How Much Will It Cost to Build an Inground Pool in 2025?

Are you planning on turning your backyard into your private paradise next year? With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, adding an  inground pool is one of the most rewarding upgrades homeowners make. But before plunging in, you are likely wondering, “How much will it actually cost to build a pool in 2025?” Inground pool costs can vary widely depending on factors like design, materials, and location, making it essential to understand what you’re investing in. Whether you want to build a sleek modern staycation location or a luxurious resort-style retreat, understanding the cost factors can help you plan more effectively.

 

2024 Inground Pool Cost Summary

Before discussing next year’s potential pool prices, let’s start with today’s market. As a baseline, here are the average costs of inground pools as of 2024:

• Fiberglass Pools: Average between $30,000 and $85,000
• Vinyl Liner Pools: Average between $25,000 and $65,000
• Gunite (Concrete) Pools: Average between $50,000 and $120,000

These prices include the installation but do not account for additional features, landscaping, or ongoing maintenance costs.

 

What Other Key Factors Affect Pool Costs?

Beyond the basic pool types, universal factors will influence the cost of all 2025 pool installations. The following five are among the most significant and impactful.

1. Excavation Costs: The cost of excavating your yard varies depending on factors such as soil type, digging depth, terrain complexity, and obstructions. Average excavation costs range from $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard. Softer soils like sand are the least expensive to excavate, while more challenging conditions, such as rocky soil or bedrock, can cost $50 to over $200 per cubic yard.
2. Pool Safety: Your insurance company, state government, or local agencies may require pool fencing. Fencing costs average around $15 to $25 per linear foot. 
3. Patio & Decking: Some decking around your pool perimeter may be included in your pool quote, but you may want to extend your living space beyond it. Basic concrete decks may cost  $5 to $15 per square foot, while higher-end materials, such as paver patios, can range between  $8 to $50 per square foot.
4. Pool Equipment & Features: Pool heaters, automatic covers, underwater lighting, and other features are optional, but they can provide priceless comfort and safety. A pool heater with installation ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 for gas, propane, electric resistance, and heat pumps. Solar pool heaters cost between $2,500 and $6,500. An automatic pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 installed and $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual cover. Inground pool lights cost $700 to $1,800.

Factors Affecting Pool Prices in 2025

While we wish we had a crystal ball, we can’t predict pool prices with certainty. However, we can look at a few factors that may affect the market in 2025. The following predictions are based on the most recent U.S. economic forecast from Deloitte Global Economics Research Center.

1. Inflation and Interest Rates: The forecast suggests that inflation will continue to be a concern. However, it is expected to moderate slightly as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates gradually throughout 2024 and into 2025. Nevertheless, rates will still be higher than pre-pandemic levels, so financing pool construction could remain expensive. High borrowing costs will add to overall project expenses, particularly if you plan to finance your pool.​
   
2. Labor Market Pressures: Although job growth is expected to slow in 2025, the labor market remains relatively tight, which could keep wages elevated. Higher wages for skilled construction workers will likely continue to drive up labor costs associated with pool installations. This factor contributes to the overall increase in pool prices, especially for labor-intensive types like gunite pools​.
   
3. Consumer Spending and Confidence: Consumer spending is expected to slow as excess savings built up during the pandemic deplete and inflation affects disposable income. However, spending on home improvements, such as pools, may still see interest as homeowners focus on enhancing their living spaces. Continued demand could increase prices as contractors manage backlogs and prioritize high-paying projects.

All considered, a price increase for all pool types is possible. One key takeaway is that the more labor-intensive the installation, the more likely prices will increase. Fiberglass pools are the least labor-intensive because they are pre-manufactured off-site and delivered as a single unit. The installation process is much quicker, often taking just a few days to a couple of weeks, with minimal on-site work required beyond excavation and setting the pool into place.

 

Money Saving Tips for Pool Buyers in 2025

1. Prioritize Features: Focus on essential features first and consider adding non-essential upgrades later. This approach helps manage costs while still achieving your desired pool experience.
2. Consider Financing Options: If high interest rates persist, explore all financing options, including home equity loans or pool-specific financing, to find the best terms.
3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment: Choose energy-efficient options such as variable-speed pumps, LED lighting, and solar heaters. These reduce long-term operating costs and make your pool more eco-friendly, providing ongoing savings on energy bills.
4. Keep Maintenance Costs Low: Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future. Investing in a pool cover can help reduce evaporation and keep debris out, saving on water and chemical costs. Efficiently managing your pool’s water levels and chemical balance also helps maintain the pool’s condition while keeping costs manageable.

 

Building a pool will always be a significant investment, and the type of inground pool you choose in 2025 can significantly impact upfront and long-term costs. Working with a reputable pool dealer and builder who understands your vision and can advise on cost-saving ideas is crucial no matter when or which option you choose.

Begin building a clearer picture of what your inground pool might cost with Thursday Pools’ Pool Cost Calculator, or book a consultation and on-site evaluation with an independent pool dealer near you.