Categories: Outdoor

How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost?

Published by
James marcus

Inground pool costs differ depending on the pool’s material as well as its shape and size. According to HomeGuide, the total cost of an inground pool ranges from $28,000 to $55,000, or about $50 to $125 per square foot. That’s an average cost of $35,000.

Inground Pool Cost Estimator

Inground Pool Costs

Those who live in warm climates may consider an inground pool a necessity, especially in the warmer months. Others may consider it a luxury, and some may even think of it as an investment in their property. They are beautiful water features that add fun to a backyard and value to a home.

As opposed to above-ground pools, inground pools are set level with your backyard. Before their installation, landscapers can excavate and dig out an area for the pool to be. Then, the pool is placed inside the hole and its surroundings are filled back in to create a seamless pool area.

Cost to Install an Inground Pool

The cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special customizations and extra features. An added hot tub, for example, will cost $6,000 to $15,000 and pool lighting will be another $700 to $1,800, according to HomeGuide.

You can either choose to purchase a package from a pool supplier, which can include everything from excavation to decking, or go the DIY route. Turn-key packages for inground pools cost between $35,000 and $100,000. You can save thousands of dollars by doing some or all of the installation yourself, but only if you are experienced.

For an inground pool installation, you will need to pay for the pool’s shell, rental equipment including a crane, excavation, water, backfill material, plumbing and pool equipment. That adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Compare the package price to these DIY inground pool installation costs to find out which is more cost effective.

Inground Pool Cost by Material

The overall price of pool installation will depend on what material you use. In general, vinyl costs the least and concrete the most, while inground pools made of fiberglass lie in the middle.

Concrete

Concrete and gunite pools look great, and their price reflects that. Unfortunately, there is no good way to DIY a concrete or gunite pool, so you cannot lower the price by DIYing here. Turn-key concrete or gunite pool projects are between $50,000 and $100,000.

Cement pools are usually larger compared to pools of other materials, and thus they require more chemicals and electricity to maintain. They also require an acid wash to remove algae and mold every three to five years.

After multiple acid washes, you may also need to re-plaster your concrete or gunite pool since the washes will strip layers off. Over a 10-year period, concrete pool owners can expect to pay an average of $27,500 for upkeep.

Vinyl

If you’re on a tight budget, an inground vinyl pool is a good option for low upfront costs. Not only is the price of a vinyl pool shell relatively low at about $28,000, but vinyl inground pools are also DIY-friendly.

The initial costs associated with vinyl pools are lower, but those looking at inground pool options should also consider long-term costs. The average cost to maintain a vinyl pool over a 10-year period is $13,300.

Costs to maintain vinyl pools are less than those of concrete or gunite pools because vinyl surfaces require less cleaning. Algae doesn’t grow as easily on vinyl surfaces, so cleaning chemicals aren’t needed as often. And when cleaning is needed, it can be done yourself.

Fiberglass

The price of fiberglass pools is about $46,000 on average, according to HomeGuide. But the total cost can vary from $28,000 for a DIY or self-install option to more than $50,000 for a turn-key inground pool.

Many homeowners choose to go with a turn-key installation, finding it’s an overall better investment than a self-install. But each supplier is different, so do your homework to determine which option is best for you. Take project and material costs into consideration if you’re leaning towards DIY.

Fiberglass pool maintenance will be between $5,000 and $15,000 over a 10-year period. Fiberglass pools are easier to clean than other pools and their smooth surface prevents algae growth.

Small Inground Pool Cost

According to HomeGuide, pools that are under 26 feet long and up to 12 or 13 feet wide to be small pools. Some examples are plunge and spool pools that cost between $10,000 and $15,000 or more each. Smaller pools are typically used for lounging or quickly cooling off, not for strenuous swimming or play.

Inground Pool Cost by Size

In general, a pool’s price will increase as its size increases.

Inground Pool Installation: Pro vs. DIY

While a handy homeowning DIYer who has completed an inground pool installation may be able to take on this task, we recommend hiring a professional pool installer for the job. Considering the high costs to install an inground pool, a poor DIY job could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, which is not worth it in the long run. Plus, a professional installer may throw in a maintenance package or continue to help you keep up your pool for years to come.

Tips to Save on Inground Pool Installation Costs

Inground pool installation can be a costly endeavor. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming of owning your own inground pool. Here are some tips to save yourself money when it comes to inground pool installation:

  • Get multiple quotes: Doing your research and getting multiple quotes from different inground pool installation companies will help you save money and ensure you get a fair price for the work.
  • Choose a basic design: A simple inground pool design can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that the more features you add, the more expensive the installation will be.
  • Consider the type of pool: Fiberglass pools are typically less expensive to install than concrete or vinyl liner pools. However, they may have a shorter lifespan and limited design options.
  • Think long-term costs: From regular maintenance and energy use to insurance and potential impact on resale value are all long-term costs of an inground pool to consider.
  • Opt for a smaller-sized pool: If you dream about a large inground pool, it’s important to know the more expensive it will be to install. Consider a smaller pool that can still meet your needs to save on installation costs.
  • DIY installation: If you have experience with construction and pool installation, you can save money by doing some of the work yourself. However, keep in mind that pool installation requires unique expertise and specialized equipment.
  • Maintain Your Pool: The best way to prevent costly pool repairs is regular maintenance, ultimately saving you money in the long run and extending the lifespan of your inground pool.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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