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Pool Installation Cost Calculator
Calculate total installed cost for a new inground or above-ground pool. See cost per square foot, estimated timeline, and annual maintenance.
Educational calculators — always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Gunite/concrete pools cost the most but are the most durable and customizable.
Steel or polymer walls with a vinyl liner. Lower upfront cost than fiberglass or gunite; liner needs replacement every 7–10 years.
Size mainly affects inground pools — above-ground kits are priced more uniformly by size.
Most common residential size. Base size used for standard cost ranges.
Select the option that best matches what you want — you can fine-tune the estimate afterward.
Skip add-ons for now — you can always add them later.
Total installed cost
$35,000 – $65,000
Vinyl Liner Inground, Medium (16×32 ft / ~500 sq ft), including selected add-ons
Cost Breakdown
Where Your Money Goes
Ongoing Costs
Maintenance costs (chemicals, cleaning, energy, seasonal opening/closing) are not included in the installed total above.
Estimates reflect national averages for educational purposes only. Material prices, permitting, and labor rates vary by region. Always get 2–3 quotes before proceeding.
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What you'll need
- ·Pool type (above-ground, vinyl liner, fiberglass, or gunite/concrete)
- ·Pool size (small, medium, or large)
- ·Desired add-ons (heater, saltwater system, decking, safety fencing, automatic cover)
What you'll get
- ✓Total installed cost range — Pool shell + labor + add-ons
- ✓Cost per square foot — For inground pool types
- ✓Estimated timeline — From install start to swim-ready
- ✓Itemized breakdown — Shell, labor, and each add-on
- ✓Annual maintenance estimate — Ongoing cost, not included in total
Pool cost overview
How it works
Choose your pool type
Above-ground, vinyl liner, fiberglass, or gunite/concrete — each has a different price range and lifespan.
Select pool size
Small (~200 sq ft), medium (~500 sq ft), or large (~800 sq ft). Size mainly affects inground pool cost.
Add your extras
Heater, saltwater system, decking, safety fencing, and automatic cover each add to the installed total.
Pool Installation Cost by Type
| Pool Type | Size | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Above-Ground | Medium | $1,500–$5,500 |
| Vinyl Liner Inground | Medium | $35,000–$65,000 |
| Fiberglass Inground | Medium | $45,000–$85,000 |
| Gunite / Concrete Inground | Medium | $65,000–$120,000 |
| Gunite / Concrete Inground | Large | $91,000–$168,000 |
Large pools scale ~1.4x and small pools ~0.75x versus medium pricing for inground types. Add-ons (heater, saltwater, decking, fencing, cover) are priced separately.
About this calculator
How much does it cost to install a pool?+
Pool installation costs range from $1,500–$5,500 for an above-ground pool to $35,000–$120,000+ for an inground pool. Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable inground option ($35,000–$65,000), fiberglass runs $45,000–$85,000, and gunite/concrete pools — the most customizable and durable — cost $65,000–$120,000 or more for a medium-size pool.
What's the cheapest type of inground pool?+
Vinyl liner pools are the cheapest inground option, typically $35,000–$65,000 installed for a medium-size pool. They cost less upfront than fiberglass or gunite, but the liner needs replacement roughly every 7–10 years, which adds to long-term cost.
How long does it take to install a pool?+
Above-ground pools can be installed in 1–3 days. Vinyl liner and fiberglass inground pools typically take 3–6 weeks from excavation to swim-ready. Gunite/concrete pools take the longest — 8–12 weeks — due to curing time and the multi-step construction process.
Do I need a permit to install a pool?+
Most jurisdictions require a permit for inground pools and many require one for above-ground pools as well, especially above a certain depth or volume. Permits typically cover structural safety, electrical (for pumps/heaters), and fencing/barrier code compliance. Check with your local building department before starting.
How much does pool maintenance cost per year?+
Annual maintenance for an inground pool typically runs $1,200–$4,000, covering chemicals, cleaning, energy for pumps/heaters, and seasonal opening/closing. Above-ground pools generally cost less to maintain, roughly $600–$1,500 per year.
Is a saltwater pool worth the extra cost?+
A saltwater chlorination system adds $1,500–$2,500 upfront but many owners find it worthwhile — it produces softer water, causes less skin/eye irritation, and reduces the need to buy and store chlorine. Over time it can lower ongoing chemical costs, though the equipment itself needs periodic replacement (every 3–7 years).
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Back to the calculator ↑Pool Installation Cost Calculator is built and maintained by the RealCostIQ editorial team. Cost ranges and rates are checked against published industry data and contractor quotes, and revised when the underlying figures move. Read our data methodology or more about who builds this. Every calculation runs in your browser — no account, and none of your inputs are stored.
Cost ranges and rates here are checked against contractor quotes and published industry data. If a number still looks off, email Support@RealCostIQ.com and we'll review and fix it.