How Much Does An Inground Pool Actually Cost
Have these hot days got you dreaming of lazy afternoons by the pool with your family and friends? It’s the perfect summer for staycations!
The question you’re probably asking yourself is: “How much does a swimming pool cost?” Typically, an inground pool can cost between $25,000 and $45,000 plus annual maintenance costs.
We have put together a complete guide to help you estimate the price of an inground pool.
Installation Costs And Timing
The basics of inground pool installation are straightforward. You have digging, delivery, pool filtration setup, maintenance and cleaning equipment, your first fill, and decking. How your individual pool builder/dealer will handle the particulars of hauling dirt, electrical, and permitting may vary, so if youre interviewing multiple dealers, its good to note these details so you are sure that you are comparing apples to apples.
NOTE: A fiberglass pool typically takes about 3 weeks to install.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Fiberglass Pool?
What Is The Annual Cost Of A Salt Water Pool
If you hire a pool service company, the annual maintenance cost of a salt water pool is about $970 to $1,700 per year and $300 or more to open or close the pool. The average price of electricity, depending on where you live, will be from $780 to $1,200 a year. The pump must run continually to produce chlorine. Replacement parts and repair can run from $250 to $1,500.
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Concrete Footing For Screen Enclosure
Screen enclosures typically require an 8 by 8 concrete footing to anchor and support the weight of the enclosure properly. Installing footings costs $4 to $6 per linear foot. Small enclosures may only require a 4 nominal slab. A contractor will determine the foundation and footing requirements.
- Existing concrete pool decks often already have a footing that can support an enclosure.
- Existing paver patios require a footing to be poured under the pavers before building an enclosure.
How Much Does A Swimming Pool Cost In Canada
By Jackie Gillard on March 18, 2021
Your choice of pool construction style, shapes and sizes, along with pool decking, landscaping and access to your backyard, all affect pricing. To make matters even more complicated, costs can differ greatly from one contractor to another.
And when COVID-19 hit, they were glad they had put down a deposit with their pool contractor in late 2019. With lockdowns underway, the couple knew theyd be spending a lot more time at home and they had beat the spring 2020 rush for pool installations. They took their first swim in July.
Today, many pool contractors are fully booked for 2021, and even for 2022, as Canadians who are missing the ability to travel and socialize look for ways to enhance their backyard spaces, as Rubinoff has.
If youre interested in getting an inground pool, its important to know upfront there are numerous choices in pool styles, shapes and sizes along with pool decking and they all affect pricing, which can also differ greatly from one provider to another. Rubinoff decided on a fibreglass pool over the other options. Originally, we budgeted $80,000 and they laughed at us, Rubinoff shares. There are costs you dont think of cheaper isnt always better.
As with most major purchases, its best to shop around, do your homework and get detailed written estimates before signing a contract. This guide will help you through the process.
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Cost Of Installing Additional Pool Features
A diving board can make a great addition to larger pools. Just make sure the depth is at least 9ft if youre going to dive head-first.
An inground pool can be a tremendous asset in its own right, but if you have the budget to spare, spending a thousand or so dollars on a few additional pool features can significantly increase both the value of that pool and, more importantly, how much enjoyment youll get out of it.
Diving Board costs: $400 $5,000
A good diving board could set you back as little as a few hundred dollars or upwards of $5,000. This includes both the board itself as well as professional installation.
Given the safety concerns and the nature of local building codes, its always worth consulting a professional to help you get the most suitable board and install it correctly.
Pool Slide Costs: $500 $20,000
While buying a cheap inflatable slide is always an option, if you really wanted to create that all-important wow-factor with your new inground pool, you could do far worse than installing a permanently-fixed pool slide like this exciting-looking model from S.R. Smith.
Hot Tub Costs: $5,000 $15,000
Built-in hot tubs have become an increasingly popular pool feature over the last several years, proving a great way for mom and dad to relax while the kids splash around in the main pool.
Although they wont be cheap, if youre using your new pool as a way to increase your property value, theyll definitely help with that.
Waterfall Costs: $750 $1,500
What Does A Swimming Pool Contractor Do
Swimming pool contractors follow these steps to build a standard in-ground concrete pool
Once installed, some pool companies offer ongoing pool cleaning, repairs, and water testing.
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Concrete Inground Pool Cost
Concrete inground pools cost $30,000-$50,000. A concrete pool is generally the most common and expensive option but its also the most customizable. With concrete pools, pros spray gunite or shotcrete over a rebar framework. Contractors start by framing a support structure with rebar before the concrete is sprayed, shaped and formed. The majority of the cost associated with concrete inground pools comes from labor.
Concrete pools generally require the most labor, and they take the longest to install. Still, its the best choice for homeowners wanting a custom-shape or very deep pool.
Other benefits of getting a concrete pool include its high durability. The cons? Be prepared to pay more for routine maintenance. And compared to vinyl pools, concrete inground pools take longer to build.
Glass Pool Enclosures Cost
Glass pool enclosures cost $30 to $65 per square foot or between $15,000 and $50,000 on average, depending on the size, type, and glass quality. Outdoor glass pool enclosures are all-season rooms that block pests and endure rain, snow, and harsh temperatures for year-round use.
Glass Pool Enclosures Cost
- 200x stronger than glass. Plus, it’s lighter, more flexible, and insulates more efficiently.
- Offers UV protection, and is chemical and weather-resistant
- Withstand winds of 100 to 150 MPH and snow load between 25 and 70 PSF.
- This synthetic glass is cheap and durable, but has short longevity. The panels undergo discoloration over time and can crack, chip, dent, and scratch easily unless its hard coated.
- Polycarbonate panels are not sealed units, which can fill with dirt and water, causing fog and condensation build-up.
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How Long Does It Take To Install A Spool
Installation of a cocktail pool can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the size, type, and location. A professional can install an above-ground, vinyl-lined swim spa in 3 to 4 days. Delivery of the unit may take several weeks. If you are installing an in-ground model, complete all excavation work during delivery time.
Backyard Pool Landscaping Prices
Landscaping costs$3,000 to $5,000 on average for a new installation or around $4 to $12 per square foot to add plants, trees, and shrubs around your new pool. Three of the more common styles of landscaping design for built-in pools are tropical, modern, and desert. Here are average prices if you are starting with a bare-bones yard, or you want to add features to the backyard to complement the pool area:
- Sod installation costs$0.90 $1.80 per square foot and will help regrow your grass.
- Installing a yard drainage system costs $3,400.
- Re-sloping your lawn costs $1,850 on average.
- Cutting down a tree costs $825 on average.
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What Is A Good Size Family Pool
For a family of 8 people, a pool size of 18 by 36 feet is adequate. Even if you all decide to swim at the same time, there will be enough space for everyone. A rectangular shape is the best choice for this size of the pool. If there are six or less in your family, a pool size of 16 by 32 feet will be sufficient.
Costs 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 of the pool
- 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 from region to region.
Then, we’ll look at the long-term cost associated with owning each type of pool.
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The Bottom Line: When It Comes To In
An in-ground pool can be a fantastic addition to any home it can be considered an investment in the value of your home while also being a source of fun for the whole family. Before building an in-ground pool, make sure to research materials, pool size and any other factors that might impact the costs youll have to pay to build your dream pool so you can budget accordingly in advance.
For ideas to inspire the swimming pool of your dreams, check out our swimming pool design tips.
How Do Pool Materials Impact Cost
According to Miguelez, the three most common types of materials used to construct inground swimming pools include:
Vinyl This is the lowest-cost material, and also the fastest and easiest to make. Vinyl pools can be made into many different shapes, but the material also requires the most maintenance, as the liner will need to be replaced every seven years on average. Vinyl is also the least likely to enhance your property or provide a good return on investment, Miguelez adds.
Fiberglass As a mid-range material, fiberglass is quick to install and also highly durable. The shell of a fiberglass insert can last up to 25 years, and the material is easy to maintain and resistant to algae. However, the sizes and shapes are more limited because the fiberglass must be made into a mold, and each manufacturer has a set number of molds they can pour.
Concrete The cost of a concrete pool will vary depending on whether you use gunite, shotcrete, or another method. Most are finished with plaster or an alternate material. Pardee sees a lot of L.A. homeowners using Pebble Tec, a high-end aggregate pool finish. A concrete pool takes the longest to build, usually up to 12 weeks.
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Gunite Shotcrete Or Concrete Pool Cost
A gunite pool costs between $29,000 and $60,000 with most paying around $50,960 on average for a 14 by 28 pool. The long-term 10-year cost of ownership to maintain a concrete pool averages $27,500 which is the highest of any pool material.
- You have more options regarding creative shapes for your pool.
- Typically require more chemicals and electricity to keep them swimmable.
- It may need an acid wash every four years to remove any mold or algae.
- The method used to remove the algae will also weaken the structural integrity of the concrete. This will also hasten the need for it to be resurfaced.
- Gunite pools need to completely be replastered every 10 to 15 years, which costs around $10,000.
- Gunite is the name of the process to apply concrete to a form that will create your pool shapeits created by spraying the concrete and sand mix over a metal shape made of rebar.
Is A 20×40 Pool Big
Standard pool dimensions usually measure something like 10 x 20, 15 x 30, and 20 x 40, with an average depth around 5.5 feet. 10 x 20 is considered a small in-ground pool, while a 20 x 40-foot pool is on the larger side of things. Therefore, its important to consider the shape of the pool thatll best fit your needs.
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Concrete Plunge Pool Costs
Expect to pay between $20,000 and $35,000 for a concrete pool. That’s combining $2,000 to $6,000 for labor and $18,000 to $30,000 for materials.
A gunite plunge pool is custom poured and extremely durable. It needs regular maintenance including an acid wash every three to five years to prevent leaks and mold. If theres extensive damage, resurfacing the concrete can make it look new again. Pool replastering costs an average of $6,500.
Building A Swimming Pool
Compare all your quotes carefully, to be sure youre comparing like with like. A long warranty can be very important for a swimming pool, so the cheapest quote may not always be the best buy.
Of course, its important to not settle for an inferior quality pool. A swimming pool is a significant investment, and a pool that lasts is a better investment than a pool that constantly needs repairs.
*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.
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X20 Inground Pool Cost
This is considered a small pool, but its sufficient if youre working within a small space, or if you primarily intend to use it for lounging or cooling off. The cost of a 10-foot by 20-foot inground pool will be between $18,000 and $26,500, depending on the type of material used. Materials and their average associated costs are as follows:
- Concrete, $26,500
- Vinyl, $18,000
High Wind & Snow Loads
Pool enclosures in areas with hurricanes, high winds, or heavy snow loads cost 10% more. All-season pool enclosures require sloped roofs and a gutter system to facilitate rain and snowmelt runoff, a reinforced and interlocking frame, larger framing or structural members, bracing or steel wire cables, and high-quality glass or sheet glazing certified for hurricane and heavy snow load.
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How Much Does A 15′ By 30′ Inground Pool Cost
A 15 foot wide by 30 foot long vinyl liner swimming pool can cost at least $30,000 and often runs $40,000 or more depending on the options you choose.
For fiberglass pools of similar dimensions, you can expect to pay $45,000 or more for basic packages. Concrete pools of this size can easily cost at least $55,000, just for the basics.
How Size And Materials Impact Pool Cost
Per square foot, expect a rate of approximately $50 to $125 . Typically a fiberglass pool will cost between $18,000 and $40,000 to install. Concrete should be in the $29,000 to $60,000 range. If you go with a vinyl pool, expect an installation project cost of $25,000 to $45,000.
Average inground pool prices for each of those materials are as follows for various standard sizes:
- 10 x 20: concrete $30,000 fiberglass $27,000 vinyl $22,000
- 10 x 30: concrete $43,000 fiberglass $39,000 vinyl $31,000
- 12 x 20: concrete $35,000 fiberglass $32,000 vinyl $25,500
- 12 x 24: concrete $41,000 fiberglass $37,500 vinyl $30,000
- 12 x 30: concrete $50,500 fiberglass $46,000 vinyl $35,500
- 14 x 28: concrete $54,500 fiberglass $49,500 vinyl $39,500
- 15 x 30: concrete $66,500 fiberglass $60,500 vinyl $48,500
- 16 x 32: concrete $74,500 fiberglass $67,500 vinyl $54,500
- 18 x 36: concrete $92,000 fiberglass $83,500 vinyl $66,500
- 20 x 40: concrete $124,000 fiberglass $113,500 vinyl $92,500
- 25 x 45: concrete $188,000 fiberglass $173,500 vinyl $144,000
- 30 x 50: concrete $237,000 fiberglass $217,500 vinyl $178,500
It will usually add about $2000 to your project cost to choose a saltwater pool.
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Six: Contact Landscaping Or Pool Professional
Once your ground is level on all sections, consider hiring a professional for pool installation. Alternatively, you can choose to follow all the instructions indicated in the aboveground pool manual. Before installing the pool, ensure you have some background knowledge or experience. If you dont, seek professional help from a pool expert.
Salt Water Pool Heater
Inground salt water pool heaters cost between $550 to over $10,000, with most pool owners spending from $2,200 to $3,500, and another $400 to $500 for installation. What drives the difference in heater prices for pool heaters is how much water you need to heat, and what the rise in temperature is from the average coldest temperature to the desired water temperature. A heater for an above-ground salt water pool costs from $50 to $200.
- Electric tankless water heaters are suitable for small pools that dont need for the temperature to rise too much, and these generally start between $500 and $600.
- Larger and more powerful electric pool water heaters average between $1,500 and $3,500, while the similar gas-powered pool water heaters fall between $800 and $2,500.
- Electric pump water heaters cost anywhere from $2,500 to$10,000 and these work in hotter climates and transfer the heat in the air to the water in the pool, and they do so very economically.
- A salt water pool heater for your inground pool will cost $50 to $250 per month in electrical costs.
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The Different Types Of Pool Construction
One of the first things youll have to consider is what type of pool construction youd prefer to have. Generally, there are three types:
- Vinyl-lined
- Cement
- Fiberglass
Typically, vinyl-lined swimming pools are the least expensive to install. While vinyl-lined pools are inground pools and require excavating the ground they require more maintenance than cement or fiberglass swimming pools. This is due to the liner having to be replaced every 5 years or so. While the installation process is fast, you will need to consider whether the upkeep and maintenance costs are worth it.
Cement pools are a popular inground option because theyre extremely flexible . And, because they are painted, you have the freedom to make them any colour you like and even add custom designs. However, the porous nature of concrete can lead to algae and bacteria growth. This means cement pools require more maintenance. They also have a labour-intensive installation process that can get quite costly and does require quite a bit of time.
Fiberglass pools, however, are an excellent option. Not only do they come pre-fabricated , they can be both inground or freestanding . Their gel coating protects the shell from UV damage as well as algae and bacteria. This makes them much easier to maintain and requires fewer chemical treatments. Their flexible construction also allows them to naturally shift with the ground around them, and they are less prone to cracking.
