How Much Does an Infinity Pool Cost?

Infinity pools generally cost anywhere from $55,000 to $130,000, with an average price of $80,000. But how much does an infinity pool cost per square foot?

Though prices vary widely between specific types of swimming pools, infinity pools cost around $80 per square foot on average. Prefabricated pools take less time to install than custom pools, so they’re generally more affordable.

Key Takeaways

• An infinity pool (sometimes called a zero edge pool, disappearing pool, or infinity edge pool) has an edge that appears to never end, thanks to a special catch basin that lets water flow over the sides
• Because of the more complex design, infinity pools are more expensive than traditional pools
• Pool size, material, land preparation and excavation, and other factors will determine the total cost
• If you can’t afford to pay out of pocket, there are several ways to finance an infinity pool

Infinity Pool Cost by Material

The material used to make an infinity pool has a significant impact on pricing. Tile and fiberglass infinity pools are the two most common choices, but you might prefer another material depending on your budget and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical price ranges of each:

Fiberglass: $20,000–$40,000 

Concrete: $42,000–$98,000

Vinyl: $20,000–$60,000

Tile: $75,000–$150,000

Keep in mind that material isn’t the only thing that shapes the cost of an infinity pool. As you’ll soon see, size, installation, and other variables can also significantly impact price.

Infinity Pool Costs by Size

Before you purchase your infinity pool, consider your available space and funds. A small infinity pool cost will obviously be much less than that of a bigger pool. Larger pools are harder to build and install, and they’re also more costly to ship.

Most infinity pools come in the following common dimensions:

• 10 x 20 ft. (200 sq. ft.): $11,000–$26,000 (average $18,500)
• 12 x 24 ft. (288 sq. ft.): $16,000–$37,000 (average $26,500)
• 14 x 28 ft. (392 sq. ft.): $22,000–$51,000 (average $36,500)
• 15 x 30 ft. (450 sq. ft.): $25,000–$58,000 (average $41,500)
• 16 x 32 ft. (512 sq. ft.): $28,000–$67,500 (average $47,500)
• 18 x 36 ft. (648 sq. ft.): $36,000–$84,000 (average $60,000)
• 20 x 40 ft. (800 sq. ft.): $44,000–$130,000 (average $87,000)

There’s more to a pool’s size than basic dimensions, though. Pools with more complex shapes will be more expensive, as will deeper pools. If you want a luxury pool with ample amenities, that will also cost more.

Infinity Pool Installation Costs

The infinity edge pool costs by size listed above include the total cost of pool installation. But as you may already know, you often won’t be spending that money in one lump sum. The cost of pool installation can be broken down into several separate costs:

• Clearing and grading
• Excavating
• Landscaping
• Permits, insurance, and increases in property tax

Make sure you take these costs into account when budgeting. Some of them you’ll pay right away; others, like insurance and increased property taxes, accumulate over time.

Site Preparation Costs

Before you can install your pool, you’ll need to clear and level the land it will sit on. This usually costs around $1–$2 per square foot. However, if you need to remove trees or large shrubs or clear rocky terrain, that cost will likely increase significantly. 

Once the land has been leveled, you’ll need to excavate space for your pool. Generally, excavation will cost about $50–$200 per cubic yard.

As you can see, both the width and the depth of the excavation site will affect the final price. You can install an above-ground infinity pool instead, but these edgeless pools are much less common!

Landscaping Costs

After installing your pool, you’ll probably want to beautify the land around it. Following installation, your pool will be surrounded by dirt and not much else.

Basic landscaping (like planting grass, trees, or bushes) typically costs $1,200–$5,000. For a retaining wall, you might pay as much as $1,200–$13,000. If you want to install more complex features like landscaping rocks, you'll probably add between $500 and $1,000 to your total project cost.

Additional Costs

Installing a pool is a complex project. As such, there are several other disappearing pool costs you should be prepared to account for.

For instance, you’ll need a permit to install a residential infinity pool in most areas. Permits can range in cost from $100 to $300.

Once you have a swimming pool, you may consider purchasing extra insurance for your home. Many homeowners with pools choose to get liability insurance, as pools pose a heightened risk of drowning.

You’re also likely to pay more in property taxes once you install a swimming pool. Pools add value to your home, and your property taxes will rise accordingly.

Infinity Pool Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Many people wonder, how much does an infinity pool cost to install? Upon hearing the answer to that question, some homeowners choose to do a DIY infinity pool installation.

In some cases, DIY installation is doable. In others, it may be impractical or even dangerous.

Before you decide which route to take, think practically about the pool you want to install. Will the size and shape pose an installation challenge? Is the location one you can level yourself? Is your chosen material easily damaged? 

Infinity Pools Cost by Utility and Additional Features

It’s easy to see the installation cost of an infinity pool and think that’s all you need to budget for. But in order to understand the total cost of a pool, you need to look closely at utility costs.

Here are some cost estimates for typical pool utilities:

• Lighting: $150–$300 per light (LED lights cost more while floating lights cost less)
• Heating: $2,500–$7,000 (heating and filtration system)
• Pool Cleaning: Approx. $10 per pool net and $20–$600 per pool vacuum
• Pool Chemicals: Approx. $8 per two-gallon jug of chlorine, $8 per gallon jug of pH-balancing muriatic acid, and $15 for test kits

All of these items are must-haves for pools, but one optional feature to consider is a glass wall (also called a viewing wall).

As its name suggests, a glass wall is a wall for an in-ground infinity pool that lets you see into your pool from inside your home. They aren’t cheap, though — most glass walls cost $16,500 or more.

Infinity Pools Accessories and Add-Ons Costs

Depending on your needs and wants, you might opt to include various add-ons and accessories. Some, like diving boards, can enhance your enjoyment of the pool. Others, like pool covers, are necessary from a safety standpoint.

Here are some of the add-ons you might consider:

• Water Features (small waterfalls, fountains, deck jets, etc.): $1,500–$5,000, including installation
• Pool Decks: $3,000–$12,000, though those made with high-end materials will cost more
• Pool Fencing: $1,000–$2,000
• Diving Boards: $500
• Safety Pool Covers: $800–$2,500

Pool Enclosures and Pool Houses

Pool enclosures can be great for keeping out bugs, wind, and UV rays. These enclosures are usually about $6,000–$20,000.

Pool houses can be a luxury addition, but they’re hard to price — a pool house can be anything from a tiny cabana to a small house complete with a kitchen, bedrooms, etc.

Infinity Pool Costs by Geographic Location

The exact same infinity pool may cost you substantially more or less, depending on your location. Here are some of the major location-based factors impacting your total cost:

• Cost of Living: In more expensive states like New York, Connecticut, and California, both material and labor costs are likely to be higher. 
• Local Topography: If the installation site is on sandy soil, the contractor may have to replace the sand with fill dirt. Similarly, if the installation site includes clay-rich, expandable soil, your contractor will need to replace it with less absorbent soil. Very rocky topography is the most challenging of all — many pool installation contracts include a “rock clause” that requires you to pay for the removal of any rocks at the installation site.
• Available Contractors: In warmer states like Florida, there’s no shortage of skilled contractors who can install even complex designs, so you should have no trouble finding someone to install a Miami infinity pool for a fair price. But in states with cooler climates, there are fewer contractors, and they may not all be able to install infinity pools. As a result, you may need to pay extra for a contractor with the necessary knowledge and experience.
• Urban vs. Rural Installation: The chic design of infinity pools makes them a fairly popular choice in urban areas. However, installation costs still tend to be higher in densely populated areas than they are in more rural areas.

Infinity Pool Maintenance Costs

Some experts estimate that maintenance will cost about $180 per month when an infinity pool is in use.

Here are some of the maintenance costs to keep in mind:

Heating: Approx. $1,500–$3,000 (May–September)

Pool Cleaning: Approx. $50–$100 per month or more (for weekly cleans)

Chemicals: Approx. $20–$60 per month

It’s also important to monitor the water level in your infinity pool. In order for water to circulate properly, an infinity pool’s water level needs to be kept slightly above the edge. That way, water continuously cascades over the edge and falls into the catch basin, where it is pumped back into the pool.

If the water level drops too low, the pool will stagnate and no water will circulate. It also destroys the illusion of the infinite edge. You can manually refill as needed, but the best way to monitor your infinity pool’s water level is with a water level regulator designed especially for infinity pools. These are usually about $200–$800.

Saltwater vs. Chlorine Infinity Pool Costs

Saltwater pools can often be gentler on your eyes and skin, but if you’re looking to install one, you might wonder how much more it will cost than a chlorine pool. The good news is that saltwater pools usually cost only a couple thousand dollars more to install than chlorine pools.

Here are the main costs of saltwater pools:

• Saltwater Generator: Approx. $400–$3,000 (must replace power center every 5–10 years)
• Saltwater Generator Cell: $200–$800 (lasts 2–6 years)
• Salt: Approx. $3–$6 per five pounds (most pools need 400 to 1,000 pounds initially)

Once all these components are in place, a saltwater pool will only cost $70–$120 per year to maintain. By comparison, a chlorine pool usually costs about $300–$800. That’s because a saltwater generator makes chlorine from salt, while with a chlorine pool, you must buy chlorine separately.

Benefits of Installing an Infinity Pool

If you’re looking to improve your quality of life, you might consider adding an infinity swimming pool. Here are some of the benefits of installing one:

• Good Exercise: Whether you want to swim laps, do water aerobics, or just splash around, having an infinity pool can make exercise fun! Hydrotherapy is an especially effective form of working out since it exercises every muscle.
• Great for Entertaining: The elegant design of an infinity pool makes it the perfect backdrop for parties. In warmer weather, your guests can enjoy lounging in it too. 
• A High-End Look: Infinity pools have a stunningly minimalist appearance. Fully in-ground infinity pools also seem to blend into the landscape, elevating the look of your property.
• Perfect for Relaxation: When you have your own infinity pool, you can cool off in the summer months without navigating crowds at public pools. The cascading edge also provides a relaxing, waterfall-like sound that you won’t get with a standard pool.

If you want a standout pool that doubles as a work of art, you can’t go wrong with an infinity pool.

Inground Pool Maintenance Costs

Once your pool is up and running, you will still incur maintenance costs on a monthly basis. So how much does an inground pool cost to maintain? This can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the maintenance and repairs required.

• Maintenance: $180/month. Typical pool maintenance includes skimming the water and adding chemicals. This costs between $60 to $90 per hour, adding up to around $180 per month.
• Cleaning: $50/month. Basic pool cleaning costs as little as $50 per month and is often included in the price of general pool maintenance.
• Repairs: $10 to $20,000. Depending on the specifics of the problem, a single pool repair can cost between $10 and $20,000, averaging around $900.
• Water: $80 to $200. A typical cost of water is $4 to $10 for 1,000 gallons. This means that a standard 20,000-gallon pool will cost $80 to $200 to fill up.
• Electricity: $30 to $700/month. Due to the pool pump and other necessary pool equipment, your monthly electricity bill will inevitably increase by $30 to $700.

How to Save Money on Infinity Pool Costs

Having a pool can be great for your general well-being. The biggest downside is the associated expense, but there are a few things you can do to keep costs down while enjoying your pool.

For example, you could:

• Purchase a Prefabricated Pool: In general, purchasing a pre-made pool shell (rather than having your infinity pool built completely on-site) can cut costs.
• Go with a Smaller Pool: Infinity pools with a smaller footprint are still beautiful and functional, but they tend to cost less than larger pools.
• Build a Basic Pool Deck. Marble pool decks look great, but they can be pricey. Precast cement pavers and brick can still give you an elegant look while saving you money.
• Dispense with the Heating: If you live in a warmer climate, you can save around $2,000 by not installing a pool heater (unless you plan to use your infinity pool all year).

Even without all the extras, an infinity pool will make a beautiful addition to your home. If you’re careful to cut costs where possible, you can shave a good bit off the final cost.

Infinity Pool Financing Options

Most people can’t afford to pay for a pool out of pocket. Fortunately, you have several financing options to choose from:

• Home Equity Loan: These loans are secured by your home equity, so their rates are low
• Personal Loan/Pool Loan: Two great lenders are LightStream (good for lower rates) and Upstart (best for lower credit scores). For additional lenders, visit this page.
• Cash-Out Refinance: When you refinance your mortgage, you can access the difference between your old and new mortgage in a lump sum
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC is like a home equity loan, but you get a credit line instead of a one-time disbursement

However you choose to finance, make it a point to read the terms of your finance agreement carefully.

What Now?

Now that you know more about infinity pools and their cost, you’ll be better prepared to select one that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Make sure you understand the installation and maintenance costs for any pool you get. From there, you can choose the financing option that’s right for you and start enjoying your new pool!