A well-built swimming pool in the ground is a great asset to any property. Even if you aren’t a keen swimmer, a swimming area adds an air of fun and joy to your yard. An in-ground pool is a wonderful option for those who enjoy swimming for exercise or for their children.
An above-ground pool is a great way to get started quickly and at a lower cost than an inground pool. An in-ground swimming pool can be a permanent addition to your property and adds substantial value. An in-ground pool can be integrated seamlessly into your yard with optional landscaping and paving.
An in-ground pool can be more costly and takes longer to build than an above ground pool. Even the smallest in-ground pool is more expensive than an above-ground one. An in-ground pool can be a permanent, aesthetic, durable, or resale asset to your home.
Average In-Ground Pool Cost
In-ground swimming pools are the cheapest at $37,000 to $67,000. The cost of an above-ground pool that measures 32 feet in length and 16 feet wide will run between $6,000 to $8,000, including installation. A small above-ground pool will cost four to five times as much as the largest pool on the market.
Tip
Prices will vary depending on where you live, the soil type, your local codes and the availability of contractors. Every project is unique so it’s important to gather several quotes before you decide on a price for your in-ground pool.
Fiberglass In-Ground Pool Cost
A concrete in-ground pool is usually the strongest and most popular, but a fiberglass pool liner can help you save a lot of money. A fiberglass pool can cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $37,000. Fiberglass pools are small in size.
Cost of small in-ground pools
Although the in-ground pool averages 14 feet in width by 28 feet in length, some contractors may be able to create a smaller pool at a lower price. A 10-foot by 20 foot in-ground pool can be built for as little as $10,000 to $25,000. This small pool will cost between $14,400 and $36,000 if you add 2 feet to its width and 4 to its length.
Warn!
Safety fencing is required in most communities around pools. This means that you need to budget additional $10,000 for fencing. This does not apply to above-ground pools.
Installation of an In-Ground Swimming Pool
An in-ground swimming pool takes between 40 and 60 days to build. The various concrete layers must cure before the pool can be constructed. This means that the total construction time will take between two and three weeks.
- Initial meeting: You will discuss the type of pool you would like, along with any special features, when you meet the pool contractor.
- Plans and Permits – The contractor designs plans, and submits building permit applications.
- Layout: This is the basic shape of your swimming pool.
- Digging: The earthmovers arrive to dig the pit for the pool.
- Plumbing: A plumber installs pipes for heating and filtration. This takes approximately two days.
- Rebar: This is the underlying steel structure that is hammered into the ground.
- Both Electric and Gas Connections: These cables can be run along with optional gas lines to connect extras such as a barbecue or firepit.
- Shotcrete is concrete that is poured through hoses into the structure of the rebar and left to cure for five to 6 days.
- Tile and Coping: Professional tilers install tile coping at the upper edge of your pool.
- Decking: The decking is made from concrete. Natural stone, concrete pavers or concrete pavers can be laid around the pool.
- Inspections: To inspect the pool site and sign off on any work, permitting officers must be present.
- Pool Surface: A smooth surfacing material is applied to the top of the pool’s surface using high-pressure hoses.
- Filling the Pool: It takes approximately two days to fill the pool.
In-Ground Pools vs. Above-Ground Pools
There are clear pros and cons to help you make the decision about whether you want an in-ground or above-ground pool. After reviewing all details, most homeowners find the decision to buy a pool easy.
In-Ground Pools
For homeowners who plan to stay in their home for many years, in-ground swimming pools are the best option. In-ground swimming pools are more popular in warmer climates because they have longer swimming seasons. They also receive more use than those in wetter regions.
- Property value increases
- Durable
- Permanent fixture in the yard
Property value increases
Permanent fixture in the yard
- It is expensive to build
- Access to the yard must be possible for earthmoving equipment
- Longer build time
It is expensive to build
Access to the yard must be possible for earthmoving equipment
Longer build time
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground swimming pools work best for homeowners who are looking to get started swimming quickly, often in a matter of days or less, and want to keep costs down.
- In-ground pools are much more expensive
- Can be installed by the homeowner
- It is not permanent and can be removed
In-ground pools are much more expensive
Can be installed by the homeowner
It is not permanent and can be removed
- This may be considered an eyesore
- Leakage is a serious problem
- Inclement weather can cause damage
This may be considered an eyesore
Leakage is a serious problem
Inclement weather can cause damage
