How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost in 2026?
If you’re considering purchasing an inground swimming pool next summer, you’ve come to the right place. Surely you know they cannot be cheap, which begs the question: how much does an inground pool cost?
Great question. The answer is… it depends. On a lot! “Well, what does it depend on?” Too much to count. The pool type, the size of the pool, your location, materials required, and so much more.
Determining the cost of an inground pool is not easy. Prices always change as the cost of materials move up and down. What we can do is give you a good estimation of what inground pool costs look like in 2026. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Types of Inground Pools & Their Cost Ranges
Below are typical cost ranges in 2026 for the three main inground pool materials/types, broken out by small, medium, and large pools. These assume typical installations (excavation, decking, basic equipment, landscaping/decking around the pool, etc.).
| Pool Type | Size Category | Rough Dimensions* | Expected Upfront Cost Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Liner Pool | Small | ~10′ × 20′ up to ~14′ × 32′ | $60,000 – $70,000 |
| Medium | ~15′ × 30′ up to ~16′ × 36′ | $70,000 – $80,000 | |
| Large | ~18′ × 36′ up to ~20′ × 44′ | $80,000 – $90,000 | |
| Fiberglass Pool | Small | ~10′ × 20′ up to ~13′ × 27′ | $70,000 – $75,000 |
| Medium | ~13′ × 28′ up to ~16′ × 32′ | $75,000 – $85,000 | |
| Large | ~16′ × 33′ up to ~16′ × 41′ | $85,000 – $100,000 | |
| Concrete (Gunite) Pool | Small | ~10′ × 20′ – ~12′ × 24′ | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Medium | ~14′ × 28′ – ~16′ × 32′ | $80,000 – $100,000 | |
| Large | ~18′ × 36′ – ~20′ × 40′+ | $100,000 – $125,000+ |
What Drives the Cost: Why These Ranges Vary
Understanding why inground pool costs vary helps you predict your own budget. Some of the key factors include:
Material / Construction Type
- Vinyl liner pools tend to have the lowest upfront cost among the three, because their structure (walls, liner) is simpler, labor is less intensive, and vinyl liners are less expensive than fiberglass shells and concrete materials. But they do have liner replacement, maintenance, and durability considerations.
- Fiberglass pools cost more upfront than vinyl liners. You’re paying for the manufactured shell, shipping, possible crane usage, and a gel-coat finish. But maintenance tends to be lower with fiberglass.
- Concrete (gunite) pools are the most expensive all around up front. A lot of these pools are fully customized and more labor-intensive. Additionally, materials & finishing (tile, plaster, aggregate) drive costs higher.
Size, Shape, and Depth
- The larger the pool, the more materials, excavation, and labor. Custom concrete and vinyl liner designs or deeper pools that require massive excavation will raise the overall project cost. Standard rectangle pools are cheaper than freeform or heavily curved pools.
Site Conditions & Excavation
- Your backyard’s soil type, the slope of the land, the amount of rock, accessibility for heavy equipment, and any drainage issues all impact excavation costs, which can add substantially. If the site requires a large amount of earth removed, retaining walls, de-watering, or fill dirt, you’ll see cost increases.
Finishes & Features
- Upgraded finishes (tile work, high-end plaster or exposed finish), lighting, waterfalls or special water features, custom steps and benches, tanning ledges, safety covers, automation systems, etc., all add cost.
Decking, Coping, and Surrounding Hardscape
- The pool is only part of the cost of the project overall. The surrounding decking, pool coping, fences, and any additional landscaping contribute significantly. Different materials (concrete, stone, pavers) have very different price tags.
Permits, Codes, and Utilities
- Local building codes, permitting fees, electrical work, plumbing, gas heaters, safety enclosures, etc., all impact cost. Sometimes you have to bring utilities to the pool site; that adds labor and materials.
Transportation / Logistic Costs
- Especially for fiberglass shells, shipping and crane work can add up. Wide loads, escorts, and limited access to the installation area can become costly. For vinyl walls or concrete, access to your backyard is still important, but they are not transported to your backyard the way fiberglass pool shells are.
Maintenance & Long-Term Costs
- While not part of the cost to install a pool, lifetime costs matter. Vinyl liner pools will require liner replacements, which will involve draining and adding entirely new water. Concrete pools will require resurfacing, acid washing, and additional chemicals. Fiberglass pools come with less frequent hidden costs, but require laser-precise chemical maintenance to ensure the quality and durability of the shell over time.
2026 Inground Pool Cost Estimates & What to Budget
Given inflation and rising material and labor costs, here are what the numbers likely look like in 2026:
- Vinyl liner inground pool cost: Expect $60,000 – $90,000 depending on size and upgrades. For a small rectangular pool, likely on the lower end. A large or shaped pool, or upgraded features will push cost toward the upper end.
- Fiberglass inground pool cost: Expect $70,000 – $100,000. Simpler medium shells may be in the $75,000-85,000 range; large, premium finishes could approach $100,000 or more.
- Concrete pool cost: Concrete pools are the oldest and ultimately most expensive option. These pools run $65,000 – $125,000+, depending on size and depth, finish options, and site conditions. Large custom concrete pools with complex features may even go beyond this.
What to Ask & Be Aware Of
The best swimming pool contractor is going to be the one who is transparent with you about additional fees and hidden costs when installing a pool. Before the installation begins, to avoid surprise costs, ask your pool contractor:
- Exactly what is included in the quoted price (excavation, utilities, permits, decking, coping, features, lighting, heater, cover, etc.). Sometimes quotes omit things that customers expect.
- What ongoing or hidden costs you should anticipate (liner replacements, resurfacing, increased chemicals, energy costs)
- Whether site prep (grading, soil issues, removing rock, drainage) is factored in.
- What warranties or guarantees come with the pool and its materials.
- Local permit fees or HOA/municipality requirements.
Bottom Line
If you want a quick answer: in 2026, an inground pool is likely to cost somewhere between $60,000 and $125,000+, depending mostly on what type of pool you choose (vinyl liner/fiberglass/concrete), how large and complex it is, and what upgrades or finishes you want.
- If your priority is lower upfront cost, a vinyl liner pool is most affordable.
- If you want lower maintenance and a solid mid-range option, fiberglass may be right for you.
- If you want maximum customization or premium finishes, concrete (gunite) will deliver—but expect to pay more, both upfront and over time.
Conclusion
An inground pool is no small investment. Inground swimming pools are luxury products, and investing in one is ultimately an investment in your future. It’s important to understand every aspect of your investment, why its price may change, what causes it to change, etc.
Installing an inground pool takes a lot of time, consideration, and money, of course. Now that you know just how much each inground pool type costs, you should have a better idea as to what inground pool type you can afford to put in your backyard.
For more educational content on all things pools and landscaping, check out the articles below or feel free to dive into our learning center. Thanks for reading!
Pool Buying Guide: 5 Steps to Purchasing an Inground Pool
Which Type of Pool Filter Is the Best?
How To Maintain a Salt Water Pool
Written by Logan Edgemon