In-ground Pool Cost in 2024

Nothing beats a cool swimming pool on a hot summer day — and even better if it’s right outside your door. But the convenience comes at a premium. While the average in-ground pool costs about $65,000 to install, there’s a wide range of possible expenses in addition to that.

According to the home project hiring site HomeGuide, homeowners spend around $25,000 for installation and materials at the lowest end of the spectrum, and more than $100,000 at the highest — so you’ll want to understand what kind of pool is feasible for your budget and factor that into your planning. Larger pools, pools made of higher quality materials (which can last longer) and pools with special design features all tend to be costlier. Some of these decisions also contribute to the wide cost ranges you’ll see below.

Before you start studying the blueprints, learn what’s behind in-ground pool costs and some strategies for financing your summer swims.

» MORE: Estimate the cost of your home renovation

In-ground pool installation costs

Here are a few considerations that can affect the price of your pool, with corresponding estimates.

Location

The cost of living in your city affects labor and material prices. Building an in-ground pool in a dense, high-cost metropolitan area is typically more expensive than doing so in a suburban or rural area. Northern climates, where pools are less common, can also have higher installation costs than sunny southern states. For example, the average pool costs between $52,000 and $79,000 to install in Vermont, compared to a range of $34,000 to $55,000 in Alabama, according to the project hiring platform Angi.

Size

Large, in-ground pools require more labor and materials than small ones. The same goes for deep vs. shallow pools. You can expect to spend about $50 to $125 per square foot.

Pool type

Vinyl-lined, fiberglass, concrete and gunite (a type of concrete) pools often have different installation costs. More expensive options tend to last the longest without needing to be replaced.

The shape of your pool will play a role in the price of installation.

For instance, a lagoon-style pool typically costs between $38,000 and $150,000, while you can expect a lap pool to cost between $40,000 and $95,000.

Special features, such as diving boards (often $300-$1,000, though some cost more), lighting ($450-$1,800) and heating ($500-$7,500, with electric heaters costing less and solar heaters or heat pumps costing more) can also add up.

Additional installation expenses

Permits: $100-$1,800. Like other permanent home additions, in-ground pools require a permit from the local building authority. You may also have to pay an inspector to locate potential sewer or utility lines before digging.

Deck: $3,000-$20,000. In-ground pools must be surrounded by a sidewalk or deck. This wide range is due mostly to different material costs. For example, pavers tend to be far less expensive than stamped concrete or brick. The more elaborate your deck, the more it costs.

Fencing: $1,500-$10,000. You may be required by local laws or your insurance company to install fencing around your pool. Larger fences will cost more, as will fences made of premium materials. For instance, a mesh or chain fence may cost less than $10 per square foot, while tempered glass can cost hundreds of dollars per square foot, according to Angi.

Pool cover: $75-$22,000. The least expensive covers simply keep debris out of your pool during the winter season, while more expensive options may offer added durability to last longer, provide safety and withstand heavier loads (such as snow). They may also offer added features, such as being automatic.

» MORE: The cost to build a deck

Ongoing in-ground pool costs

Once the pool is built, you’ll pay ongoing costs such as:

Insurance. Insurers call pools “attractive nuisances,” which means they’re desirable but dangerous. Because a pool increases the chance of someone getting hurt on your property, it can also increase the price of your homeowners insurance.

» MORE: What does homeowners insurance cover?

Taxes. In-ground pools sometimes bump up property value; when it goes up, property taxes tend to follow suit.

Maintenance. After installation, someone will need to clean the pool, balance chemicals and make repairs. Maintenance costs average between $80 and $150 per month, while opening or closing a pool costs between $300 and $550, according to HomeGuide.

Utilities. Expect your energy and water bills to climb once you’ve added a pool to your property. According to Angi, average energy costs for a pool are around $50 per month, though this goes up to $300 per month for homeowners with heat pumps. It costs an average of $180 to fill an average-size pool with water for the season.

How to finance an in-ground pool

If you’re not planning on paying for your new pool entirely out of pocket, you may have several loan options.

For instance, many lenders offer personal loans suited for home improvement projects. You can browse NerdWallet’s list of the best pool loans to learn more about your choices.

If you have at least 20% equity in your home — meaning that the present value of your home is at least 20% more than what you owe on your mortgage — you might consider a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

A home equity loan allows you to borrow against the equity in your home, and it’s delivered as a lump sum with a fixed interest rate. Because you’re using your home as collateral, home equity loans often have lower rates than personal loans. See NerdWallet’s list of the best home equity loan lenders to learn more.

Alternatively, a HELOC allows you to convert some of your home equity into a line of credit that you can borrow against as needed, up to a certain limit. The interest rate is typically variable, meaning that it moves up and down with the market. Like home equity loans, HELOCs are backed by your home and often have favorable interest rates compared to personal loans. If you want to explore your HELOC options, NerdWallet’s list of the best HELOC lenders is a great place to start your search.

If you need to borrow some of your home equity and also want to change the rate and terms of your primary mortgage, a cash-out refinance may be a solution. A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a new, larger one, which comes with a new interest rate and repayment terms. You pocket the difference between this new loan and your original mortgage, which you can use towards your pool. NerdWallet’s list of the best cash-out refinance lenders can help you find a cash-out refinance option that suits your needs.

Finally, you could talk to the contractor who is building your swimming pool and ask if they offer financing. Before taking this option, you should shop around and see how their offer compares with other loan options.