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 shape both your build timeline and your final price tag; 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-plus years in business, and our Marion team knows this ground well. In this article, we’ll break down what an inground pool typically costs in the Marion area by material type, what drives that number up or down, whether financing is an option, and what you can expect to spend keeping your pool running once it’s built.
Inground Pool Cost in Marion, Illinois
Here is the average cost of each pool type in the Marion area:
- Vinyl: $26,000 – $56,000
- Fiberglass: $33,000 – $66,000
- Gunite: $44,000 – $88,000+
The price difference comes down to size, location, and how each pool is built. 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.
Different Types of Inground Pools
Vinyl pools come as a kit, assembled on-site with steel or concrete walls and a stretched liner, keeping costs lower. You can customize them with waterfalls, lighting, ledges, and more.
Fiberglass pools come as a single premade shell that is lowered into an excavated hole, so you’re paying more for the manufactured piece- but often less time on labor. They are the least customizable of the three, but they are also less maintenance.
Gunite pools are built entirely on-site with sprayed concrete. They are then plastered, making this pool type the most labor-intensive and the most expensive- but also the most customizable of the three.
None of these are a bad choice; the right pool for you depends on budget, how much customization you want, and how much long-term maintenance you’re comfortable with. Vinyl liners generally need replacing around the 10-year mark, fiberglass rarely needs attention for 20 to 30 years, and gunite needs re-plastering every 10 to 20 years depending on how well the water is balanced. Read more here.
What Drives Your Pool Price? A Quick Breakdown
| Factor | Impact on Cost | Example |
| Pool material (vinyl, fiberglass, gunite) | High | Can swing your total by $20,000+ |
| Pool size | High | Bigger pool, more material and labor |
| High water table in parts of the region | Medium | Extra drainage planning may be needed |
| Decking type | Medium | Concrete, pavers, or stamped options vary widely |
| County permitting requirements | Low-Medium | Illinois has more detailed assessment rules |
| Salt system vs. chlorine | Low-Medium | Salt systems run $1,100 – $2,500 upfront |
| Accessories/upgrades | Variable | Upgraded steps alone can run $1,500 – $8,000 |
What’s Included In Your Pool Price?
Your quoted price typically includes:
- The pool shell and structure
- Standard filtration and pump system
- Basic plumbing
- Standard steps or ladder
- Installation labor
- Underground utility locating
What’s Not Included In Your Pool Price?
A few things typically fall outside that number:
- Decking around the pool
- Fencing, especially where local code requires it
- Upgraded accessories like steps, rails, or lighting
- Electrical work for your pump, heater, 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, application steps, location and construction rules, fencing, and electrical requirements.
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. Aloha’s sales team handles the permitting and inspection process for you, but buyers should know these steps exist before construction begins.
What Happens During Pool Construction?
Once your underground lines are marked with the help of 811 (the national before-you-dig service) and your sales representative finalizes the layout, our crew begins digging, and depending on your yard, that often means hauling several loads of dirt off the property.
Flat Southern Illinois terrain generally makes excavation simpler than in hillier regions, but properties with a high water table sometimes need extra drainage planning to keep the pool stable long-term.
From here, the pool is built, and an electrician comes to ensure everything is running smoothly.
On average, our teams complete a pool build about 82 days after your contract is signed, though drainage-heavy lots can occasionally run longer if the ground needs extra prep. Read more about the pool construction process here.
How Much Should You Budget For Your Pool?
On top of your pool’s base price, it’s smart to set aside a cushion for decking, fencing, and any drainage work 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 (roughly 2,600-17,600 on a Marion-area pool) can lower your monthly payment and help you secure a better interest rate. For example, on a $44,000 gunite pool, a 15% down payment of $6,600 leaves you financing $37,400, which typically means a noticeably 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 you’re swimming, here’s what most Marion-area owners can expect to spend each year:
- Electricity: $70 – $350 per month during swim season, depending on whether you’re running a heat pump, salt system, or pool lighting
- Chemicals: $50 – $150 per month, with pool size and weather driving where you land
Annual total: typically $1,500 – $5,000
Beyond the monthly costs, most owners spend about an hour a week on routine upkeep, testing chemicals, skimming debris, and brushing walls. Salt system owners tend to spend less on monthly chemicals, though the system costs more upfront and the cell needs replacing every 3 to 8 years (if you’re interested in the difference between salt versus chlorine, read HERE).
Our Marion location offers free water testing any time you want a clearer read on what your pool actually needs.
Pool FAQs
Are inground pools worth it?
For most homeowners, yes. Beyond the summers of memories, a well-maintained inground pool can add real value to your property, though “worth it” depends on your goals and how long you plan to stay put.
How much does pool decking cost on average?
Decking costs vary by material, but homeowners typically spend anywhere from 8-$ 30+ per square foot, depending on whether you choose stamped concrete, pavers, or a more basic finish.
Does a pool increase home value?
Generally, yes, though the exact number depends on your market. National estimates commonly cite a 5-8% increase in home value for a well-maintained inground pool.
What are the hidden costs of an inground pool?
Some of the most common ones include dirt removal, drainage work, unmarked utility repairs, yard restoration, and property tax increases, 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 inground pool?
Most owners spend $1,500 – $5,000 a year on electricity, chemicals, and general upkeep, with equipment replacement adding to that occasionally over the years.
READY TO TALK NUMBERS?
Every yard has a unique build process, and the best way to know what yours will cost is to talk it through with someone who’s built pools in this exact ground for years.
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!
