We get a lot of questions about in-ground pools, which is understandable. Pools are a huge, permanent investment, and we’re the experts who want to make things as clear and easy for you as possible.
The most common question we get is about cost, so we’ve put together this handy guide to give you an idea of what to consider when shopping around for your dream pool.
Overall cost at a glance
Vinyl Inground Pool:
- $35,000–$65,000 installation
- $11,500 in maintenance over 10 years
Fiberglass Inground Pool:
- $45,000–$85,000 installation
- $3,760 in maintenance over 10 years
Concrete Inground Pool:
- $50,000–$100,000 installation
- $27,400 in maintenance over 10 years
Breaking it down
Let’s take a closer look at what contributes to the overall cost of each type.
Vinyl liner pool installation costs
The least expensive of in-ground pools, vinyl liner pools consist of custom vinyl sheeting that covers the walls and floor of the pool, which are usually compacted sand or similar material. A typical vinyl liner pool costs $35,000–$65,000 to install. The following options will affect your overall cost:
- Size and shape of the pool
- Thickness of the liner
- Type of steps, ladders, benches
- Coping material
- Patio size and material
- Wall panel type
- Water features
- DIY versus professional installation
- Landscaping
- Region
It should be noted, however, that going base-model everything with a vinyl liner pool may leave you with what looks like a budget swimming hole. Vinyl pools can be gussied up, but then you’re approaching the cost of a fiberglass pool.
Maintenance costs
The low cost of a vinyl liner pool is mainly due to the vinyl liner itself; however, that liner will need to be replaced every 5–9 years. That replacement will run you about $4,500 per replacement when it’s all said and done.
Vinyl liner pools don’t use as much electricity as fiberglass and concrete pools—and they require fewer chemicals—but you’ll still have about $700 in routine maintenance costs per year. Between the routine maintenance and occasional vinyl liner replacement, the average yearly maintenance cost is about $1,150.
Fiberglass pool installation costs
The next step up from vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools are prefabricated, single-unit structures stuck into a hole in the ground. While they’re more expensive than vinyl liner pools—costing $45,000–$85,000 on average—fiberglass pools have the fastest installation time. These options could affect the installation costs:
- Size and shape
- Coping material
- Patio size and material
- Gelcoat color
- Water features
- DIY versus professional installation
- Landscaping
- Region
Most fiberglass pools are a kind of package deal, so be sure to ask your pool installer for a breakdown of the cost of the package. Some base packages may exclude permit costs, delivery fees and water, which are not insignificant costs.
Maintenance costs
Fiberglass pools have low maintenance costs compared to vinyl liner and concrete pools; you can expect to pay about $376 per year in routine maintenance. You will not need to replace anything in the pool itself (it’s all one piece), and the gelcoat surface of the fiberglass prevents algae and other unwanted flora from taking hold, so you’ll need fewer chemicals and less maintenance to keep it clean.
Concrete pool installation costs
The most expensive and most involved in-ground pool installation is for concrete pools, which are made simply of a ton of concrete poured into a cast-in-place form, which is reinforced with steel rods. The overall cost for a concrete pool can be affected by these options:
- Size and shape
- Interior finish
- Waterline tile
- Coping material
- Patio size and material
- Water features
- Landscaping
- Region
Concrete pools are pretty straightforward for installation, so there’s not much room for unexpected costs, which can range from $50,000–$100,000+. Concrete pools may cost more and take longer to build, but they are (literally) rock-solid and the most aesthetically pleasing.
Maintenance costs
There are, however, significant regular maintenance expenses with concrete pools. Algae love the porous concrete surface, so you’ll need more chemicals and longer pump cycles to keep them at bay. This process alone will run you about $1,150 per year in routine maintenance.
You should also get a professional to acid wash the concrete every 3–5 years. This deep clean process gets into the pores of the concrete to kill any algae and remove stains on the concrete. An acid wash will run you anywhere from $200 to $900 depending on pool size and your location.
Finally, you will need to have the pool re-plastered every 8–12 years, and the tiling will need replaced by then as well. The re-plastering and re-tiling can cost $6,000–$10,000.
Alaglas of Charlestone Is Here for You
No matter the size or shape of your dream pool, we at Alaglas Swimming Pools of Charleston can help you realize that dream. We specialize in fiberglass pool installations, and our 25 years of experience has led to the strongest pools with the best technology in the industry. Whether you’re looking for a consultation or you’re ready to dive in, give as a call at (843) 789-9469 or visit us here to see what Alaglas Swimming Pools can do for you!