Prices by pool type and size
| Type | Small (about 12x24) | Medium (about 15x30) | Large (16x34 and up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $48,000–72,000 | $60,000–88,000 | $72,000–110,000 |
| Vinyl liner | $36,000–56,000 | $46,000–72,000 | $58,000–88,000 |
| Gunite | $55,000–80,000 | $68,000–102,000 | $85,000–130,000 |
These are our estimates, not quotes. They cover the shell or liner, pump and filter, coping and start-up, and were set from This Old House, River Pools and Fixr figures (2025) and trimmed for the Wiregrass market. Checked November 2026. Decking, fencing, permits and extras are priced separately; a builder confirms after seeing the yard.
We start from the low half of This Old House's 2025 ranges (TOH) and pull the top down a little, because labor and land cost less here than in the big metros those guides average in. Blue Haven confirms it prices only "after a personalized design consultation" (Blue Haven).
Add-ons and what they run
| Add-on | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spa built with the pool | $12,000–28,000 (estimate) | Far cheaper now than as a retrofit |
| Concrete deck, 600–800 sq ft | $5,000–14,000 | TOH's deck range is $5,000–20,000 (TOH) |
| Fence with self-locking gates | $3,000–9,000 | Aluminum is about $15–35 a foot (Fixr); Dothan wants 48 in |
| Screen enclosure | $12,000–28,000 (estimate) | Fixr's typical job is $10,000–30,000 (Fixr) |
| Heat pump with wiring | $4,000–7,500 (estimate) | Unit $2,000–4,500 before the 240V run (River Pools) |
| Salt chlorine system | $1,500–3,000 | TOH and River Pools ranges |
| Permits and inspections | $300–1,200 (estimate) | Enterprise charges $56.27 plus $3.38 per $1,000 of cost (Enterprise) |
| Sandy-soil shoring and backfill | $1,000–4,000 (estimate) | Gravel backfill, extra steel, or forms if the walls slump |
What moves a Wiregrass price
- Sand. Digging is easy, but loose walls can cave. Expect gravel backfill or extra steel on some lots (Blue Haven).
- Low spots. A yard in a wet depression may need pumping while the shell goes in.
- Trees and roots. Pines and oaks near the dig add clearing and hauling.
- Distance. A lot out past Ashford or Cottonwood may carry a travel charge from a Dothan crew (estimate).
- Electrical run. A long trench from the panel to the pad adds up.
Financing a pool
NerdWallet lists pool loans at roughly 2–7 years and 6–36% APR depending on credit; a home equity loan or HELOC usually costs less but borrows against your house (NerdWallet). Ask any builder what lender they work with, and compare it with your own bank or credit union. There are no public pool rebates in Alabama.
Lining up two bids
- Same size, depth, finish and equipment on both
- What happens if the walls cave or the hole takes on water
- Square footage of deck, length of fence and number of gates
- Electrical, permits and cleanup: in or out?
- State license number, city business license, payment schedule and warranty in writing
Sources & further reading
- This Old House: inground pool cost (updated Jun 2025). Size and type ranges; add-ons; ten-year upkeep
- River Pools: fiberglass pool cost (Dec 2025). Base package, heat pump, salt cell
- Fixr: pool fence and enclosure costs (2025). Fence and screen prices
- Blue Haven: pool pricing. No published prices; priced after design
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.