Based on a 2026 survey of independent fiberglass pool builders in the Thursday Pools dealer network, a standard fiberglass pool installation in South Carolina averages $75,000 for a small pool, $87,500 for a medium pool, and $97,500 for a large pool. Your final cost will depend on details like pool size, yard conditions, local permit requirements, and the optional upgrades you choose.
South Carolina’s geography creates real variation in pool installation costs from one part of the state to another. In coastal markets like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head, sandy soil conditions and flood zone considerations can affect site prep requirements and permit complexity. In the Upstate around Greenville and Spartanburg, clay-heavy or rocky terrain can require more excavation work and add to the project cost. In the Midlands around Columbia, conditions vary enough that a site assessment before installation is always worth doing. Regardless of where you are in the state, South Carolina’s long swim season is one of the best arguments for getting the pool decision right from the start.
Optional upgrades such as pool heaters, automatic covers, and custom patio surfaces add to your total, but they also determine how much use and year-round value you get from the pool. A local independent Thursday Pools dealer can help you decide which additions fit your yard and your budget.
What is the Average Cost of a Fiberglass Pool Installation in South Carolina?
Thursday Pools surveys its network of independent dealers across the country each year to track real-world installation costs. The figures below come from the responses of dealers operating throughout the state.
Based on the 2026 survey of independent Thursday Pools dealers in South Carolina, installed fiberglass pools cost on average $75,000 for small pools, $87,500 for medium pools, and $97,500 for large pools.
AVERAGE SOUTH CAROLINA FIBERGLASS POOL INSTALLATION BY SIZE |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Type | Small Fiberglass Pools | Medium Fiberglass Pools | Large Fiberglass Pools |
| Size Range | Up to 26 feet long or 400 square feet | 26 to 34 feet long or 400 to 600 square feet | 35 feet and longer or 600+ square feet |
| Average Cost | $75,000 | $87,500 | $97,500 |
While these numbers offer a useful benchmark, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. From the sandy lowcountry to the clay-heavy terrain of the Upstate, South Carolina’s varying soil types and site conditions can influence the final cost of your pool project. Then come the personal touches—custom features, finishes, and outdoor upgrades—that can shape your overall budget. The best way to get a clear, accurate estimate?
Talk with a knowledgeable Thursday Pools dealer in your region who understands the ins and outs of building fiberglass pools across the Palmetto State.
What Counts as a Standard Pool Installation?
Most South Carolina dealers include the following in a base package: the pool shell, excavation, basic pump and filtration equipment, plumbing, basic electrical, permits, a single pool light, initial water fill, dirt hauling, concrete decking approximately 3 feet around the pool, delivery, and labor. What individual dealers include can vary, so always compare proposals carefully. Expanded decking, fencing, landscaping, pool covers, and optional features typically cost extra.
Contact a nearby Thursday Pools dealer for a custom quote and to learn about financing options for your South Carolina pool installation.
What Do Popular Fiberglass Pool Models Cost Installed in South Carolina?
TITUS (12’ x 26’)
Titus is a compact freeform pool well-suited to smaller backyards across South Carolina’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, from older Charleston lots to tighter properties in Columbia’s growing suburbs. Its interior includes wide entry steps, integrated bench seating, and a natural shape that works well in yards where a strict rectangular footprint would feel out of place.
Based on 2026 feedback from Thursday Pools dealers across South Carolina, the average installed cost for a small fiberglass pool like Titus or other designs less than 26 feet long and 400 square feet is $75,000.
LIL BOB (13.5’ x 27.5’)
Lil Bob delivers a clean rectangular layout with a uniform flat-bottom depth that makes the full pool usable from end to end. Dual elongated benches run along opposite sides of the interior, and full-width entry steps keep access straightforward. For mid-size South Carolina backyards, including suburban lots in Greenville, Summerville, or along the Grand Strand, it fits without overwhelming the yard.
According to 2026 survey responses from independent Thursday Pools dealers in South Carolina, the average installed cost for a medium-sized fiberglass pool like the 13.5′ x 27.5′ Lil Bob is $87,500.
MONOLITH (16’ x 40’)
Monolith offers a spacious fiberglass pool design for homeowners with plenty of wide-open yard space. The Monolith is perfect for those who enjoy swimming laps, hosting pool parties and social gatherings, or simply floating adrift in a spacious pool’s wide-open waters. Featuring a large, flat-bottomed shallow end, dual deep-end swim-outs with benches, and angled non-skid entry steps, the Monolith ensures comfort and accessibility for all swimmers.
Due to its size, at 40 feet long and more than 600 square feet, larger pools like Monolith typically come at a higher installed cost. In South Carolina, the 2026 average installed cost for a large fiberglass pool is $97,500.
What Yard Conditions Affect Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s varied soil types and terrain can affect installation costs. Before breaking ground, a professional installer assesses your site for conditions that may require extra preparation.
Soil Type
South Carolina soil varies widely by region. Along the coast and in the Lowcountry, sandy soils are common and generally easier to excavate, though they sometimes require stabilization measures to properly support the pool shell. In the Upstate and Piedmont regions, clay-heavy or rocky ground can create drainage concerns and require more equipment and labor. A pre-installation site assessment identifies what your soil requires before the project begins.
Slope and Grade
Yards with a slope often require grading, retaining walls, or other leveling work before excavation and installation can move forward. Properties in hillier terrain around Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Blue Ridge foothills are more likely to encounter this. A flat, level yard typically keeps installation more straightforward and predictable.
Backyard Access
Wide, open access makes a fiberglass pool installation more efficient. Properties with narrow gates, tight side yards, or other access constraints may need specialty equipment, additional labor, or crane service to move the pool shell into position. In denser neighborhoods, particularly in historic districts of Charleston or older Columbia suburbs, access limits can affect both the timeline and the cost.
Yard Condition |
Average Additional Cost in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Excavating Rocky Soil | $450 |
| Excavating Sandy Soil | $350 |
| Excavating Clay-Heavy Soil | $450 |
| Above-Average Slope Requiring Extra Grading | $2,200 |
| Limited Yard Access | $1,750 |
Based on the 2026 South Carolina dealer survey, site-condition upcharges range from about $350 for sandy soil excavation to $2,200 for above-average slope grading.
What Are South Carolina’s Swimming Pool Fence Requirements?
South Carolina follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as the statewide baseline for residential pool barrier requirements. Key requirements include:
- The barrier must stand at least 48 inches tall, measured from the outside ground level.
- The gap between the ground and the bottom of the barrier must not exceed 2 inches on non-solid surfaces such as grass or gravel.
- No opening in the barrier may allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
- Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and must swing away from the pool.
- Gate latches positioned less than 54 inches above the ground must be located on the pool-facing side of the gate.
Local counties and municipalities can and do enforce requirements beyond the ISPSC baseline. Greenville County, for example, requires a signed pool fence affidavit and climb-resistant design with tamper-proof gates. HOA rules can add further requirements, particularly in planned communities along the Grand Strand and in Lowcountry developments. Always verify your county, municipal, and HOA requirements before installation begins.
For a 300-linear-foot basic pool fence, South Carolina dealers estimate an average cost of $10,250. Final pricing varies by material, height, gate requirements, terrain, and local code.
How Much Do Fiberglass Pool Upgrades Cost in South Carolina?
Optional features can expand what your pool does and how long you use it each season. South Carolina’s climate already gives homeowners one of the longest outdoor swimming seasons in the country, and the right upgrades can extend that advantage further. The averages below come from Thursday Pools’ 2026 dealer survey of independent installers across South Carolina.
Water Quality and System Controls
Pool Heater
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $7,750
- Extend your swim season by keeping the water at a comfortable temperature into cooler spring and fall evenings, and get more months of use out of a pool you’ve already invested in.
Pool Automation and Smart Control System
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $1,600
- Manage temperature, lighting, and filtration from a smartphone or tablet.
Patio and Hardscape
Poured Concrete Patio (Approx. 1,200 sq. ft.)
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $19,100
- A durable surface option that handles South Carolina’s heat and humidity, and holds up through occasional freeze-thaw cycles in the Upstate.
Paver Patio (Approx. 1,200 sq. ft.)
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $11,750
- Available in a range of materials, from concrete pavers to natural stone, with a more finished aesthetic than poured concrete.
Safety and Covers
Fence (300 Linear ft.)
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $10,250
- Required by most local South Carolina municipalities. Final cost varies by material choices, total fence length, and local code requirements.
Non-Automatic Safety Pool Cover
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $1,750
- A manual option for securing the pool and keeping debris out between uses.
Automatic Pool Cover
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $19,750
- One-touch operation to protect the pool, retain heat, and reduce evaporation.
Water Features
Deck Jets
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $400 per jet
- Arc water from the coping into the pool, adding visual movement and ambient sound to the pool area.
Bubblers
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $1,150 per bubbler
- On a tanning ledge or beach entry, create movement and the sounds of a babbling brook in shallow pool water.
Cascade or Waterfall
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $2,250
- Add a flowing water element and natural sound to the pool environment.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Automatic Pool Cleaning and Vacuuming System
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $600
- Keep the pool floor and walls clean with minimal manual effort.
Lighting
LED Pool Lights
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $638 per light
- Adds ambiance and visibility for evening and nighttime use.
Recreation
Simple Pool Slide*
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $3,500
- A standard slide for family use.
Diving Board (Type 1 Diving Pools Only)*
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $1,500
- Only manufacturer-designated Type 1 diving pools support diving board installation. Homeowners should use only manufacturer-approved diving boards with pool models designated as diving pools and must consult a licensed professional to verify compliance with all local building codes and safety requirements before installation.
*Thursday Pools strongly advises against pool slides and diving boards due to safety concerns. The inclusion of a diving board or slide with any fiberglass pool must be carefully reviewed by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with all local building codes, safety regulations, and manufacturer guidelines. Not all fiberglass pool models are suitable for diving or slide use. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and installer to ensure proper installation and usage. Always prioritize safety and consult a qualified expert before adding any diving or sliding feature to your pool.
Landscaping and Extras
Surrounding Landscaping
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $4,000
- Includes decorative rocks, plantings, trees, bushes, flower beds, and similar elements that connect the pool to the rest of the yard.
Add-On Spa
- Average Cost in South Carolina: $11,750
- A separate spa unit for relaxing hydrotherapy, neighboring or independent of the main pool.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Fiberglass Pool Costs
How much does a fiberglass pool cost in South Carolina?
A fiberglass pool in South Carolina costs an average of $75,000 for a small pool, $87,500 for a medium pool, and $97,500 for a large pool, based on Thursday Pools’ 2026 dealer survey of South Carolina installers.
What does a standard fiberglass pool installation in South Carolina include?
Our 2026 South Carolina dealer survey shows that a standard fiberglass pool installation typically includes:
- Excavation and Dirt Hauling: Soil removal and site preparation.
- Pool Shell and Delivery: The physical fiberglass pool shell unit delivered to your home.
- Filtration System: Basic pump, filter, and plumbing.
- Standard Decking: Approximately 3 feet of concrete surrounding the pool.
- Permits and Basic Electrical: Includes local South Carolina municipal filings and one LED pool light.
What yard conditions raise fiberglass pool installation costs in South Carolina?
Sandy soil in the Lowcountry and along the coast sometimes requires stabilization before the pool shell goes in. Clay-heavy or rocky soil in the Upstate can require more excavation work and equipment. Sloped yards need grading or retaining walls to create a level base. Limited backyard access from narrow gates or tight urban lots in historic districts can require crane service or specialty equipment. Based on the 2026 South Carolina dealer survey, site-condition upcharges range from about $350 for sandy soil excavation to $2,200 for above-average slope grading.
What are South Carolina’s pool fence requirements?
Many South Carolina municipalities follow the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as a statewide baseline for residential pool barrier regulations. Local governments and HOAs can enforce requirements beyond the ISPCS baselines, which typically require an enclosure at least 4 feet tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Always verify your county and HOA requirements before installation. The 2026 South Carolina Thursday Pools dealer survey average for a 300-linear-foot basic fence is $10,250, with final costs varying by material, height, terrain, and local code.
How much do common pool upgrades add to the cost in South Carolina?
Upgrade costs vary widely depending on the feature. A pool heater averages $7,750. An automatic pool cover averages $19,750. A poured concrete patio of approximately 1,200 square feet averages $19,100. An add-on spa averages $11,750. Smaller additions like deck jets ($400 per jet), bubblers ($1,150 per bubbler), and LED lights ($638 per light) add cost in more modest increments.
How do I get an accurate cost estimate for a fiberglass pool in South Carolina?
The most accurate estimate comes from a local independent Thursday Pools dealer who can assess your yard, review local permit and HOA requirements, and give you a project-specific quote. Survey averages provide a useful starting point, but site conditions, design choices, and local labor rates determine what you actually pay.
Get Your Personalized South Carolina Pool Estimate
Survey averages give you a realistic starting point, but your actual cost depends on your yard, your location in South Carolina, and the design details and upgrades you choose. A local independent Thursday Pools dealer can assess your site, walk you through pool options that fit your budget, and give you a project-specific quote whether you’re in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere across the state.
Thursday Pools manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned independent dealers. Consumers should consult a local independent dealer for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their region and property.
Dear General:
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Keep in mind that any accessory that is structural needs to be done during construction, so you’ll need to talk to your pool builder up front about that. Many of the other accessories are optional, and you can always add them in the years to come, while you’re enjoying your pool. 
Tip 1: Test Your Pool Water Regularly
Dear General;