How the pool cost calculator works
Build cost is driven by square footage and pool type. Vinyl liner pools cost the least up front, fiberglass sits in the middle with a fast install, and concrete costs the most but takes any shape.
Running cost covers power, chemicals, water and small repairs. It scales with size, since a bigger pool needs more of everything.
The formula, step by step
Build Cost = Surface Area x Cost per Sq Ft + Extras
- Vinyl liner runs roughly 55 to 90 dollars per square foot of water surface installed.
- Fiberglass runs roughly 80 to 130 dollars per square foot.
- Concrete runs roughly 110 to 190 dollars per square foot.
- Add fixed costs for heating, decking, fencing and a cover.
- Yearly upkeep runs about 3 to 5 dollars per square foot plus power.
Worked example
A 16 by 32 foot fiberglass pool is 512 square feet of water surface.
512 x 105 dollars = 53,760 dollars for the pool itself.
Add 6,000 dollars for a heater and 9,000 dollars for decking, and the project lands near 69,000 dollars before landscaping.
Watch it done
This short video walks through the same job in real life, so you can match what you see on screen to what you do at the pool.
Tips before you start
Get three bids and read what each one leaves out. Electrical hookup, fencing to code, and the first fill of water are the three items most often missing from a low bid.
Yearly upkeep on a mid size pool runs 1,200 to 2,500 dollars. A variable speed pump and a cover are the two changes that cut that bill the most.
Pool Cost Calculator FAQs
How much does a pool cost to build?
Most inground pools land between 40,000 and 100,000 dollars installed. Vinyl is the cheapest route and concrete the most expensive.
What does a pool cost per year?
Plan on 1,200 to 2,500 dollars for power, chemicals, water and small repairs. Heating a pool all season can add just as much again.
Is fiberglass cheaper than concrete?
Yes over the life of the pool. Fiberglass installs in weeks, uses fewer chemicals and never needs resurfacing.
Does a pool add value to a house?
In warm markets a pool can return part of its cost at sale. In cold climates it often reads as upkeep rather than value.