FIBERGLASS POOL COSTS
Navigating the costs of fiberglass pools can initially feel like you're trying to do a synchronized swimming routine alone — tricky but not impossible! With the right knowledge, you can confidently wade through the many details like a pro. This section lays out the crucial factors that determine the overall expenses, enabling you to make savvy choices that ensure your pool project doesn't just hold water, but holds the key to happiness for you and your family.
FACTORS INFLUENCING FIBERGLASS POOL COST
“What does a fiberglass pool cost?” That’s the million-dollar question, but don’t worry. There isn’t a million-dollar answer. However, it can be a tough question to answer because every pool project is different. Before wading into the crystal-clear waters of pool ownership, it’s crucial to grasp the factors influencing fiberglass pool costs.
Size, shape, and color. Larger pools and those with complex designs generally require more materials and labor, which can drive up costs. Additionally, opting for non-standard colors can increase expenses.
Installation complexities. Skilled installers should assess your yard to determine if it requires any special approaches or non-standard installation methods. Soil conditions and accessibility for construction equipment can impact the cost. Challenging terrain or difficult access may require additional labor and equipment, increasing the overall price.
Location and labor costs. Labor costs vary by location due to local building codes, permitting requirements, and the overall cost of living in a particular area. Higher labor costs in your region can contribute to a higher pool price.
Additional features. Like cars, pool projects may have a basic package or lots of bells and whistles. Optional mechanical and operational features could include an automatic pool cover, heat pump, or saltwater system. There are also optional aesthetic and comfort enhancements beyond most typical installation packages, including additional LED pool lights, perimeter or waterline tile, water features, and decorative concrete decking or a retaining wall in the pool's landscaping. These pool options and accessories can add up to tens of thousands of dollars to your project.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN FIBERGLASS POOL INSTALLATION COSTS?
Most fiberglass pool manufacturers don’t also manage on-site installations but leave that to a trained, experienced, and vetted network of franchisees, independent dealers, and local installers. Understanding the fiberglass pool installation process is important for deciphering the costs involved.
Basic Installation Packages
Most pool installers offer a “base package” of the minimum installation services, typically including:
The pool shell. A wide range of fiberglass pool shells is available, including options for various sizes and shapes depending on the size and style of your backyard, among other considerations.
Delivery of the shell to your home. While concrete and vinyl liner pools are constructed on-site, fiberglass pool shells are molded in our manufacturing facility and must be transported in one piece to the job site. Delivery costs must account for the distance traveled, local roadway regulations, or using a crane if the shell has to be hoisted over a house, wall, or other structure.
Securing building permits. State and local ordinances vary by location, but responsible installers familiar with your area should be familiar with the construction, plumbing, and electrical permits required.
Soil excavation. Meticulous site preparation is essential before the first shovels and excavator can hit the ground. From clearing the area and ensuring proper drainage to addressing any site-specific layout challenges or soil issues, a level and stable foundation sets the stage for a seamless installation process. On average, digging the hole for your pool takes between three to 12 hours, depending on the size and how long it takes to dispose of the dirt.
Pool pump, plumbing, and filter system. Pool plumbing is installed around the shell, while the pump and filter system are typically positioned nearby but inconspicuously out of plain sight.
Backfilling the pool shell. Once the pool is set and leveled in its hole in the ground, crushed clean gravel is poured around the outside of the shell, completing the initial construction phase.
Filling the pool with water. The levels of water inside the pool and the backfilling gravel outside of it must be brought up together to equalize and balance out the pressure on the pool shell.
Some installers may also include a collection of basic pool maintenance and cleaning equipment or rough grading where an eventual pool patio may reside. Basic pool packages can vary among local installers, so it’s important to do your research and ask plenty of questions about what’s included, but most base packages do not include patio work or other decking options.
Based on everything we see and hear from installers in the industry, average prices for a base-package fiberglass pool installation can range from $55,000 to $100,000.
BASIC INSTALLATION + CONCRETE PACKAGES
It’s become more common among pool installers to offer “basic plus” packages, including everything featured in the base package and a modest concrete patio around the pool.
While every project is unique, and yours may need more or less depending on your pool and yard size, many typical concrete patios account for between 400 and 800 square feet of space. A basic plus concrete installation averages between $40,000 to $60,000.
TURN-KEY INSTALLATIONS
For a complete and comprehensive experience without the hassle of juggling multiple contractors or piecemealing their pool project, many pool buyers prefer installers that offer full turn-key installations.
A turn-key fiberglass pool installation includes everything you’ll need to enjoy swimming in approximately three to six weeks from start to finish. A turn-key pool project typically includes the pool shell, pool installation, surrounding patio installation, electrical costs, required perimeter fencing, some basic accessories, the installer hiring contractors on your behalf, getting bids, and scheduling/overseeing their work.
While prices can—and will—vary based on the products you choose, where you live, your chosen installer, and many other factors or market conditions, the estimates in this guide are based on decades of experience, intimate industry knowledge, and feedback from professionals who are out in the field installing pools like these every day.
Based on our polling of installers nationwide, the price for most fiberglass pool turn-key projects ranges from $70,000 to $135,000 on average in 2023. Anything lower will likely lack a common project element or two around a smaller pool design. At the higher end, elaborate projects featuring luxury options, high-end finishing materials, and expansive decking, including spacious outdoor living spaces, can exceed $300,000 or more.
As a reminder, these ranges are estimates, not guarantees, intended to give you a starting point to keep in mind as you begin planning your fiberglass pool project and assembling its budget. A clearer understanding and complete picture of your fiberglass pool’s cost should come together as you discuss your options and design details with your local installers. Until then, we’re happy to be your helpful guide as you begin your family’s adventure into fiberglass pool ownership
FIBERGLASS POOL SHAPES & PRICES
Relative to the rest of the inground pool industry’s history, fiberglass pools have come quite a long way in just a few short decades. We’ll be the first to admit, and early adopters can attest, that fiberglass pools used to be a bit of an eyesore and were pretty limited in terms of designs, shapes, and colors back in the early days.
However, technological breakthroughs, innovations in manufacturing processes, and the discovery of best practices with high-quality materials have led fiberglass pool manufacturers into a modern-day revolution. Fiberglass pools aren’t just gorgeous, but the styles and designs have evolved to the point where almost everybody can find a model they love that fits their family’s needs.
Today, there are plenty of options in fiberglass pool shapes, sizes, and designs that work with almost any yard or space constraints. Manufacturers continue to innovate and push the envelope regarding what’s possible with fiberglass pools.
ARE THERE CUSTOM FIBERGLASS POOL SHAPES?
Admittedly, fiberglass pools are inherently limited in their customization qualities compared to concrete and vinyl liner pools. While the installation process can take significantly longer when building with concrete or vinyl, those pools are constructed on-site. That's why they can be custom-formed into any size, shape, or design imaginable, depending on your budget.
Fiberglass pools, by contrast, are created within a controlled manufacturing facility and built as one solid piece from a pre-existing mold. Because fiberglass pool shells must meet US highway cargo regulations as they make their way to buyers’ homes, they’re generally 40 feet by 16 feet or smaller.
However, fiberglass pool manufacturers can accomplish quite a lot within that footprint!
WHICH FIBERGLASS POOL SHAPE IS BEST?
Fiberglass pool shapes and prices vary by pool size, and you will want to consider various factors, such as yard setup
and home style, as you assess the right design for you. The fiberglass pool shape and design you choose will influence the aesthetic appeal of your backyard and impact functionality and the overall swimming experience. When choosing a shape, some key considerations include:
Pricing. Gunite and vinyl liner pools are built directly on-site, and therefore, can be built into any shape imaginable. Of course, the more custom your design, the more pricey the construction may be. With fiberglass, however, pool designs are crafted from a mold, and since the design is based on the mold and not any custom labor, pricing for these pools is more often based on the pool’s size rather than its shape.
Automatic pool cover-readiness. An automatic pool cover has definite benefits, including holding in the heat, keeping out unwanted debris, and protecting animals and children from accidental drowning. While a freeform pool can be outfitted with an automatic pool cover, the track must be installed on top of the deck instead of under it. We recommend a rectangular shape if an automatic pool cover is a must-have.
Yard configuration and space. If you have a large yard, any pool shape will work wonderfully. However, a rectangular pool may be best if you want to reserve a large area for landscaping or other outdoor living spaces. Even a small yard can accommodate most shapes. A rectangular pool shape can snug up to a fence line, and the curves in freeform pools may complement existing features or yard constraints.
Anticipated activities. Generally speaking, freeform-shaped pools (including kidney-shaped) are great for lounging and relaxation as they don't have as much open swimming space. Rectangular (or Roman) pools are great for sporting activities, including volleyball, basketball, and lap swimming.
Personal aesthetic. Sometimes, it just comes down to personal taste. Look at some pool designs. Do you gravitate towards rectangular, freeform, kidney, or Roman?
WHAT SHAPES DO FIBERGLASS POOLS COME IN?
VIDEO: What Is A Freeform Pool?
VIDEO: What is a Kidney Shaped Pool?
VIDEO: What is a Roman End Pool?
VIDEO: What is a Linear or Rectangular Pool?
Each fiberglass pool shape has different features and benefits. Let’s explore the four primary fiberglass pool shapes.
Linear Rectangle Pools: Timeless Style
The classic rectangular shape exudes timeless elegance and stately simplicity, offering a clean and symmetrical design that effortlessly complements various architectural styles, including modern and contemporary home designs. Its versatility through clean lines and right angles makes it an excellent choice for homeowners creating either a more formal or casual setting in their outdoor space.
If fitness or staying active is a priority, the elongated length of linear rectangle pools provides wide-open spaces for fun and games and a lane for lap swimming. Rectangle fiberglass pools are a practical and stylish solution for those who see their pool as a fitness resource.
While the classic rectangle fiberglass pool shape can fit seamlessly into many landscapes, its elongated shape may require more space than other designs. Your local installers can assess your yard to help you choose a design that maximizes available space without compromising other outdoor elements.
Freeform Pools: Naturalistic Beauty
Flowy freeform fiberglass pools mimic nature's curves and organic shapes, offering a more relaxed and naturalistic feel. Freeform pools can seamlessly integrate into your backyard landscaping, harmoniously blending with the surrounding environment.
Freeform pools are often associated with tropical or resort-style settings. The gentle curves, irregular shapes, and organic lines mimic natural bodies of water such as tropical ponds, lagoons, or desert oases. Thoughtful and lush landscaping, including native plantings and natural stone, can help create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space enhanced with a tropical retreat ambiance.
Kidney Pools: Playful and Inviting
A somewhat similar, non-linear variant of freeform pools, kidney-shaped pools feature a charming asymmetry with a rounded “top” on one side and a more pronounced curve at the “bottom.” The design imparts a playful and inviting yet chill and modern vibe, creating a natural flow and subtly eliminating the rigidity of linear pool shapes.
Kidney pools’ designs aren’t typically as “active” or busy as traditional freeform, lending themselves to help create a private backyard sanctuary. Kidney curves complement nearby landscaping and plantings with a style suitable for various backyard sizes.
Roman Pools: Classical Elegance
Inspired by classical Roman and Grecian architecture, these pools exude timeless elegance and a sense of luxury. The mostly rectangular shapes, complemented with rounded edges, create a sophisticated, refined aesthetic that stands the test of time.
Roman fiberglass pools provide a historical and modern look, with a symmetry that contributes to a sense of majesty and grandeur that pairs well with traditional or Mediterranean-style homes.
To fully embrace the classical elegance of Roman fiberglass pool shapes, homeowners can consider incorporating architectural elements such as columns, stone statues, or formal landscaping that matches the historical inspiration.
FIBERGLASS POOL SHAPES PRICING
When considering pool shapes, certain components can affect the price. Fiberglass pool pricing doesn’t share all the same factors as vinyl liner and gunite pools. When pricing an inground pool, note the following:
Pool Shape. Gunite and vinyl pools offer more design flexibility, allowing for intricate shapes and features. However, complex designs can increase costs significantly. Custom shapes may involve more labor and material costs for vinyl and gunite pools.
Pool Features. Features such as tanning ledges, swim-outs, wrap-around benches, and steps can add to the cost of vinyl liner and gunite pools. However, in a fiberglass pool design including these features, there is no price increase because the features are built into the mold already.
Pool Size. Pool size is the one factor that can increase pool costs in all three pool types. Generally speaking, the larger the pool, the more expensive it is.
The best way to know pool pricing is to get a detailed cost estimate by contacting a pool installer. Meanwhile, visit our shape and price calculator to get a ballpark estimate.
Editor's note: This page was updated on July 9, 2024.