How Much Does a Salt Water Pool Cost in 2025?
Saltwater pools cost an average of $25,000
The average installation cost for a saltwater pool is $25,000, with most homeowners spending between $12,000 and $38,500.
Location, preparation work, material choice, and additional features impact the cost of a saltwater pool project.
Popular materials for saltwater pools are fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete/gunite.
Saltwater pools offer lower maintenance costs, can be customized, and provide a more natural swimming experience.
Installing a saltwater pool requires permits, excavation, and professional expertise, making hiring a swimming pool pro a wise decision.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing or converting to a saltwater pool can provide a more natural swimming experience while reducing maintenance costs. The average cost to install a new saltwater pool is $25,000, with most projects ranging from $12,000 to $38,500 depending on factors such as location, size, and materials. Budgeting carefully and hiring a professional ensures your saltwater pool project is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Saltwater Pool Cost Factors
Many factors can affect the price of your saltwater pool, with pool size, location, preparation, material, and upgrades accounting for the majority of price differences.
Pool Size
Saltwater pools cost anywhere from $75 to $125 per square foot to install. Most swimming pool dimensions measure from 10-by-20 feet to 16-by-32 feet, but homeowners can opt for smaller pools, called spools, or larger pools, depending on personal preference or yard limitations.
| Pool Size in Feet | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10x16 | $15,000–$26,000 |
| 10x30 | $24,000–$42,000 |
| 12x24 | $27,000–$50,000 |
| 14x28 | $37,000–$55,000 |
| 16x32 | $48,000–$70,000 |
Location
The location impacts your saltwater pool cost in two ways: your yard's layout and your geographic region. If your yard is small or has uneven terrain, additional preparation like removing trees or rocks may increase costs. Also, labor rates and permit fees vary by region, affecting the total cost.
Preparation
Site preparation can add up to $20,000 to your project, depending on your property's specifics. Factors like a sloped yard, underground rock formations, large trees, floodplains, utility lines, and local codes can increase installation costs.
Additional Costs
Additional features can increase your project's total cost. Consider these factors:
Size and shape: Larger, custom-designed pools cost more than smaller, traditional shapes.
Upgrades: Adding features like a deck, pool heater, hot tub, or lighting can increase costs by $300 to $12,000. If you plan to add these, be sure to include them in your budget.
Salt: For a standard 20,000-gallon pool, you'll need 10 to 12 40-pound bags of salt. As a rule of thumb, most 40-pound bags of salt cost between $10 and $40 apiece, so expect to pay an average of $100 to $300 for the salt. Differing pool sizes mean differing prices.
Saltwater Pool Cost by Material
Saltwater pools can be vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete/gunite. All three types can work for saltwater or freshwater pools. Salt itself will not cause wear or tear to any of them, but it's still important to take good care of your pool’s structural material and/or lining.
| Material | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $9,000–$40,000 |
| Vinyl | $20,000–$63,000 |
| Concrete/gunite | $50,000–$200,000 |
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools cost between $9,000 and $40,000 and are the most cost-friendly option. They also are more likely to include a lifetime warranty. However, fiberglass pools come in limited sizes and styles because homeowners buy them as already-molded shells. At the same time, maintenance costs tend to be lower for fiberglass pools, making them a great material for saltwater pools.
Vinyl
Vinyl saltwater pools fall in the middle of the price range, averaging between $20,000 and $63,000, but this material can rip easily and amount to more in repairs in the long run. You can find many different sizes for a vinyl pool, but you’ll need to change the liner regularly to keep reparation costs low.
Concrete
Concrete or gunite saltwater pools cost between $50,000 and $200,000 on average, and are the most expensive option to install and maintain. The higher costs come down to the amount of labor and customization you can get with a concrete pool. This option might look more attractive, but the higher costs, maintenance commitment, operation expenses, and time it takes to install the pool are potential drawbacks.
Chlorine to Saltwater Pool Conversion
Converting a traditional chlorinated pool to a saltwater system costs between $500 and $2,500, depending on the pool's size and type. Saltwater systems may offer features like self-cleaning, diagnostics, digital salt readouts, and equipment control. Higher-priced models include more features. It's advisable to hire a professional with plumbing expertise for the installation.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Professional
Installing an above-ground pool is less expensive than an in-ground pool, and both options can accommodate a saltwater system. You might save money on DIY maintenance with an above-ground pool due to easier access to plumbing and pumps. However, for a new in-ground saltwater pool, it's best to hire a professional. Pool installation is complex—from obtaining permits to excavation and removing obstacles like trees and rocks—and requires expert knowledge. Hire a local swimming pool professional to ensure your saltwater pool is installed correctly.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, saltwater pools are slightly more expensive to install than chlorine pools because they require a more complex system. The average cost to install a saltwater pool is $25,000, compared to $23,000 for a chlorine pool. However, saltwater pools have lower ongoing chemical costs, which can offset the higher initial investment.
A saltwater swimming pool can be worth the investment, especially if you use it often. Saltwater pools offer a gentler swimming experience by reducing skin, eye, and hair irritation. While they require specialized care, the lower chemical costs and enhanced comfort can justify the upfront expenses. A saltwater pool is also an attractive feature to many homebuyers.
Operating a saltwater pool may cost slightly more in electricity due to the saltwater chlorination system, adding about $50 annually. However, the cost of buying salt is less expensive than chlorine, so overall chemical maintenance costs are lower compared to traditional chlorine pools. With either a chlorine or saltwater pool, you’ll need to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance tasks.
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