Does it really cost that much to build a pool? Many homeowners assume the biggest cost will be the premium materials and exotic features. However, the largest total cost often lies in construction.
At Shasta Pools, we’ve found that 25–30% of a pool’s total cost goes into excavation and structural framing. This includes digging, soil removal, engineering, steel, and the plumbing layout. These items make up the strength and performance of your pool.
Most inground pools cost around $45,000–$75,000. Next, excavation and site preparation account for a quarter to a third of the budget. Additionally, the shell construction adds another 20–25%.
Limited backyard access or complex terrains can require specialized equipment and additional labor. Also, premium materials require more time and engineering than entry-level pool options.
In this article, we review total construction costs and how design impacts the final price. Next, we evaluate how your backyard access changes the cost dramatically. Afterwards, you can compare multiple construction quotes and find the value.
What are the True Costs of Pool Construction?
Construction is the most expensive part of the pool's total cost. Nearly half of your total budget is spent before you ever pick out a single design item. What you see like decking or water features provide a much lower percentage of the total cost.
At Shasta Pools, we see the same breakdown consistently:
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Excavation and site preparation: ~25–30%
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Shell construction (steel, plumbing layout, shotcrete): ~20–25%
For concrete or gunite pools, the shell is often the single most expensive component. Furthermore, it requires extensive engineering and highly specialized labor. Phoenix Valley's expensive soil makes construction expertise costs a necessity than a premium.
As Thomas Cross, Shasta Pool Supply Designer explains:
“Most of the cost of a pool is in the construction you’ll never see excavation, structural steel, plumbing layout, and the shell itself. That work alone can account for nearly half of the total project cost.”
What is the most expensive part of installing a pool?
For concrete pools (also called gunite), the shell typically commands the highest price tag. These pools range from $50,000 to $100,000, and the shell demands extensive materials and specialized labor. Particularly excavation, framing, and shell installation claim the largest portion of your budget.
Why the shell and excavation dominate the budget?
Shell costs run high because of the engineering requirements. For concrete pools, specialized labor applies shotcrete over carefully positioned rebar frameworks. This process creates a watertight that can handle ground pressure and water weight.
Excavation costs can spiral because of equipment requirements and site complexities. Rocky soil or high water tables can tack on $5,000-$20,000. Proper site preparation includes critical elements like drainage systems and soil compaction.
Cross notes, "Don't look at just the pool itself site preparation often hides unexpected costs that other builders might leave out of initial proposals."
How Design Choices Impact Your Final Price
Design choices are the only control a homeowner has over the total pool cost. These decisions can move the final price by tens of thousands of dollars.
Standard geometric pools are more cost-efficient. Especially, custom shapes with curves and angles cost more. Premium materials like travertine, glass tile, and aggregate interiors raise upfront costs. Extra lighting, water features, or automation can add $10,000–$20,000 to a project.
As Thomas Cross explains:
“If you didn’t do travertine and went with concrete and a lace acrylic finish so it stays cool, that’s one of the first places I’d look to save.”
Custom shapes vs. standard designs
Simple rectangular pools cost substantially less than custom designs with curves and unique angles. It's not just about looks. It's about labor and materials.
Standard pools give you more than just cost savings:
- Installation happens in weeks, not months
- Engineering stays straightforward
- Pricing becomes predictable
- You get proven designs that work
But custom-shaped pools earn their premium for good reason. They fit irregular yards and match specific visions. Those curved edges that look amazing? They cost more because coping, tiling, and finishing materials need special cutting to follow the curves.
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Why builder qualifications matter just as much as price |
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Material upgrades: pavers, tile, and finishes
Standard white plaster remains the cheapest option and lasts 5-7 years. Colored plaster adds visual interest but bumps up the cost.
Aggregate finishes combine plaster with quartz, pebbles, or glass beads. They cost more upfront but last 12-20 years. Your premium options break down like this:
- Polished aggregate: Crushed colored stones create a decorative sheen
- Exposed aggregate: River pebbles or glass beads add texture
- Glass tile: Most expensive but longest-lasting, with light effects that catch the eye
Decking decisions matter too. As one pool expert puts it: "If you didn't do travertine and you did concrete with lace acrylic over the top so it stays cool, that's one of the first places I would look to save."
What Role does Access, Equipment, and Site Conditions Play in Pool Project Costs?
One of the biggest and least expected costs is backyard access. At Shasta Pools, we see limited access forces crews to use smaller excavation equipment. The smaller the equipment the more time labor costs increase.
As Thomas Cross explains:
“Just the size of access could take you from being in the 40s for your pool to being nearly mid-50s, just because of the access size.”
Full-size excavation equipment provides the most efficient and cost-effective option. It typically requires 8–10 feet of clear access. As access narrows, the construction costs increase.
How limited access increases excavation costs?
When standard excavation equipment can't squeeze through your side yard, contractors need smaller machines. Those compact alternatives move less dirt per scoop. That $3,500+ premium stings because the finished pool looks exactly the same in photos.
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Know what to ask before you trust the price |
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Site-specific challenges like slopes or trees
Sloped yards create problems beyond just digging the hole. Retaining walls might become necessary, and more of your pool shell ends up exposed above ground. This requires extra structural engineering and materials. Both add thousands to your budget.
Rocky soil will cost you too. While regular soil runs $2.50-15 per cubic yard to excavate, rocky conditions jump to $50-200 per cubic yard. Tree removal in tight spaces costs 25-50% more than standard rates, especially near power lines or structures.
The Real Cost of Building a Pool
Site preparation and structural construction consistently account for nearly half of a pool’s total cost. These costs are regardless of how simple or elaborate the design.
You don't value proper engineering until your pool shifts from Arizona's expensive soil. As you compare different quotes, check the construction methods used. When one builder is cheaper, you want to ask why.
At Shasta Pools, transparency is how we perform every aspect of the process. You understand where every dollar goes. So, we build the pool you want the right way.
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Building the pool is only part of the investment |
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Key Takeaways
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Excavation and shell construction consume 45-55% of your total pool budget
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Limited yard access can add $3,500+ to costs
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Small design upgrades accumulate quickly
FAQs
Q1. What is typically the most expensive part of installing an inground pool? The most expensive part of installing an inground pool is usually the excavation and site preparation.
Q2. How much does an average inground pool cost? On average, inground pools generally cost between $45,000 and $75,000.
Q3. Are automatic pool covers worth the investment? They can significantly reduce maintenance. However, they can add $15,000-$20,000 to the overall pool cost.
Q4. How can I reduce the cost of building a pool without compromising quality? Consider opting for a standard pool shape and limit custom features.
References
Gulfbreezepoolsandspas.com Does the shape of a pool affect cost?
Rcspoolspa.com How to design a luxury pool
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