How Much is it to Build a Pool? Your Complete Price Guide

About 10.4 million American homes have a swimming pool. If your home doesn’t have one, then isn’t it time you considered adding one? It’s the perfect place for cooling off during the hot summer months. 

Before you start dreaming of splashing around, you need to ask one important question. How much is it to build a pool? Once you know the answer to this question, you can determine if a pool is even possible. 

This guide will help you determine what type of pool will fit your budget and property. 

How Much Is It to Build a Pool?

There’s no one right answer to this question. The price can range based on the size and type of the pool you want and where in the country you’re building it. Generally, above ground pools are more affordable than inground pools. 

If you choose to add extras, they will increase the cost of your installation. Extras include things like fencing, hot tub, lighting, cover, and pool deck. These extras can add $2,000 to $10,000 to the total cost of your project. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool Above Ground?

Above ground pools can range from $2,000 to $5,000. The biggest factor in the cost of your pool is its size. The bigger you want your pool, the more it will cost. 

The more add-ons you want, the more expensive the entire project will cost. Building a deck around the pool will be a major part of your budget. 

Another hidden cost with this type of pool is if you need the ground leveled before building your pool. Your installation costs will also increase with more complicated electrical and plumbing needs. 

How Much to Build a Pool Inground?

Inground pools can cost $25,000 to $55,000. The first cost influencer is the material used to build your pool. Vinyl pool liner systems are the most affordable. 

Fiberglass is slightly more expensive and concrete pools are the most expensive. While there’s overlap in costs, vinyl pools tend to be the most affordable because they’re a prefabricated liner that drops into the ground while concrete pools are custom built. 

The other cost factor is the type of pool you want. Plunge pools are the most affordable because they are slightly bigger around than a hot tub and deep. Lap pools are slightly more expensive because they have a uniform depth and a simple rectangle shape. 

The most expensive pool to build is a lagoon pool. These are expensive because they have varying depths and custom shapes. It helps to have a look at possible configurations. 

Indoor Pools 

The most expensive type of pool you can build is an indoor pool. Even a small vinyl shell pool will cost over $100,000 to install. This is because the mechanics of these pools is significantly more complicated. 

You’ll need to build the rest of your home around the pool and install a dehumidifying system. 

Consider Adding a Pool to Your Property 

If you’re considering building a pool on your property, then the first step is to find out the cost. Hire a contractor and ask them, “how much is it to build a pool?” 

They will quote you different costs depending on the type and size of the pool you want to build. You’ll find that you need to balance your budget with your desires. 

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