How Much Does a Lap Pool Cost?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a lap pool in your backyard is a fantastic way to stay fit while enjoying the comfort of your home. On average, homeowners spend around $44,000 to install a lap pool, with costs ranging from $6,000 for basic above-ground models to $80,000 or more for luxury in-ground installations. Factors like size, type, materials, and additional features will influence your total cost. We'll guide you through everything you need to know to budget for your lap pool project.

Installing a home lap pool will cost you an average of $44,000 after materials and installation. However, you could pay $4,000 on the low end and $100,000 or more on the high end.

Labor charges will be comparable to traditional installation, running $5.50 per square foot, and totaling $3,800 for a 40-by-8-by-4-foot average-size unit.

Average Lap Pool Cost by Size

There are three main lap pool sizes you might consider: standard in-ground pools, half-Olympic, and full Olympic-sized pools. Here's what you can expect to pay for each.

Lap Pool Cost Factors

Several factors will influence the cost of your lap pool project. Understanding these can help you plan your budget more effectively.

Size

The size of your lap pool will have a big impact on the cost. If you have a moderately sized backyard, a 40-foot lap pool might be perfect for you, costing around $45,000. Dreaming bigger? A 25-meter "short" course could nearly double the cost. And if you're considering an Olympic-sized 50-meter in-ground pool, be prepared to invest in the low- to mid-six figures.

Above- or In-Ground

While above-ground lap pools are less common due to their length, they're still an option starting as low as $6,000. If you're considering an in-ground lap pool, expect to invest at least in the five-figure range.

Labor

Labor costs for building your lap pool are similar to those for traditional pools, averaging around $5.50 per square foot. For an average 40-by-8-by-4-foot lap pool, you might pay about $3,800 in labor costs. Keep in mind, the more complex your project, the higher the labor charge.

Factors that can increase your labor costs include:

• Excavation complications like removing large vegetation or other obstructions.

• Extras like elaborate tile surfacing.

• Adding special features, such as a mirror-style infinity edge or zero-entry access.

Materials

Materials make up the bulk of any lap pool investment you make.

Permits

Building a pool sometimes requires a permit, depending on your state or city. Expect to pay around $1,000 for a pool permit.

Excavation

Digging and backfilling a 40-foot pool costs $1,000 to $1,500 on average. The cost may increase if you're digging in an area with many roots, vegetation, or obstacles that need to be removed.

Saltwater Conversion

The cost of installing a saltwater pool includes the price of the pool plus the saltwater-chlorine generator, which runs from $500 to $2,500. Overall, you will spend less on chlorine and maintenance, as these systems tend to keep surfaces cleaner longer.

Some parts, such as vinyl lining, stone coping, steel ladders, and O-rings, could corrode if used in saltwater. Talk to a pro if you’re considering this alternative.

Heating

Pool heaters cost between $1,800 and $4,100.

Lighting

Lighting a pool, on average, costs $450 to $1,700. This includes materials and installation.

Pool Cover or Enclosure

Pool covers can range from $150 up to $4,500 (or more), and pool enclosures cost between $7,000 and $18,000.

If you have small kids, for example, you might need to factor in the cost of building a fence around your lap pool. Even a basic wire fence could cost an additional $2,000.

Additional Landscaping

Expect to pay $4 to $12 per square foot for landscaping. Some homeowners install gravel around their pool area to make it easier to mow their lawns.

Lap Pool Costs by Design

The design of your lap pool can greatly change the price you'll pay. From in-ground and above-ground to more high-end variations, here's what you can expect in terms of cost.

In-Ground

In-ground lap pools average $67,000. This is based on a standard 8-foot-by-40-foot and 4-foot-deep design. Prices can depend on the materials used during installation. Each pool manufacturer’s products will vary slightly, even for similar models.

Above-Ground

Above-ground models typically run $6,000 with labor included. This amount is for a vinyl model, which you could assemble yourself to lower the price to a few thousand dollars.

Resin and fiberglass options are also available for $3,000, not including labor. These are restricted in length to 45 feet max. While most units are oval-shaped, there are some rectangular models available for lap swimmers.

Indoor

The cost of an indoor lap pool is, on average, between $50,000 and $100,000 for in-ground installations, and about $6,000 for above-ground options—with additional costs for indoor-specific modifications such as dehumidifier systems.

Added expenses for an indoor pool include:

• Dehumidifier system: $200–$5,000+

• Building permit charges: $500–$1,000 (more if making structural changes)

Infinity

The cost of installing an in-ground infinity lap pool runs between $80,000 and $130,000. Totals include labor, which runs around $1,550 to $2,500. An above-ground version is less expensive, running between $1,700 and $6,000. Build time is 12 weeks for an in-ground model and around one week for above-ground.

There are three types, including:

• Infinity: One edge “disappears,” making it look like the water extends forever in certain conditions.

• Mirror: All edges disappear into the ground, and the deck sits directly next to the edge.

• Endless infinity: Has both an infinity edge and an endless/stationary system installed.

The real financial burden here is the cost to run and maintain it, which is higher than a traditional pool. Because the water is continuously running, electricity bills are high. Evaporation also increases water and chemical usage.

Saltwater

For a saltwater lap pool, the overall cost is approximately $50,000. This includes a saltwater-chlorine generator that typically costs between $500 and $2,500.

Some parts, such as vinyl lining, stone coping, steel ladders, and O-rings, could corrode if used in saltwater. Talk to a pro if you’re considering this alternative.

Endless

Endless lap pools (or “stationary lap pools”) are a good alternative to a full-length model and start at about $24,000. There are many options, but typically they are 9-by-14 feet.

Benefits include:

• Lower energy and utility bills

• Less water and chemical usage

• Space-saving

• Require less maintenance

• Easily built indoors

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Your pool maintenance will depend on the type of pool and system you install. Larger outdoor pools require more upkeep and chemicals than smaller indoor ones.

Here's what you'll need to maintain:

• Water levels: Monitor the water level, as it can change due to evaporation or heavy rain.

• Chemical levels: Regularly test and adjust chlorine or salt levels, depending on your system.

• Waterline tile: Clean your tiles regularly to prevent staining and the need for replacement.

• Skimmer: Empty the skimmer when leaves and debris get stuck.

• Pool vacuum/chlorination system: Maintain these systems to minimize your regular upkeep, and address any repairs promptly.

• Surface: Check with your manufacturer for the best way to clean your pool's surface material.

If you hire a professional for maintenance, plan to spend $150 to $260 per month. If you handle the chemicals and cleaning yourself, you'll spend around $50 per month.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Installation Contractor

Depending on the model and location, installing a lap pool can cost anywhere from $6,000 to over $100,000. Labor is a significant part of the total cost, especially for in-ground installations, which can reach $40,000.

While you might be tempted to tackle the project yourself, hiring a professional pool contractor is usually the safest and most efficient choice. Above-ground lap pools are somewhat easier to install and may cost as little as $3,000 if you have the skills to complete the work safely and accurately. However, even then, it's a challenging job best suited to highly skilled DIYers.

To ensure a safe and successful installation, consider hiring a professional pool contractor.

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. 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.