I’ll never forget the day I started dreaming about an inground pool—floating in my own backyard, no public pool chaos, just me and some tunes. Then I asked, “How much does a pool cost?” and nearly choked on my coffee when a buddy threw out $50,000 like it was pocket change. That sparked my mission: figure out this inground pool cost puzzle before I dive in—literally or financially. Turns out, it’s a wild ride of numbers, and I’ve been hooked on cracking it ever since.
Stick with me—I’m spilling everything I’ve learned about how much an inground pool really costs. We’re talking averages, building vs. installing, and what “putting one in” actually means for your wallet. I’ve pestered contractors, grilled friends with pools, and crunched numbers so you don’t have to. Whether you’re curious about the price tag or ready to budget, I’ve got the real talk—straight from my nosy, pool-obsessed self. Wanna know what you’re in for? Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
Summary: Inground Pool Cost
Hey, pool dreamers! I’ve been down the rabbit hole of inground pool costs—how much does a pool cost?—and I’m spilling it all. From the cost of an inground pool (think $25,000-$50,000) to how much to build a pool versus install one, I’ve got the dirt. Average cost of an inground pool? Around $35,000-$40,000, but I’ve found ways to shave that down. This is my real talk—how much does it cost to put in an inground pool, plus hacks to keep it sane. Ready to budget your splash zone? Let’s roll!
| Type/Aspect | Cost Range | Time to Finish | Why I Like It | Watch Out For |
| Vinyl (Build) | $20K-$35K | 4-6 weeks | Cheapest—my uncle’s fave | Liner swaps add up |
| Fiberglass (Install) | $30K-$40K | 2-4 weeks | Fast, sleek—my aunt’s win | No custom shapes |
| Concrete (Build) | $30K-$50K+ | 8-12 weeks | Tough, custom—my dream | Labor’s a killer |
| Average Cost | $35K-$40K | Varies | Realistic—my starting point | Extras pile on fast |
| DIY Savings (Partial) | Save $2K-$5K | Extra effort | Budget boost—my neighbor’s trick | Don’t botch the big stuff |
If you’re considering above-ground pools instead, check out our Above Ground Pools Guide.
Building vs. Installing an Inground Pool Costs
When I first started looking into how much it costs to build an inground pool versus the cost to install one, I assumed they were the same thing. But after grilling a contractor friend over a couple of beers, I realized there’s actually a key difference.
At first, the line between building and installing seemed blurry, but once I figured it out, everything made a lot more sense. If you’re trying to budget for a pool, understanding this distinction is crucial. Here’s the breakdown:
1. What Does “Building” an Inground Pool Mean?
When people talk about building a pool, they usually mean the entire process from start to finish—digging, laying the foundation, constructing the pool shell, and finishing the surrounding area. It’s a custom job that involves:
- Excavation
- Structural work (concrete, rebar, or vinyl lining)
- Plumbing and electrical setup
- Pool decking and landscaping
✅ Average cost to build an inground pool:
- Concrete pool: $30,000 – $50,000
- Vinyl-lined pool: $25,000 – $35,000
- Fiberglass pool: $30,000 – $40,000
One of my neighbors went for a concrete pool, and it set him back $35,000—including labor, materials, and finishing touches. It took several weeks to complete but was fully customized.
2. What Does “Installing” an Inground Pool Mean?
On the other hand, installing a pool often refers to placing a pre-made pool shell into an already-prepared space. This method is quicker and typically involves:
- Digging the hole
- Lowering a fiberglass or vinyl shell into place
- Connecting plumbing and filtration
- Filling and leveling the area around the pool
✅ Average cost to install an inground pool:
- Fiberglass shell: $25,000 – $40,000
- Vinyl pool installation: $20,000 – $30,000
My aunt chose a fiberglass pool and paid $32,000. The biggest perk? It was installed in just a few days—a far cry from the weeks of work my neighbor endured for his concrete pool.
3. Where Does Most of the Inground pool Cost Come From?
Labor is one of the biggest cost factors in both building and installing pools. On average, labor alone can run between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the complexity of the job.
- Custom-built concrete pools → Highest labor costs, longest construction time
- Vinyl pools → Cheaper materials but still require expert installation
- Fiberglass pools → Prefabricated and fastest to install, but less customizable
4. Which Option is Best for You?
The choice between building vs. installing an inground pool really comes down to:
- 🏗 Customization vs. Speed – Want a fully custom design? Go for a concrete build. Need something fast? Fiberglass install is quicker.
- 💰 Budget Considerations – Concrete is the most expensive, but it’s also the most durable. Vinyl is the cheapest, but requires liner replacements over time.
- ⏳ Longevity – If you want a pool that lasts decades, concrete is worth the investment. Fiberglass is also long-lasting but has some design limitations.
My Recommendations: Build or Install?
If I had the budget and patience, I’d build a concrete pool for its long-term durability. But if I wanted to save a few thousand dollars and get my pool up fast, installing a fiberglass shell would be tempting.
At the end of the day, how much it costs to build an inground pool depends on your budget, patience, and long-term vision. So—what’s your gut telling you?
Average Cost of an Inground Pool: My Numbers
I’m a sucker for hard numbers, so when folks started throwing around “it depends” for inground pool costs, I went digging for averages—something solid to lean on. The average cost of an inground pool? It’s a question I’ve pestered everyone about, from pool owners to that guy at the hardware store who sounded like he knew stuff. After piecing it together, I’ve got some stats that make sense to me, and they might help you too—an avg $25,000 and $50,000,here’s my take on the average cost for inground pool reality.
Average Cost of an Inground Pool by Type
| Pool Type | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Concrete | $40,000 – $50,000 | Highly customizable, durable | Expensive, longer installation time |
| Fiberglass | $30,000 – $40,000 | Quick installation, low maintenance | Limited shapes & sizes |
| Vinyl | $25,000 – $35,000 | Budget-friendly, smooth surface | Liner needs replacement every 7-10 years |
2. Price Breakdown of an Inground Pool
A step-by-step breakdown of what affects cost can help readers plan their budget more accurately.
- Base Pool Cost (Includes materials and labor)
- Concrete: $40,000 – $50,000
- Fiberglass: $30,000 – $40,000
- Vinyl: $25,000 – $35,000
- Essential Add-Ons
- Pool Heater: $3,000 – $5,000
- Pool Lighting: $1,000 – $3,000
- Automatic Cover: $2,500 – $5,500
- Additional Expenses
- Permits & Inspections: $500 – $2,000
- Excavation & Landscaping: $3,000 – $8,000
- Pool Decking & Fencing: $4,000 – $10,000
3. Regional Cost Differences of an Inground Pool
Location plays a big role in pool pricing, so a quick regional comparison would be useful.
- Midwest & Southern States: Lower labor and material costs, making pools more affordable ($30,000 – $45,000 on average).
- Coastal & Western States: Higher demand, stricter regulations, and elevated labor costs push prices up ($50,000 – $80,000).
- Urban vs. Rural Areas: City installations often require expensive permits and logistics, while rural locations may have higher excavation costs.
For me, $35,000 feels like the sweet spot—basic, decent, doable. It’s not exact—your yard, your taste—but it’s a start. Average cost of an inground pool isn’t gospel, but it’s a lifeline when I’m dreaming budgets. What’s your “average” looking like?
Cost-Saving Tips: How I’d Cut Corners
I’m not made of money—shocker, right?—so figuring out how much does it cost to put in a pool without crying over my bank account became my mission. I’ve picked up some cost-saving tricks from pool-owning pals and my own “what if” daydreams, because how much for an inground pool shouldn’t mean selling my soul. Here’s how I’d trim the cost to put in a pool—real talk on keeping how much to put in a pool and how much does it cost to put in an inground pool manageable.
Cost-Saving Strategies for an Inground Pool
| Money-Saving Tip | How Much You Can Save | Why It Works |
| Choose a Smaller Pool | $5,000 – $15,000 | A 10×20 ft. pool costs significantly less than a 20×40 ft. option. |
| Opt for Vinyl Instead of Concrete | $5,000 – $15,000 | Vinyl pools are cheaper to install and still provide a great swimming experience. |
| Skip Luxury Add-Ons | $3,000 – $10,000 | Features like heaters, LED lights, and waterfalls add up quickly. Go basic first! |
| DIY Some Prep Work | $2,000 – $5,000 | Leveling your yard and handling minor landscaping can cut down on labor costs. |
| Get Multiple Quotes | Varies | Comparing 3-5 contractors ensures you get the best deal. Don’t settle for the first price! |
| Install in the Off-Season | $3,000 – $7,000 | Prices drop in late fall and winter when demand is lower. |
I’d aim for $25,000-$30,000—bare bones, but mine. Cost to put in a pool doesn’t have to climb to the moon if you’re scrappy—how much for an inground pool shrinks when you ditch the fluff. What’s your budget begging to save on?
Additional Ways to Cut Costs
Beyond the table above, here are a few more tricks to keep your pool project within budget:
- Pick a simple shape – Rectangular pools are cheaper than custom designs.
- Use standard finishes – Fancy tiles and upgraded plaster can add thousands to your bill.
- Maintain your pool properly – Avoid costly repairs by keeping your chemicals balanced and your filter clean.
- Finance smartly – Some pool companies offer 0% financing deals for a limited time, saving you money on interest.
Looking for creative pool ideas? Explore these Above Ground Pool Design Ideas.
Wrapping It Up: Your Pool Price Plan
So, there’s my whole deep dive into inground pool costs—everything I’ve pieced together from how much does a pool cost to the nitty-gritty of building versus installing. I’ve thrown out numbers—$25,000 for a basic vinyl, $50,000 for a fancy concrete job—and tricks to keep the cost of an inground pool from spiraling. My wallet’s still intact dreaming about it, and I hope yours is too after this. How much does it cost to put in an inground pool? Less if you’re smart, that’s for sure.
Here’s my nudge: start sketching your budget. Average cost of an inground pool hovers around $35,000-$40,000—my sweet spot—but how much for an inground pool depends on you. I’d go small, vinyl, no extras—$30,000 tops—and call it a win. Cost to install a pool or build one? Either way, shop deals, skip fluff, and you’re golden. Me, I’m still plotting my backyard splash zone—probably years off, but I’m ready. How much does it cost to build an inground pool won’t haunt you if you plan it right.
Your turn—grab a calculator, call a contractor, or just float the idea ‘til you’re set. I’m betting you’ll be swimming in your own pool someday, grinning at the price you paid. What’s your first budget move?
My Take: I’d build vinyl at $30K—cheap and solid. What’s your pool price vibe?
Time to Price Your Pool Dream
That’s my full scoop on inground pool costs—how much does inground pool cost, how much to put in a pool, all of it. I’ve crunched the cost of in ground pool from $20,000 vinyl steals to $50,000+ concrete beasts, and tossed in hacks to dodge the big bills. My pool’s still a dream, but I’m ready—$30,000, small and simple, that’s me. Cost to install a pool or build one? Either way, I’ve got the map.
Your shot now—how much does it cost for an inground pool in your world? Sketch it out, call some pros, or just drool over the idea ‘til you’re flush. I’m betting you’ll be swimming soon, proud of every buck you spent—or saved. What’s your pool price tag starting at?
Looking for more pool tips, guides, and expert advice? Visit our homepage for everything you need to know about pools!”
Author Disclaimer:
I’m Rudy James Stankowitz, a globally respected pool industry expert with decades of experience in pool operations, safety, and water quality. As the editor and author for pool-related content on poolaura, I strive to provide accurate, actionable insights. Please note, this content is for general guidance only—consult a professional for personalized advice. For questions, reach out via our Contact Us page.
