Cost of Above Ground and Inground Pools

When deciding to add a pool to your backyard, the first question is most likely going to be, how much will an inground or above ground swimming pool cost? In general, an installed pool price ranges anywhere from $6,500 to $100,000+. The cost of above ground and inground pools can vary depending on the type of pool you want (vinyl liner swimming pool, fiberglass swimming pools, above ground swimming pool or gunite swimming pool), so we thought we’d help provide you with a quick overview of what to expect with the cost of your swimming pool.

Above Ground Pool Prices

There are two pricing components in purchasing an above ground pool, and that is the ‘kit’ and the ‘installation’. Many swimming pool companies only sell above ground pool kits, and do not actually do the installation.

Kits for Above Ground Pools

The average above ground swimming pool kit will cost between $1,500 and $4,500, depending on the quality of the pool. Typically, the more resin and less metal the pool has, the higher the price will be and the longer it will last. It will also have a longer warranty period.

In recent years, big box stores like Wal-Mart and others have started selling aboveground pools also. The main manufacturer of these pools is Intex. Such ‘set and fill’ pools are very inexpensive, usually costing $100-$800 and in most cases last 1-2 summers before they need to be replaced. If you expect your investment to last longer you will definitely need to purchase it from a pool company such as Parrot Bay.

Installations for Above Ground Pools

The installation costs of above ground pools usually run $800-$3,000, depending on the size and type of pool. Keep in mind that oval pools normally cost more to install than round pools, and the kits are also more expensive. Also, be sure to ask what comes with your above ground pool. Most good swimming pool companies will include your ladder, winter cover, pump and filter system, and a maintenance kit.

Vinyl Liner Inground Pool Cost

Vinyl Liner pools are the least expensive inground pool option. This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of materials for a vinyl liner are cheap. For a very basic, medium sized vinyl liner pool with a patio one can expect to spend between $40,000-$60,000, although other pool features and accessories such as heaters, covers, decking, water features, etc. will certainly escalate this price.

Pricing for Fiberglass Inground Pools

The installation price of Fiberglass Pools is more than vinyl liner pools because a fiberglass shell and shipping cost so much more than a vinyl liner pool kit in terms of raw materials. If a consumer were to buy just a fiberglass pool shell  with shipping, they will likely spend $20,000-$40,000 depending on the size of the pool. To have a pool contractor install the pool, one can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $60,000-$100,000 with the pool and installation. Again, other pool features and accessories such as heaters, covers, decking, water features, etc. will escalate this price.

Cost of Concrete/Gunite Inground Pools

In most cases, but not always, concrete pools will have the highest initial cost, and will vary greatly depending on the size of the pool and the material used for the pool’s surface (i.e. white plaster, quartz, pebbletec, etc.). The reason why concrete pools tend to cost more is due to the labor involved with their installation. In the majority of cases, a normal sized concrete pool will cost between $80,000-$150,000.