You're standing in your backyard, staring at that patch of grass where a trampoline used to be, or maybe where a garden went to die, and you think: I want a pool. Not a blow-up one. A real, deep, shimmering built-in pool. But then the panic hits. You’ve heard the horror stories about neighbors spending $150,000 on a hole in the ground that took eight months to finish.
So, how much is a built in pool exactly? Honestly, it’s a bit like asking "how much is a house?" It depends on whether you're looking at a fixer-upper or a mansion. In 2026, the average homeowner is shelling out between $44,500 and $87,500 for a standard inground installation.
But don't get too attached to those numbers. Prices fluctuate wildly based on where you live, what the dirt under your feet is made of, and whether you want a basic rectangle or a resort-style lagoon that makes your house look like a Four Seasons.
The Material Math: Vinyl vs. Fiberglass vs. Concrete
The biggest factor in your final bill is what the pool is actually made of. You basically have three choices.
Vinyl Liner Pools
These are the entry-level options. They’re great if you want to get into the water without taking out a second mortgage. Usually, you’re looking at $35,000 to $65,000. The upside? The surface is smooth as silk. The downside? You’re going to have to replace that liner every 7 to 12 years, and that’ll cost you about $4,000 to $7,000 a pop. It's a "pay now or pay later" situation.
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Fiberglass Pools
These have exploded in popularity recently because they’re basically "drop-in" pools. A massive pre-molded shell arrives on a flatbed truck, a crane drops it in a hole, and you’re swimming in weeks, not months. Prices usually range from $55,000 to $100,000. They are incredibly durable and the non-porous surface means you spend way less on chemicals. However, you’re limited to the shapes the manufacturer offers. If you want a pool shaped like a Fender Stratocaster, fiberglass isn't for you.
Concrete (Gunite) Pools
This is the gold standard. If you can dream it, a concrete crew can build it. Want a beach entry? Done. A built-in bar? Easy. But it’ll cost you. A basic concrete pool starts around $65,000 and can easily soar past $120,000. They also take forever to build—think three to six months of construction dust—and the maintenance is the highest of the three. You’ll need to acid wash it every few years and resurface it eventually, which isn't cheap.
The "Hidden" Costs That No One Mentions
Most people look at the quote from the pool builder and think that’s the total. It’s not. Not even close. You have to think about the "aftermath."
First, there’s the dirt. When you dig a 20,000-gallon hole, you end up with a mountain of soil. Some contractors include "hauling" in their bid, but others don't. If they don't, you might be looking at $1,000 to $3,000 just to get that dirt off your property.
Then there’s the fence. Most local laws require a 4- or 5-foot safety barrier. Depending on if you want cheap chain link or fancy wrought iron, you could be adding $3,000 to $12,000 to your project cost just for the sake of safety and legal compliance.
And don't forget the electrician. Your pool pump, heater, and lights need power. Unless your pool builder has an in-house electrical team, you'll need to hire a pro. This usually runs between $3,000 and $5,000, especially if your current breaker panel needs an upgrade to handle the new load.
Why Your Zip Code Changes Everything
Location matters. If you live in Florida or Arizona, pool builders are everywhere, and the competition keeps prices somewhat stable (though labor is still tight). But if you’re in the Northeast or Midwest, you’re dealing with a shorter building season and potentially rockier soil.
- California & New York: Expect to pay a 20% premium. High permit fees and strict environmental regulations push the "national average" right out the window.
- The South: You might find a basic vinyl pool for closer to $40,000 because the "dig" is easier and the labor market is more saturated with pool pros.
A weird quirk of 2026 is that shipping costs for fiberglass shells have spiked. If you live far from a manufacturer, the "delivery fee" alone could be $5,000. It’s always worth asking where the shell is coming from before you sign.
Maintenance: The Forever Bill
When you ask "how much is a built in pool," you’re also asking about your monthly budget for the next twenty years. It's not a "set it and forget it" purchase.
- Electricity: Running a pump 8–12 hours a day will add $30 to $100 to your monthly power bill.
- Chemicals: Chlorine, pH balancers, and algaecides aren't getting any cheaper. Budget about $500 to $800 per year for a standard pool.
- Opening/Closing: If you live in a climate that freezes, hiring a pro to winterize the pipes and cover the pool costs about $300 to $600 each season.
Is It Actually Worth It?
From a purely financial standpoint, a pool rarely "pays for itself." Real estate experts like those at Realtor.com generally suggest that a pool adds about 5% to 8% to your home's value. If you spend $80,000 on a pool and your house is worth $500,000, you’re not getting that $80k back when you sell.
But you aren't buying a pool as a stock investment. You're buying it for the Saturday afternoon BBQs and the kids actually staying off their phones for two hours. That’s the "lifestyle" ROI that's hard to put on a spreadsheet.
Smart Ways to Save (Without Being Cheap)
If the numbers are making your eyes water, there are ways to trim the fat.
- Skip the Heater: Unless you plan on swimming in October, a heater is a $4,000 upfront cost plus massive gas/electric bills.
- Simple Shapes: Curves cost money. A classic rectangle is easier to dig, easier to frame, and—most importantly—easier to buy a standard cover for.
- Off-Season Planning: Builders are desperate for work in the late fall and early winter. If you sign a contract in November, you might get a "winter discount" that saves you 5% to 10% compared to the spring rush.
Your Immediate To-Do List
Before you call a contractor, do these three things:
- Check Your Property Plat: Find out where your utility lines and easements are. If you have to move a sewer line, your $60,000 pool just became an $80,000 pool.
- Call Your Insurance Agent: A pool is a "luxury" but also a "liability." Your homeowners' insurance premium will go up. Find out by how much before you dig.
- Set a 15% Contingency: Something will go wrong. You'll hit a massive rock, or the city will demand a specific type of drainage. Having $10,000 set aside prevents the project from stalling halfway through.
Getting a built-in pool is a massive undertaking, but as long as you go in with your eyes open to the "real" costs—not just the ones on the glossy brochure—you'll be much happier when that first cannonball finally happens.