Understanding the Cost of Fiberglass Swimming Pools in 2025

Are you thinking of installing a fiberglass swimming pool in 2025 but not quite sure as to what you’ll need to budget for the project? Do you wish a pool company would just be more honest with you upfront so that you could finally get the pricing information you needed? If that’s you, keep reading, because we at River Pools understand your pain and want you to feel comfortable, informed, and equipped to make the right decision for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to take a comprehensive look at answering this one question: How much does a fiberglass swimming pool cost in 2025? To do this, we’re going to look at a variety of factors that ultimately impact the pool’s cost, like size, shape, patio, accessories, yard variables, regional factors, and even potential hidden expenses. Not only that, but we’re also going to analyze the four tiers of fiberglass pool projects, and their corresponding price ranges.

So do yourself a favor and don’t skim this article. Read it thoroughly. The information in this piece is something many homeowners don’t fully understand when shopping for a pool, and because of this, end up with regrets and mistakes on their project. By the time you finish reading, you will have a much deeper understanding of many factors that dictate pool pricing, ensuring a more stress-free project and years of enjoyment in your swimming pool. 

Factors That Impact Fiberglass Pool Costs 

As you can likely imagine, when pricing out a fiberglass swimming pool, several key factors affect your overall cost. Let's explore them to help you plan your budget effectively. 

1. Pool Shape and Size 

The size and shape of your pool are some of the biggest cost drivers. A larger pool requires more materials and labor (not just for the pool shell itself, but all the patio around it), which increases the price. Similarly, custom shapes or intricate designs may also come with higher costs than standard models. 

For instance, a small rectangular pool will generally cost less than a sprawling design with curves, tanning ledges, or integrated spa areas. 

Pro Tip: Consider your pool's purpose before committing to a size and shape. Are you focused on family fun, exercise, or backyard aesthetics? We often see situations at River Pools where our homeowners haven’t truly defined what they want to use their pool for, but by answering this question, you’ll have a much clearer sense of the right design for you. 

Suggestion: If you’re unsure as to the right River Pools shape and size pool for you, try our interactive swimming pool shape recommendation tool here.

2. Patio Space and Materials 

When it comes to building the perfect swimming pool for your needs, your pool deck is just as important as the pool itself, and it's a major factor in determining your overall costs.

Options range from basic concrete patios to premium materials like stamped concrete, pavers, or natural stone. Each material varies significantly in price per square foot and is also very much impacted (price-wise) by going rates for that type of patio finish in your area, as different regions in the US tend to vary greatly depending on the labor market. 

• Basic concrete: $10–$15 per sq. ft. 

• Stamped concrete: $15–$20 per sq. ft. 

• Pavers or stone: $20–$50+ per sq. ft. 
  
  

One of the biggest mistakes/regrets pool owners express is that they wish they would have gotten more patio. In fact, in all our years at River Pools, we’ve never heard someone say, “I wish I’d gotten less patio.” But we’ve heard many, many people say they wish they’d gotten more.

Here are a few considerations:

1. Standard Pool Decking: A simple deck or patio that surrounds the pool usually adds around 4-6 feet of width on all sides. For example, a 16x32 pool would have a basic patio of 384-512 square feet if you stick to the minimum. (generally, this is not nearly enough for most pool owners)
2. Functional Space: If the patio will include space for furniture, dining areas, or entertainment zones, it’s common to extend it to 8-12 feet on one or more sides of the pool. This often brings the total to 700-1,200 square feet.
3. Luxurious Designs: Larger, resort-style patios, including fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or lounge areas, can easily exceed 1,500-2,000 square feet.
4. Small Pools: For smaller pools (like plunge pools), the patio might range between 300-500 square feet, focusing on a cozy, functional design.

3. Ground Prep and Retaining Walls 

The natural layout of your yard also impacts the price. If your property is flat, you’ll likely save on ground preparation. However, if there’s a slope, you may need retaining walls to level the ground—a significant expense and something that homeowners often overlook.

At River Pools, we’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of retaining walls go in for various customers over the years, with consistent price ranges in the $10,000 to $35,000 range, but they certainly can cost more, depending on the size, materials, and labor requirements. 

MUST DO: Before signing a contract, ask your contractor to evaluate your yard ahead of time. This helps identify potential challenges like sloping terrain that could increase your costs. Sadly, some pool contractors don’t want to address the cost of a retaining wall until AFTER the project has started. Not good, as you might imagine. So do your due diligence here.

4. Add-Ons and Features 

Adding extra features lets you customize your pool experience, but it also increases expenses. Here are some popular features and their typical costs in 2025: 

• Automatic pool covers: $12,000–$22,000 

• Heating systems (gas or heat pumps): $4,000–$7,000 

• Advanced sanitizing systems (saltwater or UV): $2,000–$5,000 

• Decorative lighting: $1,000–$3,000 

• Spillover spas: $10,000+
  
  

These features enhance your pool’s usability and enjoyment but should be included in your budget from the start. 

Pro Tip: When getting a quote from your pool contractor, have them quote any option you might want. This way, you can see the full suite/menu for pricing and make a more informed decision.

5. Shipping and Regional Factors 

The location of your home also plays a part in the final price of your pool project. Transporting a fiberglass pool to your property incurs shipping costs, which vary depending on how far you are from the manufacturing facility, how many pools can be stacked in the same shipment, etc.

Additionally, costs for materials and labor are regionally driven. Gravel, for example, is essential for backfilling a fiberglass pool. The price of gravel—and its transportation—can fluctuate based on your location in the US. 

Similarly, labor costs differ across the country. Southern states like Texas and Arizona typically have lower labor costs, while the Northeast tends to see higher rates due to a smaller pool contractor workforce. 

6. Seasonal Considerations 

The time of year you install your pool can have an impact on pricing. Demand for pools is highest in spring and early summer, leading to higher costs and longer waiting times. Installing your pool during the off-season (fall or winter) may save you money if weather permits construction in your area. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Want to see about how much that cost will be with all your favorite pool accessories?

Use our Design and Price Tool to walk through your options and approximate price!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Debunking Common Fiberglass Pool Pricing Misconceptions 

When researching fiberglass pool costs, you’ll likely encounter a few myths. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions. 

Misconception #1: Fiberglass Pools Are Cheaper Than Concrete Pools 

It's often assumed that fiberglass pools are less expensive than concrete pools. While fiberglass can be more affordable to maintain long-term, the initial investment is typically slightly higher or about the same for a fiberglass pool. Again, this can vary depending on where you’re located in the US, but most pool owners, when debating fiberglass vs concrete, don’t choose one based on a significant initial price delta. Rather, it’s the other factors (pros and cons) that both pools have that will dictate their decision.

Suggestion: Not sure what type of inground pool is right for you? Give our pool-type selector tool a try. It’s an unbiased way to see which type of pool is the best choice for YOU.

Misconception #2: Your Pool Will Pay for Itself in Home Value 

While a pool can increase your home's desirability, don't expect a 100% return on investment. Most homeowners might expect to see some of their pool costs reflected in their home's resale value. This means you’re spending the money on a pool for the memories you’ll make and the time you’ll spend with those you love, not for actual monetary return on investment.

Misconception #3: Hidden Costs Aren’t Common 

Unfortunately, hidden costs occur more often than homeowners expect. Situations like unexpected retaining walls, electrical work, or extra patio materials can inflate your budget. Always work with a transparent contractor who outlines potential costs upfront. This is also why we’re so obsessed with giving you the information you need here at River Pools, as we want you to have an incredible, stress-free pool building experience.

Understanding Long-Term Costs of Inground Pools

Your pool investment doesn’t end with installation. Long-term costs like maintenance, chemicals, and occasional repairs will factor into your ongoing budget. 

• Fiberglass pools cost less to maintain than concrete pools, thanks to a smoother surface that resists algae growth. Over 10–15 years, you’re more likely to save on seasonal and long-term maintenance.

• For homeowners who live in warm climates, anticipate slightly higher chemical expenses during extremely hot months when water can require more attention. 

If you want easy maintenance, speak to your installer about the latest chemical maintenance systems* or automatic pool covers. While their upfront costs can be high, these features save time and money in the long run. 

*IMPORTANT: No matter what system you ultimately decide to purchase, easier maintenance doesn't mean you're pool will need less attention. This is especially true when it comes to chemistry. Understand the recommended ranges for your pool type, and test often! 

General Price Ranges for Fiberglass Pools in 2025 

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the four main tiers of fiberglass pool installations and their associated costs. 

• Basic pool shape and size 

• Minimal patio space 

• Limited landscaping 

• Includes features like heaters and advanced sanitizing systems 

• Expanded patio space with standard finishes 

• Necessary fencing and basic landscaping 

• Large decorative patios and landscaping 

• Advanced features like automatic pool covers, integrated spas, fire pits, etc.

• All premium materials with complete and comprehensive backyard upgrades 

• Includes spillover spas, premium lighting, or outdoor kitchens 

The price for any tier depends on customization, add-ons, and your regional market’s rates. 

Pro Tip: Use our industry-first “build and pricing your fiberglass pool” estimator here to get an immediate price range for your project. 

What Homeowners Often Overlook 

When planning your fiberglass pool project, keep these potential costs in mind to avoid surprises later on. 

• Yard repairs (e.g., fixing access areas disrupted during installation). Once again, many pool builders fail to discuss this during the sales period of the project, but without question, your yard will sustain some damage and need repairs post-installation. 

• Landscaping beyond the patio area. Landscaping, as you’re likely aware, can get very expensive. But it’s also the biggest key in the overall look and feel of your backyard. While most pool builders don’t do full landscaping outside the pool area, this is an expense you won’t want to overlook for your project.

• Electrical work for lighting, heaters, or sophisticated control systems. Swimming pool electrical systems are getting more and more complicated, which can drive the cost of electrical work up. Also, the further the location of your pool’s filter system and equipment is from your house, the more you’ll spend on electrical. In most cases, you can expect to spend $3,000-12,000 for a pool’s electrical hookup.

• Fencing, especially where required by local laws. Here’s a quick look at fencing pricing:

Average Cost Per Linear Foot (Swimming Pool Fencing) 

• Aluminum/Metal Fence: $20–$35 per linear foot
  • Durable, low-maintenance, and meets many pool safety codes.
• Vinyl Fence: $25–$40 per linear foot
  • Provides privacy and a clean look but costs more upfront.
• Glass Pool Fence: $100–$300 per linear foot
  • Luxurious and modern, ideal for unobstructed views.
• Wood Fence: $15–$30 per linear foot
  • Traditional and customizable but requires regular maintenance.

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully this article has now given you a much more complete sense as to what a fiberglass swimming pool will cost you in 2025. Yes, there are many factors that will ultimately determine your budget, so just make sure whoever you’re working with has the integrity to openly discuss all of these things long before the first scoop of dirt is dug.

And remember, investing in a fiberglass pool is about more than just cost—it's about its value to you. Sure, you might not recover the entire installation cost when selling your house, but the benefits for your family and circle of friends in terms of enjoyment, wellness, and memories are priceless. 

When you plan carefully and choose a reputable contractor, your fiberglass pool can become the centerpiece of your outdoor living space and literally change your life in ways you didn’t dream possible. 

For more information or to start your pool project today, contact River Pools. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. 

Editor's note: Marcus Sheridan is a contributing writer for River Pools. River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.