Best Pool Installation Companies Of 2024

• Anthony & Sylvan: Best for Custom Pool Designs
• Premier Pools & Spas: Best for Full Backyard Transformations
• Blue Haven Pools & Spas: Best for Tech-Savvy Pool Features
• River Pools and Spas: Best for Low-Maintenance Fiberglass Pools
• California Pools: Best for Creative Concrete Pools 

Installing a pool in your backyard is a major investment that can significantly enhance your outdoor space and add value to your home. However, the cost of installing a pool varies based on several factors, including size, material and any additional features you may want to include. On average, you can expect to pay between $28,000 and $55,000 for a professionally installed inground pool, with some custom designs or premium materials pushing costs upwards of $65,000 or more.

When choosing a pool installation company, it’s important to consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term maintenance expenses. Concrete pools, for instance, may have a higher initial price tag—ranging from $50,000 to $100,000—but they can last for decades with proper upkeep. Vinyl and fiberglass pools, which start at around $28,000, offer more affordable options but may have different durability and maintenance requirements over time.

To break down the costs, here are some average price ranges for popular inground pool materials:

• Concrete pools: $50,000 – $100,000
• Vinyl pools: $28,000 – $40,000
• Fiberglass pools: $28,000 – $60,000

Remember that these estimates are influenced by factors like excavation, landscaping and the addition of special features like hot tubs or pool lighting. By researching multiple companies and getting several quotes, you can better your odds of making an informed decision and finding a pool installation company that fits both your needs and your budget.

How much resale value installing a pool can realize depends on your home, the housing market at the time of sale and the climate in your area. In warm locations where pools are in high demand, having one can raise the property’s value by up to 8%.

Returns tend to be lower in cooler climates where a pool may be seen as a maintenance issue for potential buyers. In those areas, the installation cost isn’t likely to be fully recovered when selling.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best type of swimming pool for your home and family. Weigh each of the following points against your wants and needs to determine the one that fits your situation.

In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

In-ground and above-ground pools each have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing one is a matter of budget, available room and how you’ll use yours.

• In-ground pools can seamlessly integrate into your landscaping, while an above-ground pool is generally more conspicuous and has fewer design options.
• Although maintenance is virtually identical between the two types, above-ground pools are perceived as being easier to maintain due to their usually smaller size.
• Above-ground pools have a shorter overall lifespan than their inground counterparts, but they are generally much less costly to install.
• In theory, you can take an above-ground pool with you when you move. In practice, it’s not a common occurrence.

Budget

How much you want to spend on installing a pool and how you finance the purchase are, for many, the deciding factors when choosing a type of pool. Inground pools can range from $28,000 to over $100,000, depending on materials and design complexity, while above-ground pools are more budget-friendly, with prices starting as low as $2,000 and going up to $12,000. When setting your budget, consider not just the initial installation cost but also long-term maintenance and any additional features you may want to include. Proper planning will help ensure that your pool fits both your financial situation and your vision.

Users

Who will use the pool is another important factor in determining what kind of pool to install. Adults who enjoy the fitness aspect of swimming may want a lap-type setup, while children likely will be better served by having a shallow end dedicated to them or a diving area for older kids. Consider your family’s current and future needs and desires when choosing your pool.

Materials

What your pool is made of will significantly influence its installation costs and longevity. Concrete is the most costly pool-building material, but it lasts for several decades without too much worry. Fiberglass pools are popular for their lower installation costs. However, they won’t last as long as concrete. Vinyl liner pools are the least expensive, but the liner must be replaced after 15 years on average.

Service Area

Your choice of a pool may depend on the installation company’s available options in your location. If you desire a specific type of pool or landscaping design to go with it, choosing a pool style that a local builder offers can save on costs.

Quote Process

You should aim to get at least three quotes each time you hire a contractor. Also, a price that’s too good to be true probably is so be wary of simply accepting the lowest bid.

Hiring a pool installation company is no different than hiring any other contractor. Obtain a few price quotes from various companies and compare notes between them regarding timelines, design features and their qualifications.

Warranties

Warranties on pool installations and components vary from a few months for mechanical parts to several years or more. A pool warranty focuses on manufacturing defects and the builder’s installation. It should cover both structural and non-structural issues.

When choosing a pool and a company to install it, pay special attention to how the company’s warranty stacks up while considering its pricing quote.

Customer Support

After your pool is installed, an ideal situation means you won’t need much customer support. However, you’ll likely have many questions when choosing a pool and a builder. Ensure the pool installation company you’re considering is available and responsive to your needs.

Installing a pool, especially an in-ground one, is a major home renovation. As with any large build or addition, hire your pool installation company the same way you’d hire a building contractor.

When searching for your pool contractor and choosing the best one for you, get several price estimates, check the company’s references, ensure its licensing and insurance are valid, understand its payment requirements and options and get everything in writing.

If you’re installing a concrete in-ground pool, it’s virtually mandatory to choose someone with the knowledge and equipment to get the job done. However, in many cases with above-ground or in-ground fiberglass or vinyl pools, choosing to install the pool yourself is a viable option.

Pros

• Hiring a pool installation company all but guarantees that the process will go as smoothly as possible and that the pool is as good as it can be when finished.
• A builder warranty comes with each installation that protects you from structural and non-structural issues from the manufacturer and the contractor.
• You’ll have an ongoing relationship with the installation company, who can answer your questions as they come up over the next several swimming seasons.

Cons

• Hiring a contractor or pool installation contractor can be tedious and sometimes just plain difficult.
• For above-ground and fiberglass or vinyl in-ground pools, you can save labor costs by performing the installation yourself.

To determine the pool installation company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 11 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including:

Customer Experience 18%

Building or remodeling a residential pool or spa is a huge project, and solid customer service is crucial for success. For that reason, overall customer experiences, as reported by existing consumers, constitute a significant portion of our ranking points for each company.

Pool Types & Pricing 5%

When spending a large sum on backyard entertainment, making a good investment is important. 5% of our rating points rely on the types of pools available through each company and the price points against typical averages.

Product-Specific Information and Features 28%

Available features from pool builders and remodelers make up the most significant rating factor in our review. Custom options, service availability, design features and extras are all scoring considerations.

Sales & After-Sales Service 19%

Customer service, warranty protections and pool supply or service availability factor into our ratings for all competing companies.

Company-Wide Information 26%

Company information, including locations, state availability, franchise ratings, history and overall consumer ratings, make up a large percentage of our ranking stats.

Editorial Judgement 4%

A few percentage points stand in as bonus points for competing companies that provide outstanding service, special features over and above expectations or other benefits that stand out from the crowd.