How Much Does a Spool Pool Cost in 2025?
The average cost to install a spool pool is $22,650
Homeowners spend an average of $22,650 on spool pool installation, with costs ranging from $4,100 to $75,000.
The cost of spool pools depends on the type, size, materials used, and location (indoor or outdoor).
Copper, cedar, and vinyl are common materials for spool pools.
Spool pools enhance relaxation, are smaller and more affordable than regular pools, and require less installation time.
Incorrect installation of spool pools can lead to costly damages, making professional installation a safer choice.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a spool pool costs an average of $22,650, with most homeowners spending between $5,500 and $50,000. Your final price depends on the pool’s size and the materials you choose. Smart budgeting—and, when needed, help from a pool installation pro—keeps the project safe and on schedule.
Spool Pool Cost Breakdown
On average, spool pool costs range from $5,500 to $50,000, including labor and materials. Here's how the costs break down:
Labor: Expect to pay $1,650 for labor on a 300-square-foot pool, which works out to $5.50 per square foot.
Materials or Kits: Materials or kits can range from $400 to $20,000.
Additional Features: Adding extras like heating, jets, or custom designs will increase the total cost.
These small-sized pools offer the refreshing benefits of a larger pool at half the price. They're perfect for cooling off in the summer, and with heating options, you can enjoy them year-round.
Spool Pool Cost Factors
Spool pool prices vary depending on the type, size, material, and whether the pool is installed indoors or outdoors.
Size
Most spools range from 168 to 300 square feet and stay under 4 feet deep. Labor alone averages $1,650, with materials added to that total.
Materials
Materials can range from $5,500 for cedar to $50,000 for copper, covering a 300-square-foot spool and comprising most of the cocktail pool cost. Copper tends to be the most expensive material, while cedar and vinyl are the most affordable material options.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copper | $50,000 |
| Steel | $25,000 |
| Concrete (gunite) | $23,000 |
| Fiberglass | $15,000 |
| Vinyl | $10,000 |
| Cedar | $5,500 |
In-Ground vs. Aboveground
Aboveground spool pools cost $5,000 to $20,000, while inground spool pools cost $20,000 to $50,000. These estimates take into account today’s material prices and the additional work required for digging an in-ground pool.
Shape
The shape of your cocktail pool can influence the final cost. Rectangular and square pools are usually the easiest to install, making them less expensive compared to round pools with curved perimeters, L-shaped pools, or custom pool designs.
Indoor
Indoor pool installation averages $25,000, although prices may range from $5,500 for the cost of a single-person plunge pool to over $50,000 for installing a spa pool with extra features, such as heating, an Endless Pool system, seating, and remote controls, inside an existing structure.
Labor
Labor will account for 25% to 50% of the final project cost, or you may be charged an average of $5.50 per square foot.
Permits
Don't forget to obtain the necessary permits before you start excavating or building your cocktail pool. You should budget $200 to $1,000 for permits. Your local regulations may vary, so it's advisable to check with your municipality to determine the specific requirements.
Land Preparation
Excavation costs for spool pools can range from an additional $400 to $1,500. The land will need to be excavated for in-ground pools, but you’ll also need to establish a solid foundation for above-ground pools.
Additional Features
You can transform your spool pool into a luxurious spa by adding features like a heater, an infinity edge, or even an underwater treadmill. These models often include a heater, whirlpool, or air pump system, as well as additional seating. Many kits come with several of these features already included; however, if not, adding them will increase the cost.
| Additional Spool Pool Features | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool heater | $1,800–$4,100 |
| Speakers | $30–$150 |
| Waterfall | $300–$2,000 |
| Entertainment system | $500–$2,500 |
| Saltwater system | $500–$2,500 |
| Steps and Railings | $150–$500 |
| Infinity edge | $40–$90 per sq. ft. |
| Tiling | $1–$100 per sq. ft. |
Adding upgrades can push the total to $50,000 or more, but the payoff is a customized backyard retreat. If you’re unsure about wiring, plumbing, or structural work, a licensed pool professional can handle the technical details and ensure the build is safe and secure.
Does a Spool Pool Increase Home Value?
Installing a spool pool can increase a home's value by 5% to 8%, although the return varies depending on location and market conditions. In warm-climate regions like Florida, Arizona, and California, the value boost tends to be higher, potentially reaching 10 to 12%. However, the return on investment depends on several factors, including the quality of the installation, the design's integration with your landscape, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.
While luxury features like infinity edges or premium materials can further enhance value, it's essential to note that overly personalized designs may limit their appeal to future buyers. For maximum ROI, consider a well-designed spool pool that complements your home's architecture and includes energy-efficient features that appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
DIY Spool Pool Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
A confident DIYer with skills in excavation, plumbing, and electrical work can tackle an above-ground spool, but most homeowners call a professional. Licensed installers understand local codes, manage permits, and troubleshoot unexpected issues—skills that prevent leaks, electrical faults, and costly rework. Weigh the potential savings against the risk; if you’re unsure about any step, budgeting for professional labor often saves money and stress in the long run.
When the project involves excavation, plumbing, or electrical tie-ins, hiring a licensed pool contractor near you is the safest—and often fastest—way to complete the job.
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.
Most spool or cocktail pools take four to 12 weeks from breaking ground to the first swim, although timing varies depending on size, type, and site conditions. An above-ground, vinyl-lined model can be installed within three or four days once the kit arrives, whereas an in-ground spool adds excavation, plumbing, and inspection steps that extend the timeline. Because delivery alone can take a few weeks, lining up permits and any necessary digging or grading work during that window helps keep the project moving.
Cocktail pools are not intended for traditional swimming; they are built to deliver a cooling and relaxing experience. They provide an ideal setting for a refreshing dip rather than for exercise or lap swimming. The pool’s limited dimensions restrict vigorous activity and ensure safety, making it a perfect retreat for quick cool-downs and leisurely soaks in a compact, stylish design.
Spool pools have a depth of 38 to 42 inches, which is ideal for sitting, standing, and gentle dipping. This deliberate depth prioritizes safety and an inviting atmosphere while eliminating the possibility of diving or extended swimming. The measured design creates a secure and intimate space for relaxation, adding a refined touch to your outdoor area.
If you're handy and have experience with excavation, plumbing, and electrical work, consider installing your spool pool yourself. However, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and correctly. Pros have the expertise to handle all the technical details, giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Maintaining a spool pool demands regular cleaning, precise chemical balancing, and thorough system inspections. Homeowners should allocate time monthly for filter cleaning and water quality checks, in addition to performing seasonal maintenance, to ensure optimal system performance. Ongoing maintenance preserves water clarity and operational efficiency, reduces repair costs, and extends the pool’s lifespan, creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
Popular upgrades include a brick-paver patio for slip-resistant footing, low-voltage lighting for evening swims, and code-compliant fencing to boost safety. Additionally, consider adding landscaping or a fire pit to transform the pool area into a year-round hangout. Each feature raises overall costs, but thoughtful add-ons improve usability, curb appeal, and, in many markets, resale value.
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