Inground swimming pool prices vary considerably, depending on their size, shape, depth, material, and additional components. Initial inground pool prices generally range from between $6,000.00 and $15,000.00 USD, but can go above or below these price points, depending on the above factors, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers special offers and incentives. If you purchase one of the many advertised inground swimming pool kits, you are likely to obtain a slightly lower price, because all of the pool components, including inground swimming pool liners and other details like steps or ladders will be included and consequently will not need to be purchased and delivered separately. Swimming pool steps and liners are generally priced between $1,000.00 and $3,000.00 USD when purchased as items separate from the actual pool. Bear in mind that the cost of kits most often does not include the costs involved with installation and maintenance.  It also does not generally include the usual swimming pool accessories.

Look at this gorgeous kidney inground swimming pool.

Whether you are interested in semi inground swimming pools or pools that are entirely buried, you need to be looking at different types of construction and materials than those used in the construction of the above ground swimming pool. Above ground, pools can be made of flexible rolled sheet walls, which are easy to install and put together. A pool that is in the ground needs to have a very rigid wall structure that will be strong enough to support the pressure of the water inside the pool, as well as the surrounding dugout area. Popular materials for the construction of inground swimming pools are concrete, aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. Each of these pool types have advantages and disadvantages, but it is generally agreed that fiberglass inground swimming pools have a longer life span, and require less maintenance that the other listed types, making them the most cost-effective and least time-consuming option.

An inground fiberglass swimming pool is relatively easy to install, and takes considerably less time than constructing concrete moulds. They are also flexible but tough at the same time, so that if there are subtle shifts in the earth that surrounds your pool, a fiberglass mould is likely to flex with the shift, instead of producing cracks that are inconvenient and expensive to repair. Fiberglass pools also do not require the above-mentioned vinyl liners, because they are generally constructed with a clear gel finish that is built in, making the surfaces smooth and scratch free, with no cracks or sharp edges on which to damage skin or bathing suit material. The only disadvantage of fiberglass pools is that they are generally sold in pre-constructed forms, so that a custom-designed form would cost considerably more to produce.  Several generic inground swimming pool designs are generally available at companies that specialize in making custom pools for people.

This is a fiberglass pool being installed into the ground.

Are you unsure of what type of pool form or design to select? Inground swimming pools have multiple uses in different settings. Determining what the primary function of your future pool is to be will help in determining what style of pool to purchase and install. If you are primarily interested in a pool for the purpose of exercise, then a rectangular lap pool is probably your best option. If you have a family with smaller children, choose a smaller form that is not as deep. If the pool is primarily ornamental or for an occasional dip while sunbathing, then look for a design that complements the shape and size of the surrounding property, and is aesthetically pleasing.

Here is a liner being placed in a swimming pool.

When considering inground swimming pools prices, also consider the additional costs that come with owning a pool. Basic additional pool accessories that are necessary for all pool owners include pool filters that need to be cleaned and changed regularly, the necessary chemicals, an automatic pool cleaner, and additives that need to be used in the pool water to keep it clean and germ free, and some form of pool cover to keep it free of debris when not in use.  Don't forget about pool fencing, as many states require that you have one.  You may opt to pay for a professional pool service to maintain your pool.  Also, don't forget pool floats and pool toys to help make the pool a more fun place to be!

You may also wish to make additional landscaping changes to account for the new pool. Installing some form of pool fence is a way of keeping inquisitive eyes out of your private space, and acts as an additional safety feature, discouraging animals and children from getting too near the pool environment, and preventing pool-related accidents.  Lockable swimming pool covers are even better for this purpose though.

Although there is a lot of planning involved with the installation of inground swimming pools, their result is sure to compensate for all of the preliminary work. Enjoy your customized finished product, knowing that you have chosen the pool that best fits your needs and price range, and take time to reward yourself with a refreshing dip.

However, while they may add more value to your home, you DO NOT want to forget about your maintenance fees.  You will need pool filters, a pool cover, and other swimming pool accessories.  If you don't want to maintain the pool yourself, you may also want to look into hiring a private pool cleaner or a professional pool service.  Some of you may prefer a pool with an inground pool liner.  These inground pool liners are good for giving the pool a softer and more slippery feel, as well as making sure water isn't leaking out anywhere.  And of course the fun pool accessories that you would end up purchasing over time, such as pool floats and pool toys.  All these expenses add up quick; you may just want to consider purchasing an inflatable pool instead!

Also, let's not forget about the option of adding a hot tub to your pool.  If you are going to spend the money on a pool, you may as well purchase a hot tub.  Luckily, hot tubs for sale are not that hard to find if you use Craigslist.  Of course, don't forget that the price will go up when you buy a hot tub cover and the hot tub filters.  You will also need to purchase hot tub chemicals (which are different from swimming pool chemicals) for upkeep of the jacuzzi.

For those who are interested in getting the most pool for their money, a rectangular inground pool may be the best option. These tend to be on the lower end of the inground pools price scale, both in terms of cost of materials and installation. An 8’ by 16’ pool is one of the smaller inground pools generally available, and most can be purchased from pool discounters for around $6,000 not including the costs associated with installation. Rectangular pools are great because they will fit well into any yard, take up little space by volume, and are the most widely available option. Even some of the larger rectangular pools, in sizes up to 20’ by 60’ will not break the bank, often costing less than $15,000.

A simple and elegant rectangular inground pool.

Anyone who is looking for something that is a bit different may be interested in an Ameba or Lagoon inground pool. These pools are available in a number of meandering shapes and may be beautifully incorporated into a yard’s landscaping. Those who are interested in either of these styles should be aware that they are generally more expensive to purchase and will take up more space in a yard. Smaller versions will cost around $10,000 depending on your pool supplier, with costs rising as they get bigger. In addition to the added cost of purchasing the pool itself, installation may be a bit more tricky and costly. While the initial investment will be larger, the impact on the value of your home is larger as well. An interesting Ameba or Lagoon inground pool is a great selling point for any house.

If you are looking for something really different, there are a number of vendors who now offer customized swimming pool designs (of course, these require custom swimming pool covers). In terms of inground pools prices, custom inground pool designs are often on the upper range of cost of pools by size. However, many home owners feel it is worth the extra expense to have a pool that fits perfectly in their yard. The design process varies by manufacturer, with some allowing you to create your pool through their website and receive an immediate quote, while others will aid in creating a completely unique shape based on your specifications.  If you want additional accessories like diving boards or swimming pool slides built in, that will cost you extra, but they will also increase the value of your property.

Here is a higher end lagoon inground pool.

While many people think of poured concrete when they picture an inground pool, fiberglass pools are becoming more and more popular. Fiberglass inground pool prices are not only reasonable, but a fiberglass pool will be easier and faster to install in most cases. Fiberglass is durable and easy to care for, something that should always be considered when calculating the inground pool price of ownership. Fiberglass pools are available in every popular style and most pool and spa stores and websites offer a large selection.

As mentioned, inground swimming pools prices must also include the cost of installation. If you are a seasoned do it yourself person, self-installation may be possible. However, for those who are not comfortable will everything involved, there are a number of contractor options for new pool owners. One of the easiest ways to install your pool is to contract the installation through the company from which it was ordered. Even dealers who operate primarily online will often have local contacts that are reliable and experienced. In some cases, their services may even be built into the inground pool price. If the dealer has no such contacts, compile a list of local landscapers who may have the tools and equipment to do the job. Pool owners should always ask for photographs of a landscaper’s previous work to ensure it is up to their standards.

When comparing one inground swimming pool price to another, make sure that each package that you are considering is actually comparable. Some may include only the pool itself, while others may sell inground pools as complete kits, with accessories and installation included. The only way to find the best inground pool prices is to take the time to shop around. As pool ownership has become more popular, there are more and more great pool and spa stores popping up all over the country. Representatives from these stores can be a great resource in finding the right pool for your needs and budget.

The materials that make up the outer perimeter and basin of your pool are going to go a long way in determining how you can use your pool. Before you decide on any aspects of your inground pool you should take a moment and think about how you’re planning to use your pool.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you decide on any aspect of your pool:

• Are you going to be using the pool for leisure time?
• Are you going to be playing a lot of sports in your pool? Will you throw pool parties?
• Are you planning to use the pool strictly for exercise?
• Will children be using the pool often?
• What kind of inground swimming pool designs are you looking for?
• What inground pool designs will best fit your home?
• What type of pool is easiest for keeping your pool cleaner?
• Do you want a small inground pool or a big one?

The answers to those questions are going to determine what materials might be best to use for your particular inground pool. There are three popular inground pool materials to consider: vinyl, concrete, and fiber glass. Each material has a few pros and cons that you should know about before you make any commitments.

Vinyl

Get a group of people to help you with your inground pool installation. 

Inground swimming pools aren’t cheap by any means but when you choose to build it out of vinyl you might be saving yourself a little bit of money. Inground pool prices can get pretty steep but vinyl is one of the cheaper materials out there so it allows you to pinch a few pennies.

Vinyl inground pool liners are generally smooth and cushiony. If you’re planning to have children in the pool pretty often the vinyl inground pool liner is a smart choice because it is usually considered a bit safer than the concrete or fiberglass. My only problem with vinyl as a pool lining is the texture of it. I’m not a big fan of the grimy feel that vinyl tends to have on my feet.

Concrete

Concrete inground pools are definitely the most traditional.

Concrete, because it can be used for any size pool and can be shaped to any form, is quickly becoming the most popular choice for inground pool material. Concrete inground pools offer a durable structure that will outlast the vinyl inground pools and withstand just about any weather condition.

You’ll see everything from Olympic sized pools to small inground pools made out of concrete. A concrete inground pool kit would be great for swimming laps, playing sports, or just enjoying the day but it isn’t as safe as some of the other pool types because concrete is incredibly rough. Be prepared to get a few scrapes here and there on your feet and knees if you install a concrete inground pool.

Fiberglass

Inground fiberglass pools are easier to install than concrete pools. 

Fiberglass inground pools are kind of the cross between vinyl and concrete. They are the more expensive pool type but they come in all kinds of forms and sizes. You can install fiberglass inground pools just about anywhere as long as you have the space for them.  These are also the standard material for lap pools, and those can be installed either inground or above ground as well.

Fiberglass is great because it is easy to install, looks and feels fantastic, does not need to be resurfaced, and requires little to no maintenance (or pool service). You’ll find that most people who have owned an inground pool before and are thinking of buying a new one or having one installed in a new house will go with fiberglass because even though it is a little bit pricy it is a lot less of a headache.