A pool sounds like pure summer fun, until you get the first quote and realize nobody warned you what's actually involved.
An above ground pool installation runs $1,500-$15,000, while an inground pool typically costs $45,000-$87,000. That's not a typo, it's a real 10x-plus gap. Above ground pools are faster and cheaper but can actually lower your home's resale value slightly. Inground pools cost far more but tend to add 5-7% to your home's value. Which one makes sense depends entirely on how long you're staying and what you actually want out of it.
Pool installation is one of those backyard renovation projects everyone underestimates, in the fun way and the expensive way. Let's break down exactly what you're getting into, in plain, simple terms.
| Pool type | Typical total cost |
|---|---|
| Above ground | $1,500 – $15,000+ |
| Semi-inground | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Inground (vinyl liner) | $35,000 – $80,000 |
| Inground (fiberglass) | $45,000 – $100,000 |
| Inground (concrete/gunite) | $50,000 – $135,000+ |
The material you choose for an inground pool matters almost as much as the size. Concrete pools cost the most and take the longest to install, but they last the longest and can be shaped into almost anything. Fiberglass is a nice middle ground. Vinyl liner is the most budget-friendly inground option, though the liner itself needs replacing every 5-15 years.
This depends heavily on which type you choose. An inground pool typically adds 5-7% to your home's value, since it reads as a real, permanent feature to future buyers. An above ground pool, on the other hand, often does the opposite, some buyers see it as one more thing they'll need to remove, which can slightly lower resale value. If adding home value matters to your decision, inground is the safer bet, if backyard fun on a real budget matters more, above ground still wins on pure cost.
Real example: A $65,000 inground pool that adds 6% to a $400,000 home adds roughly $24,000 in value. It won't fully pay for itself the way a kitchen remodel might, but it's not pure money lost either, it's part investment, part lifestyle.
The installation price is just the beginning. Plan for real monthly costs after the pool is in:
If your goal is really just "make my backyard better," a pool isn't the only path, and it's worth comparing against other options before you commit to the biggest, most expensive one. Our guide on deck vs. patio breaks down a much smaller-scale backyard upgrade with a clearer, faster return, and if you're weighing bigger renovation projects overall, finishing a basement often delivers a higher, more predictable ROI than a pool does.
See the real cost and ROI difference between a deck and a patio
Not necessarily, it depends on your goal. For pure enjoyment on a real budget, above ground pools deliver a lot of summer fun for a fraction of an inground pool's cost. Just don't expect it to add resale value the way an inground pool can.
Above ground pools can be installed in a single day to a week. Inground pools typically take 6-12 weeks from excavation to a swimmable finish, longer for concrete pools due to curing time.
In most areas, yes, for both above ground and inground pools, especially anything holding significant water depth. Permit costs typically run $100-$300 and are usually handled by your contractor as part of the project.
A basic above ground pool with DIY installation can run as little as $150-$1,500 for a small setup. That's the lowest realistic entry point if cost is your main concern.
Most homeowners fund pool installation and other big projects through the equity already sitting in their home rather than paying it all out of pocket at once.
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