What Is the Average Cost of an Outdoor Pool? 6 Factors to Consider
JB
Last updated 03/08/2024 by
Julie Bawden-DavisThinking about installing an outdoor pool in your backyard? The idea is tempting for many obvious reasons. That’s why there are 10.4 million residential pools in the U.S. (source). But it isn’t an easy decision to make.
Before you can even think about installing your own pool, you first have to analyze the cost. And if you ever plan on selling your home, it’s also important to figure out whether adding a pool will increase or decrease the value of your home.
So, let’s take a closer look at six features that will affect the cost of your pool installation.
Get Competing Home Improvement Loan Offers
Compare rates from multiple vetted lenders. Discover your lowest eligible rate.
It's quick, free and won’t hurt your credit score
Outdoor pool cost breakdown
According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of installing an outdoor pool can range from $20,000 to $80,000, but most homeowners spend between $33,812 and $57,933.
Recent reports show that in-ground pools average about $39,000″
“Recent reports show that in-ground pools average about $39,000,” says Don Barlow, founder and owner of Finyl Vinyl, which manufactures vinyl fencing. Fencing is generally part of a pool installation, but we’ll get there in a minute.
The overall cost of a pool installation depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the costs.
1) Average cost by pool design
The type of pool design you choose to install will have a huge impact on the cost. Here’s a quick look at your options and the average cost of each.
To help you choose which type of design you want, read the pros and cons of each.
2) Pool material and sanitation options
That material you choose for your pool will affect the overall cost. It also affects the cost of labor. Some pool materials are easier to work with than others.
- Concrete is typically used for larger pools. It’s long-lasting and durable, but attracts algae and mold. That means it needs an acid wash every three to five years. It’s the most expensive material with the highest labor costs. Expect to pay $50,000 to $100,000 to install a concrete pool, according to HomeAdvisor.
- Vinyl comes in various shapes, including custom designs. It’s easy to maintain and doesn’t grow algae. It’s also the easiest to install. Vinyl usually costs between $35,000 to $50,000, and requires replacement at some point.
- Fiberglass pools are long-lasting and come in pre-formed shells. The size of a fiberglass pool is usually limited to 16 feet across, as they are breakable. But they are simple to maintain. The cost for fiberglass pools ranges from $45,000 to $85,000.
When choosing which type of pool material, you also need to consider maintenance costs. Over the course of 10 years, concrete will cost the most to maintain at $27,400, while vinyl will cost $11,500, and fiberglass $3,750.
You’ll also have the choice of chlorine or salt water. According to Fixr, chlorine will cost between $300 and $800 a year, and salt water will cost about $1500 for the initial installation with a yearly cost ranging between $70 and $100 thereafter.
3) Average pool costs by siize and location
The size of your pool has a big impact on the cost. Therefore, an extra-large pool (18×36) with a 9- to 12-foot deep end costs a lot of money. Such a pool will start at about $35,000.
Small pools start at $10,000, while medium pools (14×28) will run you around $20,000. Figure on about $50 per square foot of pool. Where you have the pool installed is another big cost factor.
If you install on a flat, easily-accessible area, it will cost you the least in labor. Out-of-the way or rugged locations cost more. Sloping yards are also more labor-intensive and expensive. For slopes, you can cut some costs by having a semi-in-ground pool installed.
4) Average cost of fencing
Fencing is a necessary safety precaution that will cost you from $15 to $19 per linear foot. How much fencing you need depends on the size of the pool.
5) Average cost of pool engineering and labor
Though you can save money on most aspects of your pool project, avoid using the cheapest labor, advises Ostap Bosak. He is manager at Marquis Gardens, which carries water feature and pond supplies.
Says Bosak, “While having your pool properly designed and engineered costs money, it costs more if it isn’t done right the first time. Of the customers who come into our shop with pool problems, 90% could have been avoided in the design and installation stage.”
Pool custom features
Of course, if you have extra features added to your pool design, you’ll pay more. Unusual shapes cost more, as well as spas, slides, waterfalls, large, decorative rocks, special lighting, and diving boards. Additions can run from a few hundred dollars for a diving board to several thousand for a spa.
How to finance your new outdoor pool
If you don’t have cash on hand to pay for your outdoor pool, consider getting an online personal loan. A number of lenders such as Avant, LightStream, and Prosper offer personal loans that can be used to install your pool. The application process is easy and you could get approval in as little as a day. Keep in mind that approval is based on your credit.
If you want to find out if you qualify for a personal loan without hurting your credit, use SuperMoney’s loan offer engine. All you do is answer a few simple questions, and you’ll receive offers from various lenders.
You can then head over to our Personal Loans Review Page to compare rates and narrow down your options because different personal loans come with different rates, fees and requirements. Be sure to check out what the best personal loans are to ensure that you choose the best option for you.
JB
Julie Bawden-Davis is a widely published journalist specializing in personal finance and small business. She has written 10 books and more than 2,500 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications, including Parade.com, where she has a weekly column. In addition to contributing to SuperMoney, her work has appeared in publications such as American Express OPEN Forum, The Hartford and Forbes.
Share this post: