How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in Dallas, TX? (2026)
Adding an inground pool is one of the biggest upgrades you can make to your Dallas home, but knowing what to budget is not always straightforward. Pool prices vary based on the design you choose, the materials you select, and the work required to prepare your backyard.
Most homeowners invest between $80,000 and $130,000 for a professionally installed inground pool, while fully customized projects with premium features can cost significantly more. These estimates are based on inground pool projects we have completed throughout the Dallas area.
Quick Answer: Most Dallas homeowners invest $80,000–$130,000+ in an inground pool, or roughly $125–$260 per square foot installed.
This guide breaks down what drives the cost of a new pool, compares the different pool types and styles, and explains where your investment goes so you can plan your project with confidence.
We proudly build pools throughout Dallas and the surrounding North Texas communities, including Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Rockwall, and Forney.
📋 Table of Contents
- Average Cost to Install an Inground Pool in Dallas
- Inground Pool Cost by Material
- Inground Pool Cost by Size
- Inground Pool Cost by Style
- Factors That Affect the Cost of Inground Pool Installation in Dallas
- Cost Breakdown of a Typical Pool Project in Dallas
- Popular Add-Ons and What They Cost in Dallas
- Water Treatment and Finish in Dallas
- Ongoing Pool Maintenance Costs in Dallas
- FAQs
Average Cost to Install an Inground Pool in Dallas
| Typical Price Range | $80,000 – $130,000+ |
| Entry-Level Cost | $75,000 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $200,000 – $250,000+ |
| Cost Per Square Foot (Installed) | $125 – $260 |
Installing an inground pool in Dallas typically costs between $80,000 and $130,000 or more, depending on the pool type, size, materials, and level of customization.
A basic gunite pool typically starts around $75,000, while large custom gunite pools with premium finishes and upgrades can reach $200,000 to $250,000 or more.
Most Dallas homeowners pay around $125 to $260 per square foot for a professionally installed inground pool. The final price depends on features such as pool finishes, water features, landscaping, and outdoor living additions.
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Inground Pool Cost by Material
| Type of Material | Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Installed) | Estimated Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite (Concrete) | $150 – $300 | $75,000 – $250,000+ |
| Fiberglass | $100 – $200 | $65,000 – $110,000 |
| Vinyl | $90 – $150 | $55,000 – $90,000 |
Note: We build exclusively with gunite in Dallas. Fiberglass and vinyl pricing above is shown for comparison, since both are common inground pool options nationally, but gunite is the only type we build here. A steel-reinforced gunite shell is specifically engineered to handle North Texas’s shifting clay soil, and it lets us fully customize the shape to your backyard rather than working from a manufacturer’s mold.
Gunite (Concrete) Pool
Gunite pools are a popular choice for Dallas homeowners seeking a fully custom backyard design. This is the only pool type we build in Dallas, and it’s a deliberate choice, not a limitation.
Since the pool is built on-site, you can create unique shapes, depths, tanning ledges, spas, and water features that match your vision.
These pools cost more upfront and take longer to install, but they offer excellent durability and long-term value. We also encounter solid rock in certain pockets of the metroplex. When that happens, we bring in specialized breaking equipment, which adds a few days to the timeline and a manageable excavation cost.
With regular maintenance and proper water care, a gunite pool can provide decades of enjoyment in your backyard.
Fiberglass Pool
This is not a pool type we build in Dallas. Pricing shown above reflects national averages for comparison only. You can see more on our Fiberglass Pools page if you’re comparing types nationally.
Its smooth, nonporous surface helps reduce algae buildup and makes cleaning easier year-round. While fiberglass offers fewer design options, it provides a reliable, low-maintenance pool option for busy homeowners.
Vinyl Pool
This is not a pool type we build in Dallas either. Pricing shown above reflects national averages for comparison only. See our Vinyl Pools page for more on how this type compares.
The flexible liner accommodates various pool shapes while providing a smooth, comfortable swimming surface. These pools can be installed faster than gunite options, making them a good choice for homeowners who want to enjoy their pool sooner. Regular water care and proper maintenance help protect the liner and extend its lifespan.
Inground Pool Cost by Size
| Pool Size (ft) | Square Footage | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 100 sq. ft. | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| 10 × 20 | 200 sq. ft. | $40,000 – $65,000 |
| 12 × 24 | 288 sq. ft. | $50,000 – $85,000 |
| 14 × 28 | 392 sq. ft. | $65,000 – $105,000 |
| 15 × 30 | 450 sq. ft. | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| 16 × 32 | 512 sq. ft. | $85,000 – $140,000 |
| 18 × 36 | 648 sq. ft. | $110,000 – $170,000 |
| 20 × 40 | 800 sq. ft. | $145,000 – $220,000+ |
A larger inground pool requires more excavation, concrete or fiberglass, plumbing, decking, and labor, so the overall installation cost increases as the pool size grows. Beyond the pool itself, larger designs often need more equipment and ongoing maintenance.
Smaller pools work well for compact Dallas backyards and homeowners who want to keep their project within a lower budget. They still provide plenty of space to relax, cool off, and spend time with family.
Before choosing a pool size, consider how you will use it, how much yard space you want to leave for patios or landscaping, and what fits comfortably within your budget. Picking the right size from the start helps you get the most value from your investment.
Inground Pool Cost by Style
| Pool Style | Design Features | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | Classic, straight-edged design | $75,000 – $115,000 |
| Geometric | Sharp lines and shapes | $80,000 – $130,000 |
| Roman | Unique shapes with features | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| L-shaped | Two connected sections | $95,000 – $150,000 |
| Freeform | Curved, natural shapes | $100,000 – $170,000+ |
The right pool style should match both your home and the way you plan to enjoy your backyard. In Dallas, many homeowners use their pool as the centerpiece of an outdoor living space, so it is worth choosing a design that complements your patio, landscaping, and entertaining area.
A rectangular pool is a popular choice for families who want a clean, timeless design with plenty of room for swimming and games. If your home has a modern look, a geometric pool offers crisp lines that pair well with contemporary architecture found throughout many Dallas neighborhoods.
Roman and L-shaped pools work well on larger lots, giving you extra space for features such as a tanning ledge, an attached spa, or separate areas for relaxing and swimming.
If you are after a backyard with a resort-style feel, a freeform pool blends beautifully with natural stone, waterfalls, and lush landscaping, making it a favorite for many Dallas homeowners.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Inground Pool Installation in Dallas
When homeowners ask why pool prices vary so much, the answer is always the same: every backyard is different.
The size of the pool matters, but so do your property, the features you choose, and the work needed to build a pool that lasts. Here are the biggest factors that affect the cost of an inground pool in Dallas.
📏 Pool Depth
A deeper pool takes more work to build. More digging, more concrete, more steel, and more water all add to the overall cost. Most of our clients choose a standard depth profile, starting around 3.5 feet in the shallow end and sloping to 5.5 or 6 feet at the deep end, which works well for both play and swimming.
⛏️ Excavation
The first step is getting the hole in the ground, and that is not always as simple as it looks. Dallas is known for its expansive clay soil, which shifts as it gets wet and dries out. Building a stable foundation often takes extra preparation to help prevent future movement.
Certain pockets of the metroplex also sit on solid rock, which requires specialized breaking equipment when encountered and adds a few days to the dig.
🏡 Backyard Condition
Some backyards are easier to work with than others. Limited access for equipment, sloped lots, mature trees, retaining walls, or underground utility lines can all add time and labor before construction even begins.
👷 Labor
A simple rectangular pool takes less time to build than a custom design with curves, raised walls, or detailed stonework. The more craftsmanship your project requires, the more labor it takes to create the finished pool.
✨ Pool Features and Upgrades
It is common for Dallas homeowners to add features that make the pool more enjoyable during the long Texas summer. Spas, tanning ledges, LED lighting, automation systems, heaters, chillers, and water features all increase the project cost but also add comfort and convenience. See the full add-on pricing breakdown below.
🧱 Decking and Outdoor Living
The pool is only one part of your backyard. Many homeowners extend the project with larger patios, travertine decking, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or landscaping to create a space where family and friends can gather year-round.
📄 Permits and Safety Requirements
Before construction starts, your project must meet local building requirements. Permit fees, inspections, and safety features like code-compliant fencing should all be part of your budget so there are no surprises once work begins.
We handle 100% of the permitting process, including building, electrical, and plumbing permits, and approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on your city.
🚧 HOA Approval and Safety Requirements
Almost every HOA in our service area allows pools, though most require architectural committee approval first.
We provide full 3D renderings and professional plans you can hand directly to your HOA for a faster approval. Local safety codes generally require a perimeter fence between 48 and 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, and some cities also require door alarms on any house doors leading to the pool. See our Safety Fences page for more.
Avoid Unexpected Pool Installation Costs
We’ll explain excavation, equipment, finishes, and every cost before construction begins.
Cost Breakdown of a Typical Pool Project in Dallas
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation and site preparation | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| Concrete shell and structural construction | $35,000 – $48,000 |
| Plumbing and electrical | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Pool equipment (pump, filter, heater & automation) | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Interior finish and tile | $7,000 – $13,000 |
| Decking (400 sq. ft.) | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Fencing and safety features | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Landscaping and drainage | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Permits, engineering, and inspections | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $8,000 – $13,000 |
Looking at the numbers makes it easier to understand where your money goes. For most Dallas pool projects, the concrete shell is the biggest investment because it’s the foundation of the entire pool. After that, equipment, decking, and site work make up a large part of the budget.
We also tell homeowners to leave room for unexpected costs. Dallas’ expansive clay soil may require extra site preparation, and many families choose to add features such as a spa, upgraded decking, or automation once construction is underway. Planning for those changes now helps keep your project on track and your budget under control.
Popular Add-Ons and What They Cost in Dallas
Many homeowners add features during the initial build rather than later, since it’s more cost-effective. Here’s what we typically see in our market:
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom spa | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Smart automation system | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Ozone water treatment | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Gas heater installation | $4,500 – $6,000 |
See our Spas & Hot Tubs and Automation pages for more on these upgrades.
Water Treatment and Finish in Dallas
We recommend premium pebble finishes over standard plaster, since pebble is more durable, more stain-resistant, and gives the water a richer color. Many of our clients are also moving toward ozone water treatment, which cuts down significantly on the chlorine you need to add by hand and avoids the corrosive wear that saltwater can cause on equipment and natural stone decking.
For automation, we recommend Hayward systems, which offer reliable, app-based control from your phone.
Ongoing Pool Maintenance Costs in Dallas
Owning a pool is one of the best ways to enjoy the long Texas summers, but it also comes with regular maintenance. Most Dallas homeowners spend $1,500 to $3,500 per year on routine pool care, including cleaning, chemicals, filter maintenance, and minor equipment service.
Weekly cleaning and water balancing often cost $125 to $275 per month if you hire a pool service. Even if you maintain the pool yourself, you’ll still need to budget for chemicals, replacement filters, and occasional equipment repairs.
Dallas heat, wind, and falling leaves can disrupt your water chemistry and clog your skimmer, especially during spring and fall. You will also notice higher water and electricity bills, especially if you run a heater, chiller, or variable-speed pump throughout the swimming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build an inground pool in Dallas?
Yes. You will need a permit before construction begins. We handle 100% of the permitting process, including building, electrical, and plumbing permits, and approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on your city.
What is the most expensive part of building an inground pool?
The concrete shell and structural construction account for the largest share of the budget. Excavation, steel reinforcement, and gunite work form the foundation of the pool, while features such as spas, decking, and waterfalls add to the overall cost.
How long does it take to build an inground pool in Dallas?
Plan on a few weeks upfront for design and permitting, with permitting itself typically taking 2 to 4 weeks. Once permits are in hand, active construction runs about 10 to 14 weeks, putting most projects at roughly 3 to 4 months from start to swim day.
Do you build fiberglass or vinyl pools in Dallas?
No, we build exclusively with gunite in this market. A steel-reinforced gunite shell is specifically engineered to handle the area’s shifting clay soil, and it gives us the flexibility to fully customize the shape to your yard rather than working from a manufacturer’s mold.
How much does a 16 × 32 inground pool cost in Dallas?
A 16 × 32 inground pool in Dallas generally costs $85,000 to $140,000. The final price depends on the pool material, finish selections, equipment package, and upgrades such as a spa, water features, or premium decking.
Does an inground pool increase home value in Dallas?
A professionally built pool can make your home more attractive to buyers, especially in neighborhoods where pools are common. While it may not recover the full installation cost, it can improve curb appeal and help your home stand out in the Dallas market.
Get a Free Inground Pool Installation Quote in Dallas
The average cost to install an inground pool in Dallas ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 or more, with luxury custom projects reaching $200,000 to $250,000+.
If you’re planning to build an inground pool in your Dallas backyard, get a free quote from our team. We’ll help you choose the right pool design, materials, and features for your property and budget, giving you a clear understanding of your investment before construction begins.
Schedule a free consultation or design your pool online to get started.
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