Building a swimming pool costs $25,002 to $58,866 in 2026
Building a swimming pool costs $25,002 to $58,866 in 2026, with a national average of $41,835, says Angi. Fixr lists an average of $44,688, and Bob Vila lists $36,730 for an inground pool. Inground pools cost far more than above-ground pools. The material, the size, and your yard decide where in the range you land. Extras like decks and fences add more.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Angi | Angi lists a $41,835 average, a $25,002 to $58,866 range, and an inground average of $66,000. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists a $44,688 average and a range of $32,175 to $58,541. |
| Bob Vila | Bob Vila lists a $36,730 inground average, $50 to $125 per square foot, and $35,000 to $65,000 for concrete. |
Swimming pool cost by type
| Pool type | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average, all pools | $41,835 | Angi |
| Average, all pools | $44,688 | Fixr |
| Inground pool average | $66,000 | Angi |
| Inground pool average | $36,730 | Bob Vila |
| Above-ground pool average | $3,350 | Angi |
| Vinyl inground | $20,000 to $40,000 | Bob Vila |
| Fiberglass inground | $20,000 to $60,000 | Bob Vila |
| Concrete inground | $35,000 to $65,000 | Bob Vila |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pool type | An above-ground pool costs far less than an inground pool. Angi lists an average of $3,350 above ground and $66,000 inground. |
| Material | Vinyl costs less than concrete. Bob Vila lists $20,000 to $40,000 for vinyl, $20,000 to $60,000 for fiberglass, and $35,000 to $65,000 for concrete. |
| Size | A bigger pool needs more digging, more materials, and more water. Bob Vila says an inground pool costs $50 to $125 per square foot. |
| Features | Salt systems, lights, heaters, and covers add money. Bob Vila lists $12,000 to $38,000 for a saltwater pool and $55,000 to $130,000 for an infinity pool. |
| Yard and area | Digging hard soil, steep ground, or tight access can raise the price. Local labor and permit costs also differ by state, so local quotes matter. |
What the price includes
A pool quote usually covers digging, the shell or liner, plumbing, a pump and filter, and basic finishing. Decks, fences, heaters, lights, and landscaping are often extra. Permits and inspections may cost more too. Ask for a list of what the price covers. Fixr lists top-end enclosed concrete pools at up to $162,531. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Pool builders and general contractors bill for this work. Most use a written contract with a total price and a payment plan. You often pay a deposit first, then more as each step is done, such as digging, the shell, plumbing, and finishing. Ask that each payment match a finished step. Extra items such as decks, fences, and heaters may be on separate bills or change orders. Ask your builder for a full list and for proof of license and insurance. Keep copies of all contracts and receipts.
When you need this
A pool makes sense if you will use it often, your yard has room, and your budget covers the build and the yearly care. Think about ongoing costs like chemicals, power, and repairs. Check local rules and HOA limits first, since many areas need permits and fences. Compare the price with a community pool or a hot tub if you only want to cool off now and then.
How to judge your quote
- The quote lists pool size, depth, and material.
- It says what is not included, such as deck, fence, and permits.
- It gives a payment plan tied to finished steps.
- The builder is licensed, insured, and shows past work.
- Compare the total with the range above: $25,002 to $58,866 per pool for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Get at least three written quotes from pool builders. Price ranges in these guides run from $25,002 to $58,866 for most jobs.
- Pick vinyl over concrete if the budget is tight. Bob Vila lists vinyl at $20,000 to $40,000 and concrete at $35,000 to $65,000.
- Keep the shape and size simple. Every added foot adds cost at $50 to $125 per square foot, says Bob Vila.
- Skip extras like lights and heaters at first if you can add them later, and ask your builder which extras are cheaper to add now.
- Think about an above-ground pool. Angi lists an average of $3,350 for one, far below an inground pool.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Angi, Fixr and Bob Vila. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to build a swimming pool?
Angi lists an average of $41,835 and a normal range of $25,002 to $58,866. Fixr lists $44,688 and a range of $32,175 to $58,541.
How much does an inground pool cost?
Angi lists an average of $66,000 with a range of $44,300 to $86,500. Bob Vila lists an average of $36,730. Sources differ, so get local quotes.
How much does an above-ground pool cost?
Angi lists an average of $3,350 with a range of $1,000 to $6,000. Fixr lists $200 to $7,000.
Which pool type costs the least to build?
Vinyl is usually the lowest of the inground types. Bob Vila lists $20,000 to $40,000 for vinyl and $35,000 to $65,000 for concrete.
How much does a pool cost per square foot?
Angi lists $88 per square foot for inground and $13 for above ground. Bob Vila lists $50 to $125 per square foot for inground.