If you’ve spent any time searching “how much does a pool cost,” you already know the internet isn’t very helpful. Every site gives a vastly different number, none accounting for what pool building actually looks like in rural West Tennessee.
At Aloha Pools & Spas, we strive to give a clear, honest breakdown of what to expect when buying a pool. We’ve been building pools out of our Union City location for over 57 years, establishing ourselves as one of the most trusted pool companies in the area. In this article, we’ll break down what an inground pool typically costs in the Union City 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 West Tennessee
Here is the average cost of each pool type in the Union City area:
- Vinyl: $28,000 – $55,000
- Fiberglass: $35,000 – $65,000
- Gunite: $45,000 – $85,000+
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 |
| Decking type | Medium | Concrete, pavers, or stamped options vary widely |
| Yard slope | Low-Medium | West TN’s Delta terrain is generally flat, keeping this factor minor here |
| Distance from pump to electrical meter | Medium | Longer trenching runs cost more |
| 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 (811 marking)
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
Your sales representative walks you through all of this up front, so nothing shows up as a surprise later.
Pool Permits and HOA Requirements
Tennessee doesn’t issue pool permits at the state level, but any inground pool installation still requires one, and because the state puts nearly all residential permitting authority in the hands of counties and municipalities, requirements can look completely different from one town to the next.
State law also requires a functioning pool alarm before construction is considered complete. Separate permits are often required for electrical work tied to pumps, lighting, or automatic covers.
Fencing requirements and HOA rules vary by neighborhood, 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 it’s good for buyers to know these steps exist before construction begins.
What Happens During Pool Construction?
Before we touch the ground, we mark your underground lines with the help of the national 811 service. This helps the team avoid hitting any electrical lines while digging. After that, we finalize the layout, and our crew begins.
West Tennessee’s flatter terrain across much of the Delta region usually means simpler excavation than in hillier parts of our service area, though clay-heavy soil is common and worth accounting for in site prep.
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. Read more about the pool construction process here.
How Much Should You Budget For Your Pool?
If you’re not financing, it’s smart to set aside an additional cost cushion for items like decking, fencing, and any surprises along the way. As a general rule of thumb, budgeting an extra 10-15% on top of your base pool price should comfortably cover most add-ons.
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 $45,000 fiberglass pool, a 15% down payment of $6,750 leaves you financing $38,250, which typically means a lower 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 built, here’s a general yearly breakdown:
- Electricity: $70 – $350 per month during swim season, depending on lighting, heating, and size
- Chemicals: $50 – $150 per month, depending on pool size
Annual total: typically $1,500 – $5,000
Most owners spend about an hour a week on routine maintenance: testing water chemistry, skimming, and brushing walls, plus monthly filter care. 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 Union City location offers free water testing any time you want help staying ahead of costs.
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 and your quality of life, though “worth it” ultimately depends on how you plan to use it and how long you plan to stay in your home.
How much does pool decking cost on average?
Decking costs vary widely by material, but homeowners typically spend anywhere from $8 to $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, though this varies by region and buyer demand.
What are the hidden costs of an inground pool?
Common hidden costs include dirt removal, retaining walls, unmarked utility repairs, yard restoration, and property tax increases. 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?
If you’re in the Union City 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!
