How Much Does It Cost to Install an In-Ground Pool?

Installing an in-ground pool is an exciting prospect for many homeowners, offering a private oasis right in your backyard. However, the costs can vary significantly depending on the type of pool, size, features, and other factors. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical expenses associated with vinyl and fiberglass pools, helping homeowners in Madison, WI, and beyond make informed decisions.

At Pooltopia we primarily install Vinyl Liner pools and Fiberglass Pools. At this time we do not do any concrete pools perhaps sometime in the future!

Workers installing a new vinyl liner in a residential in-ground pool in Madison, WI.
"Workers installing a new vinyl liner in a residential in-ground pool in Sun Prairie, WI."

Types of In-Ground Pools: Vinyl vs. Fiberglass

When considering an in-ground pool, the two most popular materials are vinyl and fiberglass. Each has its own set of advantages, installation timelines, and cost implications.


Vinyl Pools: Vinyl liner pools are highly customizable and can fit almost any size or shape. The initial cost for a vinyl pool installation starts around $65,000 and it is very easy to spend over $200,000 with all The liner needs to be replaced every 5 to 9 years, depending on maintenance and wear, which can add to the long-term costs.

Average In-ground liner pools cost around $110k without a patio

Luxurious backyard in-ground pool with water features and LED lighting in Madison, Wisconsin.

Fiberglass Pools: Fiberglass pools come in pre-formed shapes and are quicker to install than vinyl pools. The price for a fiberglass pool starts about the same price for the smaller pools. They are known for their durability and require less maintenance over time, which can be a cost-saving feature. While they are easier to install they are more expensive material cost wise. The costs over the years is where you will get the most out of them. Being limited by size is really the only downside of these pools. They last the longest and furry pets cannot penetrate the hard fiberglass shell.

Luxurious backyard in-ground pool with water features and LED lighting in Madison, Wisconsin.
Infographic detailing the initial and maintenance costs of vinyl versus fiberglass pools.

Size and Depth

The size and depth of your pool significantly affect the cost. Larger and deeper pools require more materials and labor, increasing the overall price. For example, a small, shallow fiberglass pool might be on the lower end of the cost spectrum, whereas a large, deep vinyl pool would be at the higher end. Hauling all the extra material from the excavation can be a large cost ranging from 2-5k depending on the trucking needed and how far away a site is to dump at.

You can save some money if you have a neighbor that needs some fill or if you have somewhere you can bring it on your property.

Poolside Tech application showing how automation works for each customer in Madison, WI.

Custom Features

With every pool most customers want things like lights, heaters, auto covers, automation systems, and salt systems. Sometimes you might consider a diving board, slide, or tanning ledge inside the pool. All of these things can add up quickly also but they can also bring way more long term value and enjoyment! Here are a couple example rough costs.

Auto-cover - $24,000

Poolside Tech - $6,000

Good Lights - $700 Each

Diving Board - $4000

Slide - $4000

Poolside Tech application showing how automation works for each customer in Madison, WI.
Beautifully landscaped backyard featuring a new in-ground pool with patio area in Madison.

Installation and Additional Costs

Beyond the pool itself, there are additional costs to consider:

Excavation: Preparing the site for a pool can be costly, especially if access is difficult or if significant landscaping is required.

Fencing: Many localities require fencing around in-ground pools for safety, which can add several thousand dollars to the project.

Decking or Patio: Integrating a pool with your existing landscape often involves decking or patio construction, which varies widely in price depending on materials and design.

Family enjoying their newly installed fiberglass pool on a sunny day in Madison.

Ongoing Maintenance

Maintaining an in-ground pool involves regular costs for chemicals, energy, and occasional repairs. For vinyl pools, replacing the liner is a significant expense every few years. Fiberglass pools generally cost less over time but still require chemical balances and cleaning.

Conclusion

An in-ground pool is a significant investment that can enhance your property and lifestyle. By understanding the costs involved in installing and maintaining a vinyl or fiberglass pool, you can plan your budget more effectively and enjoy your new pool without financial surprises.

Family enjoying their newly installed fiberglass pool on a sunny day in Madison.
Pooltopia consultant created pool designs with homeowners in their Madison backyard.

The best part about Pooltopia and Spas is that we can handle the project full scope. We can do the initial concept design. We can handle the excavation, the build, and then we can also take care of every part of the project from the concrete, to the decking, to the landscaping.

We can be involved as much as you would like us to be or as little as you would want us to be. If you buy a pool online or from another dealer we would be happy to give you an estimate for us to come in and install everything for you!

Reach out today and let's get your backyard dream started!

Call us 608-531-8359

Service Areas

Madison

Sun Prairie

Waunakee

Oregon

Fitchburg

Middleton

Verona

Janesville

Jefferson

Waukesha

Beaver Dam

Columbus

50 Mile radius of Madison

Edgerton

Deerfield

Wisconsin Dells

Shorewood Hills

Mount Horeb

Cambridge

Maple Bluff

Deforest

Beloit

Portage

Stoughton