What will a pool cost?

Pick the type of pool, and add the size for an in-ground one. You'll see each price guide's figure side by side.

Updated November 2026 · How we check our numbers

Expect to pay about

$20,000 to $122,880

For in-ground vinyl liner, 512 sq ft of water, across 5 published figures. Wide ranges are normal: size, soil, access and features drive it.

Type: In-ground vinyl liner
Water surface: 512 sq ft32 × 16 ft

Estimate for planning only, not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, your local code and a licensed professional before you buy, build or install. Use at your own risk. Terms.

Fixr: $35,000 to $65,000

PoolGnome: $24,000 to $44,000

Bob Vila: $20,000 to $40,000

This Old House: 512 sq ft × $130 to $240 = $66,560 to $122,880

PoolGnome: 512 sq ft × $50 to $125 = $25,600 to $64,000

By price guide

In-ground vinyl liner

Fixr, Jan 2025typical project, average $45,000
$35,000 to $65,000
PoolGnome, Feb 2026typical project
$24,000 to $44,000
Bob Vila, May 2024typical project
$20,000 to $40,000
This Old House, Jun 2025$130 to $240 a sq ft × 512 sq ft
$66,560 to $122,880
PoolGnome, Feb 2026$50 to $125 a sq ft × 512 sq ft
$25,600 to $64,000

Per-square-foot rows use your size. This Old House says its figures cover installation only.

Not included

Decking, a fence or safety cover (most towns require one), heating, landscaping and electrical are on top. Ask what each quote includes.

Running it

Plan on chemicals, power for the pump and an opening and closing every year. The pool chemistry calculators below size the chemicals.

How we work it out

We show each guide's published range for the type, as printed. Give a size and we also multiply the water surface by each per-square-foot figure.

sized estimate = length × width × each guide's price per sq ft

The guides don't agree, and they include different things: This Old House says its per-square-foot prices cover installation only, no decking or fencing. Use the spread as a sanity check on local quotes, not as a quote.

Where the numbers come from

Once it’s in

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