Spool Pool Cost Guide
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Average Costs
- Aboveground Spool: $5,000–$20,000
- Inground Spool: $20,000–$50,000
- Indoor Spool: $5,500–$50,000
- DIY Installation Savings: ~$1,650 for a 300 sq. ft. spool
2. Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type | Average Cost | Details |
|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Aboveground | $5,000–$20,000 | Most affordable; no excavation required. |
| Inground | $20,000–$50,000 | Requires excavation and more labor. |
| Indoor | $5,500–$50,000 | Provides year-round use, higher material costs. |
3. Cost by Material
| Material | Average Cost | Durability & Notes |
|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Cedar | $5,500 | Budget-friendly but less durable. |
| Vinyl | $10,000 | Customizable, lasts 5–10 years. |
| Fiberglass | $15,000 | Durable but may fade over time. |
| Concrete | $23,000 | Customizable, prone to algae growth. |
| Steel | $25,000 | Strong but can corrode with salt or chemicals. |
| Copper | $50,000 | Luxurious, high maintenance. |
4. Key Cost Factors
- Installation Location
- Aboveground spools are more affordable than inground ones due to excavation costs ($400–$1,500).
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Indoor spools require additional structural adjustments.
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Size & Features
- Standard size: ~300 sq. ft.
-
Features like heaters, jets, and waterfalls increase costs.
-
Delivery & Labor
- Delivery: $100–$1,500.
-
Labor: $5.50 per sq. ft.; ~25–50% of total project cost.
-
Permits
- Costs: $200–$1,000.
- Required for most inground and indoor installations.
5. Add-On Features
| Feature | Cost Range | Notes |
|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Heater | $1,800–$4,100 | Essential for colder climates. |
| Waterfall | $300–$2,000 | Adds aesthetic and relaxing ambiance. |
| Saltwater System| $500–$2,500 | Reduces chemical usage. |
| Infinity Edge | $40–$90 per sq. ft. | Luxurious design option. |
| Deck | ~$5,000 | Non-slip area; can be wood, composite, or pavers.|
| Lighting | $150–$300 per light | Safety and ambiance after dark. |
6. Maintenance & Ongoing Expenses
- Monthly Maintenance: $50–$350 (chemicals, filters, cleaning).
- Seasonal Opening/Closing: $150–$300 per session.
- Repairs: $250–$1,150 (varies by issue).
- Energy Costs: $20–$80 per month, higher for heated spools.
7. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
| DIY Installation | Professional Installation |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Cost: $400–$20,000 | Cost: $20,000–$50,000 |
| Savings: ~$5.50/sq. ft. | Includes permits, labor, and professional expertise.
DIY Challenges: Requires excavation, plumbing, and electrical skills.
8. Benefits of Spool Pools
- Space-Saving: Ideal for small yards.
- Multi-Functional: Serves as a spa, exercise pool, or leisure area.
- Energy-Efficient: Heats quickly compared to larger pools.
- Customizable: Options for jets, lighting, and entertainment systems.
Summing it up
Spool pools offer luxury and functionality at a fraction of the cost of larger pools, making them perfect for small spaces and multi-season use. Whether you go aboveground or inground, customization ensures your spool suits your lifestyle and budget.
