West Coast weather is hot and humid, and inground swimming pools are very popular. Before getting one, ask yourself: “How much does it cost to build a pool?” and “How much does a pool cost to maintain?” This way, you can finish your project as planned and enjoy your backyard oasis without stress over the cost.

Inground Pool Costs

Swimming regularly is part of a healthier lifestyle. Your own pool may help save on vacation expenses, and you’re likely to spend more time with friends and family. The benefits to both physical and mental health are clear, but hard to measure in numbers. Building an inground swimming pool is a big investment. It needs careful planning, both for the construction and the money. From Top Home Builders, you can expect the average cost of an inground pool to be $30,000 to $80,000.

Understanding the Average Cost of Inground Pools

Why is this estimate so broad? Many things affect the price of an inground pool, including:

  • Permits
  • Construction
  • Size and shape
  • Amenities
  • Maintenance

Let’s break down the process to look at these factors one by one.

Factors Affecting the Cost of an Inground Pool

It’s not possible to give an exact number online for everyone’s inground pool cost, as every property is different. Each homeowner has unique wants, needs, and budget. Knowing the range of prices, however, can help narrow down what you might expect to pay.

Expect permits to cost $200 to $300. California has specific state rules, county building rules, and local permit needs. You’ll likely need detailed plans, and someone may need to inspect your property.

A rectangular shape is best for swimming laps and most affordable, usually $35,000 to $50,000.

Kidney-shaped or curved pools cost more, typically $40,000 to $55,000.

Freeform or irregular shapes generally cost the most, from $45,000 to $60,000.

These prices are rough estimates for standard sizes without extras. They can change based on size, depth, digging needs, materials, and your location in California.

Amenities can add $25,000 to $50,000+ to your inground pool cost. These include:

  • Landscaping ($100 – $45,000)
  • Water Features
  • Decks
  • Spas / Hot Tubs
  • Fire Features
  • Outdoor Living Areas
  • Backyard Kitchens
  • Lighting
  • Waterslides

This phase is about adding the material that will hold water in your pool. Your choice of material affects both building and maintenance costs. Overall, expect this phase to cost from $500 to $5,000.

There are three main materials for pool construction: vinyl liner, fiberglass shell, or concrete.

  • Vinyl: The cheapest option, a vinyl-lined pool installation costs about $3,000 to $6,000. You’ll need to replace the liner every 6-15 years, costing $300 to $4,000.
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools are quick to install and easy to maintain. They last about 25-30 years. The price is in the middle, ranging from $28,000 to $50,000 including installation. Expect maintenance costs of $5,000 to $15,000 every 10 years.
  • Concrete: Concrete pools are the most attractive, expensive, and long-lasting option. They offer the most customization and are often best for larger pools. Installation should cost between $45,000 and $100,000+, with maintenance averaging $27,500 every 10 years.

Chemicals and equipment are ongoing costs to consider. You can expect maintenance to cost about $300 to $27,500 every ten years. This is a wide range, because it covers all inground pool types, and different materials definitely have different maintenance needs. 

Equipment like a skimmer net and vacuum will fall within the range of $700 to $1200, and will need replacement eventually, but how long each piece of equipment can be expected to last will be unique to each make and model.

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Inground Pool Costs in California

Process:Included:Potential Additional Cost:Price Range: Low EndPrice Range: High End
ConsultationOn-site visit & discussion$200.00$500.00
DesignRevisions$2,000.00$5,000.00
Engineer’s Stamp of Approval$0.00$5,000.00
Permits$200.00$300.00
ExcavationService & Equipment$400.00$1,500.00
Dirt Disposal$13,000.00$13,000.00
Plumbing$3,000.00$8,000.00
Electrical Work$2,500.00$6,000.00
Construction$500.00$5,000.00
MaterialInstallation$3,000.00$100,000.00 or more
Landscaping$100.00$45,000.00
Construction Cleanup$500.00$1,500.00
Total:$25,400.00$190,800.00 or more
Contingency Fund 25%$6,350.00$47,700.00
Revised Total:$31,750.00$238,500.00 or more
Pool Equipment$700.00$1,200.00
MaintenanceFor each 10 years$300.00$27,500.00

How to Choose the Best Custom Pool Construction Company

This important choice should be based on your research. Ask friends or family who’ve had construction work done about their contractors and experiences, both good and bad. Look at many companies online, check their work, and talk to your top choices.

Choose a builder willing to visit your home and look at your property. If possible, find a builder who can show you a walk-through or rendering of what the finished pool will look like.

Let’s Start Building Your Backyard Swimming Pool

An inground pool is among the features most in demand in any California home. Ready to start building one in your backyard? Contact us!  We’ll respond quickly to help you start planning your dream inground swimming pool.

All of the above price data was gathered in 2023.

Related Article: Top Luxury Features for Homes in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an inground pool will add to the value of your home, especially in the San Jose area.  However, not all potential buyers want a home with a pool, so it may take longer for your home to sell, given this slightly smaller group of potential buyers.

This depends mostly on what material you choose and how well you maintain your inground pool. A well-maintained concrete pool can last over 100 years.

A small to medium-sized rectangular vinyl-lined pool installed on flat ground without rocks or underground water will have the lowest price of all the options discussed here.