Price ranges by pool type
NerdWallet's pool cost article, last updated August 26, 2025, gives these installed ranges for an in-ground pool. It credits HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide and Angi as its sources.
| Pool type | Installed cost | Longevity stated |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl liner | $20,000 to $40,000 | 10 years |
| Fiberglass | $20,000 to $85,000 | 25 years |
| Concrete or gunite | $35,000 to $120,000 | 50 to 100 years |
Source: NerdWallet, How Much a Pool Costs in 2026, updated August 26, 2025. Read November 5, 2026.
The same article says an in-ground pool costs about $66,000 on average, with a range from $14,000 to $135,000 for materials alone, according to Angi. It also says to expect about $50 to $125 per square foot of pool surface. Those numbers describe a wide market, from small plunge pools to large custom designs.
Costs that sit outside the pool price
A pool quote can leave out work you still need to pay for. NerdWallet lists these separate items for in-ground pools:
| Item | Range given |
|---|---|
| Permits | $100 to $1,800 |
| Site preparation | $500 to $3,000 |
| Deck | $3,000 to $20,000 |
| Fencing | $1,500 to $10,000 |
| Heater | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Filter and pump | $250 to $2,000 |
| Lighting | $450 to $1,800 |
Source: same NerdWallet article, updated August 26, 2025.
Screen enclosures, often called lanais or pool cages in Southwest Florida, are not in that list. Fort Myers builders such as Bahama Pools of Florida list pool cages on their sites, so ask for the enclosure as its own line.
How to use these numbers
- Use the ranges only to spot a quote that looks far too low or far too high.
- Ask each builder for a written, itemized quote that names the pool type, size, finish, deck, equipment and enclosure.
- Check what is not included: permit fees, electrical work, fencing, landscaping and the safety feature required by Florida law.
- Compare the same scope across at least three quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of an in-ground pool?
NerdWallet reports about $66,000 on average, with a range from $14,000 to $135,000 for materials alone, citing Angi. This is a national figure, not a Florida one.
Is a Florida pool more expensive than the national average?
We could not find a reliable source that measures Florida alone, so we cannot say. Local quotes are the only reliable check.
What costs extra beyond the pool?
NerdWallet lists permits ($100 to $1,800), site prep ($500 to $3,000), a deck ($3,000 to $20,000), fencing ($1,500 to $10,000), a heater ($2,000 to $4,000) and a filter ($250 to $2,000). A screen enclosure is not on that list, so ask your builder for it as a separate line.