How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost to Build?

The pool type you choose sets most of the price, so compare vinyl liner, fiberglass and gunite before you ask for quotes.

Pool Builders Directory · November 1, 2026

An inground pool costs from tens of thousands of dollars to well over a hundred thousand. The pool type, size, soil, site access and extras decide where you land. Any single number you see online is only a rough guide.

This guide compares the three common inground pool types, shows what else goes on the bill, and tells you when to bring in a professional.

How much does a swimming pool cost to build?

Plan on a wide range, and expect the final bill to be higher than the pool shell alone. Vinyl liner pools usually cost the least up front, fiberglass sits in the middle, and gunite usually costs the most.

Those are typical patterns, not promises. A small, simple gunite pool on flat ground can cost less than a large fiberglass pool on a hard site. Two things move the price most:

• Size and depth. More surface area means more material, more digging and more water.
• Site conditions. Rock, a high water table, a slope or a tight backyard all add labor.

Because prices vary by region and change over time, this article does not quote dollar figures. Get written quotes from builders in your area instead.

What are the main types of inground pools?

There are three: vinyl liner, fiberglass and gunite (sprayed concrete). Each one has a different structure and a different cost pattern over the years.

• Vinyl liner. A steel, polymer or wall panel frame holds a flexible vinyl sheet that sits over the pool floor and walls. See how to install a pool liner for how that sheet goes in.
• Fiberglass. A factory-made shell is trucked to your yard and set into the hole.
• Gunite. Concrete is sprayed over a steel rebar frame and then finished with plaster, tile or a similar surface. Read what gunite is for the details.

How do the three pool types compare?

This table shows general patterns. Your own quotes will show how they apply to your lot.

What costs come on top of the pool itself?

The pool price rarely covers everything. Ask each builder to list what is in the quote and what is not.

Common extras include:

• Permits and inspections required by your city or county
• Fencing or barriers that local code requires around a pool
• The deck or patio and any coping around the edge
• Electrical work, gas lines for a heater, and lighting
• A heater, cover, automation or a salt system
• Extra digging, rock removal or hauling dirt away
• Landscaping and repairs to your yard after heavy equipment

These items can add a large share to the total. Pools are also a long-term cost. You pay for water, power, chemicals and repairs every year.

What mistakes blow up a pool budget?

The biggest mistake is comparing quotes that do not cover the same things. One builder may include the deck and fence while another leaves them out, so the cheaper bid is not really cheaper.

Other common mistakes:

1. Choosing by upfront price only. A cheaper type can cost more over the years if you must replace a liner or resurface the pool.
2. Skipping the site check. Hidden rock or wet soil can add cost after digging starts.
3. Ignoring access. A fiberglass shell may not fit through your gate or reach the yard, which can force a crane or a different pool type.
4. Forgetting the rules. Setbacks, barrier rules and permits differ by place. Check yours before you sign.
5. Having no cushion. Set aside some extra money for surprises.

When should you call a pro?

Call a licensed pool builder before you settle on a design or a budget. Inground pools involve digging, structure, plumbing, electrical work and local code. This is not a do-it-yourself job.

Bring in a pro at these points:

• You want a real price for your lot, not a national average
• Your yard is sloped, tight, rocky or has a high water table
• You are not sure which pool type fits your site
• You need to learn which permits and barrier rules apply to you

Ask each builder for their license number where your state requires one, proof of insurance, and a written contract. Then check those details with the state or local office that handles licensing.

Which pool type should you choose?

Pick by your priorities, then confirm with quotes.

• Tightest upfront budget: vinyl liner. Plan for liner replacement later.
• Fast build and easy care: fiberglass, if a stock shape and your yard access work for you.
• Custom shape, size or features: gunite. Expect a higher price and a longer build.

If you cannot decide, ask two or three builders to quote your top two types for the same size pool, the same deck and the same extras. That gives you a fair side-by-side.