When it comes to breaking down the costs of building an inground swimming pool, there isn’t an easy answer. Clearly, the cost will depend on many factors, such as the type of pool you want, how much site preparation needs to be done, what materials and features you select, and more. Basically, the national average price of a backyard inground swimming pool is around $70,000. However, the price can range substantially higher than that to well over $150,000. As the premier inground pool builder in the Chicago area, Aqua Pools has many years of experience in this area. Let’s see if we can highlight the main cost factors of a typical inground pool construction.

Type of Inground Pool

There are three main types of inground swimming pools: vinyl liner, fiberglass, and concrete/gunite. A vinyl liner pool will usually be the least expensive option from $38,000-$70,000. They are a popular choice in climates with a harsh winter.  The vinyl does need to be replaced every 8-10 years at a cost of $2,000-4,800. Fiberglass pools are a major trend in the pool business, especially in our area of the Midwest. They are extremely durable and have a fast installation time. They can range in price from $50,000-$90,000. They are pre-formed and are installed into an excavated site. A gunite/concrete pool is the most expensive type of pool at $58,000-$150,000+. There are more options for customization with this type of pool, but they may involve more maintenance.

Site Preparation

The ultimate cost of your inground swimming pool project will largely depend on how much site preparation is required beforehand. If you are starting with a level lot and already-installed electrical, you are in great shape. On the other hand, if you have a rocky site or a site that requires much leveling, it will cost more. 

Costs Relating to Decking and Hardscape

When you install a pool, you will need to install a non-slip surface surrounding it. There are too many options for patio and decking materials to detail here, but the choices are numerous. Some of the materials to consider are wood, natural stone, stamped concrete, brick, pavers and more. This area is large and will make a great visual impact, so it is essential to do your research and choose well.

Landscaping Around the Pool

Hand in hand with pool decking and hardscape are the costs incurred in landscaping the area around your inground swimming pool. If you are on a tight budget, you could opt for a simple grass lawn. However, most people want to add trees or other shade structures, plus shrubbery and plants for aesthetics and privacy. Many municipalities require fencing around a swimming pool, which is an additional cost.

Add-On Features for an Inground Pool

It is a well-known fact that most of us spend the majority of our leisure time around our pools rather than in them. For that reason, when building a swimming pool, many people add amenities to their outside space that enhance their total enjoyment of their backyard oasis. Some desirable features could be an outdoor kitchen, water features such as fountains or waterfalls, a gazebo or other shade structure, and creative lighting for atmosphere and nighttime entertaining. These add-on features will make your pool a recreational destination and could be worth the additional cost in terms of the enjoyment they add to your poolside pleasure. 

As you can see, there are many factors that go into breaking down the costs of building an inground swimming pool. Depending on how much site preparation is required — including the type of pool you choose and the amenities you add — the cost can vary enormously. The most important factor in building your inground swimming pool is working with a qualified pool builder with years of experience and numerous outstanding reviews. When it comes to choosing your Chicagoland pool contractor, you simply cannot do better than Aqua Pools. We will work with you from start to finish, managing your expectations every step of the way, and making sure your inground pool dreams come true.