How much does it cost to build an inground pool?
Homeowners ask this question a lot.
Depending on size, style, material, and additions — your pool could range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more.
Regardless of the final price, nobody likes getting blind-sided with surprises.
Therefore, get a detailed quote on the cost of your pool from your contractor — make sure it lists everything you agreed to.
After gathering all the necessary information, you will have better control to keep your project on time and on budget.
But there’s something else that will cost you money even after your pool is installed.
Cost of ownership.
Unfortunately, it’s common for homeowners to leave out the cost of pool ownership when building an inground pool.
This inground swimming pool cost and pricing guide will help you develop an initial budget and plan for the ownership costs associated with each type of inground pool.
There are two things to consider when researching the cost of inground pools:
- The initial purchase price of the pool and the cost of installation
- The lifetime cost of ownership associated with the pool including on-going maintenance, repairs and pool add-ons.
First, let’s take a look at the installation cost of the different types of pool material — concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass pools — get an idea of how much to budget for each type of inground pool.
Keep in mind that these prices will vary, but pool contractors in Simi Valley will be competitive in their pricing to win your business.
Then, we’ll look at the long-term cost that comes with pool ownership.
Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Cost Comparison
Fiberglass Pools: Installation Cost
There are four types of fiberglass pool installations:
Self-installation
Your pool shell and pool will be delivered to your home. You will handle everything else — installing the pool, running the plumbing and electrical lines, and preparing the pool for your first swim.
Installing your own fiberglass pool can save you as much as $10,000, depending on the scope of the project. That’s a hefty savings if you can pull it off.
Pro tip: If you are considering a self-installation, ask if the quoted price includes delivery. If it does not, get a delivery quote in writing.
The price of the pool shell is determined by two things: the size of the pool and the cost to deliver the pool to your home.
Fiberglass pool sizes fall into three sizes:
- small: $9,000–$13,000,
- medium $12,000–$16,000, and
- large $16,000–$24,000
The above pool costs doesn’t include delivery.
To get your fiberglass pool delivered, additional fees could be anywhere from $600 to $2,500.
There are videos and resources to teach homeowners how to install their own pool shell.
However, the vast majority of pool owners prefer to leave the installation of the pool to a reputation pool contractor.
Installing your own fiberglass pool is not a pet project. It’s a serious construction project that could cost you more money if not done properly.
Assisted installation (dig, set, fill)
Not every homeowners want to deal with the headache of leveling the pool, setting the pump and filter, and doing all the plumbing.
This is a great option for those who can excavate their own hole and handle the patio work.
The customer provides all other labor, materials, and equipment.
If you are still interested in installing your fiberglass pool yourself, your pool contractors can assist you with the critical parts of the installation mentioned above.
Assisted installations typically cost around $30,000–$52,000.
Basic installation
A standard fiberglass pool package typically includes the following:
- The pool shell
- Delivery of the pool shell to your home
- The pump and filter system
- Installation of your pool
- Gravel for backfill
- Water to fill the pool (pretty much running a water hose and turning it on)
- Maintenance and cleaning equipment
- City permits
- Some concrete around the pool
As a general rule, the average price for a basic installation of a fiberglass pool can be calculated with this formula, take the length of the pool and add $10,000 dollars.
For example, a 40-ft. fiberglass pool package might cost $50,000.
Most people will spend another $5,000–$15,000 in pool add-ons like a waterfall, pool lighting, patio, and fencing for safety.
Turn-key installation
The ultimate convenience; white-glove package.
The fiberglass pool company handles all of the above, plus:
- Hiring contractors
- Getting bids
- Scheduling and overseeing their work
Everything is managed on your behalf while you sit back patiently and wait for your pool to get installed.
Many homeowners find it worth the investment to let someone else handle everything. Managing a pool installation project requires experience and a lot of time — so if you think you can manage the entire project in your spare time after work, think again.
You may not get your pool installed for a very long time, or worse, end up paying more money to fix your mistakes.
The added peace of mind knowing that there is only one company responsible for the project is something that can let you sleep peacefully at night.
But it comes at a cost. On average, turn-key fiberglass pool projects cost $45,000–$85,000.
Gunite pools: installation cost
Often people are surprised to learn that the fiberglass pool and concrete pool prices aren’t all that different.
Turn-key gunite pool projects typically cost between $50,000 and $100,000.
Viny pools: installation cost
Despite losing in popularity over the past 5 years, vinyl liner pools is still a popular choice in certain regions of the country.
Based on our research, vinyl pools are still used in Simi Valley homes.
This is undoubtedly due to their low initial cost, which is by far their most appealing attribute.
Someone building their own vinyl liner pool can probably do so for under $20,000.
Base vinyl liner packages from most pool builders typically cost $25,000–$35,000.
Turn-key vinyl liner packages will typically cost $35,000–$55,000.
The cost of pool ownership starts right after your pool is installed
There’s no break between paying for your new pool and pool maintenance costs.
Over time, your cost to maintain your pool varies depending on whether you use fiberglass, vinyl, or gunite.
There are two costs that every pool owner will have to anticipate — electric, water, and chemical.
Chemicals to balance the pools pH levels and keeping it sanitize costs in the range of $200 to $800 per year.
How Much Does It Cost Per Month in Electricity?
The electricity required to run your pool (pumps, filters, lights, etc) costs about $200 to $500 per year.
Most homeowners pay around $300 per year in electricity to operate their pump.
How Much Does It Increase Your Water Bill?
Expect to pay between $70 and $120 to fill a standard, 15,000- to 30,000-gallon structure with water.
How Much Does It Cost Per Month in Chemicals?
A bucket of pH reducer or increase costs under $80 for a bucket. And that can last for an entire season.
Cleaning your pool
The national average price to maintain a swimming pool is $233 per one-time cleaning.
Most homeowners spend between $121 and $371 for their first cleaning.
Homeadvisor.com has a simple guide on pool cleaning and maintenance cost.
The average cost to hire a Simi Valley pool company to clean your pool is about $80 to $100 per month – and depending on additional services, add another $50 to $100.
If you require a pool cleaning service, the cost range from $75 to $100 per hour.
On average, overall cleaning rates are less for above-ground units, both with or without a deck, because of their smaller size compared to inground pools.
Since the interior is easier to access, the job will take less time.
Hiring a Pool Guy vs. a Professional Service
Technicians must be familiar with chemistry, engineering, plumbing, and electrical components to properly service your pool.
Due to lower pay and higher turnover rates, many national companies rely on new employees with minimal experience.
An established, local Simi Valley pool expert may offer a more experienced technician.
Consider positive online reviews when looking for a reputable pool company near you.
Weekly pool services and monthly maintenance costs
On average, basic pool upkeep range $1,200 to $2,000 per year. Combine that with pool repairs, you can spend as much as $3,000 to $5,000 per year to keep your pool in good working condition. Of course, repairs will not be needed until a few years after your new pool is installed.
For between $100 and $150 per month, a pool service company in Simi Valley will perform weekly or bi-weekly pool maintenance. Services typically include:
- checking the water level
- testing water chemistry
- applying chemicals
- and emptying skimmers
- testing and maintaining water level pH
- checking filters
- checking equipment, timers, and settings
- brushing
- empty traps and baskets
- skimming the pool
- vacumm
- checking robotic cleaners
- and if you’re lucky to find an awesome pool guy in Simi Valley, like the one I have, then he’ll teach you a thing or two about pool maintenance
As your pool gets more use over the years, weekly pool maintenance is recommended. Why? Your professional pool company can identify minor problems before they become major ones that will costs you a lot of money to fix.
Simi Valley homeowners who clean on their own can save as much as $1,000 per year in maintenance fees.
This is enough of a savings to offset the initial investment in cleaning and maintenance equipment.
However, a service will likely use higher-end equipment and possess more expertise.
Summing it up
Installing a new pool is super exciting. For many families, it’s one of the biggest addition to their backyard, ever!
But I cannot stress the importance of being mindful of the cost of ownership.
