How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in 2024?
Written by: AG Pool Masters
Building a new inground pool can be a dream project for many homeowners, but to truly enjoy your new pool you will need a project that is designed to provide you with all the luxuries you desire while staying within a budget that doesn’t break the bank. Starting to research how an inground pool can fit into your preferred budget is the first step in planning for the backyard paradise of your dreams. That’s why the experts at AG Pool Masters have laid out a comprehensive overview of the variables that affect the overall expenses associated with new inground swimming pool installations.
Strategic Budgeting Considerations for Your Inground Pool: Maximizing Value and Luxury
Pool Size
Unlocking the full potential of your dream inground pool begins with smart planning, and one pivotal aspect to focus on is the pool size. Size plays a direct role in shaping your project's cost, and understanding this correlation is a crucial first step for prospective pool owners. Larger pools translate to more materials, increased labor, and added features, all contributing to an elevated price point. Tailor your pool size to your available space and intended use, ensuring a perfect balance between luxury and budget. Dive into a world of value and sophistication with our expert guidance on optimizing your inground pool project.
Pool Style
When deciding on the style or material for your inground pool, it's crucial to factor in the associated costs. Whether opting for the classic and versatile shotcrete concrete pool, the low-maintenance durable fiberglass shell pool, or the beautifully customizable vinyl liner pool, each material comes with its unique cost implications. A thoughtful consideration of the pros and cons associated with each option will empower you to align your stylistic preferences seamlessly with your budgetary constraints.
Features
Elevate the allure and functionality of your pool with carefully chosen enhancements. Whether it's the grace of waterfalls or the relaxation of hot tubs, each addition comes with its associated costs. Prioritize these features thoughtfully, aligning your preferences with your budget. Achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and expense is the key to creating the backyard oasis of your dreams.
During the planning phase of pool installation, a potential pool owner can take steps to make sure their budgeting needs are met by planning the right size, selecting the right style, and choosing which features also fit into their budget. By outlining a clear plan to stay within your means, the rest of the budgeting process is a much more straightforward and manageable process.
Inground Pool Installation Process
Now that we understand some of the variables that a homeowner can control and decide on when planning the budget for their new pool, let's get into some specific costs that naturally come with the process of building a new pool. In this section, we’ll dive more deeply into the installation process and the factors that impact the project total costs.
Site Prep & Labor Cost Factors
Site preparation is a foundational step in bringing your vision to life. This involves excavation, grading, and ensuring a stable base for your pool. The complexity of site prep can vary based on factors including the condition of your yard, the size of the pool, the need for specialized equipment, and the additional expertise required.
SITE PREP CONSIDERATIONS:
- Terrain: Working with flat terrain makes this process less labor-intensive and less expensive. On the contrary, uneven terrain will require more work and preparation and therefore the cost for site prep could increase significantly based on the amount of extra labor involved.
- Landscaping: The need to clear existing landscaping or make adjustments can impact costs. For pools going in simple, open, grassy spaces, this would mean less work. For pools going in a space with trees or bushes, labor costs will increase.
- Soil Conditions: Addressing soil challenges, such as excessive clay, excessive rocks, unstable subsurfaces, or poor drainage, may incur additional expenses. This makes digging up the site of your pool a longer, more complicated process.
- Pool Size and Type: As mentioned before, larger, deeper, or more uniquely shaped pools may require more labor which simply put, leads to higher costs.
- Expertise: Specialized features such as water features, automated features, or pool deck upgrades/enhancements may necessitate additional specialized skilled labor and increased set-up time.
- Equipment Operation: The use of heavy machinery for excavation is part of the typical pool construction process, however, complicated customizations can require specific equipment to create the desired elements and features for the project, adding increased costs.
Permits
Securing the necessary permits is a crucial step in complying with local regulations and ensuring a legal and safe pool installation. Permit costs can vary based on location, and the process may include fees for environmental impact studies, zoning approvals, and other regulatory requirements. AG Pool Masters recommends contacting your local building and zoning department to get accurate information about what requirements and restrictions you may incur at your property.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SWIMMING POOL PERMITS:
- Local Regulations: It's important to understand and adhere to local building codes and regulations. Codes and zoning requirements can make a big difference to the size, shape, location, and elements that are added to your pool installation project.
- Environmental Impact: Some areas may require the completion of certain assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of the pool. EPA-required soil sample testing for dirt disposal, property drainage assessments, and energy consumption evaluations are some of the environmental elements that can be taken into consideration.
- Zoning Approvals: Ensuring that your pool plans align with local zoning requirements. Every town has its own set of requirements dealing with easements, setbacks, utility restrictions, green space percentages, and structure proximities that can alter the approval of your planned pool.
Water
Filling your pool with water is a straightforward yet essential step in the installation process. The cost of water can vary based on local water rates, and factors such as water delivery or usage restrictions may influence the overall expense.
WATER COSTS:
- Local Water Rates: The cost per gallon or cubic meter of water in your area. The average pool filled with city water from a garden hose costs between $400 to $600.
- Delivery Charges: Opting to fill your pool with a water truck delivery service instead of using a local water source will come with a higher expense (average between $950 to $1250), however, your pool will be filled in one day instead of waiting for 3-5 days to fill from your garden hose. AG Pool Masters utilizes water hauling services to fill every new pool installation so the systems can all be tested and you can get to enjoying your oasis.
- Usage Restrictions: Some regions may have restrictions on water usage, affecting the pool-filling process.
Electricity
Electricity is a critical element in powering various aspects of your inground pool, including lighting, heating systems, and equipment. Ensuring compliance with local electrical codes and safety standards is essential, and the cost of electrical work contributes to the overall installation expenses.
Considerations for electrical costs:
- Distance and obstacles: The distance your pool is built from the house and the electric service panel is the largest component in figuring the cost of electric services. The Further away the larger the cost. The more obstacles that wiring needs to go around like trees, patios, and septic systems will increase the electric expense of the project.
- Wiring and Connections: The type of material used for running electricity can change based on the features included in your pool. Proper wiring for pool equipment, lighting, and fixtures is imperative for proper function and safety.
- Heating Systems: If incorporating a pool heater, whether electric or gas, additional electrical requirements and costs may apply.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to local electrical codes to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
Understanding these components of the inground pool installation process will empower you to plan effectively, manage costs, and look forward to enjoying your new pool.
Inground Pool Costs By Pool Type
The type of inground swimming pool you choose to have installed will impact not only the initial cost but also the long-term maintenance and aesthetics. Here, we'll explore the costs associated with three popular pool options: concrete inground pools, vinyl liner inground pools, and fiberglass inground pools.
The cost breakdown for concrete pools, vinyl liner pools, and fiberglass pools provided below are general estimates based on industry averages and ranges from various sources, including pool construction companies, industry reports, and homeowner experiences. Keep in mind that these are not fixed costs but rather ballpark estimated values that can be influenced by factors like location, pool size, additional features, and specific construction choices.
For ongoing maintenance expenses, the provided figures offer a broad overview of the potential costs associated with each pool type over a ten-year period. Actual maintenance costs may vary based on factors such as local climate, water chemistry, and individual maintenance practices.
To get a more accurate understanding tailored to your circumstances, it's advisable to obtain detailed quotes from reputable pool builders in your specific area. This ensures a precise estimate that considers regional variations and aligns with your unique project requirements.
Concrete Swimming Pools
Concrete, also known as shotcrete or gunite, offers unparalleled design flexibility and durability. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, requires meticulous maintenance, and has the longest most complicated installation times.
STARTING COST FOR INSTALLATION
The base installation cost for a standard concrete pool begins at around $135,000 to $175,000 for smaller pools without many add-on features. However, this figure can increase based on factors such as pool size, customizations, additional features, and regional location. For larger pools with waterfalls, lazy rivers, spas, and whole backyard transformations costs can potentially reach $250,000 to $350,000 or more.
COST TO MAINTAIN OVER TEN YEARS
The estimated maintenance cost of $25,000 to $35,000 or more over ten years includes routine cleaning, chemical treatments, potential structural repairs, acid washing, cement cracking, tile repair, and the need for periodic resurfacing. Concrete pools typically have more complicated maintenance tasks, and periodic resurfacing contributes to this overall estimate. Due to freezing and thawing conditions concrete pools in northern cooler climates tend to have higher maintenance costs than in warmer climates.
PROS & CONS
- Pros: Complete design control, aesthetic flexibility, potential home value increase, endless options, and did we mention Lazy Rivers? What about pool Waterfalls and Grottos? The sky's the limit here.
- Cons: Higher maintenance cost, complexity in repairs, lengthy installation times up to a year or more, and potential structural issues.
Fiberglass Swimming Pools
Fiberglass pools present an affordable, low-maintenance, and highly durable option. They come as pre-manufactured shells, reducing installation time down to 3-5 days, and lower overall costs.
STARTING COST FOR INSTALLATION
The initial cost for a basic fiberglass pool typically ranges from $85,000 to $95,000 with minimal upgrades and add-on features. For a pool with some added premium features like automatic pool covers, inground spas, and larger deck/patio space, the price can be expected to jump to around $110,000 to $150,000. For those looking for the works with all of the elite add-on features and customized features, the price can then range from $160,000 to $200,000 and up depending upon the extent of your backyard transformation.
COST TO MAINTAIN OVER TEN YEARS
For a fiberglass inground pool, maintenance costs are typically lower. The durability of the fiberglass mitigates some repairs that come with the other types of pools. This is not to say maintenance will never happen or that upkeep will not be needed. An owner should budget for maintenance and can expect to spend around $5,000 to $10,000 in maintenance over the course of 10 years. Occasionally there can be damage that happens to a fiberglass shell and the repair can be costly, up to $16,000 or more for a single occurrence. These types of damages are rare.
PROS & CONS
- Pros: Easy maintenance, smooth surface, shorter installation time (3-5 days).
- Cons: Limited customization options, Limited size pools (no larger than 15 feet by 40 feet), and potential for big repairs to shell if it gets damaged or pops out of the ground.
Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools
Vinyl pools are known for their customization options, lower upfront cost, and their blend of beauty with durability. Endless shapes and sizes with hundreds of custom step options. 16 feet by 36 feet, sure! 30 feet by 60 feet, why not? What about a Lazy River?
Now you have the right idea! We can make your pool paradise come to life.
STARTING COST FOR INSTALLATION
The initial cost for a basic vinyl liner pool package starts at $65,000 to $85,000 without many add-on features. This price also varies based on size and additional features. As more features like automatic pool covers, spas, pool automation systems, tanning ledges, and larger deck spaces are added, pricing can increase from $100,000 to $140,000 for a vinyl liner inground pool that is built well. For those looking for complete customization with all of the bells and whistles, the price can exceed $160,000 to $200,000 or more.
COST TO MAINTAIN OVER TEN YEARS
The estimated maintenance costs of $10,000 to $ 15,000 or more over ten years include regular cleaning, potential vinyl liner replacements (typically needed every 10 to 15 years), and ongoing maintenance. The need for periodic liner replacements contributes to these long-term maintenance costs.
PROS & CONS
- Pros: Lower startup cost, smooth finish, easy to clean, easy to repair, and don't forget the customizations bringing your own unique style to your backyard paradise.
- Cons: Lifespan of vinyl liner, and long-term maintenance costs.
These starting cost figures provide a baseline, and it's crucial to note that the final cost can be influenced by various factors. Factors like pool size, additional features, and regional location can contribute to adjustments in the overall cost. To obtain a precise estimate tailored to your unique circumstances, consider consulting with reputable pool builders in your area.
Location and Cost of Inground Pools
Your geographical location plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of installing an inground pool. Let's explore how different regions may impact the expenses associated with bringing your dream pool to life.
Regional Variance Considerations
Construction Costs: Construction expenses vary across regions due to differences in labor rates, materials, and local regulations. For example, urban areas with higher living costs often entail higher construction prices compared to suburban or rural regions.
Permitting and Regulations: Local building codes and permit requirements vary. Some areas might have more stringent regulations, leading to additional paperwork and compliance costs.
Climate Considerations: The climate of your region can influence both construction and ongoing maintenance costs. Pools in areas with harsh winters may require additional features like winterization, impacting the overall investment.
Factors to Raise or Lower the Cost of Your Pool
Influences for Lower Costs: In areas with a competitive pool construction market, you may benefit from a broader range of options and potentially more competitive pricing. Additionally, regions with favorable weather conditions might lead to reduced maintenance costs over time.
Influences for Higher Costs: Locations prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, may require additional construction measures to meet safety standards, contributing to higher costs. Moreover, densely populated areas can present logistical challenges, affecting labor costs and project timelines.
Local Contractor Expertise
Choosing a reputable local pool builder is crucial. Local contractors familiar with the area's specific conditions can provide accurate estimates, navigate local regulations efficiently, and offer insights into optimizing your pool for the regional climate.
In conclusion, understanding the impact of your location on inground pool costs empowers you to make informed decisions. Consult with local pool builders, consider regional factors, and factor in potential construction and maintenance nuances based on where you live. This approach ensures a smoother process and a more accurate estimate tailored to your geographic circumstances.
Ready to make a splash? Grab your swimsuit and transform your backyard into a personal paradise, the ultimate destination for relaxation and pure enjoyment. Create a haven where every moment becomes a timeless memory, destined to be cherished for generations. It's not just a backyard makeover; it's a legacy in the making.
