How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost?

Plunge pools range from about $10,000 to $50,000, with an average cost of $20,000. They generally cost about $125 per square foot. These small pools, also called “dipping pools,” are compact and space-efficient, making them ideal for homeowners with smaller lawns. 

So how much does a plunge pool cost? Find out in this complete guide.

Key Takeaways

• The smaller footprint of plunge pools makes them more affordable than standard-size pools
• When buying a swimming pool, pool material, pool type, and pool design can all influence cost
• DIY installation can be a way to save money, though this is a decision you should make carefully
• If you need to finance your plunge pool, there are several options to choose from such as personal for pools, home equity loans, and lines of credit

Plunge Pool Costs by Size and Shape

Because plunge pools are smaller than most types of swimming pools, they tend to cost less. Pools about 6-8 feet wide are usually about $10,000-$20,000. Larger plunge pools (about 10-12 feet wide) can be $20,000-$30,000 or even more. A small plunge pool cost will be less than a larger pool. Here are some common sizes:

• 8’ x 4’ (around $10,000)
• 8’ x 8’ (around $20,000)
• 10’ x 6’ (around $30,000)

However, these pools don’t have to be rectangular. Square, circular, L-shaped, and custom-shaped pools are also available. The pool's depth and shape also impact the price; deeper pools and those with complex shapes will cost more. A prefabricated pool (or a plunge pool kit) will be less expensive than a custom pool.

Inground vs. Above-Ground Plunge Pool Cost 

Plunge pools come in a few different forms:

• In-Ground: The pool shell is buried in the ground
• Above-Ground: The pool shell is above the ground
• Semi-Inground: Part of the pool is underground, but part of the edge (usually about 18”) extends above the ground

The cost of your plunge pool will vary significantly depending on which type you have. Here’s a comparison of in-ground and above-ground pool costs (semi-inground pool costs fall somewhere in the middle):

Costs by Type of Plunge Pool Material

When you're considering plunge pool ideas, you should know the material used for your pool will impact the price. Here are some common plunge pool materials and their estimated costs:

• Vinyl: About $10,000-18,000
• Fiberglass: About $10,000-22,000
• Concrete: About $20,000-35,000
• Metal: About $35,000-50,000

When you’re choosing a material, make sure to keep replacement costs in mind. Vinyl liners usually need to be replaced about every 10 years or so. Metal or concrete pools generally don’t have liners, so you won’t need to deal with the cost and hassle of replacements.

Backyard vs. Indoor Plunge Pool Costs

An indoor plunge pool will usually cost about $125-$200 per square foot. Most outdoor pools cost around $125 per square foot. There are a few factors that make indoor pools more expensive, including:

• Construction of surrounding room (about $6,333–$19,666)
• Installation of vapor barriers and ventilation systems (about $2,400–$8,000)
• Utility costs of running the pool year-round (about $100–$300 per month)

Notably, many outdoor plunge pools are not heated, as they’re designed to let you jump in and cool off quickly. With an indoor pool, you may need to keep the pool heated to ensure it stays at a comfortable temperature.

Plunge Pool Installation Costs

When choosing your pool, keep in mind that purchasing the pool itself is just one part of the picture. Installation costs are important to consider, and they’re normally greater for larger pools, custom pools, and those with unusual shapes.

Labor Costs 

Labor costs for a plunge pool tend to be about $1,000-6,000. The hourly cost for site prep is about $100, and some plunge pools take a week or more to install. However, if you’re paying a company to install your pool, you also will run into a few other expenses:

• Building Permit Costs: About $400-1,800
• Site Preparation (Grading, Excavation, Utility Connections): About $1,500-5,000 (more for deeper pools)
• Delivering/Handling Fees for Materials: About $1,500-3,500 for prefab pools (less for unassembled materials)

A prefab plunge pool cost for shipping is usually less expensive than shipping unassembled materials. Keep in mind that labor costs for assembling a custom pool will typically be greater, so the cost will often even out.

DIY or Self-Installation Costs for Plunge Pools

If you’re handy and looking to save money, installing your pool yourself might make more sense. Self-installation cuts down on labor costs, but you’ll still need to spend money on materials and other expenses. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay for the following:

• Cost of Materials: Prefab plunge pool (or materials to build on-site), equipment, and necessary tools
• Equipment: Rental equipment (like excavators)
• Insurance: Any additional insurance costs you may need

Make sure to account for the time and effort needed. If you aren’t already knowledgeable about pool installation, you may need to take time to learn about it. If you have an existing job, taking time to install a pool may take away from your earnings. 

Pool installation is physically demanding, so if you aren’t in good shape, it can be a challenge.

Plunge Pool Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

The cost of installing a plunge pool can vary significantly depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. However, it’s important to consider more than your bottom line; a botched DIY job can cost you more than a professional installation. Here are some other factors to consider, along with estimated costs:

• Pool Size and Shape: Large pools or those with unusual shapes can be harder to install yourself (can vary from $25,000–$30,000).
• Pool Type and Material: Above-ground plunge pools are much easier to install than in-ground or semi-inground, and some materials are easier to work with than others (above-ground pools are about $3,000–$30,000; in-ground pools are about $10,000–$35,000).
• Labor and Site Preparation: If your lawn is sloped or has rocky terrain, it can be harder to prepare yourself (about $1,000–$6,000).
• Temperature Control and Customizations: Installing customized pools or those with heating systems can be a lot harder than installing basic, non-heated pools (about $1,500–$6,000).

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth looking at other pool costs before deciding whether to do your own installation. Property taxes, permits, and other costs can vary significantly depending on your location. You’ll also want to consider the ongoing costs of pool maintenance.

Plunge Pool Costs by Geographic Location

How much does a plunge pool cost? That depends on your location. The cost of plunge pool installation varies based on several factors:

• Urban vs. Rural Areas: It’s harder to install pools in densely populated areas, so urban installation costs will usually be greater than rural costs.
• Cost of Living: Due to the local cost of living, the cost of a plunge pool in California and other expensive states will be greater than the cost in less expensive states.
• Climate: If you live in a colder region, you’re more likely to need heating for a plunge pool — this can add to both installation and maintenance costs.
• Availability of Pool Contractors: There are more pool contractors in warmer areas, for example, so installation is generally cheaper.
• The Exact Installation Site: If you want to install the pool on land that is currently sloped, wooded, or rocky, site preparation can cost thousands more.

When estimating the price of plunge pool installation, make sure you look at prices in your area and not just prices in general. For instance, the plunge pool cost in Florida will likely be higher than that in Wisconsin.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Many different factors can impact the cost of a plunge pool. Materials and installation costs are likely your largest expenditures, but customizations and extra features can add a bit to your total cost. Here are a few potential additional costs:

• Temperature Control: A heated plunge pool cost is likely to be greater, as pool heaters tend to be about $1,700 to $4,300
• Tile and Other Specialty Finishes: Tile is complex to install and looks nice, but it’s much more expensive than the fiberglass plunge pool cost and the cost of most other materials
• Built-In Steps, Jets, and Other Special Features: These customizations can make your plunge pool more enjoyable, but they cost more in labor and materials
• Maintenance Costs: Pool chemicals and cleaning equipment don’t cost as much as materials or installations, but they’re still important to factor in

One other factor to consider is whether you want a chlorine or saltwater pool. The saltwater plunge pool cost to install tends to be slightly ($1,000-2,000) more, but these pools are cheaper to run. That’s because the saltwater generator uses the salt to produce chlorine, making it unnecessary to purchase chlorine in chemical form.

Benefits of Installing a Plunge Pool

Why install a plunge pool? Here are a few of the many benefits of adding one to your home:

• Customization: Since the pool itself is smaller than most, unique finishes and other customizations can be more affordable 
• Hydrotherapy: Though there’s not usually enough room to swim, a plunge pool is great for relaxation and water aerobics
• Space Efficiency: If your lawn is too small for a standard pool, a plunge pool is a great choice
• Entertainment: If you frequently host parties or gatherings, a plunge pool is a great place for guests to cool off and relax

Some homeowners choose plunge pools because of their comparatively low cost, but that lower cost doesn’t make plunge pools any less valuable than larger pools. Adding one can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

How to Save Money on Plunge Pool Costs

Even though these pools are among the most affordable, keeping costs down is always good. Here are a few tips for getting your plunge pool at a great price:

• Go With a Smaller Footprint: Smaller pools are almost always less expensive than larger ones
• Stick to the Basics: It can be tempting to add jets, fountains, elaborate pool decks, and other features, but these can add a lot to your final price
• Order Ahead: In some cases, you can save money on materials by ordering your pool in the fall or winter before having it installed in the spring
• Buy High-Quality Components: Buying cheaper pumps, lights, and other components might make it seem like you’re saving money, but you’ll likely spend more on replacement costs than you would on just buying quality products the first time

Another way to make sure you save money is to start planning early. If you rush through the process, you won’t have time to compare options and shop around for the best prices on materials, labor, etc.

Plunge Pool Financing Options

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll need to finance large purchases like plunge pools. There are quite a few financing options, including the following:

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): This option works like a credit card; you get a revolving line of credit secured by your home
• “Pool Loans” (or Personal Loans): Most lenders offer personal loans for larger purchases, including pools — check out Upgrade for custom loans and LightStream for loans with low interest rates
• Mortgage Refinancing: With a cash-out refinance, you get a new, larger mortgage and receive the difference between those mortgages in cash
• Home Equity Loan: This option is like a HELOC, but you get an installment loan instead of a line of credit

As you consider the wealth of financing options, take your time and choose carefully. Before committing, ensure you fully understand your interest rate, any other fees, and repayment terms.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you think a plunge pool is the next great addition to your home, you’re ready to start planning. When you put careful thought into each part of the process and choose the right financing option, you’ll be well on your way to hours of fun in your new pool.