How Much Does It Cost To Build a Pool in 2025?
The average cost to build a pool is $41,955
The average cost to build a pool is $41,955, with prices ranging from as little as $150 for a tiny inflatable pool to $135,000 or more for a luxury in‐ground pool.
Pool cost factors include size and location, materials used, labor costs, and additional features like heating or decking.
Popular materials for in-ground pools include concrete, gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Building a pool can provide enjoyment, cater to limited spaces, and potentially increase home value.
Building a pool requires advanced construction skills and adherence to safety measures, underscoring the importance of hiring a professional.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to build a pool is $41,955, ranging from $25,183 and $58,939 for most homeowners. Factors like location, size, and materials greatly influence the total cost. Proper budgeting and hiring a professional are crucial to ensure your pool project meets your expectations without unexpected expenses.
Pool Cost Factors
When you’re shopping for or designing your pool, there are a lot of factors to consider that can impact the final cost. The shape and size of the pool, whether or not you need to excavate, and if you decide to add a deck or fencing around the pool can all affect the final price.
Pool Size
You’ll spend anywhere from $50 to $125 per square foot on an in-ground pool or $10 to $15 per square foot for an above-ground 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 the bigger you go.
Materials
For in-ground pools, there are multiple material options that range from $20,000 to $65,000.
Gunite or Concrete
Concrete or gunite pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 and can last a lifetime with proper upkeep. Gunite is a mixture of sand, cement, and water, and both options are durable and reinforced with steel, making them a strong, long-lasting pool material.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools range from $20,000 to $60,000 and generally have lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to concrete, gunite, or vinyl pools. This type of pool material is easy to clean and should last about 25 years. The one downside is that fiberglass pools often have more limited shape options compared to gunite or vinyl pools.
Vinyl
Vinyl-lined pools are the least expensive material, with costs from $20,000 to $40,000. Vinyl pools have a liner, the part you can feel underfoot, that can impact the cost. Thicker liners will cost more but require less maintenance and repairs over time.
Labor
The average cost for professional pool installation is $5,000 to $30,000, or 25% to 50% of the final cost. The cost you’ll pay to build a pool heavily depends on the type you choose. For example, if you select an in-ground pool, you’ll pay more in labor than you would for an above-ground pool.
Excavation
Excavation costs an average of $4,000, but hard-to-reach areas may cost up to $20,000. 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.
Heating
Adding a pool heater costs $1,800 to $4,200 extra. Buy high-quality heaters to ensure they work properly and will require less costly maintenance and repairs over time, especially if you have the heater running for most of the year.
Filtration
Water filters for pools cost from $500 to $3,000 and are necessary to keep your pool clean with minimal maintenance.
Pool Accessories
Additional features like diving boards, whirlpools attached to the main pool, or a forced current system for an intense workout can enhance your pool experience. Cement benches or a covered deck adjacent to the pool are also popular options.
All these extras can significantly add to your project cost. You can save money by adding these features after the initial installation. Be sure to discuss with your pool professional which additions make sense to install now and which can be added later.
| Pool Add-Ons | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Water features | $450–$1,900 |
| Hot tub (spa) | $2,000–$35,000 |
| Diving board | $300–$5,000 |
| Screens & enclosures | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Covers | $800–$2,600 |
| Pool house | $26,000–$180,000 |
Fences or Enclosures
Depending on the materials you choose, a fence will cost $600 to $4,400. A full pool enclosure costs $7,100 to $18,900. When building a pool, you’ll need to think about fence installation and enclosures for safety reasons. From kids to pets, this is an essential step to prevent the vulnerable from falling into your pool.
Decking
Adding a deck or patio around an above-ground pool costs $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and material of the decking and any customizations. Decks can make above-ground pools more aesthetically appealing while also making them easier to climb in and out of.
Additional Landscaping
Whether you opt for palm trees, ornamental grass, or drought-tolerant plants, landscaping costs $3,000 to 5,000, or $4 to $12 per square foot. Water features will also factor into the cost, from water bowls to fountains.
Ongoing Maintenance
Swimming pool maintenance costs range from $500 to $4,000 per year, depending on your pool type. This involves keeping the pool water clean with chemicals and filters, paying for increased utility bills to keep the filters, lights, and heaters running, and costs to open and close for off-season.
Cost to Build a Pool by Type
The type of swimming pool you would like greatly impacts how much it costs to build.
In-Ground
In‐ground pools cost between $44,500 and $87,400. Excavation represents a large percentage, up to 50%, of the total price. Material types for in-ground designs also add to the expense.
| In-Ground Pool Material | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Concrete or gunite | $65,000–$120,000 |
| Fiberglass | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Vinyl-lined | $20,000–$40,000 |
Above-Ground
Building an above‐ground pool costs $1,020 to $6,000. While you can save considerably by skipping excavation, an above‐ground pool does not add the same value to your home as an in‐ground model.
“Spool” or Small Pool
Spool pools cost $22,650 on average with labor, with prices ranging from $5,500 to $50,000. The name comes from a combination of either “small” or “spa” and “pool,” depending on who you ask. They 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 or Endless Pool
Lap pools cost $6,000 to $80,000, depending on size, materials, and construction. Endless pools range from $23,000 to $40,000. They’re far shorter with an artificially generated water current to keep you swimming “endlessly.”
Plunge Pool
Plunge pools cost $10,000 to $40,000. Often not much larger than a hot tub, they’re frequently 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
Saltwater pool installation costs $12,000 to $38,500. If you already have a pool, you can convert it to a saltwater pool for $500 to $2,500. Conversion requires a salt system, also called a salt chlorine generator, installed in your current plumbing. You’ll also need a sacrificial zinc anode to absorb any corrosion. If you want to add heating, a cupro nickel heater withstands salt corrosion better than other types.
Hot Tub
In-ground hot tubs cost between $8,000 and $25,000. Standard hot tubs fit four to six people. Labor falls between $150 and $500 with an additional $100 to $500 for delivery.
Indoor Pool
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.
Cost to Build a Pool by Location
Pool costs vary significantly based on your location due to factors such as climate, local labor rates, and permit requirements. In colder climates, additional features like heating and durable materials may increase costs. Areas with higher labor rates and stricter permit regulations can also contribute to higher installation expenses. Northern parts of the U.S. have higher costs compared to southern regions.
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $22,000 |
| California | $35,000 |
| Florida | $37,700 |
| Louisiana | $34,500 |
| Nevada | $45,600 |
| New York | $31,000 |
| South Carolina | $18,000 |
| Texas | $31,000 |
Budgeting Tips for Building a Pool
Swimming pool costs can be substantial, but there are ways to reduce installation expenses. If you’re on a budget, consider these tips to make your dream pool more affordable.
Reduce the Size: Decreasing the pool area can significantly lower your budget and reduce upkeep and electricity costs.
Choose a Fiberglass Shell: These premade options cost almost 50% less than concrete pools.
Opt for Above-Ground: Avoid excavation by installing a freestanding oval pool for as little as $1,500 professionally installed.
Consider an Endless Pool for Exercise: Endless pools are compact, self-contained, and offer the benefits of a lap pool at half the price.
Explore Financing Options: Explore financing options, such as swimming pool loans or home equity loans, to fund your pool project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Professional
While you can save about 50% on installation costs by doing it yourself, installing a pool is a significant undertaking that requires advanced construction skills, especially for in-ground and indoor pools. If you have a strong DIY background, an above-ground pool could be a possibility. However, it's advisable to leave in-ground pools to the professionals, who will build the pool safely and ensure it lasts for decades. Hiring a pool installation professional near you helps you avoid costly damage to your property or neighboring homes.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best reason to get a pool is because you’ll enjoy it regularly. While a swimming pool may not have a high return on investment—averaging 7%—it offers significant personal enjoyment and can enhance your lifestyle. If you love to swim and host gatherings, installing a new pool is a worthwhile investment.
A pool’s lifespan depends on the materials used and the quality of maintenance it receives. High-quality in-ground concrete or gunite pools last 50 to 100 years when maintained properly, with the requirement to resurface every 10 years. Above ground pools have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Fiberglass pools last 25 to 30 years, and vinyl pools remain durable for over 20 years if the liner is replaced every six to 12 years.
Building an in-ground pool takes two to three months from beginning to end. The process begins with obtaining the required permits, which takes two to six weeks, followed by a week for excavation and land preparation. Construction of the pool—including plumbing and electrical installations—takes one to two months. Each phase requires precision to ensure high-quality construction.
Fiberglass pools demand minimal maintenance, which sets them apart from other pool types. Their robust, smooth, non-porous surface actively resists algae growth. This design eliminates the need for regular resurfacing or liner replacements and reduces the frequency of chemical treatments and intensive cleanings. Consequently, homeowners benefit from lower ongoing upkeep costs and a consistently pristine pool environment.
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