Dreaming of a fiberglass pool this year? Dive into the latest shell prices and what influences the cost.
The average cost of a fiberglass pool shell ranges from $4,666 to $85,000, with most homeowners spending around $36,800.
Factors influencing the cost include the pool's size, shape, depth, and custom features.
Installation costs typically add an additional $10,000 to $20,000.
Maintenance costs for fiberglass pools are typically lower than other pool types, ranging from $600 to $1,200 annually.
Hiring a professional ensures proper installation and can prevent costly mistakes in the long run.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a fiberglass pool shell costs most homeowners around $36,800, with prices ranging from as little as $1,000 to as much as $135,000. Factors like the pool's shape, size, depth, and custom features like spas or tanning shelves affect the price. Carefully budgeting for your project and hiring a professional installer ensures proper installation and helps you avoid costly mistakes. This will enhance your property's value and provide endless enjoyment.
The shape and size of your fiberglass pool shell affect the price. Shells in custom sizes or unique shapes can cost upwards of $30,000, while shells in standard sizes and shapes can cost as little as $4,500.
Length | Average Price Range |
---|---|
Small: Up to 26 feet | $10,000–$19,000 |
Medium: 27-34 feet | $13,000–$20,000 |
Large: 35 feet or more | $15,000–$27,000+ |
Shape | Approximate Price Range |
---|---|
Round | $5,000–$6,500+ |
Oval | $5,000–$7,600+ |
Rectangle | $4,500–$8,000+ |
Freeform | $7,000–$11,000+ |
Custom | Up to $30,000+ |
In addition to budgeting for the shell itself, it's a good idea to budget for installation costs as well. Fiberglass pool installation costs usually range from $10,000 to $20,000.
These costs typically include:
Bigger pools require more labor and materials to install, so you'll pay more to install a larger pool than you would a small pool.
If you need any materials for your pool installation shipped to your home, these shipping costs will be factored into the overall installation price. Shipping costs vary significantly depending on the size and weight of the item.
Your installers may need to prepare or excavate the land before installing the pool. Extensive preparation and excavation can significantly increase costs.
Labor rates vary by location, so it's a good idea to call around and ask for estimates from multiple companies. Additionally, if your pool installation site is in a hard-to-reach location or very far from the installers' headquarters, you might incur an additional location charge.
Permits to install a pool typically cost $100 to $300. If you're adding a patio or deck, expect to pay an additional $100 to $500 for permits.
Filter pumps keep your pool clean and swimmable. Prices vary by size and features, so ask your pool installer to help you find a filter that fits your budget and needs.
Backfilling fills any remaining gaps around your pool after installation. Depending on your landscape, backfill materials typically include sand, gravel, or dirt.
Of course, after installing the pool, you probably want to swim in it. In that case, you'll need to fill it with water. Most pool installers will complete this step for you, and the cost is included in the overall installation price.
To enhance your pool, consider popular add-ons like decking, lighting, fencing, and more. However, these features will increase your overall installation costs.
Pool decks cost between $1,000 and $12,000, depending on size and material. Smaller decks (300–600 sq. ft.) may start as low as $1,000, mid-sized decks (600–900 sq ft) typically range from $3,000 to $8,000, and wraparound decks over 900 sq. ft. can range from $7,000 to $12,000.
Installing pool lights usually costs between $700 and $1,800. LED lights typically cost the most, while incandescent and fiber optic lights are usually the most affordable.
Installing a pool heater is a great way to extend your swimming season. Pool heaters generally cost between $2,100 and $4,500, depending on their size, quality, and features.
Fencing is an important safety measure because it helps prevent unsupervised pets and kids from entering the pool area. It can also enhance the aesthetics of your pool.
Pool fencing costs range from $15 to $25 per linear foot, with typical total costs between $1,500 and $10,000.
Landscaping costs range from $4 to $12 per square foot, and overall project expenses typically range between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the scope of work.
Pool enclosures can give you an indoor pool experience outside. Enclosures usually range from $6,300 to $20,000. The material you choose affects the cost, with vinyl enclosures being the most affordable and glass and wood enclosures costing the most.
Maintaining a fiberglass pool typically costs between $600 and $1,200 annually, less than other pool types that cost $1,080 to $1,800 per year. Some installers offer maintenance programs starting at $15 per month. Regular maintenance helps you avoid bigger repair costs down the road.
While installing a fiberglass pool yourself can save you $10,000 to $20,000 in installation costs, unless you have pool-building expertise or a DIY pool kit, you should hire a professional. Installing a fiberglass pool is an invasive and complicated project best suited for pros. Hiring a professional ensures your pool is installed correctly and meets all safety standards, giving you peace of mind and saving you time and potential additional costs in the long run.
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.
If you want a lower-maintenance pool with greater energy efficiency and a quick installation timeframe,a fiberglass pool is worth the investment. However, if affordability is your top priority, you might prefer a more inexpensive vinyl pool.
With proper maintenance, a fiberglass pool lasts 30 to 50 years. To maintain your pool, check the water pH daily, run the filter continuously, and refinish the shell when it reaches 20 to 30 years old. These maintenance practices preserve your pool’s durability and appearance throughout its lifespan.
When you consider the up-front investment, a fiberglass pool is more expensive than a vinyl pool. The premium materials and installation methods required for fiberglass pools result in a higher initial cost, while their reduced maintenance requirements lower long-term expenses. In contrast, vinyl pools rely on cheaper materials but incur additional costs over time due to more frequent replacements and upkeep.
Installing a fiberglass pool takes four to six weeks from start to finish. This period covers excavation, material preparation, and the complete installation process along with any integrated add-ons. Coordinated project management ensures the pool is ready on schedule, enabling a prompt start to the swimming season and minimizing any delays in enjoying your new pool.
Yes, you can integrate additional features such as a patio or hot tub with your fiberglass pool. Combining these projects enhances your outdoor living space by providing a safe and inviting area for relaxation and socializing. Coordinated installation streamlines the process and maximizes project value while ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously from day one.
Fiberglass pools cost $15,000 to $75,000, while concrete pools cost $35,000 to $100,000. This cost discrepancy indicates that fiberglass pools require less installation time and incur lower maintenance expenses than concrete pools. In addition, concrete pools demand extensive customization and higher upkeep, which increases the overall investment compared to the more cost‐efficient fiberglass option.