What Are the Cheapest Inground Pools to Install?

If you’re dreaming of a backyard oasis without breaking the bank, you may be wondering: What are the cheapest inground pools to install?

Vinyl liner pools generally have the cheapest upfront costs. But it’s important to know that many factors can drive up vinyl pools’ overall price, especially in terms of maintenance. A pool material like fiberglass, with slightly higher installation costs, might actually be the most cost-effective option for you over time. 

So how do you know what direction to go in? Basically, if you’re looking for the cheapest inground pools, you’re going to want to do your research to make sure you figure out what’s right for you.

Good news! We’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of affordable inground pools, exploring options, materials, and costs. Whether you want a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool installed, we’ll uncover the secrets to creating your own paradise without compromising your budget. And we’ll let you know about some of the hidden costs that pop up beyond the basic installation. So let’s jump right into the deep end to find the most affordable pool options for you!

Getting Started with Affordable Pools

The first thing you need to know when trying to find the cheapest inground pools is that pools come in three main materials: vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Let’s dive into the characteristics, costs, and benefits of each.

Vinyl Pools: A Cheap Entry Point to Inground Luxury

If affordability is your top priority, vinyl pools offer a cost-effective solution with a comparatively quick installation process. As some of the cheapest inground pools around, vinyl pools are a popular choice among budget-conscious homeowners. So let’s learn a little more about them.

Vinyl Pools 101

A vinyl pool is built from a steel or polymer frame and lined with a vinyl membrane, which is between the water and the pool structure. Vinyl liners have a top edge called a bead that locks into a track at deck level. There is a sand or cement-like floor beneath the liner in the dimensions of the liner itself. While vinyl pools may have lower upfront costs, it’s important to consider the long-term maintenance and replacement costs associated with the vinyl liner.

Pros of Vinyl Pools

• Lower Initial Investment: Vinyl pools typically have a more affordable initial price tag compared to other options. This makes them an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective inground pool.
• Quick Installation: Vinyl pools are relatively fast to install, allowing you to enjoy your backyard oasis sooner rather than later. The efficient construction process saves you both time and money.
• Smooth and Comfortable Surface: The vinyl liner provides a smooth and gentle surface, ensuring a pleasant swimming experience for you and your family.

Cons of Vinyl Pools

• Lifespan of Vinyl Liner: The vinyl liner of a pool typically lasts around 10-15 years. After this period, replacement becomes necessary, adding to the overall cost over time.
• Limited Customization: Compared to concrete pools, vinyl pools have fewer customization options. They come in pre-designed shapes and sizes, limiting your ability to tailor the pool to your exact specifications.
• Vulnerability to Damage: Although vinyl liners are durable, they are susceptible to tears or punctures. Care must be taken to avoid any sharp objects that could potentially damage the liner.

Concrete Pools: Affordable Elegance Within Reach

When it comes to durability and customization, concrete pools offer exceptional value. While they are not the cheapest inground pools to install, concrete pools’ long-term cost-effectiveness makes them a worthy contender. Concrete pools also offer flexibility in design, so a pool can be tailored to your preferences, providing endless possibilities. 

Concrete Pools 101

Concrete is a mix of cement, water, sand, and some kind of aggregate, such as gravel or stone. A concrete pool shell is made by spraying gunite (dry concrete that mixes with water at the end of the spray nozzle) or shotcrete (wet concrete that’s pre-mixed before it’s sprayed out). The concrete then hardens and strengthens in a curing process over about a month. Because concrete has low tensile strength on its own, pool installers often frame it with steel, creating a solid structure that’s still flexible in the face of natural elements (water, earth, etc.). Let’s explore the pros and cons of this affordable and versatile choice.

Pros of Concrete Pools

• Endless Customization: With concrete, your imagination is the only limit. Shape, size, and design options are virtually limitless, allowing you to bring your vision to life.
• Long-Term Durability: Concrete pools are built to last. Their solid construction ensures resistance to wear and tear, providing you with a long-lasting investment.
• Potential for Cost Savings: While the upfront cost for concrete may be a lot higher than other options, the low maintenance requirements (in comparison to vinyl) can save you money in the long run. Concrete pools are less susceptible to damage and have a longer lifespan.

Cons of Concrete Pools

• Higher Initial Investment: Concrete pools tend to have a higher upfront cost due to the materials and labor involved in their construction. However, the long-term benefits may outweigh the initial expense.
• Construction Time: Building a concrete pool can take longer compared to other options. Patience is required, but the result may be worth the wait.
• Maintenance Needs: While concrete pools are generally low maintenance, occasional resurfacing may be necessary over time to maintain their pristine appearance, raising the overall cost of the pool. Proper maintenance is crucial to avoid potential issues down the line.

Fiberglass Pools: Balancing Affordability and Convenience

For those seeking a middle ground between affordability and convenience, fiberglass pools offer a compelling option. While they aren’t the cheapest inground pools to install, they may be the most cost-effective option in the long term. These pre-manufactured pools deliver a balance of aesthetics, durability, and low maintenance that’s hard to find in any other material. 

Fiberglass Pools 101

Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured pools that are delivered in one piece and installed in your backyard. They are made out of reinforced fiberglass shells with protective gel coats, and they have a smooth, non-porous surface, which makes maintenance a breeze. Although the initial cost of fiberglass pools may be higher than the price of vinyl, the long-term durability and reduced maintenance needs of fiberglass pools can help offset these expenses.

Pros of Fiberglass Pools

• Quick Installation: Fiberglass pools come in pre-built shells that are delivered to your location, making the installation process significantly faster compared to other options.
• Reduced Maintenance Needs: The non-porous surface of fiberglass pools requires fewer chemicals and maintenance compared to other materials. This not only saves you time but also potentially reduces long-term costs.
• Smooth and Inviting Surface: The fiberglass material provides a smooth and comfortable surface, ensuring an enjoyable swimming experience for you and your loved ones.

Cons of Fiberglass Pools

• Limited Design and Size Choices: Unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools come in pre-made shapes and sizes. While there are still options available, the customization potential is more restricted.
• Higher Initial Investment: Fiberglass pools may have a higher upfront cost compared to vinyl pools. However, in terms of durability and maintenance, the long-term benefits can balance out the initial expense.
• Transportation and Delivery Constraints: The size and weight of the pre-built fiberglass shell can pose challenges during transportation and delivery to your installation site. Proper planning is necessary to ensure a smooth process.

Average Costs of Inground Pools

Now that we have explored the pros and cons of different material options, let’s delve into the average costs associated with each type of inground pool. Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on factors such as pool size, location, additional features, and site preparation. We’ll cover both the upfront investment and maintenance costs over time. It’s also important to consider the lifespan of each pool material in terms of the pool’s overall value when you’re researching the cheapest inground pools.

Vinyl Pool Cost on Average: $30,000

Vinyl pools typically range from $30,000 to $65,000, making them the most affordable option upfront. However, it’s important to consider the lifespan of the vinyl liner, which usually needs replacement every 10-15 years, though sometimes it’s as few as five years, depending on the quality of the liner. This liner replacement adds to the overall cost of a pool over time.

And replacing the liner isn’t a cheap process, especially because you’ve already spent money on the pool installation itself. Today’s liners typically cost around $4,000 to replace, once you factor in labor, water, incidentals, and the liner itself. When we do the math, this means that the low installation cost of a vinyl pool might be offset in a decade.

In addition, if you do go with a vinyl pool, you’ll want to pay close attention to the liner warranty. Sometimes, a warranty only covers parts of the liner where sections are fused, and warranties rarely include labor, water, and other costs. Most warranties are also prorated, which means that, after two or three years, the warranty won’t have much financial benefit.

Since replacing the liner is integral to the viability of a vinyl pool, we can measure its average lifespan at around ten years, much shorter than either concrete or fiberglass.

Concrete Pool Cost on Average: $50,000

Concrete pools can cost anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 or more. The wide range in pricing is due to the customization options and complexity of the design. While concrete’s upfront cost may be higher than that of any other material, its durability and the potential long-term savings on maintenance can make it a cost-effective investment.

But maintenance isn’t easy by any means. Concrete requires more hands-on maintenance than other pool materials do because of its porousness, which leads to algae growth. Once algae do sprout, it’s really hard to get rid of, so it’s recommended to brush the surface of the pool with a steel brush at least once a week to remove surface algae. Because time is money, this labor might be worth remembering as an additional cost to your concrete pool. 

In addition, more chemicals have to be purchased to treat the algae in a concrete pool, an expense that adds up over time. Also, because of their chemical compositions, concrete pools are incompatible with salt, so any salt introduced to a concrete pool destroys its interior finish, requiring more frequent refinishing.

Concrete pools do have the longest lifespan of the three materials and may last beyond 75 years, an attractive option to many homeowners. But, since concrete pools’ maintenance costs are higher than those of other materials, sometimes the longevity isn’t worth it for buyers.

Fiberglass Pool Cost on Average: $40,000

Fiberglass pools generally fall within the $40,000 to $85,000 price range, higher than vinyl pools, but lower than concrete pools. When considering fiberglass, remember that the pool’s size and shape options are limited due to the transportation constraints of the pre-built shell.

It’s important to remember how comparatively easy fiberglass pools are to maintain over time. Because of their gel coat surfaces, fiberglass pools are virtually non-porous, meaning that algae won’t grow easily in cavities and pores, as it does with concrete. In addition, unlike concrete pools, which need muriatic acid administered daily to lower the pH of the water, fiberglass pools require no such treatment. 

As a result, fiberglass pool owners typically spend 75% less time and money on maintenance for their pools. What this adds up to is more time playing in your pool and less time working on it!

Fiberglass does not have the lifespan of concrete, so that’s important to consider. But its longevity is still highly impressive, especially since it doesn’t require much maintenance overall. You can expect the average fiberglass pool to last around 25 years.

Other Factors Affecting Pool Costs

Now, let’s address the burning question: Just how cheap can inground pools be? While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure due to the many variables involved, it is possible to find more affordable options within each material category. To fully understand the cost implications, it’s important to consider and prepare for the factors that can affect inground pool installation cost and maintenance.

Pool Size and Shape

Naturally, the size and shape of your pool will impact the overall cost. If budget-friendliness is your primary concern, opting for a smaller pool can indeed save you money. The cheapest inground pools are often the smallest. Smaller pools generally require less material, excavation, and maintenance, resulting in lower upfront and long-term costs. If you’re looking to save money, consider opting for a compact pool design that suits your needs. 

You might already be thinking practically about a standard rectangular pool with a small stairway, but know that changing the style of your pool could drastically change the overall cost. A luxurious lagoon-style pool might be upwards of $100,000, while a small spool pool (typically 10-16 feet long and 6-8 feet wide, or 300 square feet) might cost you closer to $25,000. Be creative when you’re thinking about shape and style, and you could wind up saving quite a bit. 

Permits

Sometimes, it’s hard to remember all the hidden costs associated with pool installation. Cities almost always require building permits for inground pool installation to ensure safety standards are being honored and work is being done professionally. You can imagine how shoddy installation would affect not just your property, but your neighbors’ properties as well. So, while permits can be a pain, they’re important for protecting you and your home. 

Pool contractors and electricians most often acquire building permits themselves, which cost about $450-$1,800 per permit. In the scheme of things, permits aren’t terribly pricey, but all of these incidental costs can add up when you’re on a budget.

Site Preparation and Access

The condition of your backyard and the ease of access to construction equipment can affect the cost of installing an inground pool. If your site requires significant excavation or has limited access, it may incur additional expenses.

The land itself requires preparation for pool installation. That means excavation and grading for the pool area, as well as the surrounding patio. You may also be investing in landscaping to complement your pool installation, so don’t forget that extra piece of the initial cost. Sometimes, plumbing may need to be relocated or existing backyard features may need to be cleared as well.

Labor

On average, labor will make up about a third of the overall price tag of a pool project. Swimming pool installation costs are some of the largest outdoor expenses you can incur. There is not only the labor of the pool installation itself, but also the labor associated with utilities the pool requires. For instance, an electrician for a pool installation project generally costs around $2,250. And then don’t forget that there will be maintenance costs associated with the electricity required to simply run a pool, usually about $300 per year.

Water 

Sometimes we don’t think of the most obvious costs associated with pool installation, like the water itself. Once the pool is done, it’ll cost as little as $60 or as much as $1,250 to fill it with water. Pool water is constantly cycled in and out, so don’t be surprised when your water bill spikes as well. And if you’re going the saltwater pool route, you’re going to have to pay for the salt–not a huge expense at $60 for a 20,000-gallon pool, but still one more thing to factor in when you’re looking for the cheapest inground pools.

Taxes and Insurance

Remember that an inground pool is the kind of upgrade that may increase your overall property taxes, depending on state law. However, if you’re installing an inground pool for medical reasons, you might qualify for a tax deduction of around $12,000. All of this will depend on your individual situation and tax bracket, of course.

Beyond taxes, a pool might also increase your homeowner’s insurance cost. The amount of additional liability insurance will likely be negligible (about $50 a year), but the increase will depend on many factors, including your policy and provider, your location, and your home’s overall value.

Additional Features and Accessories

Inground pools can be customized with a variety of additional features such as waterfalls, slides, or lighting systems. While these enhancements add aesthetic value, they also come with additional costs. If you truly want the cheapest inground pool, it’s essential to strike a balance between your desired features and your budget so you keep costs in check. Here are a few pool extras to keep in mind if your budget allows:

• Pool Lighting: If you’d like to use your pool after dark, you might want to consider adding pool lighting. Each pool light will likely run you around $200.
• Diving Board: If the depth of your pool allows it, you could include a diving board for added summer enjoyment. But the installation cost could run you from $300 up to $5,000, depending on a host of factors.
• Slide: If a diving board isn’t enough, you could increase the summer fun with a pool slide. Remember that you’ll need adequate depth here too (at least 36 inches). Slides usually run between $1,500 and $5,000, so make sure you have this cost factored into your budget if it’s a priority.
• Pool Heater: If you live in a four-season state, it can be a drag to stop using your pool once summer turns to fall. But if the skies are still sunny and clear, you may not want to let a chill in the air keep you from a warm pool. A pool heater could be your solution, but

Affordable Luxury Awaits in Your Backyard

As we conclude our exploration of the cheapest inground pools, we hope you now have a clearer understanding of the options available to you. Whether you choose vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass, each material has its benefits and considerations when it comes to cost-effectiveness and customization.

Remember, finding the perfect inground pool within your budget involves balancing upfront costs, long-term maintenance, and your desired level of customization. By exploring your options and understanding the factors that affect costs, you can create an oasis within your budget and transform your backyard into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment.

So start envisioning your dream pool, consult with professionals, and let the journey to affordable luxury begin. Your paradise awaits, where you can create lasting memories with friends and family for years to come without breaking the bank. Dive in and make a splash with the cheapest inground pool that perfectly aligns with your vision and budget.