As I meet with new clients every year, I get asked hundreds of questions per week about swimming pools, and most of them are very common. The other day, I got asked a question, and I guess people would think it’s a fairly typical question, but for some reason, I do not get it asked a lot. And that is “what is the cost difference between an underground swimming pool and an above-ground swimming pool?” Right now you’re probably thinking, I do not believe that this guy does not get asked about that more often! Let me tell you, I swear it to be true that is not a common question. Maybe it is because my company specializes in inground fiberglass and vinyl liner swimming pools, so people just do not care to ask, who knows? Either way, if you are considering both here are some things to think about!
What is the cost of an inground swimming pool?
According to PK Data in 2014 the cost of an inground swimming pool was around $39,084.00. Now I know that it is 2023 now, so let’s factor in about a 6% increase and that number changes to about $60,971.04. The national average can be a little deceiving because one region of the country can be very different than another. Let me try and get more specific with my own averages from what I see.
How much does a fiberglass pool cost?
Fiberglass swimming pools are typically placed on the higher end of the swimming pool price spectrum. Over the years we have seen an average of around $60,000.00 – $100,000.00
How much does a vinyl liner pool cost?
Vinyl liner swimming pools are the cheapest swimming pool to buy up front in the inground pool world. We typically see inground vinyl liner swimming pools that average around $60,000.00 – $85,000.00
How much does a gunite pool cost?
Gunite swimming pools in the Midwest can be more expensive than fiberglass swimming pools. This is not necessarily true in the West Coast and South East portion of the country. In the Midwest gunite swimming pools typically cost around $70,000.00 – $125,000.
Inground swimming pool accessories that will increase the price of the pool.
How much do automatic pool covers cost?
Automatic pool covers are most likely the number one swimming pool accessory that gets purchased today. The average cost of the cover is around $11,500.00. Automatic pool covers are great for safety, keeping children and other objects from falling in the pool.
How much do variable speed pool pumps cost?
Variable speed pool pumps come in a close second for the top inground swimming pool accessories. 1 hp Variable speed pool pumps cost right around $1,200.00 – $1,5000. 2 hp typically cost right around $1,500 – $1,800.
How much does an aboveground pool cost?
An above-ground swimming pool will typically cost around $3,000 – $9,000 depending on size and quality. Typically an all-metal pool will be of cheaper quality and therefore be a cheaper price. If you go with a more modern resin style of swimming pool, the quality is far superior to a cheaper steel style so the cost will go up.
Above-ground swimming pool accessories that will increase the price of the pool
How much does an above-ground pool deck cost?
When purchasing an inground swimming pool it is necessary to have some sort of pool deck around it such as concrete or brick paver. As for an above-ground swimming pool, it is not always necessary but is definitely the number one added feature to the pool by far.
Wooden pool decks are by far the most popular option around an above-ground swimming pool. Depending on if you build a full deck around the pool vs a smaller deck at the entrance of the pool, the price will change dramatically. The average pool deck is around $12,000 – $20,000 installed by a contractor.
Steel decks are a far less expensive option. These pool decks typically do not surround the swimming pool. They are made up of powder-coated steel and the decking is made up of outdoor carpet. The average price of a steel pool deck is around $2,000 – $5,000 and then will typically cost around $1,500 to install by a contractor.
So there it is folks’, inground pool cost vs above ground pool cost! For such a rare question I feel like it should have been answered a long time ago now that I wrote it! But, better late than never. I hope you guys enjoyed the read for today. See you soon!
