How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in 2022?

Fiberglass Pool Costs by Type

Fiberglass pool prices vary depending on pool type or design. There are many pool types and designs to fit every need. These include lap pools, saltwater pools, infinity pools, zero-entry pools, and plunge pools. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for each type of pool.

In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

Fiberglassin-ground pools cost between $20,000 and $75,000, while above-ground pools cost between $1,000 and $5,100. The higher cost estimate for in-ground pools is because they’re more labor-intensive. Excavation alone can account for up to 50% of the total pool installation price.

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 installation company about your options.

Lap Pool

The price of a lap pool ranges between $4,000 and $100,000, or an average of $44,000. Long, narrow, 3 to 4 feet deep, lap pools are mainly for people who want a pool for swimming laps rather than one to play around in. 

Shell Only

The average cost of a fiberglass pool shell is around $8,750, but prices can range from $4,500 to $30,000. The actual cost depends on the shell’s size, shape, depth, and the presence of custom features like LED lights, inlaid tiles, and tanning ledges.

Cocktail

A cocktail pool costs between $5,500 and $50,000, depending on size. Most pools are between 168 and 300 square feet. Cocktail pools are mainly meant for entertaining and providing a place to cool off while sipping a cocktail rather than for swimming laps.

Saltwater

Saltwater pool prices range between $12,000 and $67,000, or an average of $25,000. Instead of using 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.

Plunge Pool

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. 

Combination Pool and Spa

Combining a fiberglass pool with a spa can add between $8,000 and $15,000 to your budget. In total, expect to pay between $28,500 and $54,000 for a pool spa combo.

Zero-Entry

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.

Infinity

The cost of an infinity pool ranges between $55,000 and $130,000. Also known as a zero-edge or negative-edge pool, these pools add elegance by blending the water's edge with the horizon.

Fiberglass Swimming Pool Pricing by Size

Size is typically the biggest cost factor for a fiberglass pool. Budget about $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.

Fiberglass Pool Cost Factors

Other than size and type, several other factors can affect fiberglass pool pricing. For example, challenging sites and 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.

Permits

Pool permits cost between $100 to $300. You may also need permits for additional or custom features on your pool, such as a deck or patio. These will cost between $100 and $500 per project.

Location

More challenging locations with rocky soil or trees in the way will cost more for excavation. Prices also tend to be lower in rural areas or southern states with a lower cost of living, while you may pay more if you live in an urban setting or a state with a higher cost of living.

Labor

Pool companies charge between $5.50 per square foot for the installation or between $10,000 and $20,000 in total. That price includes:

• 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 companies base their quote on a five-person crew at 160 labor hours, taking the size of the pool into account. Ask the installer whether the quote includes labor costs.

Heat Pump

Pool heat pumps cost $1,800 to $4,000, including installation. Adding a cooling pump to maintain a specific temperature range adds another $600 to $1,000.

Filtration System

A filtration system for a fiberglass pool costs about $500 to $3,000. You’ll need filters to keep your pool clean.

Filling Pool

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. In drought-prone areas, you may have to pay an additional $100.

Excavation

Land excavation costs an average of $3,400. Costs are lower, around $400 to $1,500, if the soil is soft and manageable. More challenging project sites can cost up to $20,000 for excavation.

Pool Accessories

Installing custom accessories on your swimming pool can add between $100 and $22,000 to your budget. Pool accessories include the following:

• Slides

• Diving boards

• Handrails and ladders

• Mosaic tile

• Security covers

• Automatic covers

• Surface colors

• Lighting Fountains

• Waterfalls

• Hot tubs

• Jets

• Automatic vacuum systems

• Retaining walls

• Salt chlorine generators

Accessory prices can 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.

Decking

Installing a new deck costs $5,000 to $12,000, or about $4 to $20 per square foot. The most common decking material is concrete. Choices go from a rough broom finish ($4 to $8 per square foot) to stamped concrete and pavers ($11 to $20 per square foot).

Tile

Pool tile costs between $20,000, depending on materials. Standard pool tiles like ceramic, stone, and porcelain cost $1 to $35 per square foot. High-end finishes, like glass or ceramic tiles, cost between $35 and $100 per square foot.

Lighting

Installing lights around your fiberglass swimming pool costs $600 to $1,600, depending on which type you choose. LED—one of the most popular options—comes in toward the bottom; 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.

Pool House

A 300-square-foot pool house costs $114,000 on average, although costs range from $48,000 to $180,000. The average cost per square foot is about $160 to $600. Pool houses complete with bathrooms and kitchens will cost more. Labor alone costs between $34,200 and $68,400, or roughly 30% to 60% of the total cost to build a pool house.

Pool Enclosures

Most homeowners pay between $5,300 and $15,300 for a pool enclosure. The actual cost of a pool enclosure varies depending on the size, material, and custom options.

• Screen enclosures: $14 per square foot

• Glass enclosure: $55 per square foot

• Retractable enclosure: $100 or more per square foot

Additional Landscaping

On average, landscaping costs $1,500 to $5,200, depending on many variables, like a sloping yard, types of plants or grass, or whether you need stump removal or a retaining wall. 

• Basic landscaping projects cost $2 to $6 per square foot

• Intermediate projects cost $6 to $10 per square foot

• Full tear-out and remodel projects cost $10 to $40 per square foot

Ongoing Maintenance

The price to maintain a fiberglass pool ranges between $600 and $1,200 per year for regular cleaning. That's relatively low compared to other options. A concrete pool, for instance, costs up to $2,700 per year to maintain. Some installers offer maintenance programs for as little as $15 per month. Routine pool maintenance is critical to avoid major repair costs down the road.

Average Cost of Fiberglass Pools by State

Fiberglass pool prices can vary by location. Typically, fiberglass pool installation is more expensive on the West Coast and the 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 areas.

Fiberglass Pools vs. Concrete and Gunite

The cost of a fiberglass pool is similar to the price of a vinyl liner pool whose typical cost range is between $20,000 and $30,000, but you’ll need to replace the vinyl liner every 10 years.  In comparison, concrete or gunite pools cost more, at about $35,000 to $65,000. Concrete or gunite pools are also more expensive to maintain, but tend to have a higher lifespan.

Benefits of Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass is a great material option for a swimming pool for several reasons.

1. Faster installation: Once the pool shell arrives from the manufacturer and a crew is available to begin work, your pool may be ready for swimming in as few as three days if there are no locational challenges.

2. Maintenance: Fiberglass pools have lower maintenance costs because of their slicker surface, which makes it more difficult for bacteria and algae to grow. Unlike vinyl pools, there is also no liner to replace every couple of years.

3. They don’t hurt your feet: Unlike gunite or concrete, which are abrasive, fiberglass pools have a smoother surface that feels easy on your foot and can help avoid injuries.

4. Wide variety of pre-engineered options and customizable add-ons: Whether you want to relax or exercise, or just improve the aesthetic appeal of your backyard or your home in general, fiberglass offers a wide variety of pre-engineered shape and size options, and customizable add-ons to fit every need, style, and goal. Talk with a local fiberglass swimming pool pro to find out more about the available options.

How to Save Money on Installing a Fiberglass Pool

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 big investment. If you're looking to save money on your pool installation, you can do a few things:

1. 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, make sure to research each contractor’s credentials and check out their reviews.

2. 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.

3. Get a small pool. Size is the biggest cost factor for a pool. A small pool will not only be cheaper to install and maintain, but it can also save you some precious backyard space.

4. 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.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Professional

Handy and experienced homeowners can take on installing a fiberglass pool as a DIY project. This could save you between $10,000 and $20,000 on labor costs.

However, installing a fiberglass pool yourself only makes sense if you have extensive expertise and experience in preparing your property and placing the shell. If not, it’s best to hire a local fiberglass pool installer. Having a professional do the work can help avoid hefty costs later to fix installation errors or damages.