How Much Can an Inground Pool Cost?

After looking into  inground pool shapes, one of the most common questions for prospective pool buyers is, “How much do inground pools cost?” Determining the cost of an inground pool involves several factors. You might start with the pool type—vinyl-liner, gunite (concrete), or fiberglass—as each has unique pricing structures and associated installation and maintenance costs. Ballpark estimates for initial costs should consider pool type, shape, size, and features.

Inground Pools Material Types

• Fiberglass Pools average between $30,000 and $85,000. They are pre-manufactured and quick to install but offer limited customization compared to concrete pools.
• Vinyl Liner Pools average between $25,000 and $65,000. They have a lower upfront cost, but the liners need replacement every 5-10 years, adding to long-term expenses.
• Gunite Pools average between $50,000 and $120,000. They allow for custom shapes, features, and finishes but require higher maintenance and can take several months to complete​.

 

 

Pool Shape

Shape Adds Cost to Vinyl Liner Pools. The cost depends on the pool shape because the vinyl liner must be custom-fitted to the specific shape of the pool. Simple shapes like rectangles are easier and cheaper to line than complex shapes like freeform or kidney designs, which require more precise measurements and installation efforts. Custom liners can add significantly to both material and labor costs.

Shape Adds Costs to Gunite Pools. Concrete pools offer the most customization in terms of shape, size, and design features. Each pool is custom-designed and hand-shaped using rebar and concrete, allowing for unique, intricate designs. However, this flexibility comes at a higher price since complex shapes require more labor, additional materials, and longer construction times. The more complex the shape, the more it will cost due to the detailed work necessary to form and finish the pool correctly.

Shape Does NOT Add Cost to Fiberglass Pools. The shape of fiberglass pools is predetermined during production, as they are manufactured as one-piece shells. Since the manufacturing process uses molds, the cost of producing a different shape does not significantly vary once the mold exists. Therefore, fiberglass pools generally have a fixed price for each model regardless of shape. The installation process is also straightforward, further stabilizing the cost across different shapes.

Pool Size

Size Adds Cost to Fiberglass Pools. Larger fiberglass pool shells are more expensive than small shells because they require more materials and excavation. However, since fiberglass pools are typically limited to specific sizes (usually up to 16×40 feet), options for oversized pools are not available, which naturally caps the cost variation.

Size Adds Costs to Vinyl Liner Pools. The cost of vinyl liner pools scales more directly with size because the liner needs to be custom-made to fit the pool’s dimensions. Larger pools require more liner material, increasing the cost of the liner itself and the labor needed to install it. Additionally, larger pools require more structural support, excavation, and backfill, contributing to higher costs.

Size Adds Costs to Gunite Pools. Gunite pool costs can increase significantly with size. Larger gunite pools require more materials (rebar, concrete, plaster) and significantly more labor hours for excavation, shaping, and finishing. The more extensive customization and longer installation times for bigger pools also contribute to higher costs. The size also impacts the ongoing maintenance costs, as larger pools require more chemicals, cleaning, and potential repairs.

Features & Options – Fiberglass

Built-in Steps Add No Additional Cost to Fiberglass Pools. Most fiberglass pools come with built-in steps as part of the shell, so there’s no additional cost for steps. However, the overall pool price might be higher if you select a model with more elaborate step designs. Any upgrades, such as non-slip surfaces or custom shapes, can add a few hundred dollars to the base price.

Tanning Ledges Are Available in Many Fiberglass Models At No Additional Cost. Tanning ledges are a common built-in feature of fiberglass models. With this feature integrated into the mold, there is no additional cost for the pool shell.

Beach Entries Add No Additional Cost in Specific Fiberglass Models. Beach entries are highly desirable in fiberglass pools. The gentle sloping zero-entry is built into the mold for models such as the Thursday Pools Grace and Sandal Beach Entry pools. 

Features & Options – Vinyl Liner Pools

Steps Add $200 and $2,500 to Vinyl Liner Pools. Steps in vinyl liner pools are often a separate installation, typically made of plastic or fiberglass, and then, sometimes, they’re lined with vinyl to match the pool’s aesthetic. 

Tanning Ledges Can Add $2,000 to $3,000 to Vinyl Liner Pools. Tanning ledges in vinyl liner pools are custom-built with additional structures covered by the liner. These ledges are less expensive than gunite but more costly than fiberglass due to the need for precise fitting of the vinyl liner.

Beach Entries Add Cost to Vinyl Liner Pools. Finding information about the cost of a beach entry in vinyl liner pools is challenging. That’s because while it’s possible to create, builders and installation experts recommend concrete or fiberglass if a beach entry is an important feature for a buyer. 

Features & Options – Gunite Pools

Steps (Some Designs) Can Cost to Gunite Pools. Custom-built steps are standard in gunite pools and integrated during the pool’s construction. The cost for steps is a part of the overall price, but intricate designs (like curved or multi-level steps) can add cost to the project.

Tanning Ledges Cost $2,000 to $4,000 in Gunite Pools. Gunite pools offer the most flexibility for tanning ledges, allowing customization of any size, shape, and depth. Costs for tanning ledges average around $2,000 to $4,000, but can be more depending on the complexity, finishes (like tile or stone), and additional features such as bubblers​.

Beach Entries Add $5,000-10,000 to Gunite Pools. Gunite pools provide realistic and customizable beach entry options but are also the most expensive to construct. Costs for beach entries can start at $5,000 and go up to $10,000 or more, depending on size, shape, and finish options like pebble or tile surfacing. Beach entries require careful grading and finishing, which adds to the overall cost​.

 

Connect With a Pool Builder for a Detailed Estimate

Purchasing an inground pool is a significant investment. For many, it’s one of the most important purchases outside the cost of their home. Onsite evaluations help determine initial costs. Find a pool builder near you that offers a complimentary assessment and estimate for more insight into your pool options and help you make informed decisions. 

If you need more time to contact a pool builder, consider using tools like our fiberglass  pool cost calculator, an estimator designed to give you an idea of costs based on your specific project preferences.