Here at Perma Pools, our mission as educators in the pool industry is to answer all your questions—the common, the technical, and even the bizarre.
The most common question? Cost.
Whether vinyl liner or concrete or fiberglass pools, whether extravagant or minimalistic aesthetics, people want to know about how much they're going to spend.
You ask; we answer.
How much does an inground pool cost?
Most vinyl liner pools cost $65,000 - $85,000 upfront and $11,500 in maintenance over 10 years. Fiberglass pools cost $75,000 –$100,000 upfront and only $3,760 in maintenance over 10 years.
Ask your pool contractor what the standard package includes. The base package can vary greatly from company to company. It surprises me how often a company's base package price excludes permits, delivery fees,water,etc.
How much does a vinyl liner pool cost?
Initial cost of a vinyl liner pool
Most vinyl liner pools cost $65,000–$85,000upfront.
What affects the initial price:
- Size and shape
- Vinyl liner thickness
- Type of steps (and benches, if any)
- Coping material
- Patio size and material
- Type of wall panel
- Pool accessories
- Water features, if any
- DIY vs. professional installation
- Landscaping
- Region
If you choose a vinyl liner pool the homeowner has the ability to customize any type of pool that you would like to have in your backyard ( Shape & Size ).
Long-term maintenance cost of a vinyl liner pool
Vinyl liner pools cost about $11,500 in maintenance over 10 years.
What affects the long-term cost:
- Chemicals
- Electrical energy
- Liner replacements
The average vinyl liner must be replaced every 5–9 years. This costs about $6,000 each time—paying for the labor and materials to replace the liner, the water to fill the pool, and the chemicals to start the pool back up.
Vinyl liner pools require less electricity and fewer chemicals than concrete pools.
For more details on budgeting for a liner pool: The Ultimate Budget Guide for a Vinyl Liner Pool
How much does a fiberglass pool cost?
Initial cost of a fiberglass pool
Fiberglass pools cost $75,000–$100,000 upfront.
What affects the initial price:
- Size and shape
- Coping material
- Patio size and material
- Gelcoat color
- Pool accessories
- Water features, if any
- DIY vs. professional installation
- Landscaping
- Region
Long-term maintenance cost of a fiberglass pool
A fiberglass pool only costs about $3,760 in maintenance over 10 years.
What affects the long-term cost:
- Chemicals
- Electrical energy
The gelcoat surface is nonporous, meaning algae has no place to take hold. Nice!
You use fewer chemicals, spend less time maintaining the pool, and can run the pump and filter in shorter cycles or at lower speeds.
A properly manufactured and maintained gelcoat should never need to be resurfaced.
Fiberglass pool shapes and sizes are less customized than concrete pools or vinyl liner pools. However, most people can find a model that fits their needs. They’re super durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful!
For more details on budgeting for a fiberglass pool: How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?
Want to learn more about buying your perfect inground pool?
Price matters. Oh, does it matter. But it's not the only thing you have to consider when you're pool shopping. After all, this isn't a car or a camper. You can't trade it in later—it's gonna be with you for a good, long time. At Perma Pools we have been creating lasting memories for our customers since 1987!
