How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 8 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $40,000 to $90,000 for an inground pool, with an average of about $66,000 installed. That average matches Angi's 2026 in-ground figure ($66,000) and sits close to HomeGuide's $62,500 and HomeAdvisor's $65,909. The pool type (vinyl, fiberglass or concrete), its size, your soil and yard access, and the deck and fence you add around it drive most of the difference.
- Typical cost
- $40,000–$90,000
- National average
- $66,000
- Full range
- $16,000–$200,000
The typical range covers a standard-size (roughly 12x24 to 15x30 ft) vinyl, fiberglass or concrete pool with basic equipment, a code-compliant fence and a modest deck; large concrete pools with spas, automatic covers and extensive hardscape reach the national high. Prices are per installed pool.
Inground pool cost by type
The three main construction types differ in upfront price, lifespan and upkeep. The table compiles installed prices for a standard-size pool from four cost guides. The QuoteRuler range is where they overlap, before adding a deck or fence.
| Pool type | Installed range in sources | QuoteRuler typical range | Expected life of shell or liner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl liner | $20,000–$75,000 (Angi, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, This Old House) | $30,000–$65,000 | Liner about 10 years |
| Fiberglass | $25,000–$100,000 (Angi, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, This Old House) | $45,000–$85,000 | About 25 years |
| Concrete / gunite | $50,000–$120,000 (HomeGuide, Angi, HomeAdvisor, This Old House) | $60,000–$120,000 | 50–100 years, resurfaced every 10–15 |
Lifespans are from NerdWallet's summary of HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide and Angi data. Sources disagree mostly on scope. Angi's vinyl and fiberglass ranges are the lowest because they describe the pool itself, while This Old House prices a complete 12x24 project ($38,000–$100,000) and HomeAdvisor's ranges include more site work. Fiberglass maker River Pools quotes $75,000–$100,000 for an entry-level complete backyard with patio, which shows how far a full project can sit above the pool-only figures.
Estimate your cost
Pick the pool type and size, keep or remove the deck and safety fence, and add a heater if you plan to swim outside summer.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Vinyl liner pools
Vinyl is the cheapest to build. A steel or polymer wall frame sits in the excavation, a sand or grout floor is poured, and a custom vinyl liner covers it. The trade-off is the liner: HomeGuide prices a replacement at $3,000 to $7,500 about every 10 years, and the liner can tear.
Fiberglass pools
A fiberglass pool is a factory-made shell set into the hole by crane, so installation is fast. The shell limits you to the manufacturer's shapes and to widths that can travel by road. This Old House puts fiberglass upkeep well below concrete, and the gel-coat surface resists algae.
Concrete and gunite pools
Concrete (gunite or shotcrete) pools are built in place, so any shape, depth or feature is possible. They take the longest to build and cost the most to maintain. This Old House estimates 10-year maintenance at $27,000–$40,000 for concrete versus $11,000–$17,000 for vinyl. Resurfacing runs $8,000–$10,000 every 10 to 15 years (HomeGuide); see our pool resurfacing cost guide for finish options.
Cost by pool size
| Pool size | HomeGuide | This Old House | HomeAdvisor (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 ft | $16,000–$50,000 | $26,000–$70,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| 12x24 ft | $23,000–$72,000 | $38,000–$100,000 | about $25,200 |
| 14x28 ft | $31,400–$98,000 | $51,000–$137,000 | about $34,000 |
| 16x32 ft | $41,000–$128,000 | $67,000–$180,000 | about $44,800 |
| 20x40 ft | $64,000–$200,000 | not listed | about $70,000 |
HomeAdvisor's per-size figures look low because they are pool-only estimates at a flat rate per square foot; its own type ranges start at $40,000. Per-square-foot rates vary just as much: $50–$125 (Angi), $80–$250 (HomeGuide) and $90–$250 (HomeAdvisor). Our calculator's size factors follow the ratios between sizes in HomeGuide and This Old House.
Labor vs. materials
Building a pool is heavy site work. Angi says contractor labor makes up 25% to 50% of the total, and excavation alone can reach half of construction cost on difficult lots. The shell, liner, equipment and concrete make up the rest.
We use a labor share of 40% for our state adjustment. It sits in the middle of Angi's range: lower for a fiberglass shell, where the factory-built pool is a big share of the bill, and higher for concrete, which This Old House and HomeGuide both say carries more labor because it is formed, sprayed and finished on site.
What drives the price up or down
- Excavation and soil. Angi puts excavation at about $3,400 on average and up to $20,000 for hard-to-reach yards. HomeGuide's range is $1,000–$5,000. Rock, tree roots and high groundwater add more; This Old House says large rocks can "substantially add to the cost," and blasting may be needed in some areas.
- Grading and access. Sloped lots may need retaining walls, which River Pools prices at $10,000 to $35,000 or more. If equipment can't reach the yard, a fence section or landscaping may need removing and restoring. Trees in the dig zone add removal costs; see our tree removal cost guide.
- Equipment. Every pool needs a pump ($300–$1,600) and filter ($300–$1,700) (HomeGuide). A salt chlorine generator adds $1,100–$2,200 (HomeGuide, This Old House), and a heater adds $1,600–$5,500.
- Deck and hardscape. Decking runs $3,000–$12,000 at HomeAdvisor and $5,000–$20,000 at This Old House, depending on size and material. Pavers and stone cost several times more per square foot than broom-finished concrete.
- Covers. A manual safety cover costs $1,000–$3,600, and an automatic cover $8,000–$20,000 (HomeGuide).
- Features. Lights ($450–$1,800), a slide ($1,000–$4,000), a diving board ($300–$700) or an attached spa ($6,000–$15,000 if built with the pool) all add up (HomeGuide).
- Permits. HomeGuide lists $100–$300; Angi and This Old House list $450–$1,800. Most builders include the permit in the contract.
Fencing required by code
Nearly every jurisdiction requires a barrier around a residential pool. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Safety Barrier Guidelines recommend a fence at least 48 inches high with no gap large enough for a 4-inch sphere to pass through, and gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing and self-latching. Where the house forms one side of the barrier, doors to the pool should have alarms. Your local code may be stricter. Budget $3,000–$10,000 (This Old House) to $5,000–$15,000 (HomeGuide) for the fence; aluminum runs about $30–$45 per linear foot. Our fence installation cost guide covers materials in more detail.
Inground pool cost by state
Pool prices swing widely by region. This Old House estimates Northeastern states and urban areas run about 15% to 25% above average, and Angi's state data cited by NerdWallet ranges from $34,000–$55,000 in Alabama to $52,000–$79,000 in Vermont. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (40%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,400–$86,400 | $63,400 | -4.0% |
| Alaska | $40,300–$90,600 | $66,400 | +0.7% |
| Arizona | $40,200–$90,400 | $66,300 | +0.4% |
| Arkansas | $37,800–$85,100 | $62,400 | -5.4% |
| California | $42,000–$94,500 | $69,300 | +5.0% |
| Colorado | $40,200–$90,500 | $66,400 | +0.6% |
| Connecticut | $40,600–$91,300 | $67,000 | +1.5% |
| Delaware | $39,900–$89,700 | $65,800 | -0.3% |
| District of Columbia | $41,700–$93,900 | $68,900 | +4.3% |
| Florida | $40,600–$91,300 | $66,900 | +1.4% |
| Georgia | $39,500–$88,800 | $65,100 | -1.3% |
| Hawaii | $41,400–$93,100 | $68,300 | +3.4% |
| Idaho | $38,600–$86,900 | $63,700 | -3.4% |
| Illinois | $39,800–$89,600 | $65,700 | -0.4% |
| Indiana | $38,800–$87,200 | $63,900 | -3.1% |
| Iowa | $38,200–$86,000 | $63,000 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $38,400–$86,400 | $63,400 | -4.0% |
| Kentucky | $38,500–$86,600 | $63,500 | -3.8% |
| Louisiana | $38,100–$85,800 | $62,900 | -4.7% |
| Maine | $39,500–$89,000 | $65,200 | -1.2% |
| Maryland | $40,600–$91,400 | $67,100 | +1.6% |
| Massachusetts | $41,300–$93,000 | $68,200 | +3.3% |
| Michigan | $39,100–$87,900 | $64,500 | -2.3% |
| Minnesota | $39,700–$89,400 | $65,600 | -0.6% |
| Mississippi | $38,000–$85,400 | $62,600 | -5.1% |
| Missouri | $38,700–$87,000 | $63,800 | -3.3% |
| Montana | $38,400–$86,500 | $63,400 | -3.9% |
| Nebraska | $38,500–$86,500 | $63,500 | -3.8% |
| Nevada | $39,500–$88,900 | $65,200 | -1.2% |
| New Hampshire | $40,800–$91,900 | $67,400 | +2.1% |
| New Jersey | $41,400–$93,200 | $68,300 | +3.6% |
| New Mexico | $38,500–$86,500 | $63,500 | -3.8% |
| New York | $41,200–$92,700 | $68,000 | +3.0% |
| North Carolina | $39,100–$87,900 | $64,400 | -2.4% |
| North Dakota | $38,200–$85,900 | $63,000 | -4.6% |
| Ohio | $38,700–$87,000 | $63,800 | -3.3% |
| Oklahoma | $38,100–$85,800 | $62,900 | -4.7% |
| Oregon | $40,800–$91,700 | $67,200 | +1.9% |
| Pennsylvania | $39,600–$89,100 | $65,300 | -1.0% |
| Rhode Island | $40,200–$90,500 | $66,400 | +0.6% |
| South Carolina | $38,900–$87,600 | $64,200 | -2.7% |
| South Dakota | $38,100–$85,700 | $62,900 | -4.8% |
| Tennessee | $38,800–$87,300 | $64,000 | -3.0% |
| Texas | $39,600–$89,000 | $65,300 | -1.1% |
| Utah | $39,200–$88,200 | $64,700 | -2.0% |
| Vermont | $39,500–$88,800 | $65,100 | -1.4% |
| Virginia | $40,100–$90,300 | $66,200 | +0.3% |
| Washington | $41,400–$93,100 | $68,300 | +3.4% |
| West Virginia | $38,400–$86,300 | $63,300 | -4.1% |
| Wisconsin | $38,900–$87,500 | $64,200 | -2.8% |
| Wyoming | $38,500–$86,700 | $63,600 | -3.7% |
Climate matters too. In warm states, builders are busy year-round and pools get more use, while in cold states you pay for opening, winterizing and often a heater to extend a short season.
DIY kit vs. hiring a pool builder
Online retailers sell DIY inground pool kits for a fraction of an installed price, but a kit is mostly the walls, liner and basic equipment. Excavation, plumbing, electrical work, the concrete floor or collar, backfill, the deck and the fence are still on you. Pool wiring involves bonding and grounding rules, so electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician, and most areas require a permit and inspections for the pool, the electrical work and the barrier. Unless you have heavy-equipment experience, the safer route is a licensed pool contractor who carries liability and workers' compensation insurance.
How to save money on an inground pool
- Choose a standard size and shape. Cost scales with surface area. A 12x24 pool costs a little over half as much as a 16x32 in both HomeGuide's and This Old House's tables.
- Plan ahead of the rush. Many homeowners want a pool ready by summer, so getting quotes and permits in fall or winter can give you more choice of builders and start dates.
- Phase the extras. Pour a basic concrete deck now and upgrade to pavers later, or add a heater, lights or a spa in a second phase if the builder stubs out the plumbing and wiring.
- Think in 10-year cost, not sticker price. Vinyl is cheapest to build but needs liners; concrete costs most to maintain. Compare each quote's expected liner, resurfacing and chemical costs.
- Pick efficient equipment. A variable-speed pump uses less electricity than a single-speed pump, and a solar or heat pump heater can cut heating bills compared with gas, depending on your climate and utility rates.
- Get at least three itemized quotes for the same size, type and scope.
How to compare pool contractor quotes
A complete quote should list:
- Pool type, exact dimensions, depth and the shell or liner brand and warranty.
- Excavation, soil haul-off, and what happens if the crew hits rock or water (a per-hour or per-load rate, not "TBD").
- Equipment by model: pump, filter, heater, sanitizer and automation.
- Coping, waterline tile, deck size and material.
- Electrical work, gas line for a heater, permits and inspections.
- The fence or barrier, or a clear note that it is excluded.
- Start-up chemicals, first fill and a start-up walkthrough.
- Payment schedule tied to construction milestones.
Red flags: a large deposit before permits are issued, a price that excludes excavation surprises without a stated rate, no proof of license or insurance, and advertised "starting at" specials that leave out the deck, fence and electrical work.
Hidden and ongoing costs people forget
- Annual operating costs. Routine maintenance runs $960–$1,800 a year (HomeGuide, Angi), plus $300–$1,300 a year in electricity (Angi). Opening costs $150–$400 and winterizing $150–$300 in cold climates.
- Heating bills. Running a heater can cost $120–$850 a month while in use (Angi).
- Water. Filling the pool by truck can cost $400–$2,400 (HomeGuide) if your water supply is limited.
- Liner or surface replacement. Vinyl liners ($3,000–$7,500) and concrete resurfacing ($8,000–$10,000) come due every 10 to 15 years (HomeGuide).
- Insurance. Pools usually raise homeowners premiums, and the Insurance Information Institute recommends $300,000 to $500,000 of liability coverage for pool owners (as cited by Policygenius). Ask your insurer before you build; some require a fence or cover, or exclude diving boards and slides.
- Property taxes. A permanent inground pool is generally assessed as a home improvement, so your tax bill may rise. None of our sources publish a reliable dollar figure, so ask your county assessor.
- Landscaping and yard repair after heavy equipment: $3,000–$5,000 (HomeGuide).
Bottom line
A standard inground pool with a basic deck and a code-compliant fence usually costs $40,000 to $90,000, and $66,000 is a realistic national midpoint. Vinyl is the cheapest to build, fiberglass usually has the lowest upkeep, and concrete offers the most design freedom at the highest price. Budget roughly $1,300 to $3,100 a year to maintain and power it (HomeGuide and Angi figures combined), plus liner or resurfacing costs every decade. Get three itemized quotes that spell out excavation, equipment, decking and the fence before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 20x40 inground pool cost?
HomeGuide puts a 20x40 inground pool at $64,000 to $200,000 installed, and HomeAdvisor gives a typical figure of about $70,000. The low end is a vinyl liner pool with basic equipment; the high end is a custom concrete pool with features and extensive decking. Because 20x40 is about 800 square feet of water, it costs roughly two to three times as much as a 12x24 pool.
Can you get an inground pool for $20,000?
Only in limited cases. HomeGuide's lowest installed price is about $16,000 for a small (10x20) pool, and Angi says a bare-bones inground pool can start near $19,000. That usually means a small vinyl liner pool with basic equipment and no large deck. Once you add a code-required fence and a patio, most standard pools land between $40,000 and $90,000.
What is the cheapest type of inground pool?
Vinyl liner pools have the lowest upfront cost in every source we reviewed (for example, $25,000 to $65,000 at HomeGuide versus $50,000 to $120,000 for concrete). Over time the gap narrows: a vinyl liner needs replacing about every 10 years at $3,000 to $7,500, and concrete needs resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. Fiberglass costs more up front than vinyl but usually has the lowest long-term upkeep.
How much does it cost to maintain an inground pool per year?
Routine maintenance runs about $960 to $1,800 a year ($80 to $150 a month) according to HomeGuide and Angi, plus $300 to $1,300 a year in extra electricity. HomeAdvisor's broader $3,000 to $5,000 a year includes repairs, water and utilities. Heating, opening and closing ($150 to $400 each), and periodic liner or surface replacement come on top.
How much does a heated inground pool cost?
Adding a heater costs about $1,600 to $5,500 installed across HomeGuide, Angi and This Old House, and solar heating systems run $2,500 to $6,500 (HomeGuide). Operating cost is the bigger variable: Angi estimates $120 to $850 a month while the heater is in use, depending on fuel, climate and how warm you keep the water.
Does an inground pool raise homeowners insurance and property taxes?
Usually, yes, but the amount depends on your insurer and county. This Old House and NerdWallet both note that premiums tend to rise, and the Insurance Information Institute (as cited by Policygenius) recommends carrying $300,000 to $500,000 of liability coverage if you own a pool. A permanent inground pool is generally treated as an improvement, so ask your county assessor how it will affect your assessed value.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (40% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost? — HomeGuide. Used for: National average $62,500; typical $25,000–$100,000; minimum $16,000, maximum $200,000; $80–$250 per sq ft; vinyl $25,000–$65,000, fiberglass $30,000–$85,000, concrete $50,000–$120,000; by size 10x20 $16,000–$50,000, 12x24 $23,000–$72,000, 14x28 $31,400–$98,000, 15x30 $36,000–$112,500, 16x32 $41,000–$128,000, 18x36 $51,800–$162,000, 20x40 $64,000–$200,000; excavation $1,000–$5,000; pump $300–$1,600; filter $300–$1,700; heater $1,600–$5,200; solar heater $2,500–$6,500; salt conversion $1,100–$2,200; fence $5,000–$15,000; automatic cover $8,000–$20,000; maintenance $80–$150/month; vinyl liner $3,000–$7,500 about every 10 years; concrete resurfacing $8,000–$10,000 every 10–15 years; permit $100–$300. No update date shown..
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool? — Angi. Used for: 2026 figures from 1,467 projects: in-ground $44,300–$86,500 (average $66,000), bare-bones near $19,000, large custom over $135,000; vinyl $20,000–$40,000, fiberglass $25,000–$60,000, concrete $65,000–$120,000; excavation average $3,400, up to $20,000 for inaccessible sites and up to 50% of construction cost; labor 25%–50% of total; deck $500–$20,000; fencing $1,500–$10,000; heater $1,800–$4,000 and $120–$850/month to run; filter $500–$3,000; permits $450–$1,800; maintenance $960–$1,800/year; electricity $300–$1,300/year; opening $150–$400, winterizing $150–$300..
- How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Same parent company as Angi, so not counted as independent. Average $65,909, typical $44,499–$87,349; vinyl $40,000–$75,000, fiberglass $55,000–$100,000, concrete $65,000–$120,000; 12x24 about $25,200, 16x32 about $44,800, 20x40 about $70,000; decking $3,000–$12,000; saltwater system $500–$3,300; maintenance $3,000–$5,000/year including repairs, water and electricity. Titled 2025..
- Inground Pool Cost Guide — This Old House. Used for: Updated June 6, 2025. Standard 12x24 pool $38,000–$100,000; by type at 12x24 vinyl $38,000–$70,000, fiberglass $50,000–$95,000, concrete $58,000–$100,000; 10x20 $26,000–$70,000; 16x32 $67,000–$180,000; heater $3,450–$5,450; saltwater system $1,100–$2,200; decking $5,000–$20,000; fence $3,000–$10,000; permits $450–$1,800; maintenance $90–$270/month; 10-year maintenance vinyl $11,000–$17,000, concrete $27,000–$40,000; Northeast and urban areas about 15%–25% higher; rock and roots add substantially to excavation..
- How Much a Pool Costs: In-ground vs. Above-Ground — NerdWallet. Used for: Updated August 26, 2025. In-ground average about $66,000 (citing Angi); lifespan vinyl about 10 years, fiberglass about 25 years, concrete 50–100 years; site prep $500–$3,000; heater $2,000–$4,000; filter $250–$2,000; state examples from Angi (Vermont $52,000–$79,000, Alabama $34,000–$55,000); notes pools can raise insurance premiums and property value, with taxes tending to follow..
- How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in 2025? — River Pools (fiberglass pool manufacturer). Used for: Dated February 25, 2025. Manufacturer's turnkey project ranges including patio and features: entry-level $75,000–$100,000, mid-range $100,000–$150,000, premium $150,000–$200,000; grading or retaining walls $10,000–$35,000+; automatic cover $12,000–$22,000; heating $4,000–$7,000; concrete resurfacing every 10–15 years $10,000–$20,000. Used to show the high end of complete backyard projects..
- Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Pub. 362) — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Used for: Barrier at least 48 inches high, no opening that passes a 4-inch sphere, gates that open outward and are self-closing and self-latching, door alarms where the house forms part of the barrier..
- Does Having a Pool Affect Your Homeowners Insurance? — Policygenius. Used for: Last updated July 2022 (premium figures not used because they are older). Cites the Insurance Information Institute recommendation of $300,000–$500,000 in liability coverage for pool owners..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.