How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost?

In-Ground Pool by Material

Depending on the type of material you choose, you'll spend anywhere from $20,000 to $65,000 or more to install a pool. The wide range reflects three in-ground types: vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Each of these pools has similar initial turnkey pricing, but there are significant differences in the lifetime cost.

Vinyl Pool 

Installing an in-ground vinyl pool runs between $20,000 to $40,000. Over 10 years, expect maintenance to cost anywhere from $11,000 to $17,000. Here are some of the pros and cons of choosing a vinyl in-ground pool.

• Versatile, nonabrasive, and easy maintenance: It comes in various shapes and custom designs.

• Easy to clean: Many owners handle the cleaning themselves, which can save the cost of hiring a pool cleaner near you. 

• Sustainable: You won't need to use chemicals often because algae can’t grow easily on vinyl.

• Considered lower end: You have to replace the liner every 10 years. 

Fiberglass Pool 

Delivering and installing a fiberglass pool costs between $20,000 to $40,000, including a basic deck. Maintenance on fiberglass pools costs between $5,000 to $15,000 over 10 years. Here are the pros and cons of choosing a fiberglass in-ground pool.

• Premade: The pre-formed shells insert into a leveled hole, which has been pre-dug to match the shell shape. 

• Smaller than concrete: The shell is usually no more than 16 feet across. Considering that you don’t need an acid wash or liner replacement, the smaller size can feel like an acceptable tradeoff for most homeowners. 

• Easy to clean: Compared to other pool types, they might be the easiest to clean and maintain, and there are no special requirements for the shell. 

• Tricky installation: You'll need an experienced contractor to avoid common problems, including everything from improper water circulation to collapsed walls.

• Sensitive coating: Fiberglass pools have a smooth gel coating. Poor pH or alkalinity levels and improper calcium balances often result in a coating that fails in a few years.

Gunite, Shotcrete, or Concrete Pool 

The initial price of installing a gunite, shotcrete, or concrete pool runs between $35,000 and $65,000. Expect to pay an additional $27,000 to $40,000 over 10 years. The upkeep of a concrete in-ground pool requires acid washing and replastering. Often the largest pool, they also require more electricity and chemicals to keep them clean and swimmable. Here’s more information about a concrete pool.

• Gunite and shotcrete: Both are concrete types. The only difference is the water ratio involved and how it’s applied. Both use less water than form-set concrete and are applied using a pressurized spray.

• Acid wash: Plan to get one every three to five years. Concrete is very durable, but it can also be a haven for mold and algae if not properly maintained. The acid wash will strip a small layer away, which means that the shell will need to be replastered at some point.

In-Ground Pool by Size

A typical pool measures about 14-by-28 or 392 feet with a depth of around 6 1/2 feet. You'll spend anywhere from $50 to $125 per square foot or $19,600 to $49,000. 

Small pools—like plunge, spool, and cocktail—will cost you $10,000 to $25,000 or more. They generally measure about 10-by-20 feet and are usually 5 1/2 to 7 feet deep. If you're uncertain about the size, here are a few notes to consider:

• According to the Red Cross, it recommends a depth of at least 9 feet if you want to dive in head-first. This size will start at around $20,000. 

• Pools 18-by-36 feet or larger are often too large for suburban homes.

• The pool depth affects the price. The deeper the hole, the more materials are needed. Expect deeper designs to land closer to $125 per square foot.

In-Ground Pool by Shape and Design

The most cost-effective in-ground pools, either custom or prebuilt, are those with the most standard shape, like a rectangle or oval. Below are three of the most common designs: 

Zero-Entry Pool

Zero-entry pools, also called beach entry, have one or more sides that gently slope up to meet the land. Instead of steps to enter the water, you walk down a slope, just like at the beach. The cost for a zero-entry pool is in the same range as a standard one.

Lagoon Pool 

Lagoon styles are usually a free-flowing, asymmetrical design meant to create the feel of a tropical retreat. These luxurious-looking pools cost more because of the custom designs and add-ons such as waterfalls, grottos, and tropical landscaping. A lagoon pool can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000.

Semi In-Ground Pool 

Most of the pool is still in-ground with a semi in-ground pool, but part of it will be raised a few feet or more. Semi in-ground pools cost $6,800 to $25,000, including labor and materials. Below is a chart detailing semi in-ground costs in a basic round shape.

In-Ground Pool Installation

Labor will account for about 33% of the total project cost, or about $55 per hour. Some of the main reasons it costs so much to install an in-ground pool are the necessary excavation, dirt disposal, equipment, pool shell, and any essential landscaping. Below are some of the most common costs.

In-Ground Pool Additional Costs

All in-ground pools can come with optional, additional costs, if you include:

• Saltwater

• Lighting

• Heaters

• Hot tubs

• Landscaping 

• Decking

• Water features

• Fencing

• Fireplaces

Saltwater Pool

Installing a saltwater swimming pool costs about $1,000 to $2,500 more than average. However, it costs less to maintain a saltwater system versus using chlorine. Some homeowners may prefer saltwater pools because they don't rely on added chemicals to keep the water clean. Instead, a chemical reaction breaks down the salt in the water to generate chlorine. This leads to a reduction in eye irritation and smell. Check out our saltwater vs. chlorine pool guide to learn more about how these two options compare.

Expect to pay less than $100 per year for the salt and chemicals to maintain your saltwater swimming pool. Compare this to $300 to $800 yearly for the chemicals to maintain a traditional chlorine pool. But monitoring the salt levels is very important, and a local pool installer can help you pick the right system and help install it properly. Homeowners should budget an additional $200 to $700 every three to five years to replace the salt cell. The electricity to run a saltwater system will also add $35 to $50 to your yearly power bill.

Lighting

Lights average $100 to $300 each for 50-watt built-in lights. Lighting can set the mood and provide some safety for night swimming. Traditional incandescent lights and energy-efficient LED lights are available for various prices, depending on features such as light color, floating or fixed, and output.

Heater

A pool heater installation costs $1,500 to $4,000, and the operating cost will range from $100 to $600 monthly. 

Hot Tub

A basic hot tub can add $5,000 to $8,000 to your base price. If you need excavation service and customization, installing a built-in hot tub costs $15,000 to $20,000.

Backyard and Landscaping

Landscaping costs range from $1,500 to $5,200. However, the price can go up to $20,000 for significant and involved landscaping.

• Retaining walls cost about $3,200–$13,000 to create a level yard to keep soil and sediment from eroding into your pool or onto your patio or deck. Retaining walls also provide additional support to slides and water features.

• Semi in-ground pools cost more than an in-ground unit for a 12-by-24-foot model. They can be built directly into slopes and give you the opportunity to install an infinity edge, costing an additional $15,000–$20,000.

• The cost to reslope your land is about $1,000–$3,000. Reuse the excavated dirt to level your yard, saving $1,000 or more on removal fees.

• Landscaping rocks cost $460–$1,000. Available in natural and artificial, the natural look of stone makes for a relaxing escape, with the price heavily depending on the type, amount, and configuration.

Pool Deck

Pool decks and coping cost $3,000 to $12,000. If you choose a more elaborate design or expensive material, the fees will increase.

Waterfall or Water Feature

A waterfall installation costs $1,500 to $5,000 or more, and elaborate ones can reach $30,000. Budget 10% to 15% of your total project for a water feature, which can create an attractive focal point and goes well with elevated hot tubs and spas.

Water Slide and Diving Board

On average, water slides can cost $1,000 to $14,000, depending on the design, manufacturer, and features such as water jets. Diving boards can cost $300 to $5,000 on average. Installation pricing depends on your type and local codes and requirements.

Fencing or Enclosing Your Pool

Your homeowners association will likely require you to fence in your pool. Remember to always install childproof locks and latches for added safety.

• Fence installation costs $13–$50 per linear foot, or a total of $1,500–$5,000.

• Gates add $200–$350 each.

• Removable fences cost $100–$500 per panel and include locks and latches to keep them in place.

• Pool covers cost $700–$2,200 with installation. A higher-end option with automatic and security options will be between $1,000–$15,000.

• Pool enclosures cost between $5,000–$15,000. Installing a pool enclosure will extend your swimming season because they retain some heat and keep the water cleaner for longer.

Fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces cost between $1,500 and $20,000, including installation and depending on the materials you choose. Expect to pay $300 to $1,000 for a contractor to install a premade fireplace kit. Custom projects will cost much more, but anticipate about $70 to $150 per hour of labor. 

In-Ground Pool Maintenance

Pool maintenance costs anywhere from $100 to $200 per month. Maintenance includes skimming the water and adding chemicals. The chemicals for a fiberglass pool maintenance cost about $175, about $400 for a vinyl pool, and $750 for a concrete one.

Additional costs will incur if a pool service pro near you needs to make repairs or open or close the pool for the season, which will cost $300 to $500 on average. Another cost to factor in is liability insurance, which can cost around $25 per month. Lastly, don't forget to factor in electricity. Your electricity bill can add about $65 to $100 per month to the average swimming pool. Expect to pay more if you want to heat your pool.