A custom pool is a lifestyle investment. It’s where family gathers on summer evenings, where guests linger a little longer, and where everyday life feels more like a private getaway. Naturally, homeowners wonder about the cost of an inground swimming pool and what that investment truly includes.
The total investment in an inground swimming pool can vary widely based on size, design complexity, materials, features, and the surrounding outdoor living environment. For homeowners in Maryland and Delaware seeking a fully customized concrete pool experience, understanding these factors is key to planning with confidence.
At Coastal Pools, each concrete pool construction project is thoughtfully designed and engineered to complement your home, property, and lifestyle so that your investment delivers beauty and lasting value.
What does it cost for an inground concrete swimming pool in Maryland and Delaware?
The cost of an inground concrete swimming pool typically starts around $80,000–$85,000, with the majority of installations ranging from $100,000 to $300,000+.
Please keep in mind that these price ranges are only averages. Whether you’re envisioning a simple backyard retreat or a fully customized outdoor living destination, Coastal Pools has the experience and craftsmanship to balance your vision, priorities, and budget while creating a custom inground swimming pool and outdoor living space that maximizes your investment.
A consultation is always a good first step so we can discuss factors like yard layout, desired pool size, materials, design complexity, and additional features like lighting, heating, and landscaping. Based on those details, Coastal Pools provides a custom quote for your inground concrete pool installation in Maryland or Delaware.
What Affects the Cost to Put in an Inground Swimming Pool?
Creating the perfect inground pool that fits both your dream outdoor living space and budget requires navigating a variety of crucial factors. At Coastal Pools, we understand the importance of balancing aesthetics, functionality, and cost.
Our expertise ensures that your pool installation is tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences, delivering unmatched satisfaction and value. Here are the key variables that determine the cost for an inground swimming pool, including a breakdown by percentage:
| Cost Category | % of Total Project | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation and Concrete Shell Installation | 30–40% | Site preparation, engineering, forming, steel reinforcement, and shotcrete application form the structural foundation of your pool. |
| Materials & Interior Finish | 10–20% | Premium plaster, pebble, tile, or specialty finishes from our pool finishes selection add to the beauty and longevity of your pool. |
| Custom Design Features | 10–25% | Infinity edges, integrated spas, tanning ledges, water features, and custom details found in our pool features collection make your pool experience more resort-like. |
| Landscaping and Outdoor Living Enhancements | 5–25% | Patios, fire features, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens transform the entire environment around your pool. |
| Heating and Lighting | 5–10% | Pool heaters, LED lighting systems, and ambiance upgrades extend pool use and enhance the overall atmosphere. |
| Automation and Smart Pool Technology | 3–10% | App-controlled systems for lighting, temperature, and water chemistry management add convenience and efficiency. |
At Coastal Pools, our commitment is to provide transparent, personalized pricing to fit your vision and budget, ensuring that your investment enhances your home’s value and your quality and enjoyment of life.
You can explore real-world examples and price ranges in our pool gallery.
Understanding the Differences Between Concrete, Fiberglass, and Vinyl Pools
When researching the cost of an inground swimming pool installation, you will generally choose between three primary pool types: fiberglass, vinyl liner, and custom concrete (gunite). While fiberglass and vinyl options are often associated with lower initial price tags, they come with compromises in longevity and design freedom.
As specialists in custom concrete pool construction, Coastal Pools exclusively builds new concrete swimming pools. We believe concrete provides the greatest freedom of design, the highest level of customization, and exceptional long-term performance. However, because these pools are entirely custom-built on-site, their pricing structure is uniquely tied to the specific choices you make for your backyard.
To understand why concrete is the premier option for Maryland and Delaware homeowners, it helps to look at the alternatives first before diving into what shapes a concrete pool’s budget:
Fiberglass Pools
- Pre-fabricated pool shells speed up installation time somewhat, but they also limit shape and size customization.
- Homeowners have limited choices for gel coat colors and patterns on the pool floor and walls.
- They cannot be fully tailored to unique property layouts.
- Fiberglass pools may shift in areas with high water tables or sandy soil, both of which are prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic Coast region.
Vinyl Liner Pools
- Vinyl-lined pools often have the lowest upfront cost, but the liner typically requires replacement every 8–10 years.
- Homeowners have fewer high-end finish options with vinyl liner pools.
- The vinyl liner is more easily damaged than a concrete pool surface and may stain more easily.
For homeowners seeking long-term investment and true personalization, concrete provides the highest level of customization and longevity.
How Your Design Choices Affect the Cost of an Inground Swimming Pool
While knowing how much it costs for an inground swimming pool is important for budget planning, the more important question is how to get the most out of your investment. There are ways for the lifestyle-focused homeowner to get everything they want in their backyard oasis while still managing their initial spend.
With careful planning and strategic decisions, achieving a cost-effective yet luxurious pool is within reach. Our experts can guide you through optimizing your investment, ensuring your dream pool enhances your outdoor living space without breaking the bank.
Here are strategic ways to align your vision with your budget:
- Prioritize structural excellence first. Invest in quality construction and finishes that will stand the test of time.
- Phase outdoor living elements. Additional landscaping or outdoor kitchens can be added later in phases or as DIY projects.
- Select timeless designs. Clean lines and classic materials maintain long-term appeal.
- Choose features wisely. While waterfalls, custom tiles, and infinity edges are stunning, they add to the overall cost.
- Incorporate energy-efficient systems. Variable-speed pumps and efficient heaters reduce operational costs over time.
Does an Inground Pool Add Value to a Home?
In Maryland and Delaware, a professionally designed and installed custom pool can enhance both lifestyle and property appeal. While resale impact depends on neighborhood and market conditions, high-quality installations tend to attract buyers who value outdoor living.
Coastal Pools tailors every pool to complement your home’s landscape and meet local building standards, which can give a higher return on investment.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that while an inground pool can be a desirable feature for many, its impact on home value can vary. A professional appraisal and consideration of your local market are important when evaluating this investment.
More importantly, a pool adds to everyday value—family time, entertaining space, relaxation, and a statement of personal success.
What Do Maintenance Costs Look Like?
Beyond the initial cost of an inground swimming pool, ongoing care is an important consideration. Owning an inground pool requires regular maintenance to ensure its cleanliness, safety, and functional longevity.
Here’s what to expect for future maintenance and costs:
- Routine cleaning and chemical balancing
- Filter and pump maintenance
- Heating and lighting upkeep
- Energy usage costs
- Occasional equipment servicing
Many homeowners invest in automated systems to simplify water management and cleaning, or they use a professional pool maintenance service. With proper and consistent maintenance, a concrete pool can provide decades of enjoyment.
Is It Better to Hire a Professional or Have a DIY Installation?
Deciding between a DIY inground pool project and hiring a professional, such as Coastal Pools, is an important consideration for homeowners investing in a custom outdoor living space.
While a DIY approach may seem cost-effective at first glance, building a custom inground concrete pool is a complex construction project. It involves engineering, excavation, structural concrete work, electrical systems, plumbing, and strict local permitting requirements in Maryland and Delaware.
Professional pool installation provides far more than labor. It ensures structural integrity, proper drainage, compliance with safety codes, and seamless integration with your home’s landscape. Professionals also anticipate challenges with soil conditions, elevation changes, utility lines, and long-term maintenance considerations before they become costly problems.
For homeowners making a significant investment in their property, working with an established pool builder protects both your budget and your peace of mind. The result is a pool that not only looks exceptional but performs reliably for decades.
Why Should You Build a Pool with Coastal Pools?
Coastal Pools stands at the forefront of custom pool installation services in Maryland and Delaware, tailor-made to fit every homeowner’s unique vision and budget. Our personalized approach ensures that each project reflects the individual’s style and preferences while adhering to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Whether you dream of a serene oasis, a family-friendly swimming haven, or an elegant retreat, our team is dedicated to transforming your vision into a reality at custom costs that respect your financial planning. Trust in Coastal Pools to enhance the aesthetic and functional value of your outdoor living space and invest in a service that brings unrivaled satisfaction and joy for years to come.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’re exploring the cost to put in an inground swimming pool in Maryland or Delaware, we invite you to book a consultation.
