How Much Does an In-Ground Pool Cost? A Guide to Pool Pricing and What’s Included

August 31, 2026

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One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a new swimming pool is simple: How much does an in-ground pool cost?

The answer depends on the pool size, shape, features, equipment, site conditions, and other project-specific factors. But knowing the total price of a pool can be difficult when a builder provides one large number without showing what is included or how individual selections affect the final cost.

Subs For Pools takes a different approach.

The company was founded by pool industry experts with decades of experience, including a founder who ranked among the Top 25 Pool Builders in the U.S. for more than 15 years and has built more than 10,000 pools in Texas.

Instead of asking homeowners to sit through sales meetings before they can understand pricing, Subs For Pools provides a price and design tool where homeowners can select a pool type, size, features, and equipment and see how their selections affect the total price.


What Determines the Cost of an In-Ground Pool?

There isn't one single price that applies to every pool.


The cost depends on the choices made during the design process as well as conditions at the property.


Subs For Pools allows homeowners to start with several fundamental decisions:


• Pool type
• Pool shape
• Pool size
• Spa options
• Water features
• Fire features
• Lighting
• Outdoor structures
• Outdoor kitchens
• Interior finishes
• Pool equipment
• Automation options


The purpose of showing these choices individually is to allow homeowners to understand how each selection affects their total and allows the homeowner to control the budget and what they spend. 


What Is Included in the Base Pool Price?

When a homeowner selects a pool size through the Subs For Pools design process, the base price includes a detailed list of construction components and equipment.


The listed base-price inclusions include:


• Excavation with a full-size machine and removal of dirt on the day of excavation
• Temporary fencing in the access area
• Replacement of up to two sections of fence and one self-closing, self-latching gate
• Reinforcement steel
• Gunite meeting or exceeding ISPSC 2024 guidelines
• Concrete equipment pads
• VGB-compliant main drain with dedicated suction
• Dual main drain with pebble top
• Skimmer
• Marine-grade silicone between the pool and skimmer throat
• Six pool returns
• Water stops on returns
• 340 sq.ft. Cartridge Filter
• Variable-speed 1.85 hp pump
• Speed Set controls for the pump
• 300-watt transformer
• LED low-voltage pool light and light switch
• Electrical hookups with GFCI breakers for pumps
• 360 degree Bond wire
• White, blue, grey, or Verde pebble interior
• 6-inch glass waterline tile
• Polymer-modified mortar
• Grout
• Travertine or Marble Coping
• In-line chlorine tablet feeder
• 400 square feet of concrete decking
• Tanning shelf
• 6-foot bench
• 150 feet of area drains
• Start-up and Pool School
• Basic pool maintenance equipment
• Sodium tetraborates
• Pool-water balancing during the 90 days of free maintenance in selected areas


The exact inclusions are presented before homeowners move on to additional options.


What Pool Features Can Add to the Cost?

After selecting a pool size and shape, homeowners can customize the pool.


Available options include several categories of features.


Spa Options

Homeowners can choose from options such as:


• Raised Spa: A raised spa can incorporate a spillway that also functions as a visually striking water feature.
• Integrated / Flush Spa: An integrated spa sits at the same level as the pool and provides a sleek design that blends with the pool.
• Spa Spillways: A spillway allows water to flow from the spa into the pool, adding movement and sound.


Water Features

Subs For Pools lists several water-feature options, including:

• Sheer descents
• Bubblers and/or gushers
• Mini jets
• Natural water features
• Travertine scuppers
• Fan sprayers/aerotors

Each feature serves a different design or functional purpose.


Outdoor Living Features

Additional options include:

• Fire features
• LED lighting upgrades
• Outdoor structures
• Outdoor kitchen packages
• Fire and water bowls


The goal is to allow homeowners to decide which features matter to them instead of automatically including upgrades they may not want.


How Does Transparent Pool Pricing Work?

The Subs For Pools design process is built around showing the cost of individual selections.


For example, a homeowner can:


1. Choose a pool type.
2. Select a shape.
3. Select a size.
4. Review the included base price.
5. Add features.
6. See the price update.
7. Remove features if the total becomes higher than the desired budget.
8. Review the complete build.
9. Save and share the design.


Every selection goes into a shopping cart with a clear total.


The homeowner receives a copy, and the Subs For Pools team receives a copy as well.


Can You Change Your Pool Design?

Yes. According to Subs For Pools, homeowners can update their design anytime before permits are submitted.

That gives homeowners an opportunity to review their selections and adjust the design before moving forward.


What Makes Subs For Pools Different?

Subs For Pools was created around the idea that homeowners should have more control over the pool-buying process.


The company says it controls the quality and pricing of the pools while utilizing experienced in-house crews along with a select group of trusted and carefully screened partners.


Its approach emphasizes:


• Transparent pricing
• No upselling
• No pressure to upgrade
• Itemized options
• Homeowner control over the budget
• A design tool that updates pricing in real time
• Vetted pool builders
• Clear explanations of potential additional costs


Rather than requiring homeowners to negotiate for a lower price, Subs For Pools states that its pricing is fixed and non-negotiable.


Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Cost

What is included in the base pool price?
The base price includes excavation, structural components, equipment, decking, coping, interior options, a tanning shelf, a bench, drains, startup, Pool School, and other listed components.

Can I remove features if my pool design costs too much?
Yes. The design process allows homeowners to add or remove features and revise their pool plan.

Are permits included?
City and county permits and certain city requirements are not included.  As every city and county have different fee's and requirements.

Can underground utilities increase the cost?
Yes. If an underground utility needs to be rerouted, additional costs may apply.

Can I finance part of my pool?
Yes. Homeowners can finance the full build or a portion of the project, depending on their approval and desired monthly payment.

Can I see my pool price before meeting with a builder?
Yes. The Subs For Pools design tool allows homeowners to explore pricing and save their cart without paying or scheduling a consultation.

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How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool? A 30-Working-Day Pool Construction Timeline

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If you're planning to build an in-ground swimming pool, one of the most important questions to ask is: How long will construction take? According to Subs For Pools, most pools are completed in approximately 30 working days, or about six weeks, once construction begins. That does not mean crews are continuously working on the property for 30 consecutive days without interruptions. Pool construction involves multiple phases, inspections, drying periods, preparation, and scheduling between crews. Weather, permits, inspections, reroutes, change orders, and customer delays can also affect the timeline. How Long Does a Typical Pool Build Take? Subs For Pools lists a typical total working time of 30 working days — approximately 6 weeks. The company emphasizes that this is a typical construction timeline rather than a guarantee that every project will take exactly six weeks. What Happens During Pool Construction? A standard pool build follows a sequence of construction phases: 1. Layout 2. Excavation 3. Concrete equipment pad 4. Steel 5. Plumbing and equipment installation 6. Gunite 7. Electrical 8. Gas, if needed 9. Tile and coping make ready 10. Deck drains 11. Decking 12. Deck coating 13. Mastic 14. Final make-ready 15. Fence replacement 16. Interior surface 17. Start-up and Pool School What Can Delay Pool Construction? Several factors can add time to the typical six-week timeline. Rain: For projects in the greater Houston area, one day is added to the timeline for each rain day. Inspections: Subs For Pools states that three days are added for each inspection that is needed. Utility Reroutes: One day is added for each day of delay caused by a reroute. Change Orders: Change orders add three days to the timeline. Payment Delays: One day is added for every day payment is delayed under the stated contract conditions. Customer Delays: Customer-related delays can add time, including a minimum three-day restart period after certain customer delays. Why Is Planning Important Before Excavation? Pool construction involves multiple trades and construction phases. Subs For Pools requires selections such as tile, coping, plaster/interior surface, and other applicable selections to be made before excavation. Its price and design process allows homeowners to make those decisions before construction begins. What About Permits? Permits and inspections are handled according to the requirements of the local municipality. Permit costs are not included in the base price. The company states that the average city permit cost alone is $300, although costs vary by city. Residences in flood zones can require additional permitting. Because local requirements vary, permit timing can affect the overall project schedule. What Is the Best Way to Prepare for a Pool Build? The best way to prepare is to make decisions before construction begins. That includes: • Choosing the pool type • Choosing the pool shape • Selecting the pool size • Selecting tile and coping • Choosing interior finishes • Deciding on spa options • Selecting water features • Selecting lighting • Reviewing equipment • Understanding potential additional costs • Reviewing financing options • Understanding the expected construction sequence Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Construction Timelines How long does it take to build a pool? Subs For Pools states that most pools take approximately 30 working days, or six weeks, once construction begins. Does six weeks mean six straight weeks of work? No. There can be natural gaps between construction phases for inspections, drying, preparation, and scheduling. Can rain delay pool construction? Yes. For the greater Houston area, one day is added for each rain day. How much time does an inspection add? Subs For Pools states that three days are added for each required inspection. Do change orders delay a pool build? Yes. Change orders add three days to the timeline. When do pool selections need to be made? Selections including tile, coping, and interior surface must be completed before excavation. Can customer delays affect the timeline? Yes. Customer delays can add time to the schedule.