How Much Does an Inground Fiberglass Pool Cost?

Buying any swimming pool is a major investment, so it makes sense to do your research to find out exactly how much your new inground pool will cost. Picking out the pool shape and the color are the fun parts. But just as important is who is going to install your pool, who is going to design and develop your backyard oasis and how you are going to care for it. Making all of these decisions correctly will ensure that you will have a pool that it lasts a lifetime and fits within your budget.

The most important thing to consider is the joy that you will be bringing to you and your family.  Remember that this is an investment in creating great memories around the pool, of being safe and secure in your backyard oasis while enjoying everyone’s company.  Swimming pools are great for physical activity and staying healthy.  You can replace your gym membership, forget about the stationary bicycle and delete that expensive workout app, all the while creating even better personal relationships and enjoying life to its fullest.

Historically, most home improvements don’t raise the value of your home by the amount of the investment.  However, as the recent health crisis has entered our lives, we are finding that many home buyers are looking at having an in-ground pool as a great value – and it is increasing the value of your home.

By the way, Leisure Pools® allows for a transfer of their pool warranties within the first five years of ownership – at no cost.  If you add a pool today and decide to sell your home, you are able to fully transfer the warranty to the new homeowner.

The costs for inground pools can vary greatly even within the same neighborhood.  That is because there are a number of variables when it comes to having your own pool, including, but not limited to:

• How your property is laid out.
• Do you need to remove trees?
• Is there rock in your backyard?
• Do you need to move sewer or electrical lines?
• What is the water table in your area?

Also, there are a number of design and landscaping options that could affect your pricing.

• Are you happy with cement around your pool?
• Do you prefer stamped concrete? Or would you like designer travertine paving around your pool?
• Are you building a patio around your pool?
• Would you like some accessories around your pool such as fire pits, water bowls or waterfalls?

As you can see, getting all of those questions answered in a way that’s best for your situation is why it’s best to work with a professional builder/installer who is an authorized dealer.  They will have the experience and the knowledge to provide you with all the options available and the associated costs. Our Contact page can put you in touch with a dealer in your area.

The starting point for your swimming pool will more than likely be size.  Smaller pools, like “plunge pools,” will be at the lower end of the spectrum, while purchasing a large, 40-foot long pool with an 8-foot deep end, will result in a much higher cost.  Not only are the smaller pools less costly due to the materials but also because they require less work by your builder/installer. A good place to start would be our Pool Styles, where you can see the full range of sizes we offer.

The other thing to consider is the equipment that you will need to properly operate your pool.  Every pool will need a pump, a cleaning system and returns for a healthy, safe swim.  If you add waterfalls, a built-in spa or other accessories, that will probably mean purchasing additional equipment to manage the volume of water.  If you would like to maintain a constant temperature, to facilitate swimming in colder weather, you should also consider purchasing a heater for your pool/ spa.  Overall, it is a small investment that extends the use of your pool throughout the year and adds even greater enjoyment.

The other common addition is the use of lights within your pool.  Most families enjoy lights not just for safety, but also to add to the overall beauty of the pool.  Lighting can add incredible design impact both day and night.  There are smaller investments for “basic lighting”, but it can increase with the addition of automated lighting (which is becoming increasing popular). Our Enhancements page will have everything you could dream of to add to your pool and more.

Due to the increased demand for swimming pools, the average cost for a swimming pool has also been increasing.  A number of years ago, the average cost for a smaller (30 feet or less) swimming pool would have been in the $25,000 – $35,000 range.  Today, that cost is moving toward the range of $55,000 – $65,000 with a “no frills” install (pool install, “standard” equipment and concrete pour around the pool.). Most fiberglass pools today are more likely in the $75,000 – $85,000 range.

If you want a quality swimming pool that will last your family a lifetime, fiberglass swimming pools are a great investment. The cost of a fiberglass pool compares very favorably to other types of pools.

Fiberglass vs Concrete/Gunite Inground Pools:  Most concrete/gunite builders are booked a year or more in advance. Plus, the important thing with gunite pools is that you truly rely on the talent to pour your pool correctly.  There are many variations between the builders and you will pay greatly for this talent.  It is not uncommon to reach prices of $100,000+ for concrete/gunite pools with a long wait time.

Fiberglass pools are built in a factory under strict quality controls so you are guaranteed that the pool you see in the brochure is the pool that you will receive at your home.  While we may be experiencing longer waiting times than normal, we can still provide you with your own swimming pool much quicker than having one built from scratch in your backyard.

In addition, the installation time is much, much less.  Most builders can spend one week, sometimes much less, digging the hole for your fiberglass swimming pool. Installing it once it arrives, plumbing it and setting it can often take place that same week.  Gunite pool production will take months and can be very messy and dangerous around your home.

Fiberglass vs Vinyl Liner Inground Pools:  Historically, vinyl liner pools have been the lowest point of entry for families wanting an inground pool.  However, vinyl liner pools have the shortest life span, requiring frequent maintenance and typically, within seven years, will need to be replaced. The result is an expense of anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 every time you do so.

In recent years, we are finding that vinyl liner pools are being priced much higher, resulting in costs that are very near to the $40,000 – $50,00 range.  The time and the labor that it takes to install a vinyl liner is driving up the costs and making fiberglass pools a much more economical and convenient choice.

Limitations of Vinyl Liner Pools

• Salt Water Systems — Many families are discovering the benefits of swimming with a salt water system.  They find it be cleaner and more enjoyable than standard chlorine systems.  Unfortunately, you cannot enjoy a salt water system with a vinyl liner pool as the salt will eat and erode the steel pins used in the creation of the pool itself.
• Durability — Vinyl liner pools are not pet-friendly.  Your dogs and cats will tear the materials resulting in a major repair cost.  With fiberglass swimming pools, they are welcome to play and enjoy the pools with you and your family. We have also heard a number of stories where vinyl liner owners will say that even jumping into their vinyl liner pool can cause indentions or “bumps” in the bottom of their pool due to the vinyl materials being so flexible. Fiberglass pools are much more durable and built much stronger, strong enough to last a lifetime.  (That’s why Leisure Pools® offers a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Lifetime Structural Osmosis Warranty.)

To explore the differences between pool construction more in-depth, read our blog post “Fiberglass vs. Vinyl vs. Concrete Pools”.

We know that getting a handle on the cost of an inground swimming pool might seem like a daunting task. But in reality, while there is a lot to consider, it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it might seem. We recommend you start by checking out our pool styles and determining the designs that you like best. Consider the size of your backyard, what features appeal to you (such as built-in spas or tanning ledges), and the color you want to incorporate. When you look to your backyard, we want you to smile and be happy with the way it looks.  It should be a place where the entire family enjoys spending time and that your friends and relatives enjoy visiting.

Once you have an idea of the type of pool that you like, we suggest picking up the phone and dialing (855) 85-SPLASH (855-857-7527,) and punching in your zip code when prompted.  You will be directed to your local dealer, who can talk with you about your ideas and provide you with additional guidance.  When you are ready, your dealer will then provide you with a free estimate and production schedule to get your new pool in the ground and you and your family swimming.

The other option would be to contact us and submit your inquiry to us.  This will be forwarded to your local dealer who will then reach out to you to discuss your project.