Pool Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$21,600 – $37,440
$75.00 – $130.00 per sq ft
Material
$10,080 – $15,840
Labor
$11,520 – $21,600
Pool Area
288 sq ft
Pool Type
Vinyl Liner
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed pool contractors. Pool costs vary widely by region, soil conditions, and site access. Ask about permits, HOA requirements, and warranty coverage before signing a contract.
Vinyl Liner: The most affordable in-ground option. Liners need replacement every 5–9 years ($3,000–$5,000). Factor in liner replacement when comparing long-term costs to fiberglass or concrete.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Pool Cost Breakdown
| Pool Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above-Ground | $10 – $18 | $5 – $12 | $15 – $30 |
| Vinyl Liner (In-Ground) | $35 – $55 | $40 – $75 | $75 – $130 |
| Fiberglass (In-Ground) | $50 – $80 | $50 – $90 | $100 – $170 |
| Concrete / Gunite | $65 – $100 | $60 – $110 | $125 – $210 |
* Costs shown for basic pool installation (1.0× labor). Deck surround adds 15%, full backyard package adds 30%.
Average Project Costs (Basic Installation)
| Pool | Size | Type | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Above-Ground | 15 × 15 ft (225 sq ft) | Above-Ground | $3,375 – $6,750 |
| Standard In-Ground | 12 × 24 ft (288 sq ft) | Vinyl Liner | $21,600 – $37,440 |
| Large Fiberglass | 15 × 30 ft (450 sq ft) | Fiberglass | $45,000 – $76,500 |
| Luxury Gunite | 20 × 40 ft (800 sq ft) | Concrete | $100,000 – $168,000 |
How We Calculate
Our pool cost calculator estimates project costs based on pool dimensions, pool type, and project scope. Material and labor costs are calculated per square foot of pool surface area, with labor adjusted by a project scope multiplier.
How the math works: Pool area = length × width. Material cost = area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft × scope multiplier. Total = material + labor. The scope multiplier adjusts labor: basic pool installation is 1.0×, adding a deck surround is 1.15× (+15%), and a full backyard package is 1.3× (+30%).
Pool Type Comparison
Above-Ground ($10–$18/sq ft material, $5–$12/sq ft labor) is the most affordable option. Installation takes 1–3 days. Available in round, oval, and rectangular shapes. Can be disassembled and moved. Lifespan: 7–15 years.
Vinyl Liner (In-Ground) ($35–$55/sq ft material, $40–$75/sq ft labor) is the most affordable in-ground option. Flexible liner over a steel, polymer, or wood-framed wall structure. Liners need replacement every 5–9 years ($3,000–$5,000). Lifespan: 20–30 years (structure).
Fiberglass (In-Ground) ($50–$80/sq ft material, $50–$90/sq ft labor) offers the best balance of cost, speed, and durability. Factory-molded shell installs in 3–5 days. Smooth, non-porous surface resists algae and requires fewer chemicals. Limited to pre-made shapes. Lifespan: 25–30+ years.
Concrete / Gunite (In-Ground) ($65–$100/sq ft material, $60–$110/sq ft labor) is the premium, fully customizable option. Any shape, size, depth, or finish. Construction takes 3–6 months. Finishes include plaster, pebble, quartz, and glass tile. Requires resurfacing every 10–15 years. Lifespan: 50+ years.
Project Scope
Basic installation covers the pool shell, excavation, plumbing, pump/filter system, and basic coping/edging. Pool + deck surround adds a concrete, paver, or composite deck around the pool perimeter (adds 15% to labor). Full backyard package includes the pool, deck, safety fencing, basic landscaping, and outdoor lighting (adds 30% to labor).
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover the pool and installation labor but do not include: permits ($200–$2,000), safety fencing ($1,500–$5,000 if not in full package), pool heater ($2,000–$6,000), salt chlorine generator ($1,000–$2,500), automatic cover ($5,000–$15,000), water features like waterfalls ($1,000–$10,000), pool house or cabana ($10,000–$50,000+), or ongoing annual maintenance ($1,200–$3,600/year). Soil conditions (rock, high water table) can add $5,000–$15,000 to excavation costs.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), and verified pool contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a swimming pool cost? +
Swimming pool costs range from $3,000 to $168,000+ depending on type and size. Above-ground pools cost $3,400–$6,800 for a 225 sq ft pool. In-ground vinyl liner pools cost $21,600–$37,400 for a 288 sq ft pool. Fiberglass runs $45,000–$76,500 for a 450 sq ft pool. Concrete/gunite pools cost $100,000–$168,000 for a large 800 sq ft pool.
What is the cheapest type of in-ground pool? +
Vinyl liner is the cheapest in-ground pool at $75–$130 per square foot installed. A standard 12×24 ft vinyl liner pool costs $21,600–$37,400. However, vinyl liners need replacement every 5–9 years ($3,000–$5,000 each time), so long-term costs may approach fiberglass. Above-ground pools are the cheapest overall at $15–$30/sq ft.
Fiberglass vs. concrete pool — which is better? +
Fiberglass pools cost less ($100–$170/sq ft vs. $125–$210/sq ft), install faster (3–5 days vs. 3–6 months), and require less maintenance. Concrete/gunite pools offer unlimited customization in shape, size, and finish, and last 50+ years. Fiberglass is better for budget and low maintenance; concrete is better for custom designs and very large pools.
How long does a pool last? +
Above-ground pools last 7–15 years. Vinyl liner in-ground pools last 20–30 years (structure), though liners need replacement every 5–9 years. Fiberglass pools last 25–30+ years with minimal structural maintenance. Concrete/gunite pools last 50+ years but require resurfacing every 10–15 years ($5,000–$10,000).
Does a pool increase home value? +
A pool typically increases home value by 5–8% in warm climates (Florida, Arizona, Texas, California) where pools are expected. In cooler climates, pools may add little value or even deter some buyers. In-ground pools add more value than above-ground. A well-maintained pool in a pool-friendly market can recoup 40–60% of its cost at resale.
How much does pool maintenance cost per year? +
Annual pool maintenance costs $1,200–$3,600. This includes chemicals ($600–$1,200/year), electricity for pump and filter ($500–$1,200/year), professional cleaning ($100–$200/month if hired), and equipment repairs. Concrete pools cost more to maintain ($2,000–$3,600/year) than fiberglass ($1,200–$2,000/year) due to chemical demands and surface care.
Do I need a permit to build a pool? +
Yes, virtually all municipalities require a building permit for in-ground pool construction ($200–$2,000). Permits ensure compliance with setback requirements, barrier/fencing laws (typically 4 ft minimum fence), electrical codes, and drainage regulations. Some areas also require separate permits for plumbing, electrical, and fencing. Check local codes before starting.
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