Pool Costs & Pricing Guide

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pool?

Buying a pool is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. At Aloha Pools & Spas, we believe you deserve straight answers about what things cost — not vague ranges or surprises after you sign.

This guide breaks down real pricing for every pool type we offer, what drives the final number, and how to think about the long-term cost of owning each type of pool. When you’re ready to get a number specific to your yard and budget, use our online estimator tool.

What Affects the Cost of a Pool?

Before getting into specific pool types, here are the biggest factors that shape what you’ll spend:

Pool Type and Size

Material and construction method drive the base cost. Larger pools require more materials, excavation, and labor.

Site Conditions

Sloped yards, poor soil, rocky ground, or tight access all add complexity and cost.

Features and upgrades

Tanning ledges, water features, LED lighting, automatic covers, and automation systems add to the base price.

Patio, fencing, and electrical

These are almost always separate from the pool quote, but they’re essential to finishing the project. Budget an additional $15,000–$50,000 depending on scope.

Regional labor and permits

Costs vary by county and state. Our teams serve Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois — permit fees and labor rates differ by location.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Your Area?

Prices shift from market to market with labor, soil and permit costs. Find your area below for local pricing on each type of pool.

AreaIngroundSemi-IngroundAbove Ground
West TennesseeInground pool costSemi-inground pool costAbove ground pool cost
Jonesboro, ARInground pool costSemi-inground pool costAbove ground pool cost
Cape Girardeau, MOInground pool costSemi-inground pool costAbove ground pool cost
Marion, ILInground pool costSemi-inground pool costAbove ground pool cost
St. Louis area and Metro EastInground pool costSemi-inground pool costAbove ground pool cost

Want a Number For Your Backyard Dream?

Our online estimator gives you a ballpark price in minutes – no sales call required to get started.

Fiberglass Pools

Installed cost: $65,000–$120,000+

Fiberglass pools come as a pre-molded shell that is set into a prepared excavation. Installation is typically the fastest of any inground pool type — often 2 to 4 weeks from dig to swim.

The smooth, non-porous surface resists algae and requires fewer chemicals than concrete. There are no liners to replace, and resurfacing is rarely needed.

What's Typically Included

  • Pool shell and delivery
  • Excavation and installation
  • Equipment package (pump, filter, sanitization)
  • Electrical hookup
  • Water fill

What's Typically Extra

  • Patio and coping
  • Fencing
  • Lighting and automation upgrades
  • Tanning ledges or spa additions

Fiberglass pools tend to have the lowest long-term ownership cost of any inground pool type due to lower chemical consumption, minimal maintenance, and no liner replacements.

Installed cost: $45,000–$85,000

Vinyl liner pools offer the lowest entry price for an inground pool. They can be built in nearly any shape and size, which makes them flexible for unusual yard layouts.

The liner — the smooth interior surface — typically needs to be replaced every 7 to 12 years. A liner replacement generally runs $4,000–$8,000+ depending on pool size and liner quality. Factor this into your long-term budget.

What's Typically Included

  • Steel or polymer wall panels and floor
  • Initial vinyl liner
  • Excavation and installation
  • Equipment package
  • Electrical hookup

What's Typically Extra

  • Liner replacements every 7–12 years
  • Slightly higher chemical costs than fiberglass
  • Potential wall panel repairs

Installed cost: $90,000–$200,000+

Gunite pools are fully custom — any shape, any depth, any configuration. Gunite is a method of applying concrete by spraying it under pressure. The result is a shell that can be finished with plaster, pebble, tile, or quartz.

Construction takes longer than other pool types — typically 3 to 6 months from excavation to water.

Concrete pools require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, which typically costs $10,000–$25,000+ depending on pool size and finish. They also tend to use more chemicals due to the porous surface.

What's Typically Included In A Gunite Package

  • Design and custom shape
  • Excavation and gunite shell
  • Interior finish (plaster, pebble, or tile)
  • Equipment package
  • Electrical hookup

What to budget for over time

  • Resurfacing every 10–15 years
  • Higher ongoing chemical costs
  • Acid washing every 3–5 years

Installed cost: $5,000–$20,000

Above ground pools are the most affordable option and can be installed in days. Modern above ground pools come in oval, round, and rectangular shapes with sturdy steel or resin frames and durable liners.

They’re a great fit for families who want to get swimming quickly, or who aren’t ready for a permanent inground installation.

What's Typically Included

  • Pool structure and liner
  • Filter and pump system
  • Basic installation and leveling

What To Budget

  • Decking or surround (if desired) — add $3,000–$15,000
  • Liner replacements every 7–10 years

Installed cost: $15,000–$45,000

Semi-inground pools are partially buried in the ground — making them an ideal solution for sloped yards, elevated patios, or customers who want a more permanent look than an above ground pool without the full cost of an inground build.

They pair beautifully with custom decking for a resort-style result and are one of the most versatile options we offer. Adding features like these to the overall backyard will add value to your home.

What's Typically Included

  • Pool structure and liner
  • Partial excavation and installation
  • Filter and pump system

What To Budget For

  • Decking is often a key part of the design — budget $5,000–$20,000 for a well-finished surround
  • Liner replacements every 7–12 years

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an inground pool cost in Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, or Illinois?

Costs are broadly in line with national averages. Regional labor rates and permit fees will be factored into your quote from your local Aloha team. Use our estimator to get a ballpark for your specific area.

Vinyl liner pools have the lowest upfront cost, typically starting around $45,000 installed. Keep in mind that liner replacements will add to the long-term cost. Semi-inground pools can also be a budget-friendly entry point if your yard allows.

 Fiberglass: 2–4 weeks. Vinyl liner: 4–8 weeks. Gunite/concrete: 3–6 months.

In most markets in the Southeast and Midwest, a well-built inground pool adds meaningful value and is a strong selling point. Above ground pools typically do not add home value.

Aloha Pools & Spas stands behind every pool we build with an industry-leading 5 year warranty. Learn more about the Aloha difference and why Aloha is the best pool builder in Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Indiana here. 

Ask your local team for specifics.