How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $10,000 - $40,000
Plunge pools cost an average of $28,000, but the size and design of the pool can bring the total anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000.
The average plunge pool cost is $28,000, but most homeowners pay between $10,000 and $40,000. For a small above ground plunge pool, you could spend as little as $3,000. However, you could spend as much as $75,000 or more for a large concrete inground option.
Unlike a full-size swimming pool, a plunge pool costs far less to build and is just as refreshing for cooling off on hot summer days. Because plunge pools are significantly smaller, they’re perfect for petite outdoor spaces and well-suited to a variety of budgets.
- Average
- $28,000
- Low end
- $3,000
- high end
- $75,000
Plunge Pool Cost Factors
With so many sizes, shapes, and even types of pools to choose from, the final project cost can vary widely. Below, we dive into the different cost factors for plunge pools. While this is a great starting point for budgeting, it’s always best to speak with a local swimming pool installer to get an exact quote for your project.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of your plunge pool will greatly impact the overall price tag. While all plunge pools are around 4 to 8 feet deep—just enough to submerge your head underwater—the size can vary depending on your preference and backyard space.
Also, consider shape when budgeting for a plunge pool. Square or rectangular plunge pools cost less than round, curved, or L-shaped ones. Custom shapes will be the most expensive.
| Plunge Pool Size (In Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 4’ x 4’ | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 7’ x 7 | $10,000–$30,000 |
| 9’ x 5’ | $20,000–$40,000 |
| 10’ x 6’ | $30,000–$50,000 |
| 13’ x 7’ | $40,000–$60,000 |
Plunge Pool Type
Above ground plunge pools tend to be less expensive than their inground counterparts. If you’re unsure which type of plunge pool to install, speak with your local pool installer to discuss options for your backyard.
Above Ground Plunge Pool Cost
The average cost to install an above ground plunge pool ranges from $3,000 to $30,000. Prices are typically lower for these types of pools because they don’t require as extensive an installation process. Above ground plunge pools generally do not require a permit to be installed or ground excavation, which helps save on the cost.
Inground Plunge Pool Cost
The price of an inground plunge pool can range anywhere from $10,000 to $55,000, depending on the size and materials used. Pools made with vinyl or fiberglass will be on the lower end of that range, whereas concrete plunge pools cost more. The increased cost of installing an inground plunge pool comes from the extra materials and labor required.
Material
Plunge pool materials make up the bulk of the total project cost. When choosing a material for your plunge pool, you’ll want to factor in long-term costs for things like liner replacements, algae removal, or repairs.
| Plunge Pool Material | Average Cost, Installed | Material Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $10,000–$30,000 | Easy to clean but prone to tears. |
| Fiberglass | $18,000–$55,000 | Low maintenance and durable. |
| Concrete | $20,000–$75,000 | High maintenance but highly customizable. |
Accessibility
A pool installation company may charge more to install a plunge pool in a hard-to-access area, like a tight space between several trees that you plan to preserve or close to a shed. The more difficult the site is to access, the more the installation can cost.
Geographic Location
Plunge pool installation costs can depend on where you live. If you live in warmer climates like California or Florida, where outdoor pools are very common, you’ll spend less compared to colder climate areas. This is primarily because there are fewer pros in your region to service these pools, resulting in a less competitive market.
Labor
The labor cost to install a plunge pool can range from 25% to 50% of the total project cost. This cost depends on the type of plunge pool you choose, your location, site prep, and additional pool features you select.
Below are just some of the factors that impact labor costs for this project, but a pool installer near you can give you a more precise description of the work to be done.
| Additional Labor Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool excavation | $500–$3,000 |
| Tree removal | $200–$2,000 |
| Yard regrading | $1,100–$3,300 |
| Concrete slab installation | $3,600–$7,200 |
| Plumber | $45–$200 per hour |
| Electrician | $50–$100 per hour |
Fencing or Barrier
Depending on where you live, you may be required to install a fence or security gate around your plunge pool for safety reasons. The average pool fence costs $1,500 to $10,000 to install, depending on the length and any features you add (like gates, locks, and more).
Permits
Building permits cost about $450 to $2,500 each, depending on your local regulations. You will likely require multiple permits for site excavation, pool construction, and electrical work. The pool installation company you work with can help you determine and apply for the appropriate permits for your project.
Cost to Build a Plunge Pool by Material
There are pros and cons for each plunge pool material, from maintenance and cleaning requirements to longevity, to keep in mind when budgeting for installation. You’ll also find that the material you choose impacts how much your plunge pool costs.
Vinyl
Vinyl plunge pool installation costs about $10,000 to $30,000, making it the most budget-friendly option.
Vinyl has a lower up-front cost than other plunge pool materials, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of replacing the vinyl liner, which you’ll need to do about every 5 to 10 years. Vinyl is nonporous and easy to clean and maintain.
Fiberglass
Installing a fiberglass plunge pool costs $18,000 to $55,000, making it an excellent mid-range choice.
This pool material comes in prefabricated shells, meaning it's best if you aren’t looking for a custom shape. If you keep up with maintenance, which is easy to do with this nonporous material, a fiberglass plunge pool can last over 30 years.
Concrete
A concrete plunge pool costs about $20,000 to $75,000, making it the most expensive option. Concrete is durable and has a life span of about 50 to 75 years. But its porous nature means you’ll need to keep up with cleaning to prevent algae growth, and cracks need repairing quickly to prevent leaks and structural damage.
Ongoing Plunge Pool Costs to Consider
Deciding on a pool type, choosing the best material for your needs, and mapping out the right pool size are all important factors to remember when deciding on a plunge pool budget. But there are other costs you may need to consider that should be on your radar, from taxes to ongoing pool maintenance.
Taxes
Adding a pool to a home can increase the property's value, which often results in higher annual property taxes. Consult your local and state tax laws to determine how much a pool could impact your ongoing tax costs.
Insurance
Pools increase your homeowner’s insurance rates in order to cover the pool. This usually adds $50 to $100 to your annual insurance payment, but could be more depending on your provider. This increase covers two scenarios:
Any damage to the pool due to an event covered by the policy (like hurricanes or storms)
Increasing liability coverage for any pool-related injuries and claims
Maintenance
Ongoing pool maintenance costs about $400–$2,000 per year. There are several things to keep up with when maintaining a pool, including testing the water pH, balancing chemicals, skimming out debris, and replacing filters. Unless you live somewhere warm year-round, you may also need to factor in costs to open and close the pool.
Pool Heater
A pool heater costs about $1,800 to $4,200 for the heater and installation. Then, you’ll pay about $10 to $850 monthly for utilities to heat the pool. Gas and propane heaters may cost $200 to $850 per month, an electric resistance heater is about $175 to $600 per month, a heat pump costs about $120 to $200 per month, and a solar pool heater may cost less than $10 per month.
Common Pool Add-Ons
Plunge pool add-ons, like lights, steps, and jets, will add to the cost of your project. Here are the costs for some common plunge pool add-ons:
Pool cover cost: $750–$2,550
Salt water system cost: $500–$2,500
Pool lights cost: $625 each
Pool steps cost: $100–$700
Underwater exercise equipment cost: $375–$13,000
Pool jets cost: $800–$1,200
Infinity edge pool cost: $11,000–$37,000
Swim spa installation cost: $15,300–$42,000
Keep in mind that the more features you add, the more your plunge pool will become a “spool pool.” Spool pools cost, on average, around $22,000 but are installed for their spa-like features (like seating, jets, and temperature controls).
DIY Plunge Pool Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
All in all, building a plunge pool on your own isn’t necessarily that much cheaper, especially considering the amount of work it involves. When you do it yourself, you also run the risk that the project won’t be completed correctly, and damages or pool leaks may form as a result.
Instead, play it safe and hire a professional swimming pool installer near you who can do the job safely and correctly the first time.
How to Save on Plunge Pool Costs
Plunge pools are a great choice for homeowners who want a place to cool off or get some aquatic exercise but don’t want to splurge on a full-sized pool. While less expensive than a swimming pool, these costs can skyrocket when you opt for larger pools with all the bells and whistles. Here are some tips for saving money on a plunge pool.
Keep It Simple
You can cut plunge pool costs by minimizing the number of upgrades or extras. If you don’t plan to use the plunge pool in the winter, you may save money by not installing a pool heater. Or perhaps you don’t need fancy jets, colorful LED lights, or custom tiling.
Choose a Smaller Size
The smaller your plunge pool, the more you can save on land excavation and materials. To determine the right size, consider what you want to use the pool for. You can get a smaller plunge pool if you just want to sit on a step or stand in some cool water on a hot day, and you’ll spend less on small pool costs. If you're going to do water aerobics or host friends over to take a dip, you’ll want a slightly larger plunge pool.
Consider Material Costs
If you want to save money on your plunge pool costs up front, consider a less expensive material like vinyl. If you’re looking for long-term savings, choose a material that requires fewer repairs or liner replacements over time, like fiberglass or concrete.
DIY When Possible
Building a pool is no easy feat, so leave the excavation and installation to the pros. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do some tasks yourself. You could level the ground for an above ground pool, install a patio, or handle some landscaping after the installation. You can also save money in the long term by handling pool cleaning and maintenance yourself.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Because they are smaller than an average-sized swimming pool, building a plunge pool is cheaper than a typical pool. Inground swimming pools cost about $65,500, while plunge pools cost about $20,000. You won’t have as much room to swim in, but the smaller size means you spend less on land excavation, materials, and hourly labor rates.
You can spend less time and money on plunge pool maintenance since they are smaller than standard pools. These pools are easier to clean and maintain yourself than a swimming pool. But like any pool, you’ll need to clean the pool walls and floor, balance the chemicals, check the electrical equipment, make repairs as needed, etc.
You can build a plunge pool in an 8-by-8-foot space. Many plunge pools are about 8 to 12 feet wide, 2 to 24 feet long, and 4 to 8 feet deep. While these pools are smaller than your average swimming pool, you may want additional space for a deck or patio to surround the plunge pool.
Check with your local laws, which might state that you have to build a fence around your plunge pool. If you have children or pets or live in an area with abundant wildlife, you should consider building a fence around your pool for safety. Pools can present a drowning hazard, and while plunge pools are not very deep, younger children can get hurt if they try to dive into them. A fence can help protect your family and visitors from injury.
If you’re looking to beat the summer heat but don’t want to spend the money on a lavish swimming pool, a plunge pool is worth the cost. Because they are smaller in size, you’ll naturally save money on installation costs over the price of a full-sized swimming pool. And because they are smaller than traditional pools, you won’t lose too much backyard space. Plus, plunge pools are great for stress relief, increased circulation, and muscle tension.