If you’re looking at inground pools for your backyard, you are probably aware that three main types exist, and you are likely trying to decide what type of inground pool is best for you. Of course, the more you dig in, the more you realize there is much to be considered. Some questions you may ask yourself include, “Which type of inground pool lasts the longest?” “Which type of inground pool is cheapest?” “What are the upsides and downsides of each?”
Purchasing an inground pool is a significant investment that can enhance your home and lifestyle. While you may have specific reasons for wanting a pool—such as health, exercise, or social gatherings—cost is often a primary consideration. Understanding the installation and long-term maintenance costs of each pool type can help you make an informed decision. The short answer is:
However, some other considerations when deciding which pool type is best for you include the following.
Pool Builder:
Not all pool builders are the same. Some companies use specialized crews for different installation stages, while others have small teams handling the entire process. Your choice of builder can affect the quality and timeline of the project. It is crucial to interview several builders, check their references, and verify their credentials with pool manufacturers to avoid costly mistakes.
Environmental Impact:
Each type of pool has different environmental impacts. Vinyl liners contribute to landfill waste and can leach chemicals, while gunite pools require significant water and chemical use for maintenance. Fiberglass pools have the least environmental impact, as they do not need resurfacing and have fewer chemical and water usage issues.
Geographic Location:
These prices are averages, and actual costs can vary drastically by geographic location. For example, a gunite pool in a sunbelt state is significantly less expensive than one in a state with a freeze-thaw cycle because weather is less of a factor. The bottom line is that an inground pool is a significant investment in your home. As you consider this investment, it’s helpful to understand more about the three options offered and the pros and cons of each so you can decide what’s right for you.
Pool size and shape can factor into your inground pool cost. Size factors into how much earth you must displace, how much material goes into the pool shell, and how much water you must use, filter, and maintain. Size or shape can determine the type of swimming pool you can install. You may have a specific size in mind already. For example, people often ask for common sizes like 12×24 and 16×32. With gunite and vinyl liner pools, it’s possible to specify size because they are made onsite. While fiberglass pools come in a range of sizes, you cannot have one custom-built to a specific size or shape.
Installers build vinyl liner pools onsite with interconnected galvanized steel, aluminum, or plastic panels. Because they are built onsite, builders can offer more custom and variety in shapes and sizes. However, many of these features require expert framing work and challenging vinyl seams, adding to the installation time (usually four to eight weeks) and cost.
Gunite pools are also custom-built onsite. Installers use concrete blocks and steel rebars to frame gunite pools, and then “gun” concrete is injected through a high-pressure nozzle onto the frame. An application of waterproof plaster covers the textured concrete. Gunite pools can be as large and deep as you want. And you can have this type of pool in any shape imaginable. They come in many colors and finishes, so creating a one-of-a-kind gunite pool is easy. If cost is a consideration, you should note that gunite is generally the most expensive inground pool to build.
Fiberglass inground pools are built in a factory and come in one piece. Because of this, there is a limit to how deep and large they can be while still being safe for transport. Remember, at around 40 feet long and 6 feet 8 inches deep, that limit is more than enough for most backyard pools.
While fiberglass pools come in increasingly more colors, shapes, and sizes, they are not fully customizable. You must work within the parameters and choices established by the manufacturers and find the options you like within the molds, finishes, and features offered. This efficiency does help with costs.
You will need some pool accessories and options. Some of it will depend on the type of pool you get, and the timing of your accessories or optional purchases may depend on the budget. For example, you may want an automatic pool cover with installation, and you may want to add a slide at a later date. Your dealer can help you with your cost plan.
You may be considering certain built-in features like a tanning ledge or bench seating with your inground pool. Vinyl or gunite will be custom-made for your build. With a fiberglass pool, they will be particular to the design of the fiberglass pool shell you choose. There are other options or features available that you may choose to enhance your pool enjoyment, safety, or breadth of activities. These will add to your overall pool cost. Here is some price information on common add-ons:
Ladders. Many people opt for built-in steps and zero-entry options, but sometimes, the deep end of a pool is enhanced by adding a ladder. Ladders are made with steel, aluminum, or plastic resin and are generally no more than $1,200 each, and they are easy to remove and replace.
Slide. Slides come in many shapes and lengths. The most basic, pre-fabricated slide with a ladder costs about $4,500. It’s worth noting that adding a slide can add about $1,000 to your annual homeowner’s insurance premium. A more intricate and curvy slide can run from $8,000 and up, depending on the level of customization, landscaping, and related features added.
Bubblers. Bubblers are small jets or fountains, usually installed around the pool entry or tanning ledge. Depending on the type, they add a fun and pleasing element to the pool experience, typically costing around $1,000-$2,000.
Diving board. Adequate pool depth is required for a diving board, so not all inground pools can have one. However, if your pool is a Type I diving pool, a diving board will usually run around $2,000 to install.
Deck jets. If you’ve seen graceful arcs of water shooting across the deck into the pool, you’ve seen a deck jet. These artful pool options not only look great, but they can also cool the water! They look amazing when paired with specialty lighting. Deck jets typically run around $800 each.
Waterfalls/cascades. Waterfalls, where the water starts above the pool’s waterline and flows into the pool, can be constructed of various materials. Pool builders get creative with concrete, brick, steel, or other materials in different sizes and shapes. Costs can vary widely because of this endless variety, with a simple waterfall costing $1,300 and the most elaborate at $25,000 or more.
LED lighting. Pool lighting doesn’t have to be a plain white spotlight in the deep end anymore. You can choose the number of lights, bulb type, color, and size. LED lights that change color are trendy. LED pool lights typically run $900 to $1,300 installed.
Waterline tile. While it can disguise waterline stains on concrete pools, decorative tile is primarily chosen for the aesthetic and comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. An average style costs $2,500 to $3,200 and should last around 10 to 15 years.
Automatic pool cleaner. There are various automatic vacuum cleaners, including suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic cleaners. Suction cleaners run by connecting to the pool skimmer or a dedicated suction line, so your pump must be on, and your filter will need extra cleaning. Pressure cleaners hook into the return lines of your pool and are especially good for cleaning large debris. Robotic cleaners are self-contained and don’t use the pool’s pump or filter. Automatic cleaners can range in price from $400 to $2,500, depending on your selection.
Automated pool controls. Pool automation controls can also be used to automatically monitor and control the pump, pool lights, heater, and water features, like waterfalls. Some even allow you to control your pool features from a mobile phone. Automated controls generally start around $4,500.
Inground pool features that are high-end, such as built-in steps (as opposed to ladders), tanning ledges, swim-outs, and beach entry, can greatly affect the pool cost. Consider which features you would want and compare pool types. In some instances, your cost will elevate significantly based on pool type.
You may have once enjoyed features at a resort that you now might find in your backyard pool. Features like tanning ledges, beach entries, and bench seating are easy to find, but these features must be custom-built in a vinyl or gunite pool.
A tanning ledge is a shelf or ledge submerged in about 8 to 12 inches of water. As the name suggests, homeowners often choose this feature as it allows them to lay in the water while tanning. However, it’s also an ideal place for children to play. If you choose a fiberglass pool design with a tanning ledge, it’s already built-in. Adding a ledge to a concrete pool may increase your pool’s cost and take away some of your swimming space. With a vinyl liner, a tanning ledge also costs extra and can be subject to tearing if you’re not very careful when placing a lounge on its surface. Plus, it can be slippery in a vinyl pool. Built-in steps and swim-outs are the same case.
A beach entry (or zero entry) is an inground swimming pool designed with an entry that has a very slight slope into the pool, providing you with a long, slow, gradual entry. A beach entry can theoretically be created with a vinyl pool, but most pool builders would likely steer you towards concrete or fiberglass if the feature is important to you. The biggest reason is that the vinyl liner needs the weight of water on it to stay in place, so the shallow nature of a beach entry isn’t ideal for the structure of vinyl pools. If you opt to have this feature custom-built into your vinyl pool, be prepared to add anywhere from three to ten thousand dollars to your inground pool cost.
Price and available space are factors in gunite beach entry pools–they are an expensive add-on feature (count on at least $9,000 more on average) in custom gunite pools, and they require ample yard space to create the gradual sloped entry.
While fiberglass beach entry pools do require a good amount of space, they’ll take up a bit less than a gunite beach entry pool because they can have a combination of a shorter beach entry that leads to a few steps into the pool. If you choose a fiberglass beach entry design, there is no extra cost as the feature is built in.
Is a patio included in the cost of an inground pool? Not always. If it is, it’s usually a simple concrete area surrounding the pool. You may want something different, such as custom stone, tile, pavers, or stamped concrete. It’s something to plan for, and you may budget for it in your installation or separately, deferring that work until later.
All these estimates vary by geographic location and other factors. Discuss your plans with your dealer and get detailed estimates for the most accurate, up-to-date costs.
While some costs are obvious, such as landscaping and accessories, you may incur other costs that you hadn’t considered or thought were included. Your location may require a flat cost permitting fee, and it may require the use of a crane to access the backyard space. Utilities, fencing, and pool covers may also fall under the required category. Knowing what to look for in your estimate will prevent unexpected costs.
Upfront installation costs usually include dirt excavation, delivery, some decking, and utility work. You’ll have decisions to make if you want to customize your decking, fencing, lighting, etc. Some installation costs are variable, and a dealer may or may not include them in your inground pool installation cost.
Permits and variances. Your dealer should be familiar with local ordinances, including pool permits and inspections for safety. Permits and inspections may run from $200 to $600. Electrical or plumbing may require separate licenses, which will add to that base cost.
Fencing. In some locales, fencing is a requirement. Your dealer should be familiar with these guidelines. Fence requirements may include specific materials, height, and other design guidelines. Many states require a four or five-foot-high fence with an inward swinging, self-closing gate. Fence cost varies with the choice of material. Fences made with cheaper material, like chain-link, could run from $2,000 to $6,000, and more expensive options like wrought iron could cost as much as $12,000. The average cost of installing a pool fence is $15 to $50 per linear foot.
Pool cover. Covers usually fall into three categories: winter, manual, and automatic. Winter covers are the most cumbersome to deal with and the cheapest at $400 to $2,000. Manual covers typically use a track and reel system and range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the materials used. Safety materials drive the cost significantly higher. Automatic pool covers are convenient but do require electrical hookup. They usually start around $10,000.
Electrical work. Budget around $3,000 to $5,000, possibly more, for electrical work. It’s an essential installation piece, affecting both filtration and lighting. You might add or upgrade a breaker box for your backyard. Your dealer or a recommended electrical contractor should be able to assess your situation and advise accordingly.
Dirt hauling. The excavation at your pool site will require removing the equivalent of a one or two-car garage in terms of dirt volume. You may consider using some of that earth for landscaping or lawn leveling, or you may have it hauled away. A ballpark estimate for pool excavation cost is $200 per cubic yard.
Equipment. Some equipment will be standard with your installation. Equipment may include filtration, a skimmer and jets, a vacuum and pole, a vacuum hose, a skim net, a wall brush, a thermometer, and chemical test strips. You may have additional items that are standard or add-on.
Backfill. Vinyl liner and gunite pools don’t use backfill. Most fiberglass installations will include backfill, but consult with your dealer to be sure. Backfill, usually crushed stone, supports the fiberglass pool as it is dropped into place. Your dealer will specify the material based on your site’s geography and ground characteristics. However, innovations like Thursday Pools Backfill Eliminator help installers create a level and sturdy pool with proper groundwater flow, thus eliminating the adverse effects of standing water or excess hydrostatic pressure.
Restoration. Installing an inground pool is a large construction job. For several days to weeks, your backyard and adjoining location will host any number of trucks, cranes, jackhammers, and other pieces of heavy equipment. An essential part of the installation is the clean-up that needs to occur afterward. Make sure you’ve discussed this with your dealer as you plan. Depending on the size and site, costs will vary.
Water. Water fill-up may or may not be standard with the installation of your pool. Check with your dealer.
Pool heater. Most people choose either a gas or a heat pump heater. Natural gas or a propane pool heater heats your pool the fastest, can be used at any outdoor temperature, and costs between $150 to $800 on average per month to run. The heater itself costs an average of $3,500 to $4,500, not including the cost of gas and electrical hookup. While running a heat pump pool heater costs significantly less (around $50 to $100 per month), it takes a few days to heat your pool and can only run if the outside temperature is 55 degrees or higher. A heat pump pool heater typically costs $5,000 to $6,500 to install.
Installing an inground pool is a significant investment without unforeseen expenses. These hidden costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be aware of them when planning your pool project. Some factors that may raise the price of your pool project include:
It’s common for homeowners to calculate the cost of installing an inground pool and ignore the annual maintenance cost. Take some time to understand the differences between yearly maintenance obligations and the time and money needed for vinyl liner pools, gunite, and fiberglass. Depending on what you choose, your overall inground pool cost will vary.
With all inground pools, you’ll need to stay on top of skimming, water balancing, and vacuuming. Other factors, namely the type of pool you choose, will affect how much regular maintenance is required.
Vinyl Pools. Vinyl pool liners can puncture or tear from pet claws, fallen limbs, or other
sharp items. In addition, the liners need to be replaced, on average, every 8 to 12 years. This replacement requires draining and refilling the pool with downtime in between. A new liner’s average cost is between $7,500 to $8,500. The expense can be higher if a pool is larger or more freeform.
Gunite Pools. Gunite (concrete) is porous and rough. And it is alkaline. More chemicals are needed to keep pH levels balanced and algae and other minerals at bay. On average, gunite pool owners should expect to spend 4 to 8 hours per week on pool maintenance. Over ten years, the average maintenance cost for a gunite pool is $40,400.
Fiberglass Pools. Fiberglass pools are smooth, non-porous, and non-reactive in ways that vinyl and concrete pools cannot be. You can expect to use fewer chemicals with fiberglass pools and keep your maintenance closer to 1 hour per week. Fiberglass pools require the least cost for maintenance, with ten-year expenses averaging $5,750.
The lifetime cost of an inground pool is often an afterthought. While upfront costs are the first consideration, evaluating how much your inground pool will cost over the time you will own it is wise. Replacing vinyl liners every eight years or so and resurfacing gunite pools every ten years adds to the lifetime cost of owning these pool types.
Over the life of your inground pool, you should weigh upfront installation costs, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. But you may also want to consider downtime. During maintenance, repairs, and replacement, you will inevitably have time when you can’t swim. How valuable is swim time to you?
Vinyl-liner Lifetime Cost Considerations
On average, vinyl pool liners need to be replaced every 8 to 12 years. This replacement requires draining and refilling the pool with downtime in between. A new liner’s average cost is between $3,500 to $5,000. The cost can be higher if a pool is larger, has a freeform shape, or has custom features like tanning ledges.
Gunite Lifetime Cost Considerations
Gunite (concrete) pools may seem the most durable to the uninitiated pool buyer. Concrete seems like a strong building material. It is, but it is also porous, which makes it sensitive. The permeable surface can crack during the winter freeze/thaw cycle and invite algae, calcium, and other hard minerals into its nooks and crannies. The gunite’s sensitivity to the elements makes it less durable than it might first appear. The average cost to resurface a gunite pool is about $8,000, and you need to do it around every 10-15 years.
Fiberglass Lifetime Cost Considerations
Fiberglass has a growing reputation for durability. A properly installed and maintained fiberglass pool can last as long as 50 years without the need for major repair or replacement. The robust and multilayered fiberglass material is structurally sound, and innovations like the Geo-Anchor Pool Wall help the modern fiberglass pool resist movement and groundwater pressure.
GEOGRAPHIC COST FACTORS
Your soil plays a big part in the installation cost of your inground pool. Underground rock, clay, sand, and groundwater pressure are considerations for a professional installer. Installers should assess the site before the dig phase and have contingency plans for different types of substrates so that these costs get factored into your pool estimate.
Geography, topography, and neighborhood all factor into your inground pool cost. The installation of a pool located on a steep Colorado mountainside will have different requirements than a pool installed adjacent to a flat agricultural plot in the Midwest.
Your site may also have unique topographical characteristics or HOA considerations.
Elevation, surrounding trees, and lot size are a few factors that can affect access. As you plan your installation, you’ll need to work with your dealer to understand the required equipment and how each piece will access your backyard. Difficult access could increase your installation cost or even preclude your desired pool construction.
Some municipalities or HOAs have explicit guidelines for homeowners with pools. These guidelines may designate the need for pool covers, fencing, or pool placement and its utilities.
SOIL CONDITION COST FACTORS
Your unique site conditions will impact inground pool costs. An experienced pool builder will insist on evaluating your site before providing pricing information.
Sandy Soil: Sandy soil is generally easier to excavate but can pose challenges in maintaining the stability of the pool structure. It requires additional reinforcement, such as retaining walls or extra backfill, to prevent shifting and settling. The cost of these additional reinforcements can vary but typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the stabilization needed.
Clay Soil: Clay soil is dense and holds water, which can lead to complications during excavation. The stickiness and heaviness of clay make it more challenging to dig and remove, often resulting in higher labor costs. Additionally, clay can expand and contract with moisture changes, potentially causing structural damage to the pool. To mitigate these issues, contractors may need to install drainage systems or use special backfill materials, increasing overall costs.
Rocky Soil: Excavating rocky soil is one of the most challenging and expensive scenarios. The presence of large rocks or bedrock requires heavy-duty equipment and sometimes even blasting, which can significantly increase labor and equipment costs. The removal and disposal of rocks also add to the expense. On average, dealing with rocky soil can add several thousand dollars to the total installation cost of the pool.
Loam Soil: Loam soil, a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, is often considered the ideal soil type for pool installation. It provides good stability and drainage, making excavation easier and reducing the need for extensive reinforcement. While loam soil typically incurs the least additional cost, it’s still important to conduct a thorough soil analysis to ensure there are no underlying issues.