At Aloha Pools & Spas, our O’Fallon, Illinois location serves the greater St. Louis area, backed by 57+ years in business. In Cardinals country, we figure you’d better know the cardinal rules of purchasing a pool in this unique region (see what we did there?).
In this article, we’ll break down what an above-ground pool typically costs in the St. Louis area, what drives that number up or down, common accessories worth budgeting for, and whether financing is an option. We’ll also cover the maintenance costs to expect once your pool is set up.
Above-Ground Pool Cost in the St. Louis Area
Above-ground pools in the O’Fallon and greater St. Louis area typically run $6,500 – $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.
Metro-area pricing tends to run a bit higher, largely due to labor costs and permitting complexity in more developed neighborhoods.
The price difference comes down to size, materials (resin, aluminum, or steel), 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.
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 |
| Metro permitting and inspections | Medium | Higher fees and more checkpoints than rural builds |
| Accessory package | Medium | Ladders, filters, and covers vary widely by package |
| Decking | Medium | A wraparound deck adds significantly to your total |
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, usually landing around $3,000-$7,000
- Ladder or step upgrades: $150-$600
- Winter or solar covers: $150-$700
- Fencing, where required by code (more common in HOA neighborhoods): 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 This Price?
These figures cover the pool structure and installation. Some costs that typically fall outside that number are:
- Decking
- Fencing
- Upgraded accessories like steps, rails, or lighting
- Electrical work, often a bigger factor here than in our more rural locations
- Permit fees, which run higher in metro areas
Your sales representative walks you through all of this before setup begins, so your budget reflects the realities of building in a metro market.
Pool Permits and HOA Requirements
Most cities in the area require a permit for above-ground pools beyond a certain depth, along with required inspections.
Because O’Fallon sits in the St. Louis metro area, buyers here are also more likely to run into HOA approval requirements than in Aloha’s more rural locations. Be sure to check with your local HOA to ensure an above-ground pool is permitted in your neighborhood, since some HOAs restrict them.
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.
In the St. Louis metro area, this stage can involve a permitting or inspection step that our more rural locations don’t always require, so it’s worth building a little extra time into your plans.
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?
Building in a metro market means budgeting for a little more wiggle room than our rural locations. Beyond your pool’s base price, set aside a cushion for permitting fees, potential HOA-driven requirements, and accessories. An extra 10-15% on top of your base pool price is a safe starting point.
If you’re financing, putting down 10-20% upfront lowers your monthly payment and helps secure a better interest rate. For example, on a $6,000 above-ground pool package, a 15% down payment of $900 leaves you financing $5,100, 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
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 around the clock at the standard rate (for pools with heaters) costs roughly $61-$84 a month at Illinois’s average electric rate of about 10-11 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Dropping the RPM for that same 24 hours can cut your electric bill by 60-70%; the final cost is dependent on what you need from the pump.
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 maintenance: testing water chemistry, skimming, and brushing walls.
Our O’Fallon location offers free water testing any time you want help staying ahead of costs.
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. Metro-area decking labor can run higher than in our more rural locations.
Does an above-ground pool increase home value?
Above-ground pools generally add less resale value than inground pools, since some buyers view them 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: permitting fees, HOA-required design changes, decking, fencing, and liner replacement over time. Read our full hidden costs breakdown here.
What’s the annual 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 St. Louis area and ready to see what a pool would cost for your yard, dive right in! Visit us at our O’Fallon, IL location (less than 20 miles from St. Louis!), or reach out to our sales team here.
We cannot wait to swim alongside you!
