Make the utmost use of your backyard space by installing a new inground pool. A backyard pool will turn your home into a summer paradise and significantly increase your property’s value. It is an investment in your quality of life and financial future both!
How Much Does a New Inground Pool Cost in 2025
On average, a well-built new inground pool constructed by a professional pool company should cost you $50,000 to $1500,000 in 2025. This number is more than reasonable if you take the amount of time, effort, labor, and skills that go into the project into account.
If you’re looking to refurbish or restore an existing inground pool, the cost would be much lower. For example, resurfacing an inground pool costs $4,500 to $12,000 on average. Miscellaneous renovation tasks such as retiling, upgrading the chlorination system, or adding lights cost around $2,000 to $5,000.
Cost of a New Inground Pool by Material
Material is the most important factor impacting the cost of your new pool. Common materials for pools include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Concrete
A concrete inground pool costs about $80,000 on the low end and $100,000 on average. For larger, more complex concrete pools, the cost can easily exceed $125,000. To make the investment worth, concrete pools add the most value to your home.
Concrete pools are the most dynamic, allowing irregular shapes and forms. However, concrete pools require regular maintenance and can therefore be expensive to maintain.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass inground pools cost about $60,000 – $80,000 on average, making them slightly more affordable than concrete pools. Fiberglass is extremely low-maintenance, and the smooth surface makes it easier to maintain the water’s pH level. If you are not too particular about shape and design, a prefabricated installation kit might allow you to do some of the work yourself.
Vinyl
Vinyl inground pools are a good choice for those with a modest budget, as these usually cost as low as $50,000. However, the more affordable installation comes with a higher maintenance cost because the liners can crack and break easily. Meanwhile, vinyl is definitely easier to clean since you can easily wipe off most residues. You also don’t need too many chemicals to maintain the water’s pH level.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Other Factors Affecting the Cost of a New Pool
In addition to materials, other factors can affect the cost of your new inground pool, including size, shape and design, additional features, labor required, permit needs, and surrounding landscape needs.
Size
Size is the second primary basic factor affecting the cost of your new inground pool. A small, 10-by-16 inground pool may only cost around $30,000, whereas a 15-by-30 pool can easily exceed $70,000.
Shape
Irrergular-shaped pools might significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. However, they can cost significantly more compared to standard, rectangular pools. Depending on the shape, you may also have more limited material choices. For example, concrete allows the most customization when it comes to shape and design.
Additional Features
Additional features cost extra to install. Here is a list of popular features and their associated average costs:
Water features: $5,000 to $15,000 based on size, complexity and design.
Pool lights: $1,000 to $3,500
Slides: A few thousands on the low end or over $10,000 on the high end, depending on material, size and design.
Hot tub: $8,000 or more on average.
Pool cover: $3,000 or up to $15,000 for a motorized cover.
Pool deck: Up to $30,000 or more based on deck size and materials.
Labor
Labor cost may vary depending on where you live, as well as the scope of the project. For example, are you replacing an old inground pool with a new one? Or are you digging from ground zero? Some companies also charge labor differently depending on the skill level required for different tasks, such as drafting, building, and site cleanup.
Landscaping Cost
Thoughtful landscaping can ensure your new pool blends into your existing landscape and maintains a consistent aesthetic. Landscaping cost can vary depending on the scope of the project. For example, you might only need some minor plant rearrangement to surround the pool. Other times, you might need to install some type of walkway for easy access.
Permits
In-ground pools usually require a permit to be built. Your best bet is to work with an architectural landscaping company for a smooth permitting process.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Why Hire a Pro to Build an Inground Pool
A new inground pool is a major project that comes with many nuances. From permitting, utility mapping, to the actual building process, there are many challenges a regular homeowner may not be familiar with. Plus, the construction process can also be dangerous for those without industry experience. A professional pool contractor can handle everything from design to build, and can even work as a project manager to help you coordinate with other contractors. Professional builders are also insured, giving you an extra layer of protection.
Pools provide a focal point for summer fun. They bring the whole family together across generations, from grandparents to grandkids. Pools can also increase the value of your house with the right buyer.
Types Of Pools
The three most common pools are liner pools, gunite/shotcrete pools, and fiberglass pools.
Liner Pools
Liner pools are usually the least expensive in-ground pools. The liner is manufactured to your specifications, so can be tailored to your wishes. The vinyl liner is smooth, so it won’t stub the toe of your child. In addition, the smoothness makes it harder for algae to grow on the sides.
Vinyl liners only last about seven to ten years before they need to be replaced. While not as costly as the initial installation, replacing the liner is not cheap. If you have pets and children playing in and around the pool, you may want to choose another option. It is relatively easy to pierce the liner, which means the water leaks out. The liner warranty is typically prorated over twenty years, so accidents can be costly. Finally, vinyl pools may lower the house’s resale value relative to the other choices. Buyers often ask that the liner be replaced by the seller before closing.
Current Pool Project by the Blue Crew
Gunite/Shotcrete Pools
These pools last a long time and are totally customizable. You can build in sun tanning ledges, benches, seats, and other custom features. You can also make the pool any color you want, from bright blue to white or even black, for more of a lagoon look. The potential features are limited only by your imagination and your pocketbook.
Gunite/Shotcrete pools are more expensive than other options. They also take longer to build, usually three to six months. These pools may need to be resurfaced every ten to fifteen years, which is also expensive. The sides can be harder to keep clean and may require more pool chemicals to keep the algae down.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are cast off site and then brought in and installed. They are very durable and last a long time as long as you maintain the pool water chemistry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most fiberglass pools come with features such as tanning ledges, benches, and seats. The fiberglass has a gel coating over it that is not abrasive and also retards algae. Fiberglass pools are relatively quick to install, so you can get in the water sooner.
Fiberglass pools do have some downsides. They are cast in large molds, so you won’t be able to customize the design. For the same reason, they can’t be wider than sixteen feet because of shipping regulations. Fiberglass pools are more expensive up front compared to liner pools and about the same as concrete pools.
Current Pool Project by the Blue Crew
Shipping Containers
A relatively new type of pool is one made from shipping containers. We have put these in for customers who have been very happy with them. Modpools are customizable with the same features as other pools. However, Modpools can be installed in sloped areas that a traditional pool won’t fit in. We can build a deck and landscape around it and set it in the ground for you and manage the entire project.
Fun Pool Additions
One of the advantages of having your pool designed by an architectural landscape firm is that the pool will be integrated into the landscape in a comprehensive way. A pool isn’t just a hole in the ground, it is a part of the landscape. Here are some fun additions we have designed and built for our customers.
Sun Ledges
If you want to sit by the pool and get some sun, we can integrate a sun ledge into your pool. You can sun in a shallow 6” – 12” of water for a while, then take a deep in the deep end to cool off. Repeat as desired😊
Fountains, Waterfalls, and Fire/Water Bowl Features
Pools can have other water features built in them such as fountains and waterfalls. Water or fire bowl features are striking at night for those evening parties. We even built one pool with a grotto waterfall you could swim under.
Schedule A Consultation
As the temperatures continue to creep upward, a pool sounds better and better. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can design a pool that is integrated into your landscape and customized just the way you want it. Schedule a consultation now to get that pool started.
Summertime is here and swimming pools are one of the best ways to keep the family together and off their devices during the summer months. It is also a great way to entertain guests. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can design and install the perfect pool for your needs. We designed and installed the landscape above and we can build just the thing for you.
Pool Contractors Versus Landscape Designers
Most pool contractors build nice pools. However, the contractors are not great at integrating the pool into the outdoor landscape. Architectural landscape designers look at things like traffic flow and how people will use the pool when entertaining. You want the deck to have plenty of room for the chairs, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and other amenities you need to enjoy not just the pool, but the area around it. You also want the traffic flow between the pool and any other outdoor living areas such as a kitchen or gazebo to work well. We built the above pool with plenty of room for deck chairs around it.
Construction Clean-Up
Pool contractors often leave damage to the landscape after the pool is constructed. Any large construction project will damage the lawn, sprinkler system, and other things in the way. However, these should all be restored after the pool is installed. In our experience, pool contractors are not good at leaving the rest of the landscape the way it was before they built the pool.
Because we install sprinkler systems, lawns, landscape beds, and the like, we can leave your landscape in good shape when we leave. In fact, we take great pride in doing just that.
Privacy And Fences
Pools have to have a fence around them for safety. A fence also helps maintain your privacy when you are walking around in your swimsuit. We can design a fence that will do both in style. We can install the fence with materials that fit in your landscape and fit your budget.
Choosing Pool Materials
When you think of pool materials, do you remember the white concrete around the public pool? Fortunately, we can help you choose materials that fit your budget but also blend in with your landscape. You can choose from a number of materials for your deck. For example, if you have a stone patio, we can install a stone deck around the pool to complement it. We did just that for the pool above.
Provide Sun And Shade Near The Pool
Not everyone will want to sun around the pool. It is important to plan areas of shade where those people can take refuge. Cabanas make nice structures with shade and a view of the pool. We can work with you to strike just the right mixture of sun and shade for your needs.
Install Plants To Soften The Hardscape
Pools by their nature involve a lot of hardscapes. This hardscape can be rather overwhelming in the landscape. To soften the hardscape, planters full of plants along with in-ground landscape beds can soften the hard edges of the deck. The landscape bed we built around the pool above does just that.
Lighting For Safety And Enjoyment
Pool parties often last into the night during hot weather. You do not want someone to fall in because they could not see where the deck ends and the pool begins. You can light a pool very subtly or very dramatically. As you can see from the picture above, lights from within the pool can make it appear to glow from within. We can help you work through the best lighting options for your situation.
Audio Systems
Outdoor audio systems really enhance the enjoyment of a pool. We can install the audio system when we are building the pool. You can control the audio from outside on your smart phone. We can even put in zones so the adults can listen to one radio station or DVD and the kids can listen to another station or DVD at the same time.
Book Your Pool Consultation Now
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can design and install a pool you and your family will enjoy. If you are thinking of building a pool, schedule a consultation and we will walk you through the design process. Our Blue Crew will then install your pool just as you want it.