How Much Does a Concrete Pool Cost? Custom vs Precast Compared

Most people researching concrete pool costs are looking at one number: what a custom gunite or shotcrete pool will run them. And that number is real, somewhere between $50,000 and $120,000 for the pool itself, often $80,000 to $150,000+ by the time the project is done.

But there's a second type of concrete pool that doesn't get nearly as much attention in the US: precast. Manufactured in a factory, delivered on a truck, craned into your backyard in a single day. Same material. Same durability. Very different price and process.

Here's how both options break down so you can figure out which one makes sense for your project.

One important note before we get into the numbers: concrete pool pricing can vary by region. 

At a Glance: Custom vs Precast Concrete Pool Costs

These ranges reflect national averages and will shift depending on your region, property, pool size, and the finishes and features you choose. In some markets, the gap between custom and precast narrows considerably.

What Drives the Cost of a Custom Concrete Pool?

A custom concrete inground pool is built entirely on your property. The builder excavates, sets steel reinforcement, sprays gunite or shotcrete to form the shell, waits for it to cure (typically 28 days), then applies the interior finish and connects equipment. It's labour-intensive, and the price reflects that.

Size and shape

A 12' x 24' rectangular pool and a 20' x 40' freeform design with an integrated spa aren't even in the same pricing conversation. The difference can be $40,000 to $60,000 or more.

Every additional foot of length adds to the materials, excavation, steel reinforcement, and labor required. Once a pool reaches a certain size, the engineering requirements step up significantly, and the cost curve steepens rather than climbing gradually. Curved walls, infinity edges, tanning ledges, and built-in spas all require custom formwork, which means more time, more materials, and a longer crew presence on your property.

Site conditions

A flat lot with good access and stable soil is the most straightforward (and cheapest) scenario. These factors can push the price higher:

• Rocky ground: Rock excavation is one of the most common budget surprises, adding $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on depth.
• Sloped lots: Retaining walls can add $3,000 to $25,000+ to the project.
• Tight access: If heavy equipment can't reach the pool area easily, smaller machinery and hand digging increase labor costs.
• High water table: Additional drainage and structural engineering may be needed.

Interior finish

The finish determines how the water looks and how the pool surface feels. For custom concrete, the main options are:

• Plaster (standard): The most affordable option, typically included in the base price. Lasts 5 to 10 years before needing replacement.
• Pebble finish: A more durable and popular upgrade, adding $5,000 to $8,000. Lasts 10 to 15 years.
• Glass bead: A premium pebble alternative with a smoother feel, adding $5,000 to $10,000.
• Fully tiled interior: The luxury option, adding $20,000 to $35,000+. Maximum design flexibility but requires periodic re-grouting.

Equipment

Every inground swimming pool needs a pump, filter, and sanitizer at minimum. A basic setup costs $3,000 to $5,000. Variable speed pumps, automation systems, and salt chlorinators push that toward $7,000 to $12,000+.

Pool heating is separate. Heat pumps typically cost $3,000 to $6,000 for the unit plus installation. Gas heaters are another option, particularly in colder climates where faster heat-up times matter. Solar heating works well in southern states but is less effective in the northeast and midwest.

What Drives the Cost of a Precast Concrete Pool?

A precast concrete pool is manufactured off-site in a controlled factory environment. The shell is poured into a mold, cured under ideal conditions, finished, and then delivered to your property and craned into position. The on-site work is limited to excavation (or base preparation for above-ground installations), crane hire, plumbing, backfill, and connecting equipment.

Because so much of the build happens in the factory, the cost structure looks different.

Pool size

Precast pools come in fixed sizes, which makes pricing more predictable. You're choosing from a set range rather than pricing a custom design. We, for example, offer four models in the US:

• Arena (11'5" round): A circular pool suited to architecturally designed homes and smaller yards.
• Studio (12' x 7'): Built for compact backyards, courtyards, and urban lots.
• Original (15' x 8'): The most popular size, fitting comfortably in most suburban backyards.
• Max (20' x 10'): The largest monolithic precast concrete pool available, big enough for a family to swim and entertain around.

Because dimensions are fixed, you know the price before you commit. No mid-build scope creep, no "we hit rock" surprises that double the excavation cost.

Site conditions

Site conditions still matter for precast, but the impact is usually smaller. You're not excavating as deep or as wide, and you're not pouring concrete on-site, so the build is less sensitive to weather, soil type, and access issues.

Crane access is the one area where precast costs can vary. If the truck can position the pool directly from the street, that's standard pricing. If the pool needs to be lifted over a house or there's limited street access, a larger crane may be needed, adding $3,000 to $10,000 to the project.

Interior finish

Most precast concrete pools come with the interior finish already applied in the factory. We use ecoFinish, a high-performance coating available in six colors, included as standard. If you prefer a custom tile look, you can order the shell with a raw concrete interior and have it tiled on-site after installation.

Equipment

The same equipment options apply to both pool types. Precast pool suppliers often offer equipment packages at set prices, which simplifies budgeting. We offer three tiers: a Base package to get swimming, an ECO package with a variable speed pump, and a Smart ECO package with wifi connectivity and automated chlorination.

Where Does Precast Sit vs Fiberglass and Vinyl?

If you're comparing all your inground pool options, here's how the four main types stack up on cost and key characteristics:

Custom concrete gives you total freedom but costs the most and takes the longest. Fiberglass pools install faster and require less maintenance but limit you to pre-manufactured shapes. Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable upfront but have the highest long-term replacement costs. Precast concrete offers the durability and look of concrete at a lower price point, with a faster installation than any custom build.

Costs That Apply Regardless of Pool Type

Whether you go custom or precast, there are project costs that sit outside the pool shell itself. These are often left out of the initial price you see advertised.

Decking and surrounds

The area around the pool is where a big chunk of the budget goes. Plan for:

• Concrete decking: $14 to $16 per square foot installed.
• Pavers: $18 to $22 per square foot installed.
• Travertine or natural stone: $28 to $35 per square foot installed.
• Most pool decks run 500 to 1,000+ square feet, so you're looking at $7,000 to $25,000+ depending on materials and size.

Fencing

Pool fencing is required in most municipalities. It's almost never included in a pool builder's base price.

• Aluminum fencing: $90 to $150 per linear foot.
• Glass fencing: $200 to $600 per linear foot.
• Mesh fencing (removable): $1,500 to $3,000 for a standard pool perimeter.

Permits and inspections

Most cities require a building permit for inground pool installation. Permit fees typically range from $450 to $1,800, depending on your location and the scope of the project. Some municipalities also charge for inspections at various stages of construction.

Electrical

A licensed electrician is required to connect pool equipment (pump, filter, lights, heating). Budget $1,500 to $4,000+ depending on how far the equipment pad is from your electrical panel.

Ongoing Costs: What Pool Ownership Actually Costs Per Year

The installation price is the big number, but pool ownership has ongoing costs too:

• Chemicals and water treatment: $600 to $1,200 per year.
• Electricity (pump, filter, heating): $1,000 to $2,500 per year, depending on climate and usage.
• Cleaning and maintenance: $1,200 to $2,400 per year with a professional service, less if you handle it yourself.
• Resurfacing (custom concrete only): Every 10 to 15 years, costing $8,000 to $10,000.
• Acid washing (custom concrete): Every 3 to 5 years, costing $300 to $1,000.
• Liner replacement (vinyl only): Every 7 to 10 years, costing $3,000 to $7,500.

Smaller pools cost less to run across the board because there's less water to heat, treat, and filter.

Which Option Makes Sense for You?

Custom concrete makes sense if you want a completely bespoke shape or size, need a pool longer than 20 feet, want an integrated spa or water features like waterfalls and deck jets, or have a specific design vision that only a fully custom build can deliver. You'll pay more and wait longer, but you get total design freedom. In some regions, custom concrete pricing is more competitive than the national averages suggest (it's worth getting local quotes to see where your market sits).

Precast concrete makes sense if you want the durability and premium look of a concrete pool at a lower total cost, you value a faster and more predictable build process, or your backyard suits one of the available sizes. You trade custom shapes for certainty on price, timeline, and quality.

Fiberglass makes sense if low maintenance is your top priority, you're happy with pre-set shapes, and you want a middle-ground option on both price and installation time.

Vinyl liner makes sense if you're working with a tighter budget and are comfortable with the ongoing cost of liner replacement every 7 to 10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a concrete inground pool cost?

A custom concrete (gunite or shotcrete) pool typically costs $50,000 to $120,000 for the shell and basic installation, with total project costs (including fencing, decking, and equipment) often reaching $80,000 to $150,000+. Precast concrete pools have a lower total project cost, typically $40,000 to $75,000 fully installed.

How long does it take to build a concrete pool?

Custom concrete pools take 6 to 16 weeks on-site, including the 28-day curing period for the concrete shell. Precast concrete pools are manufactured off-site and craned into position in a single day, with the full installation typically wrapped up in around two weeks.

What's the difference between gunite and shotcrete?

Both are methods of applying concrete to form a pool shell on-site. Gunite uses a dry mix that's combined with water at the nozzle, while shotcrete uses a pre-mixed wet concrete. The end result is similar in terms of strength and durability. Most pool builders specialize in one method or the other based on regional preference.

What hidden costs should I plan for?

The most common surprises are rock excavation, retaining walls on sloped lots, electrical connections, and landscaping. Always ask your pool builder for an itemized quote and budget an extra 10% to 15% as a contingency.

Can a precast concrete pool be installed above ground?

Yes. Precast concrete pools can be installed in-ground, semi-recessed, or fully above ground. This gives you more flexibility on sites where excavation is difficult or expensive. Above-ground installations with wood or stone cladding can become a design feature in their own right.

Figure Out What Fits Your Budget

If you're weighing up your options, comparing our four pool models is a good starting point for precast pricing. For custom builds, get at least three itemized quotes from local pool builders and make sure each one includes everything beyond the shell: excavation, fencing, equipment, decking, and permits.

The right pool for your home is the one that fits your property, your lifestyle, and your budget, without a final bill full of surprises.