Inground Pool Pricing Guide

Cost Of Inground Swimming Pools:

A Couple Things to Consider

There are two things to consider when researching the cost of inground pools:

The initial purchase price and the lifetime cost of ownership associated with the pool

First, let’s take a look at the initial cost of concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass pools to get an idea of how much to budget for each.

Keep in mind that these prices will vary greatly depending on your location. Then, we’ll look at the long-term cost associated with owning each type of pool.

The initial purchase price of the pool

Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Cost Comparison

Fiberglass Pools: Initial Cost Pippinger Pools has two fiberglass pool packages:

Basic installationTurn-key installation

Let’s look at each to learn more.

Standard Fiberglass Pool Packages

A standard fiberglass pool package typically includes the following:

• The pool shell
• Delivery of the pool shell to the site
• The pump and filter system
• Installation
• Gravel for backfill
• Maintenance and cleaning equipment
• Building permit
• Some concrete around the pool

Standard packages can vary greatly from company to company, so ask specifically what it includes.

It’s surprising how often a company’s base package price doesn’t include permits, delivery fees, etc. It’s also important to consider other details like warranties, the type of pool equipment provided, and the fiberglass pool manufacturer. To save money, many homeowners choose to handle the balance of the project themselves, including the completion of the patio, electrical work, and the pool fence.

On average, most folks can save several thousands of dollars doing this. As a general rule, to find the average price of a fiberglass pool package of this type, take the length of the pool and add $15,000 dollars. For example, a 30-ft. fiberglass pool package might cost $45,000. Most people will spend another $5,000–$15,000 in pool accessories, electrical work, patio, and fencing.

Turn-Key Fiberglass Pool Packages

The overwhelming advantage of a turn-key installation is convenience. The fiberglass pool company handles all of the above, plus these details:

• Hiring contractors
• Getting bids
• Scheduling and overseeing their work

The customer doesn’t need to oversee or manage any aspect of the project. Many customers find it worth the investment to let someone else handle everything—not to mention the added peace of mind knowing that there is only one company responsible for the project. On average, turn-key fiberglass pool projects cost $50,000 to over $100,000. Projects that require extensive retaining walls, water features, or other elaborate elements can cost much more.

Concrete/Gunite or Shotcrete Pools:

Initial Cost

Just to be clear, gunite and shotcrete pools are concrete pools. The difference is how the concrete is applied that makes up the pool shell. Often people are surprised to learn that the fiberglass pool and concrete pool prices aren’t all that different. Turn-key gunite pool projects typically cost between $50,000 and $100,000. The disparity in price between concrete and fiberglass isn’t in the initial swimming pool cost, but the cost of owning the pool over time, which we’ll discuss in more detail in a minute. Keep in mind the only warranty offered with a concrete pool is that offered by the contractor only.

Vinyl Liner Pools:

Initial Cost

Despite losing significant market share over the past 5 years, vinyl liner pools are still extremely popular in certain regions of the United States.

This is undoubtedly due to their low initial cost, which is by far their most appealing attribute. For the DIY-er, vinyl liner kits are available for purchase online…and for cheap! Someone building their own vinyl liner pool can probably do so for under $20,000. Base vinyl liner packages from most pool builders typically cost $25,000–$45,000. Turn-key vinyl liner packages will typically cost $35,000–$65,000.

Lifetime Cost of Ownership Associated with Each Type of Pool

Now, let’s look at how much it costs to own each type of pool over time.

This chart compares the 10-year swimming pool cost of fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete pools: