What’s The Cost Of An Inground Pool in 2025? Arizona Price Guide

 The average inground pool cost in 2025 will likely reach $65,000. Your backyard oasis might cost anywhere between $25,000 and $100,000+ depending on your specific choices.

Vinyl pools remain affordable at $20,000 to $40,000, while concrete or gunite options are higher priced up to $120,000. Your location significantly affects the final cost. Installation costs can differ by tens of thousands of dollars across different states.

It sounds like a lot, because it is. There are a lot of factors that impact the cost of an inground swimming pool.

Here at Shasta we’ve helped over 120,000 Arizona homeowners build inground pools over several decades. Our years of experience helping homeowners understand pool costs have taught us the exact factors that influence pricing. We'll help you understand everything from simple installation costs to additional features.

After reading this article you’ll be one step closer to understanding what your inground pool will end up costing. Let's take a closer look at the details and create a perfect plan for your pool investment.

The True Cost of Inground Pools in Arizona for 2025

Building an inground pool in Arizona will cost you between $45,000 and $100,000 for a standard installation. The price can go much higher based on your choices with premium custom designs that might cost more than $200,000. Let's explore the real cost of an inground pool in Arizona by looking at current market prices, regional factors, and economic trends that affect the pool industry in 2025.

Pool Material Selection Impacts Your Cost

Your choice of pool material will affect the overall cost of your inground pool in Arizona by a lot. Here's what you need to know about each option:

Cost Of Concrete/Gunite Pools

These pools are Arizona's most popular choice because they last longer and offer more design options. Most concrete pools cost between $45,000 to $100,000, though some sources say $50,000 to $100,000. Larger concrete pools can cost $70,000 to $100,000 or more.

Cost Of Fiberglass Pools

These pools strike a good balance between durability and upkeep needs, with prices ranging from $55,000 to $110,000. Other trusted sources show prices from $40,000 to $85,000. The size makes a big difference in cost:

• Small fiberglass pools: $40,000 to $45,000

• Medium-sized fiberglass pools: $45,000 to $50,000

• Large fiberglass pools: $55,000 to $85,000+

Cost Of Vinyl Liner Pools

These pools are easier on your wallet, with prices from $25,000 to $65,000. Arizona homeowners don't pick these as often because the intense sun and extreme temperatures make the liner fade, wrinkle, and wear out faster.

Which Pool Material Is Right for You?

Here's a quick cheat sheet for Arizona homeowners:

Pricing Factors Specific To Arizona Pools

Arizona's unique climate and geography create several factors that affect your pool's cost:

• Desert climate considerations: Due to Arizona’s extreme heat, you’ll need materials that can withstand long-term sun exposure without warping, fading, or cracking—such as UV-resistant plaster or tile. These materials tend to be more expensive than standard options. Additionally, high temperatures increase wear and tear on pool equipment, which means you'll likely face higher long-term maintenance or replacement costs.
• Access challenges: Your costs will rise if your backyard access is less than 10 feet wide because smaller equipment becomes necessary.
• Terrain complexities: Arizona's diverse terrain might need extra engineering work. Rocky soil conditions mean you'll need more structural support or excavation, which will drive up the price.
• Water management: Arizona's high evaporation rates lead to higher water costs, especially with current water conservation efforts.
• Cooling solutions: Pool companies include aerators during installation, but you might want better cooling systems to handle Arizona's extreme heat. A better cooling system will cost you more money.
• Permit jurisdiction: Phoenix area permits cost between $300 to $1,200, and prices vary by city.

Your site might need extra work like removing old structures, landscaping, checking utilities, or dealing with elevation changes. Pool experts say these site-specific issues are often why final costs end up higher than original estimates.

How inflation is affecting pool costs

Pool prices in 2025 reflect ongoing economic pressures. Here's what's happening in the market:

Material costs have jumped over the past few years. Concrete is up 10%, steel has risen 20%, and PVC costs 15% more since 2020. These increases directly raise pool construction costs.

The Federal Reserve's gradual interest rate cuts throughout 2024 and into 2025 have helped slow down inflation. Pools built in 2025 still cost more than before, but prices are steadying.

The tight labor market keeps wages high, even with slower job growth expected in 2025. Most pool companies are raising prices by 5-10% instead of making bigger changes. Different pool material types feel these economic effects differently. Fiberglass pools might see smaller price bumps than concrete and vinyl options because they need less on-site work, as they come pre-made.

Arizona pool professionals that we’ve consulted with feel optimistic that price increases are leveling off. This suggests 2025 could be the year when pool costs finally stabilize after years of steep increases.

Pool Expenses to Consider Before Construction Starts

Before breaking ground on your dream pool, you'll need to budget for several essential planning phase expenses that many homeowners overlook. These preliminary costs can add $2,000 to $8,000 to your inground pool project in Arizona, depending on complexity and local requirements. We have helped hundreds of pool owners navigate these initial expenses, which often catch people by surprise.

Soil testing and site evaluation

Soil testing is absolutely essential in Arizona's varied terrain and represents money well spent. These tests typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on complexity, with basic site evaluations starting around $500.

What makes soil testing crucial?

In Arizona's desert environment, we frequently encounter:

• Expansive clay soils that swell with moisture, potentially damaging pool structures 
• Imported fill areas requiring special construction techniques 
• Drainage issues that can undermine pool foundations

One case study from a pool builder revealed that addressing poor soil conditions required $6,000 in additional expenses for extra excavation and rock stabilization. Indeed, soil composition issues are "the most common culprit behind problems with pool construction and hardscape".

The soil testing process involves drilling bore holes and laboratory analysis to determine soil composition, stability, and drainage characteristics. Results typically arrive within 2-3 days and inform critical engineering decisions about your pool's structure and foundation requirements.

Permit acquisition costs

Building permits for inground pool projects in Arizona typically range from $100 to $2,200, with most homeowners paying between $450 and $2,200 depending on your specific jurisdiction. Permit costs generally represent 0.5% to 2.5% of the total construction expense.

Local building departments base permit fees on several factors:

• Project size and total construction value
• Pool type and additional features
• Local building codes and zoning requirements
• Application and processing fees

Moreover, the permit process typically takes two weeks for approval, though this can vary by municipality. In addition to the basic permit fees, you may encounter supplementary costs for:

• Plot plans and site drawings ($0.35 to $5.00 per square foot)
• Grading or topographical plans
• Specialized reports or studies
• Inspection fees (averaging $140, ranging from $125 to $250)

These permit expenses, while sometimes overlooked, provide critical legal protection ensuring your pool meets all safety and construction standards. We recommend working with professional pool builders who include permit acquisition in their services, as they're typically more familiar with local requirements and can expedite the approval process.

By anticipating these planning phase expenses, you'll avoid unwelcome surprises and enter the construction phase with confidence that your inground pool project rests on solid ground—both literally and financially. Site Preparation and Installation Costs

Your inground pool cost in Arizona includes 20-30% just for excavation and site prep. Right now in 2025, you'll pay $2,000 to $15,000 based on your site's condition. Unexpected issues can add thousands more to the bill. Arizona's unique landscape creates special installation challenges that affect your budget. Here's a deep dive into three cost areas that catch many homeowners off guard during installation.

Excavation challenges in Arizona terrain

Building a pool in Arizona's desert comes with unique digging challenges that can drive up your costs. The biggest problem? Hard, packed soil that gets "almost concrete-like" when it dries out. Pool builders need special tools and methods to handle this, which adds to your final price tag.

Caliche makes things even trickier. This hard calcium carbonate layer shows up a lot in Arizona soil. Running into this stuff means extra costs. One builder puts it plainly: "One of the most common unforeseen issues during installation is hitting rock." They charge you "by the linear foot of rock removed".

The soil in Arizona can change within just a few feet. A builder with 19 years under his belt says "you never know until you dig" and that "rock can skip all around" a neighborhood. Some yards have it, others don't. This makes it tough to give exact estimates before digging starts.

Water is scarce here, and that affects how we dig. Builders need extra planning and resources because there's not enough water for dust control and soil packing. We also need to prevent soil erosion, which means more protective measures and higher installation costs.

Access considerations and equipment needs

The space available to reach your backyard shapes your excavation costs. A tight squeeze under 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) means builders must bring in smaller equipment. This adds about $3,000 to your bill for mini excavators and special bobcats.

Builders usually need:

• Standard excavators or backhoes for regular digging
• Mini excavators for tight spaces
• Motorized wheelbarrows to move soil in narrow areas
• Special equipment to break through rocky ground

Good news is, builders say "just about everything is possible". But solutions cost money—smaller machines mean "the excavation is less efficient" and "generally takes 2-3 days" instead of one. Really tight spots under 1.2 meters might need hand digging, which sends labor costs through the roof.

Sometimes, you might need cranes or even helicopters for yards with very limited access. These rare cases can add thousands of dollars to your bill.

Labor Costs & Timelines Impact Cost

Labor makes up a big chunk of your pool installation costs. Several things in Arizona can stretch out your timeline and bump up those labor costs:

Complex pool designs take longer to build than simple ones. Fancy features need extra time and special skills, which means higher labor costs.

Your site's condition matters too. Tough digging can stretch the excavation from one day to "2-3 days". Bad soil might need weeks of testing and extra support structure.

Equipment size sets the pace. Smaller machines due to tight access mean "extra time, effort, and resources". One builder put it straight: they might realize "it was going to take days to dig out your yard with lots of manual labor" and ask for more money.

Hidden underground surprises cause the biggest holdups. Hitting rock, utility lines, or groundwater means quick decisions and usually more expenses. Getting a full site check before digging helps avoid these costly surprises.

What Features Are Recommended For Arizona Pools? And How Much Do They Cost?

Beyond the standard installation costs, adding custom features to your inground pool can add $5,000 to $25,000 to your Arizona pool project. You need to know which features you really need and which are optional to manage your budget while creating your dream backyard oasis.

Must-have equipment and their price ranges

Every working pool needs certain equipment, whatever design you choose. A standard single-speed pump costs between $300 and $500. Filters range from $300 for basic sand filters to $2,000 for premium DE (diatomaceous earth) filters. Pool lighting keeps swimmers safe at night and starts at $200 for basic incandescent options but usually costs $400 to $1,000 for energy-efficient LED systems.

You'll need winter covers that cost $50 to $350 based on your pool's size and material quality. Basic water testing kits cost about $30. Salt chlorinators run between $800 to $2,000.

The complete package of essential equipment with pump, filter, sanitization, basic lighting, and covers will add about $1,800 to $4,000 to your inground pool project.

Luxury additions and their ROI

High-end features improve your pool's enjoyment and can boost your property's value by 5% to 8%. Water features like bubblers cost $1,000 to $2,500 each. Deck jets cost between $1,000 to $1,500. Traditional pool slides are a bigger investment at $4,500 to $6,000.

Tanning ledges have become a hot trend in Arizona's climate. The National Association of REALTORS® reports that outdoor kitchens offer a 100% ROI.

Adding spas or hot tubs to your pool design costs $8,000 to $25,000 more. These features make your property more attractive, particularly in upscale neighborhoods.

Energy-efficient options that save money long-term

Variable-speed pumps are worth the investment at $800 to $1,500 upfront. They save you about $300 every year. These ENERGY STAR-certified pumps use 90% less energy than regular single-speed models.

LED pool lights cost $400 to $1,000 and use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs while lasting three times longer. Automatic pool covers ($1,500+) cut heating costs and water evaporation by up to 95%.

Heat pumps ($2,000 to $4,500) work better than traditional gas heaters ($1,500 to $3,000). Solar heating systems offer the most budget-friendly solution in the long run, despite costing $3,000 to $7,000 initially. They tap into Arizona's abundant sunshine to keep ongoing costs low.

How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Pool in Arizona?

An inground pool in Arizona comes with most important long-term maintenance costs that range from $3,000 to $5,000 annually. New pool owners often get surprised by these costs because they focus only on installation. Arizona's desert climate creates unique maintenance challenges due to extreme heat, low humidity, and intense sun exposure.

Water costs and evaporation factors

Arizona's arid climate causes pools to lose 1/4 to 1 full inch of water each week through evaporation. An uncovered pool loses 4-6 feet of water annually, which means the pool's entire volume disappears over a year. The water loss costs about $14 per year for a 12,000-gallon pool at Phoenix's water rates of $1.15 per 1,000 gallons.

Phoenix's water rates work on a tiered structure:

• A base fee that has 5 units (3,740 gallons) from October through May
• 8 units (5,984 gallons) from June through September
• Summer months (June-September) have the highest rates
• Winter months (December-March) offer the lowest rates

A pool cover can cut evaporation by up to 90%, making it a smart investment to control water and chemical costs.

Heat management expenses

Your heat regulation costs depend on your preferred approach:

Most installation packages come with an aerator for summer cooling, though you might need to pay extra for dedicated cooling systems. You can choose from these heating options:

• Solar covers: The most cost-effective choice that uses Arizona's abundant sunlight
• Heat pumps: These energy-efficient units cost between $2,000-$4,500
• Gas heaters: Price ranges from $4,500-$7,000 plus costs for gas lines and permits

Your electric bill will increase by $100-$300 monthly from pool equipment. The pump itself adds about $35 monthly to operate.

Seasonal maintenance requirements00

Your year-round maintenance needs:

• Chemical treatments cost $25 monthly on average
• Professional service packages range from $80-$150 monthly
• You should set aside $60 monthly for major repairs and equipment replacement

The mild winter temperatures don't mean you can skip maintenance. Your annual sewer charges depend on January-March water usage, so saving water during these months helps reduce costs.

Older pools might need major repairs or remodels costing $10,000-$30,000. Some homeowners ended up finding that removing their pool pays for itself within 3-5 years through eliminated maintenance costs.

An inground pool in Arizona costs between $45,000 and $100,000 for standard installations. Custom designs can push prices above $200,000. The most economical vinyl options start at $25,000. The original costs include your choice of materials, preparing the site, equipment and installation.

On top of that, it costs $3,000 to $5,000 each year to maintain an Arizona pool. This covers chemicals, utilities, repairs and general upkeep. Your total investment might increase by thousands due to soil issues during digging or replacing equipment. A full site evaluation and proper planning should happen before construction begins.

What’s Your Pool Going to Cost? Try Our Self-Pricing Budget Estimator.

By now, you know just how many factors go into the cost of an inground pool in Arizona—everything from materials and soil conditions to energy efficiency and neighborhood trends. But here’s the thing: no article (no matter how detailed) can tell you exactly what your dream pool will cost until you start making choices for your space.

That’s where our Pool Budget Estimator comes in.

• If you’re curious about how your design ideas translate into real numbers
• If you want to compare different materials or add-on features side-by-side
• If you’re wondering how your location or layout might affect the bottom line

Then our Pool Budget Estimator tool is the best place to start.

It’s quick, interactive, and designed to give you a realistic price range in minutes—just like building out your dream car online. Whether you're early in the planning phase or ready to meet with a builder, this tool will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.