How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost?
Last Updated: January 19, 2022
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When buying a swimming pool, homeowners have two basic choices: above ground and in ground. Swimming pool cost can vary quite a bit depending on the type, the materials, and optional accessories.
Swimming Pool Costs #
Installing a swimming pool above ground is by far the cheaper option. The most common choice is a 24 foot round or oval unit that holds approximately 14,000 gallons of water and costs from around $1500 to $4500 depending on the quality. Installation runs an additional $1000-$2500 or more, depending on the size of the kit. An oval pool is more expensive to purchase and install.
Another option is a rectangular above ground swimming pool. These are significantly more expensive at $10,000+ because most require a surrounding deck for support.
Large retailers such as Wal-Mart sell above ground swimming pools that cost around $200-$1000 but usually don't last more than three summers.
The price of an inground swimming pool depends mainly on the swimming pool construction materials. The cheapest option is a vinyl liner pool. For a basic, medium-sized vinyl liner pool with no patio prices start at around $18,000 and can go as high as $30000+ including installation.
The next option is a fiberglass pool. Materials alone cost between $10,000 and $30,000 based on the swimming pool size. The price including installation (without any sort of deck or patio) is $20,000 to $40,000.
The most expensive kind of swimming pool is one made of concrete. The price range for this kind of pool is $20,000 to $50,000 installed or more if alternative materials such as white plaster, quartz or pebbles are used. Also, such swimming pools require much more labor to install than others.
The above prices reflect only the pool itself and a basic kit with a swimming pool pump and filter and a ladder. Other necessary swimming pool equipment includes an extension pole with a leaf net, a wall brush, vacuum head attachment, solar and winter cover. Together, these should cost $400-$600 or slightly more.
Another must is swimming pool chemicals including chlorine or bromine, ph kits, algaecides and test strips. These generally cost around $500 per year.
Other typical swimming pool supplies include an automatic pool cleaner, stairs with a handrail and a thermometer. These could tack on $1000 or more to the total cost.
Other extras include a patio or deck, a permanent enclosure and a fence. All of these will increase the price significantly.
A heated pool will add to the homeowner's utility bills.
Shopping For A Swimmming Pool? #
- First, decide what kind of pool you want to install and then talk to several swimming pool salesmen to find the best deal. In general it is wise to pay more up front for quality construction. Cheaper pools tend to wear out, leak and require costly repairs. Poolsearch.com offers this guide for prospective pool buyers.