon and Macy's, Corinne brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of all things related to enhancing and beautifying homes.

forbes logo
© 2024 Forbes Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.