The construction phase is the most expensive part of installing a pool. It includes excavation, site preparation, and shell
installation.
When planning the pool building process, most homeowners are surprised to learn that the construction phase is the single most expensive part of installing a pool. This includes excavation, site preparation, and installing the pool shell, whether it’s concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl.
A backyard pool brings fun, relaxation, and value to your home, but it’s also a major investment. Understanding where your money goes helps you budget confidently and avoid surprises.
Below, we break down the real costs, supported with tables, examples, and real-world price ranges for inground pool cost, aboveground pool installation, and more.
The percentages below represent the typical cost distribution of a standard inground pool installation.
| Cost Component | % of Total Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation & Ground Prep | 25–30% | Digging, soil removal, utility relocation, drainage, and leveling |
| Pool Shell Construction | 20–25% | Concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl shell, forming, steelwork |
| Equipment & Filtration | 15–20% | Pumps, filters, heaters, plumbing, electrical, and automation systems |
| Custom Features & Finishes | 20–25% | Lighting, decking, waterfalls, spas, tile, and coping |
| Permits & Miscellaneous | 5–10% | Local permits, inspections, cleanup, and engineering fees |
Excavation is often the most complicated and costly stage of installing an inground pool. It requires:
Rocky soil, tight access, or sloped yards can significantly increase costs.
Cost-Saving Tip
Get a soil test before construction. This helps you avoid unexpected rock removal or drainage issues that can lead to major budget changes.
Whether you’re comparing the cost of fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl pools, the pool shell itself is a major part of your budget.
Concrete offers total customization in shape, size, depth, and features—but it’s also the most expensive and takes the longest to build.
Fibreglass offers a faster installation and is one of the most popular choices for those researching how much inground pools cost. These are pre-made shells brought to the yard and lowered into the excavation.
Vinyl pools are usually the most affordable, though they require liner replacement every 7–10 years.
| Pool Type | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (Gunite) | $70,000–$150,000+ | Fully customizable, long build time |
| Fiberglass | $50,000–$90,000 | Fast installation, durable, limited shapes |
| Vinyl Liner | $35,000–$65,000 | Cheapest upfront, liner replacement needed |
These ranges help answer queries like how much do inground pools cost, inground pool cost, and how much does a 12×24 inground pool cost?” (typically $45,000–$75,000 depending on material and features).
Epic Watershapes offers zero entry pools for home and business owners in South Florida. Get in touch with us for any questions or to request a free estimate.
Every pool, whether it’s a luxury custom design or a simple above-ground pool installation, needs the right equipment to stay clean and functional.
You’ll typically need:
Cost-Saving Tip
Upgrade to energy-efficient pumps and heaters. They cost more upfront but save money every month.
This is where many homeowners go over budget. While waterfalls, spas, tanning ledges, zero-entry designs, and fire features make the pool stunning, they also add thousands to the project.
Examples of Popular Add-Ons
If you’re building in South Florida and looking for zero-entry pools, Epic Watershapes specializes in premium resort-style designs for residential and commercial properties.
Cost-Saving Tip
Start with essentials. You can always add luxury features later.
To support users searching for above-ground pool installation or the cost of an above-ground pool with a deck installed, here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Above-Ground Pool | $3,000–$8,000 |
| With Professional Installation | $5,000–$12,000 |
| With a Full Deck Installed | $12,000–$25,000 |
If someone is searching for above-ground pool installation near me, they may be comparing these numbers to local contractor pricing.
Many people looking for a step-by-step custom pool construction process from design to installation want an overview of what to expect. Here’s a simplified version:
Whether you’re working with pool builders in Las Vegas, Florida, or anywhere else, the process is generally similar.
By understanding the major costs involved, from excavation to equipment, you can plan your pool project realistically and avoid costly surprises. While the highest expenses usually come from excavation and construction, investing in quality materials and skilled installers ensures your pool lasts for decades.
Whether you’re researching inground pools, expensive pools, or simply comparing options, your budget will go further when you know where the money actually goes.
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