How Much Does It Cost To Build a Pool in 2025?
Building a pool costs an average of $41,950
The average cost to build a pool is $41,950, with prices ranging from as little as $150 for a small inflatable pool to $135,000 or more for a luxury in‐ground pool.
Pool cost factors include size and location, materials used, labor costs, and additional features like heating or decking.
Popular materials for in-ground pools include concrete, gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Building a pool requires advanced construction skills and adherence to safety measures, underscoring the importance of hiring a professional.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, the cost to build a pool ranges from $25,192 to $59,020, with an average cost of $41,950. Costs vary depending on pool type, location, materials, features, and labor. By focusing on your budget and regular upkeep, you can build a pool that boosts home value and outdoor living enjoyment.
Cost Factors for Building a Pool
When you start designing a pool, several key choices—size, shape, site prep, and add-ons—drive the final price.
Pool Size
You’ll pay $50 to $125 per square foot for an in-ground pool and $10 to $15 for an above-ground model. Size is the biggest cost driver—larger footprints need more excavation, materials, and labor.
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground
In-ground pools cost between $44,300 and $86,500. Excavation represents a large percentage, up to 50%, of the total price. Material types for in-ground designs also add to the expense.
Above-ground pools cost $1,000 to $6,000. While you can save considerably by skipping excavation, an above-ground pool does not add the same value to your home as an in-ground model.
Materials
Materials alone can cost from $20,000 to $65,000 for an in-ground build, depending on what you choose.
| Pool Material | Pool Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | In-ground | $65,000–$120,000 |
| Fiberglass | In-ground | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Vinyl | In-ground | $20,000–$40,000 |
| Aluminum | Above-ground | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Resin | Above-ground | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Steel | Above-ground | $800–$5,000 |
Gunite or Concrete
Concrete or gunite pools cost $65,000 to $120,000 and can last a lifetime with proper upkeep. Gunite is a mixture of sand, cement, and water, and both options are durable and reinforced with steel, making them a strong, long-lasting pool material.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pools range from $25,000 to $60,000 and have lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to concrete, gunite, or vinyl pools. This type of pool material is easy to clean and should last 25 years. The one downside is that fiberglass pools often have more limited shape options compared to gunite or vinyl pools.
Vinyl
Vinyl-lined pools are the least expensive material, with costs from $20,000 to $40,000. Vinyl pools have a liner, the part you can feel underfoot, that can impact the cost. Thicker liners will cost more but require less maintenance and repairs over time.
Labor
Labor and excavation make up 25% to 50% of a pool’s total price. Pros handle land prep, plumbing, and electrical work—all meticulous steps that add to an in-ground pool’s cost. Above-ground models skip heavy digging, resulting in much lower labor bills.
Excavation
Excavation costs $3,400 on average, but a difficult, tight site can push costs to $20,000. Hauling away soil often accounts for more than half the bill, so re-using that dirt for landscaping can trim the budget.
Heating
Adding a pool heater costs $1,800 to $4,000 extra. Buy high-quality heaters to ensure they work properly and will require less costly maintenance and repairs over time, especially if you have the heater running for most of the year.
Filtration
Water filters for pools cost from $500 to $3,000 and are necessary to keep your pool clean with minimal maintenance.
Pool Accessories
Additional features like diving boards, whirlpools attached to the main pool, or a forced current system for an intense workout can enhance your pool experience. Cement benches or a covered deck adjacent to the pool are also popular options.
All these extras will raise the overall price. Talk with your pool pro about what’s smartest to install now and what can wait, so you don’t pay for upgrades twice.
| Pool Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Water features | $450–$1,900 |
| Hot tub (spa) | $2,000–$35,000 |
| Diving board | $300–$5,000 |
| Screens & enclosures | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Covers | $800–$2,600 |
| Pool house | $26,000–$180,000 |
Fences or Enclosures
Depending on the materials you choose, a fence or pool enclosure will cost $1,500 to $10,000. When building a pool, you’ll need to think about fence installation and enclosures for safety reasons. From kids to pets, this is an essential step to prevent the vulnerable from falling into your pool.
Decking
Adding a deck or patio around an above-ground pool costs $500 to $20,000, depending on the size and material of the decking and any customizations. Decks can make above-ground pools more aesthetically appealing while also making them easier to climb in and out of.
Additional Landscaping
Whether you opt for palm trees, ornamental grass, or drought-tolerant plants, landscaping costs $3,000 to $5,000. Water features will also factor into the cost, from water bowls to fountains.
Ongoing Maintenance
Swimming pool maintenance costs range from $960 to $1,800 per year, depending on your pool type. This involves keeping the pool water clean with chemicals and filters, paying for increased utility bills to keep the filters, lights, and heaters running, and costs to open and close for the off-season.
Cost to Build a Pool by Type
The type of swimming pool you would like greatly impacts how much it costs to build.
| Pool Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Spool | $5,500–$50,000 |
| Plunge | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Lap | $6,000–$500,000 |
| Salt water | $12,000–$38,000 |
| Endless | $23,000–$40,000 |
| Natural | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Infinity | $55,000–$130,000 |
| Lagoon | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Custom | $100,000+ |
| Hot tub | $2,000–$35,000 |
“Spool” or Small Pool
Spool pools cost from $5,500 to $50,000. The term blends ‘small’ (or ‘spa’) with ‘pool,’ creating a compact, jet-equipped design. These “cocktail pools” offer an outdoor oasis at half the price. They’re perfect for homeowners with tight spaces or smaller budgets.
Lap or Endless Pool
Lap pools cost $6,000 to $500,000, depending on size, materials, and construction. Endless pools range from $23,000 to $40,000. They’re far shorter with an artificially generated water current to keep you swimming “endlessly.”
Plunge Pool
Plunge pools cost $12,000 to $38,000. Often not much larger than a hot tub, they’re frequently incorporated into larger backyard landscapes. They don’t have jets or currents but act more like a traditional swimming hole for those short on space.
Saltwater
Saltwater pool installation costs $12,000 to $38,000. If you already have a pool, you can convert it to a saltwater pool for $500 to $2,500. Conversion requires a salt system, also called a salt chlorine generator, installed in your current plumbing. You’ll also need a sacrificial zinc anode to absorb any corrosion. If you want to add heating, a cupro nickel heater withstands salt corrosion better than other types.
Hot Tub
In-ground hot tubs cost between $2,000 and $35,000. Standard hot tubs fit four to six people.
Cost to Build a Pool by Location
Pool costs vary significantly based on your location due to factors such as climate, local labor rates, and permit requirements. In colder climates, additional features like heating and durable materials may increase costs. Areas with higher labor rates and stricter permit regulations can also contribute to higher installation expenses. Northern parts of the U.S. have higher costs compared to southern regions.
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $24,000–$61,000 |
| Miami, FL | $26,000–$51,000 |
| Denver, CO | $50,000–$115,000 |
| New York, NY | $19,000–$43,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $40,000–$91,000 |
| Houston, TX | $27,000–$66,000 |
Budgeting Tips for Building a Pool
Swimming pool costs can be substantial, but there are ways to reduce installation expenses. If you’re on a budget, consider these tips to make your dream pool more affordable.
Reduce the size: Decreasing the pool area can significantly lower your budget and reduce upkeep and electricity costs.
Choose a fiberglass shell: These premade options cost almost 50% less than concrete pools.
Opt for above-ground: Avoid excavation by installing a freestanding oval pool for as little as $1,500 professionally installed.
Consider an endless pool for exercise: Endless pools are compact, self-contained, and offer the benefits of a lap pool at half the price.
Explore financing options: Explore financing options, such as swimming pool loans or home equity loans, to fund your pool project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Professional
Doing the work yourself can slash installation costs by roughly 50%, but a pool build calls for advanced construction skills—especially in-ground or indoor projects. Experienced DIYers might handle an above-ground kit, yet most homeowners hire a pro for structural and safety peace of mind. Hire a local pool installation professional to ensure your pool is built safely and 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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
A well-built pool can last decades. Concrete or gunite designs often reach 50 to 100 years, fiberglass pools will last 25 to 30, and vinyl-lined pools can last 20 years with liner changes every six to 12 years. Above-ground models last closer to 10 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and balanced water chemistry are key to hitting the upper end of each range.
Most in-ground pools take two to three months from permits to first swim. Expect two to six weeks for the permits process, a week for excavation, then another one to two months for construction, plumbing, and electrical work. Bad weather can slow progress, so build a little buffer into your schedule.
Fiberglass pool shells have a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae, so you’ll use fewer chemicals and spend less time scrubbing. Unlike concrete, they never need resurfacing, and there’s no liner to replace. Those advantages translate to lower annual costs and a pool that stays sparkling with minimal effort for decades.
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