Learn About In-Ground Swimming Pool Design Costs & Drafting Services Rates

In many real estate advertisements, you may find a property description and read “spacious backyard for an in-ground pool.” You might even find yourself glancing over at the size of your backyard area and wondering if it is spacious enough for a pool.

Next thing you know, you are researching various in-ground pool design services and the list of recommended materials. Primarily, you encounter what the process will involve, but you may not realize that some of the information could be misleading. Some websites say the average cost is around $35,000, while others can be as low as $20,000. Why? The timeframe until completion is about five weeks, but it doesn’t mention the estimated time to get the construction permit.

In-ground pool costs

The average national price of a swimming pool may appear too reasonable. An in-ground pool will be no cheaper than $35,000 unless the construction involves only excavating the area and pouring concrete. One should expect to pay approximately $50,000 for a bare, stripped-down pool without decent ornamentation. A budget of $100,000 should be adequate.

When someone says that the average cost is around $20,000 to $30,000, it is merely a marketing pitch to make you rush to the phone and make a call. A salesperson may easily convince you to open the door for a persuasive presentation. A minimal pool—without patio, lighting, deck, landscape, or fence—is $45,000. If you include all those elements, it will be double.

The must-have elements

A representative at a pool design company is well-prepared to offer additional elements to get the price as high as possible. Remember that during the early discussions, the salesperson is fully aware that the pool is not yet built; everything is still imaginary, making it easy to underestimate the overall cost.

One should also understand that added features are obligatory essentials. For example, a fence is mentioned as an additional option when in reality, it is required by law, so you cannot omit it from the construction budget. Although, the requirements and laws regulating the need for a fence vary by location. Indeed, a wall around the property is mandatory to prevent kids from entering the pool unsupervised and putting themselves in danger. The law dictates that some areas require a fence between the house and the pool.

Other elements that can be mandatory by location include a heater, underwater pool lights, alarms, and an automatic pool cover. The salesperson may be reluctant to tell you that existing utilities, such as water pipes and underground wiring, must be removed and rerouted if the pool interferes with the connection. Although removing utilities is not part of the pool construction cost, you cannot avoid spending money to get the job done. Trees and obstacles must also be cleared beforehand as well. Regardless of the prepared budget, it is wise to budget an extra 15-20% in case of unforeseen construction challenges.

Reduce the cost

Much like other construction projects, there are some ways to lower the cost of an in-ground pool. For example, gunite concrete is tempting for its durability and design flexibility, but you can opt for fiberglass or vinyl liner. Vinyl requires timely maintenance, and you may need to replace it after a decade, and fiberglass is brittle to the point where you may damage it in several years. Not opting for concrete reduces the construction cost by 30%.

Rather than paving an entire patio, individual flagstones can also significantly reduce the cost. That said, some types of landscaping work will be required to prepare the pool and the surrounding area, adding to the construction fee. Aiming for a natural look may appear to save costs at a glance, and you think that an already well-maintained landscape can reduce the price even further. Remember that the construction process will ruin the landscape.

Who handles the project?

Even a tiny vinyl or fiberglass in-ground pool calls for a team of builders. The general contractor may hire a network of specialty subcontractors specializing in electrical and plumbing installations. Other specialists, such as a rebar expert, a plaster professional, and an artificial stone fabricator, will also be involved in the project. It does seem overly complicated for pool construction, but the subcontractors are there to ensure that qualified individuals handle every aspect of the pool.

An experienced general contractor usually has developed a business relationship with multiple subcontractors and civil engineers. As long as the cost does not exceed the estimate, more hands help finish the project on time. The contractor may need to call a designer if you need custom features like a deck or waterfall. Sometimes a designer, not the general contractor, is the person who visits your backyard and determines most aspects of the pool. Ensure the general contractor works closely with everyone else because a designer will not oversee the construction project.

Hands-on contractors are hard to come by, and even the supposedly big-name contractors from heavily advertised companies don’t always visit the job site daily, if at all. It’s essential to choose a contractor you can trust to be directly involved with the project throughout the construction.

Pool permits

The general rule regarding building permits is that no one can build (erect, refurbish, rebuild, break down, and extend) any construction unless the authorities give permission. You cannot create an outdoor in-ground swimming pool without a permit. In addition, there might be more than several inspections before issuing any necessary license.

The national average fee for an outdoor in-ground swimming pool permit is $550, but in certain areas, it can go up to $1,000. In big cities, a pool permit can cost the homeowner $7,500, but you may only have to pay $100 if you live in a small town, depending on size and additional elements. Once the plans are ready, obtaining the permit to complete construction takes about a month.

An in-ground pool construction project may take roughly three to four months. The bigger the size, the longer it takes to complete. One should know that delays can be due to bad weather or soil conditions, requiring additional engineering work and money. However, even if you build an Olympic-size swimming pool, your contractor should be able to draft a plan to finish the job within several months.

Sizes and prices

Below are some of the most common sizes and types of in-ground swimming pool and their prices:

Size	Vynl	Fiberglass	Concrete
10 ft. x 20 ft.	$26,000 – $48,000	$35,000 – $66,000	$40,000 – $70,000
10 ft. x 30 ft.	$39,000 – $72,000	$53,000 – $99,000	$60,000 – $105,000
12 ft. x 20 ft.	$31,000 – $58,000	$42,000 – $79,000	$48,000 – $84,000
12 ft. x 24 ft.	$38,000 – $70,000	$50,000 – $95,000	$58,000 – $100,000
12 ft. x 30 ft.	$47,000 – $87,000	$63,000 – $119,000	$72,000 – $126,000
14 ft. x 28 ft.	$51,000 – $94,000	$69,000 – $129,000	$78,000 – $137,000
15 ft. x 30 ft.	$59,000 – $108,000	$79,000 – $149,000	$90,000 – $158,000
16 ft. x 32 ft.	$67,000 – $123,000	$90,000 – $169,000	$102,000 – $180,000

The cost of an in-ground pool also varies based on the design as follows:

Type	Average Cost
Spool	$10,000 – $18,000
Plunge	$12,000 – $22,000
Custom	$15,000 – $200,000
Endless	$25,000 – $35,000
Family Leisure	$38,000 – $100,000
Lagoon	$38,000 – $110,000
Walk-In	$40,000 – $115,000
Saltwater	$50,000 – $95,000
Lap	$50,000 – $95,000
Indoor	$50,000 – $200,000
Natural	$70,000 – $100,000
Infinity	$100,000 – $150,000
Olympic-Size	$300,000 – $500,000

Design cost

The cost is relatively affordable for the design alone, even for a luxurious, Olympic-size concrete pool. Most designers offer a simple flat fee, including a 3D design with Pool Studio software. A detailed 3D rendering service may charge $600 to $1,500 regardless of size and type, although some designers offer 2D sketches for free. A prominent design firm can charge up to $2,500 for an in-ground pool design costing less than $100,000. If the construction cost exceeds $200,000, the layout can be 22-35% of the total cost.

How Cad Crowd can help

Transform your vision of the perfect pool into reality with our expert swimming pool design, drafting, and rendering services. Collaborate with skilled professionals who understand your needs and are dedicated to bringing your dream pool to life. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a complimentary, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards creating your ideal backyard oasis.