Pool Cost Calculator
Pick your pool type and enter the size and a price per square foot to estimate the build cost.
What your result means
Total is the surface area times your price per square foot. The type dropdown labels the estimate; enter that type's price. Rough per-sq-ft surface ranges: vinyl $50 to $100, fiberglass $80 to $150, concrete $100 to $200. Then add 30 to 50% for decking, equipment, and landscaping, plus a $300 to $1,500 permit.
How to use this calculator
- Plan pool size in ft.
- Pick construction type.
- Enter cost per sqft (vinyl $50-100, fiberglass $80-150, concrete $100-200).
- Read surface area and total cost.
- Add 30-50% for decking, equipment, landscaping.
The formula
Surface area is length times width. Multiply by your price per square foot for the build cost.
Worked example
Say you're planning a 30 by 15 ft fiberglass pool at $100 a square foot. That's 450 sq ft of surface, so a $45,000 build before decking and equipment.
Pool cost by type (total build)
| Type | Total build | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl liner | $35k – $65k | 15 – 25 yrs |
| Fiberglass | $40k – $85k | 25 – 30 yrs |
| Concrete / gunite | $50k – $150k | 25 – 50+ yrs |
Tips & gotchas
- Vinyl liner pools are cheapest at $35,000 to $65,000.
- Fiberglass runs $40,000 to $85,000 and installs fast.
- Concrete or gunite is $50,000 to $150,000 and the most customizable.
- Add 30 to 50% for decking, equipment, and landscaping.
- Permits run $300 to $1,500 depending on the jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pool cost?
Vinyl $35k to $65k, fiberglass $40k to $85k, concrete $50k to $150k.
What's the cheapest pool to build?
Vinyl liner pools, with the lowest material cost.
What lasts longest?
Concrete pools at 25 to 50-plus years, then fiberglass at 25 to 30, vinyl at 15 to 25.
Above-ground vs in-ground?
Above-ground is $1,500 to $15,000, much cheaper but less durable.
How long does it take to build a pool?
Fiberglass 2 to 4 weeks, vinyl 4 to 8, concrete 8 to 12.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.