How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost?

Have you ever imagined playing with your kids in the pool on a sunny Saturday afternoon? Perhaps, you think about lying on a lounger sipping iced tea with a good book. Even better, you visualize hosting the most extravagant pool party on the block. The dream of owning an inground swimming pool could be a reality – but, how much does an inground pool cost?

Here at Parrot Bay Pools, our swimming pool contractors have years of experience with installing inground pools throughout North Carolina. We’ve got the answers to all of your inground pool cost questions. Read on 2to get the facts about the cost of an inground pool in NC.

What Determines the Cost of an Inground Pool?

The national average cost of an inground pool is $98,000, however, prices for inground pools vary. For example, the cost of an inground pool in NC will cost anywhere from $65,000 to $200,000 or more.

The cost of an inground pool depends on a variety of factors. Many of these elements will be chosen by you and can be customized depending on what you desire. The components that need to be evaluated include the type of pool, size, contractors, and potential additions.

The main factors that affect inground pool cost are:

• Type of Material
• Size of the Pool
• Water Features

Types of Pool Materials & Inground Pool Cost

The cost of an inground pool in North Carolina is significantly impacted by the type of pool material that you choose. That said, there are three main types of inground pools:

1. Vinyl liner pools
2. Concrete pools
3. Fiberglass pools

Each type of inground pool has unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that determine the cost. The price of an inground pool may be higher or lower depending on the size, depth, and additions to the pool.

1. Vinyl Inground Pools

Vinyl pool walls are made of polymer or steel. A polymer is a plastic that doesn’t corrode and is easy to install. This type of wall is supreme over steel which will rust over time.

In addition, it would not be advisable to add a saltwater system to a steel pool because that would further speed up corrosion. All in all, vinyl inground pools are the most affordable option upfront, but they cost more to maintain over time.

The initial cost of a vinyl liner pool is often much cheaper than other types of pools. The vinyl pool installation cost ranges from $75,000-$130,000. The process will generally take between 6 to 12 weeks.

However, with the price being low there can be issues. For example, vinyl liners last around 7-15 years and a liner replacement costs around $5,000-$7,000. A vinyl inground pool typically has more algae growth and will require more cleaning than other nonporous pool materials such as fiberglass.

Concrete Inground Pools

Concrete inground pools are always made from shotcrete or gunite. Concrete pools cost the most upfront but you are able to create any design you wish. This can include features such as beach entries, infinity edges, and swim-up bars. So with all of these features, how much does a concrete pool cost? The cost of an inground pool that is concrete ranges from $95,000 and up with the average concrete pool resting somewhere in the $150,000 area. With that being said, concrete pools are very durable since the materials used make the pool structure sturdy.

However, there are a number of disadvantages to this type of customizable inground pool. To start, concrete pools can take up a lot of time. The process of building a concrete pool could take between three to six months. In addition, algae growth is a constant issue with concrete pools due to their porous nature and this requires more chemicals than fiberglass pools. Furthermore, concrete pools have tough surfaces that have the potential to harm your feet. Keep in mind, that the issues with concrete inground pools may outweigh the cons when you are sitting comfortably at your bar in the pool. Lastly, if you have a regular pool cleaner visiting your home that will help with the burden of cleaning.

Fiberglass Inground Pools

A fiberglass pool consists of a prefabricated shell that is made off-site in a controlled environment. The pool installation process could take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks or more depending on the extras added to your job and which pool model you choose. Our in-stock pools can be delivered and installed more quickly than other fiberglass pool models in the full fiberglass pool collection.

However, fiberglass pools are the quickest to install if you are only considering pool installation (putting a shell in the ground can be done very quickly). Plus, if you choose one of our in-stock pools, we can often get started in as little as 30 days!

Fiberglass pools have gel coats that are made of colored resin. This coat surfaces the shell and helps protect your swimming pool and your feet! Fiberglass inground pools require less maintenance because they are nonporous. Because of the material, fiberglass pools are algae-resistant. Check out more benefits of fiberglass pools!

The inground pool cost for a fiberglass pool varies from $85,000-$250,000, depending on the finishes. The main drawback of fiberglass pools is that they aren’t completely customizable. While there are over 150 options, you cannot change the size, shape, or depth of the pool you have chosen.

How Does Size Affect Inground Pool Cost?

The size of your pool will determine a significant part of the cost of installing an inground pool. As such, the explanation is quite simple. A pool that is a 32’x16’ will cost more than a 20’x12’.

Depth also dictates the inground pool pricing. Let’s say both customers have a 32’x16′. If “Customer A” wants a 6ft pool depth and “Customer B” wants an 8ft depth, then “Customer B” will have to pay a bit more.

Tanning shelves also increase costs as well as zero edges which add about 20-25% more to the inground pool cost.

Pool Add-Ons & Water Features

There are many additions that can enhance the beauty of your inground pool! But just how expensive are additional water features? First, you’ll need to figure out what features you want to add to your pool. Here are a few of the most common additions:

Inground Pool Lights

Inground pool lights can drastically change the way your pool looks, especially at night! Pool lighting adds ambiance, excitement, and charm – especially when you have lush landscaping with lights that complement the surrounding area. Lights can quickly transform your pool into a dazzling resort-style oasis.

There are three kinds of pool lights:

• LED Lights
• Fiber Optics
• Incandescent

The price range of these lights can go from $1500-$3,000. It is wise to put these in during the construction of your pool, or it will be a major renovation later on.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls bring a sense of calmness and relaxation. Beautiful designs can be done. The prices generally range from $2500-$25,000 depending on the size and type of waterfall. Custom waterfalls can cost up to $6,000-$25,000 depending on the finishes.

Diving Boards

Diving boards are one of the most exciting add-ons to a pool, but there are certain aspects. Diving boards should be in deep water pools with at least 8ft depth. They come in a few different sizes, depending on the size of your pool and what you prefer. Diving Boards prices can range from $1,800-$3,000.

FAQs About Inground Pool Cost

Do swimming pools add value to your home?

Yes and no! A swimming pool can be a great asset to any home that will increase its selling value. With that said, it is critical to maintain your inground pool properly to ensure that it does not negatively impact your home as it ages.

It is also important to note that a swimming pool will increase the value of your home, but not for the total cost of what you spent on the pool. Unless your home is over a million dollars. These types of luxury homes demand high-end, luxury backyards and homeowners typically reap all the rewards of everything they spend on the resale value of these luxury homes.

What is the cheapest pool to install?

While a vinyl inground pool is one of the most affordable options to install its care and maintenance costs can add up over the years. A fiberglass inground pool may be a more advantageous choice in the long term since it does not require the same level of upkeep and care. A fiberglass pool requires fewer chemicals and there are no liners to replace making it cheaper over the life of the fiberglass pool.

What is the average cost of an inground pool?

The average cost to install an inground pool in 2023 is between $80,000 and $120,000. The pool itself is less than that, but by the time you add stone, concrete, pool accessories such as heaters, automation, and salt systems, not to mention your landscaping and patio furniture you could be well over 120k. In addition, the costs associated with ownership such as maintenance and utilities will require at least a few thousand dollars each year. That seems like a lot of money for a pool. How do people pay for that?

A pool may seem like a lot of money initially, but when you compare to what you pay for a car that you may only keep for a few years, a pool is actually very affordable and will give you enjoyment forever. Many people pay for half and finance the rest. We have finance options available for easy reference as well.

How do I find a pool contractor?

Hiring a swimming pool contractor comes with many different phases of its own. The price of a pool builder will differ based on your location and the service you expect to receive before and after the sale.

Do you want a pool contractor with store locations and service vehicles so they can maintain and warranty your pool after it is built? If so, this type of contractor will likely cost more than a pool builder working from his truck or a design center without retail and service support.

Check out Facebook, Instagram, and social media accounts to see what different companies are building. In addition, go to more than one pool contractor for your inground pool estimate! Expand your options! When you pick a pool contractor, you should feel confident and be able to trust them!

Inground Pool Cost with Parrot Bay Pools

The process of building an inground pool requires numerous steps. Here at Parrot Bay Pools, our swimming pool contractors understand how to make pool installation a smooth process! We have helped thousands of customers go through the process and know everyone is different.

Customer satisfaction has always been one of our top priorities. We take pride in our inground pools, which are made with quality materials by our licensed swimming pool contractors, pool design experts, and experienced pool builders.

We install inground pools across North Carolina including Raleigh, Apex, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Cary, and more. Contact us today at 919-888-0327 to get your dream swimming pool started. Don’t wait, you will always wish you started sooner!