Southern Illinois has a landscape all its own: mostly flat, mostly farmland, with a water table that tends to sit higher than people expect. That combination can matter even for an above-ground pool setup. This is exactly why a national pricing article won’t help you much.
At Aloha Pools & Spas, we’ve served Southern Illinois for decades as part of our 57+ years in business, and our Marion team knows the benefits and challenges of this ground well.
In this article, we’ll break down what an above-ground pool typically costs in the Marion area, what drives that number up or down, common accessories worth budgeting for, whether financing is an option, and what you can expect to spend keeping your pool running once it’s set up.
Above-Ground Pool Cost in Marion, Illinois
Above-ground pools in the Marion area typically run $6,000 – $20,000*, depending on size, materials, and package.
*Please note that national pricing looks much lower than this range; this range includes items like ladders, steps, equipment, as well as the cost of labor and accidentals during the building process.
The price difference comes down to size, materials, and how many features come standard in your package. If you’d like to know more, check out these articles about the factors that drive a pool’s price and the hidden costs of building a pool.
Above-ground pools get you swimming faster and at a lower cost than an inground build, which makes them a popular option for families who want a pool without the longer construction timeline. Some models go on sale in the fall, which can help stretch your budget further.
If you’d like a quick idea of where your dream pool fits into that range, check out our above-ground pool cost estimator!
What Drives Your Pool Price? A Quick Breakdown
| Factor | Impact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pool size and shape | High | Larger and oval pools cost more than smaller round ones |
| Accessory package | Medium | Ladders, filters, and covers vary widely by package |
| Decking | Medium | A wraparound deck adds significantly to your total |
| High water table in parts of the region | Low-Medium | May require extra site prep or drainage planning |
Common Above-Ground Pool Accessories and Costs
Your pool package covers the basics, but most owners add a few extras to round out the setup. Here’s what to budget for:
- Accessory packages (ladders, filters, basic upgrades): $400-$2,800
- Pool decking (partial or wraparound): varies significantly by size and material, often a few thousand dollars or more
- Ladder or step upgrades: $150-$600
- Winter or solar covers: $150-$700
- Fencing, where required by code: varies by material and yard size
Your sales representative can walk you through which of these make sense for your specific setup.
What’s Included In Your Pool Price?
Your quoted price typically includes:
- The pool structure and liner
- Standard filtration and pump system
- Basic ladder or entry system
- Setup labor
What’s Not Included In Your Pool Price?
A few things typically fall outside that number:
- Decking
- Fencing, especially where local code requires it
- Upgraded accessories like steps, rails, or lighting
- Electrical work for your pump or any add-ons
- Drainage work, which comes up more often here due to the higher water table in parts of the region
Your sales representative walks you through all of this up front, so nothing shows up as a surprise later.
Pool Permits and HOA Requirements
The City of Marion has its own dedicated swimming pool section in its municipal code, covering permit requirements and fees for pools including above-ground models.
Illinois pools also come with fencing standards most residents don’t expect: barriers generally need to be at or above 48 inches, with limited gaps and self-latching gates.
HOA rules vary neighborhood by neighborhood in the Marion area, so if you’re in a planned community, it’s worth checking with your HOA before finalizing your design.
What Happens During Pool Installation?
Above-ground pool installation is a much faster process than an inground build. Our crew levels and preps the site, assembles the frame, and installs the liner and filtration system.
Flat Southern Illinois terrain generally makes this step simpler than in hillier regions, but properties with a high water table sometimes benefit from a bit of extra site prep to keep the pool stable long-term.
Most above-ground installs are completed in a matter of days rather than months, making them a good option if you want to be swimming sooner.
How Much Should You Budget For Your Pool?
Beyond your pool’s sticker price, it’s smart to set aside a cushion for accessories, decking, and any site prep your yard might need. Budgeting an extra 10-15% on top of your base pool price is a safe bet.
If you’re financing, putting down 10-20% upfront can lower your monthly payment and help you secure a better interest rate. For example, on a $5,000 above-ground pool package, a 15% down payment of $750 leaves you financing $4,250, which typically means a smaller monthly bill than financing the full amount.
Can I Finance My Pool?
Yes! Aloha Pools & Spas works with Lyon Financial to help make pool ownership more accessible. To learn more about financing through Lyon Financial, check out this article.
Pool Maintenance Costs
Once your pool is set up, here’s a general yearly breakdown:
- Electricity: $70-$150 per month during swim season
- Chemicals: $200-$1,000 per year, with above-ground pools typically landing on the lower end of that range thanks to their smaller water volume
- Service: if you’d rather leave routine care to the pros, budget $400-$600 per year for professional service visits (chemical services not currently offered by Aloha).
Variable Speed Pump Costs
If you upgrade to a variable speed pump, your electric bill depends a lot on speed and run time. Running your pump at the standard speed for pools with salt systems and heaters costs roughly $61-$84 a month at Illinois’s average electric rate of about 10-11 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Dropping to a lower speed for that same 24 hours can cut your electric bill by 60-70%.
Annual total: most above-ground owners land somewhere between $1,000-$3,000 a year, depending on how much you DIY versus how much you hand off to a pro.
Most owners spend about an hour a week on routine upkeep: testing chemicals, skimming debris, and brushing walls.
Our Marion location offers free water testing any time you want a clearer read on what your pool actually needs.
Pool FAQs
Are above-ground pools worth it?
For most homeowners, yes. They offer a lower-cost, faster way to get swimming compared to an inground pool, though “worth it” ultimately depends on your budget, timeline, and how long you plan to keep the pool.
How much does pool decking cost on average?
Decking costs vary widely by material and size, but many above-ground pool owners spend a few thousand dollars or more depending on whether they choose a partial deck or a full wraparound.
Does an above-ground pool increase home value?
Above-ground pools generally add less, if any, resale value than inground pools, since they are viewed as a removable feature rather than a permanent one. That said, they still add enjoyment and functionality for the years you own the home.
What are the hidden costs of an above-ground pool?
Common ones include site prep, decking, fencing, and liner replacement over time, and- especially relevant here- since Illinois has more detailed property assessment rules than some neighboring states. Read our full hidden costs breakdown here.
What’s the yearly maintenance cost of an above-ground pool?
Most owners spend $1,000-$3,000 a year on electricity, chemicals, and general upkeep.
Should I get a salt system with my above-ground pool?
Nope! Salt systems are best suited for inground pools built to handle the extra wear on walls and equipment. For above-ground pools, a standard chlorine routine is the simpler, more cost-effective choice.
Ready to Talk Numbers?
If you’re in the Marion area and you’re ready to take the plunge on a pool, visit our store or contact a representative here to get started. We’ll work with you to find the pool that best fits your family, lifestyle, and budget.
We cannot wait to swim alongside you!
