How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in Richmond, VA? (2026)

If you’re planning to install an inground pool in Richmond, expect to spend between $75,000 and $145,000, depending on the size and features you choose.

With that investment in mind, many Richmonders make the most of hot, humid summers by creating backyard spaces for relaxing and entertaining. A pool not only helps you cool off, but also turns your home into a go-to spot for family time, weekend hangouts, and hosting friends.

The price estimates in this guide are based on inground pool projects completed by Premier Pools & Spas and typical pricing across Richmond.

Average Cost to Install an Inground Pool in Richmond, VA

Typical Price Range	$75,000 – $145,000
Extreme Low-End Cost	$60,000 – $70,000
Extreme High-End Cost	$170,000 – $250,000
Cost Per Square Foot (Installed)	$115 – $200

Most homeowners in Richmond can expect to spend between $75,000 and $145,000 to install an inground pool. On the lower end, a simple setup can cost around $60,000 to $70,000, while high-end custom pools with premium upgrades can reach $170,000 to $250,000.

When you break it down further, the cost falls between $115 and $200 per square foot, depending on the materials and design you choose. This means your total price will depend on how big you want your pool to be and the level of customization you add to your backyard.

Cost of Inground Pool by Material

The material you choose plays a big role in how much you’ll spend and what your pool will look and feel like in your backyard.

Type of Material	Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Installed)	Estimated Installation Cost
Vinyl liner	$110 – $160	$60,000 – $90,000
Fiberglass	$120 – $170	$75,000 – $125,000
Concrete (gunite)	$130 – $200	$90,000 – $180,000

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liner pools are the most budget-friendly option, with costs in Richmond typically ranging from $60,000 to $90,000. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to add an inground pool to your home, this is the easiest way to get started.

You’ll also like that vinyl has a smooth surface and can be installed faster than other pool types. However, you should replace the vinyl every 10 to 15 years, which adds to your long-term costs.

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools fall in the middle price range, costing around $75,000 to $125,000 depending on the size and features you choose. These pools come as pre-made shells, which helps speed up installation in your backyard.

If you want something low-maintenance, fiberglass is a great choice because its smooth, non-porous surface helps reduce cleaning and chemical use. The main trade-off is that you’ll have fewer design and size options compared to other materials.

Concrete (Gunite) Pools

Gunite pools are the most expensive option, typically costing $90,000 to $180,000 or more for a fully custom build. This is the best choice if you want complete control over the shape, size, and features of your pool.

With gunite, you can design a pool that perfectly fits your backyard and adds a high-end look to your home. Just keep in mind that these pools take longer to build and usually require more maintenance over time compared to vinyl or fiberglass options.

Cost of Inground Pool by Size

Size (ft)	Square Footage	Cost Range
10 × 10	100 sq. ft.	$60,000 – $70,000
10 × 20	200 sq. ft.	$65,000 – $80,000
12 × 24	288 sq. ft.	$70,000 – $95,000
14 × 28	392 sq. ft.	$80,000 – $110,000
15 × 30	450 sq. ft.	$85,000 – $120,000
16 × 32	512 sq. ft.	$90,000 – $130,000
18 × 36	648 sq. ft.	$100,000 – $140,000
20 × 40	800 sq. ft.	$105,000 – $160,000

As your pool size increases, your total investment also goes up because of additional materials, labor, and installation time.

If you have limited backyard space or want to keep things simple, a smaller pool can still add a comfortable outdoor space to your home. On the other hand, choosing a larger pool gives you more room to swim and entertain, but it also means a higher investment.

Cost of Popular Pool Styles in Richmond

Pool Style	Design Features	Installation Cost Range
Rectangular (lap pool)	Clean, straight lines ideal for swimming laps and modern backyards	$70,000 – $105,000
Geometric	Rectangular with angled corners	$75,000 – $110,000
Kidney pool	Classic curved design that fits naturally into many backyard layouts	$75,000 – $120,000
Roman end	Rounded ends for a classic look	$80,000 – $135,000
L-shaped pool	Great for separating shallow lounging areas from deeper sections	$85,000 – $140,000
Freeform pool	Natural, flowing shape that blends well with landscaping	$90,000 – $150,000
Grotto	Cave-like with jets, lighting	$110,000 – $200,000

The style you choose for your pool can have a big impact on your total cost, especially depending on how simple or customized the design is.

In Richmond, basic shapes like rectangular are more budget-friendly, while more detailed styles, such as freeform or grotto designs, tend to cost more due to the extra work involved.

As you plan your pool, consider how you want to use your space and what best fits your home’s layout so you can go with the right option.

Factors That Affect Inground Pool Installation Costs in Richmond

Several factors can influence how much you’ll spend on an inground pool in Richmond. From local soil conditions to pool features, each element can add to your total cost in different ways.

🌧️ Soil and Climate Conditions

Richmond’s seasonal rainfall and clay-rich soil can increase installation costs. Clay soil often requires additional stabilization, while rainfall can affect drainage and excavation. When planning your pool, factoring in these local conditions can help prevent unexpected expenses and ensure your pool lasts longer.

📏 Pool Depth and Design

Deeper pools require reinforced walls and additional plumbing, which can add to the cost. If you want custom curves or unique shapes, be prepared for extra labor that can significantly impact your budget.

⛏️ Excavation

Excavating your yard is a major part of pool installation, and the cost depends on the type of soil you have. Rocky or clay soil, common in Richmond, or a sloped backyard requires additional grading, which can increase overall expenses.

🏡 Backyard Layout and Site Conditions

Your backyard’s layout can significantly affect installation costs. Sloped yards, mature trees, and tight spaces are common in Richmond, which can make construction more complex and increase labor costs.

🧱 Decking and Landscaping

Adding a deck or landscaping around your pool can enhance your backyard’s look, but it also comes with costs for materials and labor. The size and type of decking, along with any garden or hardscape features, can significantly affect your total budget.

✨ Pool Features and Add-Ons

Adding extras like waterfalls, lighting, and pool heating can make your backyard pool more enjoyable, but will also increase your installation costs. These features can easily add a large percentage to your total, so it’s wise to decide which amenities matter most for your home and lifestyle.

👷 Labor

Labor accounts for a large share of your pool costs, and rates in Richmond vary by pool type and build complexity. Custom pool designs take longer to build, so your labor costs can be higher than for simpler designs.

🚧 Pool Fencing

In Virginia, most residential pools are required to have fencing with self-latching gates to meet safety regulations. Depending on the type you choose, such as mesh, wood, aluminum, or vinyl, fencing can add several thousand dollars to your total project cost.

Cost Breakdown of a Typical Pool Project in Richmond

Component	Estimated Cost
Excavation and site prep	$8,000 – $15,000
Pool shell and structural construction	$50,000 – $70,000
Plumbing and electrical	$10,000 – $15,000
Pool equipment	$5,000 – $10,000
Heater and features	$8,000 – $15,000
Decking (400 sq. ft.)	$10,000 – $17,000
Fencing	$2,000 – $5,000
Landscaping	$5,000 – $10,000
Permits, inspections, and design approvals	$2,000 – $6,000
Contingency (10%)	$8,000 – $15,000

When building a 16 × 32 concrete pool in Richmond, you can expect most of your money to go toward the pool shell and construction. The cost of excavation, plumbing, and electrical work can also quickly add up.

Beyond the pool itself, you also need to consider decking and additional features like heaters, waterfalls, fencing, and landscaping to complete the space.

Ongoing Pool Maintenance Costs

A pool in your backyard can be fun, but it also requires regular upkeep, especially in Richmond’s hot and humid summers.

You can expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 per year on maintenance, which is about $150 to $250 per month. This includes cleaning and chemical balancing.

Besides maintenance costs, your water and electricity bills can also increase by $750 to $1,500 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions