Installing an inground pool is a major home improvement project that enhances lifestyle, property value, and outdoor entertainment. Costs range from $25,000-$60,000 for standard installations to $100,000+ for custom designs.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Check local regulations — Contact your municipality for setback requirements, fencing mandates (typically 4-foot minimum with self-closing, self-latching gates), easement restrictions, and required...
- Set a comprehensive budget — Include the pool itself, decking/patio ($5,000-$15,000), fencing ($2,000-$8,000), landscaping ($2,000-$10,000), permits ($500-$2,000), and equipment (pump, filter, heat...
- Choose the pool type — Concrete/gunite (most customizable, highest cost, longest installation), fiberglass (factory-built shell, fastest installation, smooth surface), or vinyl liner (lowest initia...
- Design the pool — Consider size, shape, depth, entry (steps, beach entry, ladder), and features (spa, water features, lighting, automatic cover). Work with a pool designer to optimize the layout fo...
- Hire a licensed pool contractor — Get 3+ bids from licensed, insured pool builders. Check references, review completed pools, verify licensing with your state contractor's board, and request a deta...
- Obtain permits — Your contractor typically handles permits, but verify this. Permits are required for excavation, construction, electrical, plumbing, and fencing. Some jurisdictions require a site ...
- Call 811 before digging — Utility companies must locate and mark underground lines (gas, electric, water, sewer, cable) before excavation. This is free and legally required.
- Monitor construction phases — Excavation (1-2 days), steel/rebar or shell placement, plumbing and electrical rough-in, gunite/concrete application or shell setting, tile and coping, decking, equipm...
- Install safety features — Compliant fencing with self-closing gates, pool alarms, safety covers, and anti-entrapment drain covers are often legally required. Consider a pool fence alarm and rescue ...
- Learn pool maintenance — Understand water chemistry (pH 7.2-7.8, chlorine 1-3 ppm, alkalinity 80-120 ppm), filtration schedules, cleaning routines, and winterization procedures. Consider a pool mai...
Common Mistakes
- Choosing location without considering sun, wind, and drainage
- Underbudgeting
- Not understanding ongoing costs
- Skipping the survey
- Choosing the cheapest contractor
Pro Tips
- Build in fall or winter
- Invest in an automatic pool cover
- Add a variable-speed pump
- Plan for future features
- Understand your insurance obligations