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Which Type of Inground Pool Is Cheapest To Install

What do you want out of an inground swimming pool? Maybe it’s a ten-foot deep end? Maybe it’s a built-in spa? Maybe you want a natural-looking pool with a waterfall? Whatever it is your heart may desire, everyone in the market for an inground swimming pool wants one thing: the pool they can afford. Or in other words, the best bang for your buck. One of the most commonly asked questions we get asked at Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs is “Hey, which type of pool is the cheapest to buy and install?”

Make no mistake, inground swimming pools are not cheap. Quite the opposite, and if you’ve seen one you can understand why. 

There are three main types of inground pools in the pool industry: concrete (gunite) pools, fiberglass pools, and vinyl liner pools. 

 

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liner pools will always be an option in the inground swimming world because of the relatively low upfront costs when compared to the other pool types. 

Vinyl is much cheaper than fiberglass and concrete materials which make vinyl liners the most cost-effective inground pool type.

Prices for a vinyl pool may vary depending on your pool builder, but the general price ranges are as follows. 

Small Vinyl Pools:

  • $55,000 – $65,000

Medium Vinyl Pools:

  • $66,000 – $75,000

Large Vinyl Pools:

  • $76,000 – $85,000

Despite the lower upfront cost, a vinyl liner pool package price can rise depending on any features you may decide to add. Vinyl liner pools also require a lot of chemical adjusting over time, which will cut into those initial savings.

One of the best things about vinyl liner pools is that you can customize them. But the more intricate you get with a design, the higher the price.

 

Fiberglass Pools

Vinyl liner and concrete pools were the most popular type of inground swimming pool for decades. Fiberglass pools have gained popularity over the past 20 years as a middle-ground option between vinyl liner pools and concrete pools.

One aspect that makes a fiberglass pool more expensive is that the pool shell is constructed in specialized factories and then transported to your home, incurring high freight costs.

Like vinyl liners, the price for a fiberglass pool will depend on the manufacturer and pool builder you go with, as well as things like the size of your project, location, etc. The price ranges for a fiberglass pool are as follows:

Small Fiberglass Pool:

  • $70,000 – $75,000

Medium Fiberglass Pool:

  • $76,000 – $85,000

Large Fiberglass Pool:

  • $86,000 – $100,000

A fiberglass pool costs more than a vinyl liner pool upfront, but fiberglass pools are known for their low maintenance. You’ll spend a lot less on upkeep and chemicals with a fiberglass pool when compared to the other pool types. 

 

Concrete Pools

The truth about concrete pools is that it can be hard to determine price ranges because they vary in size and design so much. A concrete pool can be less than 10,000 gallons or it can be over 60,000 gallons. 

The labor-intensive installation process coupled with the price of concrete makes it the most expensive type of inground pool to install. But they last a very long time so you’re going to get your money’s worth.

The general price range for a residential concrete inground pool is:

  • $75,000 – $125,000 

Royal Pools and G2 Outdoor Designs don’t install concrete pools, but we know what it takes to get one in the ground and it is no small feat, which is why they’re so expensive. 

 

So, Which One Is the Cheapest?

There are a lot of things to consider when weighing the price options of inground pools. While vinyl pools generally have lower initial costs, fiberglass pools may offer better long-term value due to their durability and lower maintenance requirements. On the other hand, concrete pools provide unparalleled customizability but for a much higher cost.

Finding the best pool for your needs. It’s essential to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term expenses and benefits of each type of inground pool before making a decision. The best way to do this is by consulting with a professional pool builder who can help you evaluate the best option based on your specific needs and budget constraints. 

In conclusion, while vinyl pools may have the lowest upfront costs, fiberglass pools offer a compelling combination of affordability and durability. However, if customization is your top priority and budget is not a constraint, concrete pools might be the way to go. Remember, investing in an inground pool is a significant decision, so take your time to research and choose the option that aligns best with your lifestyle and budgetary considerations.


Additonal Articles:

Is a Fiberglass Pool Worth Purchasing?

FG vs Vinyl vs Gunite

What Is A Pool Liner Replacement Going To Cost?

Written By Logan Edgemon