How Much Does it Cost to Put in a Pool?

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How much does it cost to build an in ground swimming pool?  We get this question from almost every potential client, and in this  section we’re going to break down the costs as plainly as we can.  It’s easy to understand why the cost of putting in a pool can be so confusing.  A quick internet search will tell you that the average cost to install an in ground swimming pool is somewhere between $10,000 and $150,000... wait... what?  That’s a heck of a big price range!   So how much does an inground concrete pool really cost to install?  Well, if your looking for a quick answer, scroll down to the bottom of the page and look over a few of our pool packages and example estimates!  However, if you’re the type of person that likes a little more detailed information, follow along as we break down some of the typical pool costs.

First, we start with the pool shell itself.  A small concrete pool (10’ x 20’) costs approximately $35,000 to build. This includes all the minimum costs of excavating and hauling away the soil, forming the shell, installing rebar & wire mesh structure, placing the underground plumbing, placing the gunite or shotcrete, installing the tile, and installing a smooth quartz interior finish.  If you want to go bigger, the price increases somewhat proportionally to the size of the pool.  In addition, a deeper pool costs more.  As soon as you go over 5’ deep, costs can rise significantly.  The shape of the pool does not impact the cost very much, the price is mostly based on surface area of the pool floor, walls, etc.

A basic equipment package for any pool will include an energy efficient pump, water filter, pool timer, and a sanitizer.  A basic pool equipment package starts at $5,000.  Common upgrades to the pool equipment we typically see people wanting to add include: salt water pool sanitizer ($1,500), Color LED lights ($750 ea.), remote pool control ($2,000), electric heat pump ($5,500) or gas heater ($5,000), solar pool panels ($6,000), and the list goes on.  There are a ton of equipment choices out there, and we are happy to make recommendations as well as explain the pros and cons of each to you.

The three most common types of pool decking are textured coated concrete, pavers, and travertine. Concrete is typically coated with a textured acrylic and extends over the edge of the pool shell to form a pool coping.  Coated textured concrete pool decks cost around $20 per square foot.  Adding multiple colors or patterns can increase the cost.  For very small pool decks, pavers will generally cost more than concrete decks due to the high cost of installing pool coping.  However, as the pool deck area grows larger, basic paver pricing can approach the cost of concrete and be competitive choice.  Keep in mind that paver pricing can increase substantially depending on the chosen color, pattern, size, and the amount of coping being installed.  Generally, paver pool decks run $20-30 per square foot installed.  The third option, travertine, is a natural stone, and is the most expensive to install.  Basic travertine starts around $30 per square foot installed, but as with pavers, it varies based on the color, pattern, and size. Pool decks can be as small as 200 square feet, while most of the ones we build average 400-600 square feet. Don’t forget you will likely incur some additional cost to match-up any existing concrete areas you have such as patios and covered lanais to your new pool deck based on what you choose.

Second only to the pool shell, a screen enclosure is usually one of the most expensive items in adding a pool to your home.  In most places, a screen enclosure is optional, as a fence can be installed around the pool.  However, if you live in The Villages or other planned community, you will likely be required to have a screen enclosure, as fences are prohibited.  Some exceptions to the rule may include villas or homes with existing fenced back yards. Screen enclosures usually extend off of one wall of your home and cover the entire pool and deck area.  A typical small pool screen enclosure with one door will cost approximately $12,000.  Most enclosures average around 400-1,000 square feet, and for larger pools with enclosures that span the back of the home, they can easily reach the 1,500 square foot range. You can also upgrade screen enclosures with options such as: insect screening, solar (shade) screening, privacy screening, panoramic (wide) openings, double doors, as well as decorative concrete columns.  Some screen enclosures can cost upwards of $50K to $100K or more!

Many additional features and options can be added to your pool, including some very popular ones such as: spillover spa ($15,000), sun-shelf ($3,000), deck jets ($750 ea.), water bubblers ($750 ea.), raised waterfalls ($4,000), rock waterfalls ($5,000), in-pool table and barstools ($7,500), water slides ($5,000) and so on. The more features you add, the higher the final cost of the pool.

As you can see from the variables and options identified above, it really is hard to give someone a “ballpark price” for a swimming pool.  However, to make it easier, we’ve provided three different sized pool estimates for your review below.  The examples provided are actual pools we've built locally for actual prices.  In addition, if you have an idea of what you want in your pool, you can approximate the cost by reviewing the pricing outlined above and below.  But, no doubt the very best way to price out your pool is to have us come out and give you a free design and estimate!  You will receive an amazing pool design with a detailed estimate that includes 3D views of the pool of your dreams with your home featured in the design.  If you would like to get your free estimate and design, please click or call today and we will be happy meet with you and help turn your backyard dreams into reality!