To install a fiberglass pool, you’ll pay an average of $33,270
The average cost of installing a fiberglass pool ranges from $25,065 to $48,995.
The cost of a fiberglass pool is impacted by pool type, size, location, and additional features or add-ons.
Fiberglass pools offer faster installation, lower maintenance costs, comfort, and various pre-engineered options and customizable add-ons.
Hiring a pro for fiberglass pool installation ensures proper property preparation and shell placement and avoids costly errors.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a fiberglass pool costs an average of $33,270, with most homeowners spending between $25,065 and $48,995. Depending on the size and features you choose, your costs could be as low as $5,000 for a small, simple rectangular pool or as high as $68,000 for a large pool with custom add-ons like heating systems, security covers, and waterfalls. It's essential to budget carefully before starting your fiberglass pool project. Hiring a professional pool installer ensures your pool is installed correctly and safely, helping you avoid costly mistakes down the line.
Fiberglass pools come in various designs to fit your needs, including lap pools, saltwater pools, infinity pools, zero-entry pools, and plunge pools. Here's what you can expect to pay on average for each type.
Type of Pool | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Above-ground pool | $20,000–$75,000 |
Lap pool | $30,000–$65,000 |
Shell-only | $4,500–$30,000 |
Saltwater pool | $20,000–$60,000 |
Plunge pool | $15,000–$40,000 |
In-ground pool | $40,000–$100,000 |
Zero-entry pool | $30,000–$75,000 |
Infinity pool | $40,000–$70,000 |
Fiberglass in-ground pools cost between $40,000 and $100,000, while fiberglass pools installed partially above ground (which require additional support) cost between $20,000 and $75,000.
You can install any fiberglass shell above ground, but you’ll need to provide proper support; the material won’t hold up on its own above the surface. Ask your pool installation company about your options.
Lap pools are long and narrow—typically four feet deep—and are perfect for those who want a pool primarily for swimming laps rather than recreational play. You can expect to pay between $30,000 and $65,000 for a fiberglass lap pool.
The average cost of a fiberglass pool shell ranges from $4,500 to $30,000. The actual price depends on the shell’s size, shape, depth, and the presence of custom features like LED lights, inlaid tiles, and tanning ledges.
Saltwater pool prices range between $20,000 to $60,000. Instead of chlorine as a purifier, these pools use salt, which is typically safer and less toxic. Fiberglass is a great option for saltwater because the salt will not damage the material by corroding it.
The price of a plunge pool ranges between $15,000 and $40,000. Usually no bigger than 10 feet by 20 feet, a plunge pool is built specifically for the purposes of lounging, wading, and cooling off. You can install one above-ground, in-ground, or semi-in-ground.
Expect to pay between $30,000 and $75,000 for a zero-entry pool. These pools have an entry or edge that gradually slopes from the deck into the water, becoming deeper with each step, just like a natural beach. This "zero-entry" concept allows pool accessibility for everyone, regardless of age and swimming ability.
The cost of an infinity pool ranges between $40,000 and $70,000. Also known as a zero-edge or negative-edge pool, these pools add elegance by blending the water's edge with the horizon.
Other than size and type, several other factors can affect fiberglass pool pricing. For example, challenging sites, add-ons, and accessories such as heat pumps, slides, diving boards, and tubs can all raise the cost of your fiberglass pool. You might also need to budget for permits.
Size is often the biggest cost factor for a fiberglass pool. You’ll need to budget an average of $800 per linear foot for materials, including the shell, pump, filtration system, and backfill. When you factor in labor, the price per square foot rises to $1,200.
Size of Pool (Feet) | Average Price |
---|---|
10x20 | $26,000 |
12x20 | $32,500 |
15x30 | $48,500 |
16x32 | $51,500 |
16x40 | $58,500 |
20x40 | $62,500 |
Pool permits cost between $100 and $300. If you're adding custom features like a deck or patio, you might need additional permits, which range from $100 to $500 per project.
Excavation costs may increase if your site has challenging features like rocky soil or obstructive tease. Prices are lower in rural areas or southern states with a lower cost of living, while urban locations or states with a higher cost of living see higher prices.
Pool companies charge between $5.50 per square foot for the installation or between $10,000 and $20,000 in total. That price includes the:
Shell
Shipping
Excavation
Filter pump
Backfill
Filling the pool
It might not include decking, fencing, and other optional add-ons like lighting, fountains, or an automatic cover.
Most pool installation companies base their quote on a five-person crew at 160 labor hours, taking the size of the pool into account. It’s important to ask the installer whether the quote includes labor costs.
Installing a heat pump and filtration system costs $2,100 to $4,500. Adding these filters helps keep your pool clean and free of debris.
Once you’ve built your pool, you’ll need to fill it with water, which costs $60 to $120 for a standard-sized 15,000- to 30,000-gallon swimming pool.
The average pool excavation cost is $3,200. Costs are lower, around $400, if the soil is soft and manageable, while more challenging project sites can cost up to $20,000.
Installing custom accessories on your swimming pool can add additional costs. Accessory prices vary depending on the type, size, style, and manufacturer. Shop around to get the best deal, and make sure to ask if the quote includes installation.
See the below table to discover the cost of common pool add-ons.
Accessory | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Slides | $100–$10,000 |
Diving boards | $500–$2,000 |
Waterfalls | $200–$6,000 |
Covers (including security and automatic covers) | $760–$2,500 |
Rails | $100–$500 |
Ladders | $100–$2,000 |
Installing a new deck costs $3,000 to $12,000. Most homeowners opt for concrete decking, although prices vary depending on your chosen material. Choices can vary from a rough broom finish to stamped concrete and pavers.
Installing lights around your fiberglass swimming pool costs $700 to $1,800, depending on your chosen type. LED—one of the most popular options—comes in toward the bottom, while 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, ambiance, and character.
On average, landscaping for pool installation costs $3,000 to $5,000, depending on variables like a sloping yard, types of plants or grass, or whether you need stump removal or a retaining wall. Most landscapers charge rates ranging from $4 to $12 per square foot.
The price to maintain a fiberglass pool ranges between $600 and $1,200 per year for regular cleaning. Some installers offer maintenance programs, which can help you save on monthly fees. Routine pool maintenance is critical to keeping your pool clean and avoiding significant repair costs down the road.
Fiberglass pool prices can vary by location. Fiberglass pool installation is more expensive on the West and East Coast than in the South, where the cost of living is lower. You can also expect to pay less for pool installation in rural areas than in urban cities.
State | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
California | $45,000–$85,000 |
Florida | $50,000–$95,000 |
New Jersey | $50,000–$90,000 |
North Carolina | $50,000–$75,000 |
Ohio | $65,000–$90,000 |
Pennsylvania | $45,000–$90,000 |
Texas | $50,000–$85,000 |
Fiberglass pools cost between $15,000 and $75,000, while concrete or gunite pools range from $35,000 to $100,000. While fiberglass pools require less maintenance and offer faster installation, concrete pools can be customized to any shape or size. Concrete pools also involve more upkeep and incur higher maintenance costs over time.
Installing a fiberglass pool can be a great way to improve your home’s appeal and enjoy some serious summer fun. But it can also be a significant investment. If you're looking to save money on your pool installation, use these budget-saving tips:
Get bids from multiple contractors: This will allow you to compare prices and choose the best possible deal. Remember, however, that the most affordable contractor may not always do the best work. Before you officially hire, research each contractor’s credentials and check out their reviews.
Do some of the work yourself: If you’re handy, you may be able to handle some of the tasks, like excavating the pool or installing the decking. This can save you on labor costs.
Get a small pool: Size is the most significant cost factor for a pool. A small pool will be cheaper to install and maintain and save you some precious backyard space.
Avoid adding unnecessary extras: Waterfalls, mosaic tiles, color-changing lights, fountains, and jets can all increase the aesthetic appeal of your pool. But they can jack up the total cost of your pool by a big margin. Keep add-ons to a minimum to save on the total costs of a fiberglass pool.
While some handy and experienced homeowners might consider installing a fiberglass pool themselves to save on labor costs—which can be between $10,000 and $20,000—it's important to have extensive expertise in property preparation and shell placement. Hiring a local fiberglass pool installer is the best choice for most homeowners to ensure the pool is installed correctly and safely, avoiding costly mistakes down the road.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
Fiberglass pools are a significant investment that can increase your home's value while requiring minimal maintenance. They offer longevity, with lifespans of 30 to 50 years when properly maintained. A fiberglass pool can add significant value to your lifestyle and property if you enjoy lounging, cooling off, hosting pool parties, or swimming.
Fiberglass pools last up to 30 to 50 years when they are properly maintained. They achieve this longevity by keeping pool water pH at the ideal level, running the filter daily, and ensuring that shell refinishing is completed appropriately. Regular upkeep and the work of seasoned, licensed installers secure long-lasting performance and sustained value for your pool.
The least-expensive fiberglass shell shape tends to be a simple rectangle no longer or wider than 20 feet. Most installation companies have it in stock or can order it quickly from their preferred manufacturer. Rectangular-shaped pools have simple and well-defined angles and are easier to build, thus lowering the price. Installation costs for these pools are also lower because the holes that must be dug for them will be less complex than those for free-form or kidney-shaped pools.
Poor installation is the biggest potential downside when it comes to fiberglass pools. 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 yours 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, make sure to research their experience and background.
Repairing a fiberglass pool costs $6,500 for full shell refinishing, while resolving more minor issues such as spider cracks, scratches, or fading colors ranges from $240 to $1,200. The repair process includes draining the pool, refilling it, and treating the water to maintain pristine quality. Prices will vary depending on the severity and complexity of the repair.
Fiberglass pool installation takes four to six weeks from start to finish. This timeline is achieved by coordinating excavation, shell placement, and the integration of add-ons like decking and landscaping. Skilled pool professionals manage each phase precisely to ensure smooth progress at every stage, delivering your backyard oasis on schedule while maintaining high-quality standards.