How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in Wilmington, NC? (2026)

In Wilmington, you can expect to spend between $70,000 and $125,000 to install an inground pool, depending on size, materials, and features you choose.

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

Average Cost to Install an Inground Pool in Wilmington, NC

Typical Price Range	$70,000 – $125,000
Extreme Low-End Cost	$50,000 – $60,000
Extreme High-End Cost	$150,000 – $200,000
Cost Per Square Foot	$100 – $200

Outdoor living is a big part of everyday life in Wilmington, and a pool can turn your space into a go-to spot for relaxing or hosting friends and family.

The average cost to install an inground pool in Wilmington ranges from $70,000 to $125,000. If you’re working with a tighter budget, some basic projects can start around $50,000 to $60,000, while high-end custom pools can go $150,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the features you choose.

Another way to look at your budget is by cost per square foot, which typically ranges from $100 to $200.

The final price of the project depends on factors like pool size, materials, and any extras you want to add to your backyard.

Inground Pool Cost by Material

The material you choose for your inground pool plays a big role in how much you’ll spend on your project. Here’s a quick look at the average cost range for each pool type so you can compare your options more easily.

Type of Material	Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Installed)	Estimated Installation Cost
Vinyl liner	$100 – $160	$50,000 – $85,000
Fiberglass	$100 – $180	$65,000 – $105,000
Concrete (gunite)	$100 – $200	$90,000 – $150,000

Vinyl Pool

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option for your home, a vinyl pool typically costs between $50,000 and $85,000. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy a pool without stretching your budget too much.

Vinyl pools have a smooth surface that feels soft on your feet, making them comfortable for everyday use in your home. Just keep in mind that you need to replace the liner every 10 to 15 years, which is an extra cost to plan for.

Fiberglass Pool

Fiberglass pools in Wilmington range from $65,000 to $105,000. They’re a great fit if you want a balance between cost and durability.

You’ll also spend less time cleaning because the surface resists algae growth, helping keep your pool area looking great. Since the shell is pre-made, installation is faster, but your design choices are more limited.

Derek Getson, territory manager of Premier Pools & Spas Coastal Carolinas, says, “In the Coastal Carolinas, fiberglass pools are very popular because of sandy soils and faster installation timelines, which can help control labor costs.”

Concrete (Gunite) Pool

If you’re aiming for a high-end, fully customized pool, concrete pools typically cost between $90,000 and $150,000 or more.

“Gunite pools tend to be more expensive because they allow for fully custom shapes, sizes, and integrated features like spas, tanning ledges, and complex hardscapes,” says Getson.

You can customize nearly every detail, from the shape to the depth and features, to match your vision. While they’re very durable and long-lasting, they take longer to build and require more maintenance.

Inground Pool Cost by Size

Size (ft)	Square Footage	Estimated Cost
10 × 10	100 sq. ft.	$50,000 – $65,000
10 × 20	200 sq. ft.	$55,000 – $75,000
12 × 24	288 sq. ft.	$60,000 – $90,000
14 × 28	392 sq. ft.	$70,000 – $100,000
15 × 30	450 sq. ft.	$75,000 – $110,000
16 × 32	512 sq. ft.	$80,000 – $120,000
18 × 36	648 sq. ft.	$90,000 – $140,000
20 × 40	800 sq. ft.	$100,000 – $160,000

The size of your pool has a big impact on the overall cost of your project, with larger pools naturally requiring more materials and space.

Smaller pools can be perfect if you’re looking for a cozy, low-maintenance backyard option, while larger pools give you plenty of room for family fun and hosting friends.

Think about your home’s layout and how you plan to use the pool so you can choose the size that best fits your lifestyle.

Cost of Popular Inground Pool Styles in Wilmington

Pool Style	Design Features	Estimated Cost
Rectangular	Clean, straight lines that work well in modern backyards	$65,000 – $105,000
Geometric	Sharp angles that give your pool a contemporary look	$70,000 – $110,000
Kidney	Classic curved shape that fits naturally into most backyard layouts	$70,000 – $115,000
Roman	Rounded ends, formal look	$75,000 – $120,000
L-shaped	Great for separating shallow lounging and deep areas	$80,000 – $130,000
Freeform	Curved, natural shapes that blend seamlessly with landscaping	$85,000 – $145,000
Infinity edge	Water flows over one edge for a luxury look	$100,000 – $200,000

The style of your pool can completely change the look and feel of your backyard. If you want something simple or want to enjoy swimming laps, rectangular pools are a great option.

As you choose more complex designs, the price will increase. Freeform pools give your yard a resort-like vibe, but be ready to spend significantly more because of the complexity of the design.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Installing an Inground Pool in Wilmington

A pool can turn your backyard into a go-to spot for relaxing or hosting friends and family, but there are several factors that can affect the overall cost.

🏖️ Coastal Soil and Yard Conditions

Wilmington’s sandy coastal soil can make digging and building a pool a bit more challenging. You may need extra stabilization to keep everything secure, especially if your yard slopes or has soft spots.

Getson adds, “The most impactful factor is the water table and site accessibility. In coastal areas like Wilmington, high water tables are common and may require temporary dewatering during excavation, which can add cost. Limited access to the backyard, tight lot lines, or the need for tree removal and grading can also significantly affect overall installation costs.”

⛏️ Excavation and Site Preparation

Before your pool can take shape, the site needs to be properly prepared. Excavation can vary depending on whether your yard is flat, rocky, or sloped, and these conditions affect how much work your installers will need to do.

📏 Pool Depth

The depth of your pool plays a big role in both the swimming experience and the construction process. Deeper pools require more materials and structural support, so it’s important to decide what depth works best for how you plan to use your pool.

✨ Outdoor Features

Adding elements like waterfalls, spas, or special lighting can turn your pool area into a true backyard retreat. These features make your home more enjoyable but also require additional planning and construction time.

🧱 Decking and Patio Space

The area around your pool is just as important as the pool itself for comfort and style. Whether you choose pavers, concrete, or another surface, creating space for lounging, dining, and entertaining will enhance your home’s backyard experience.

👷 Labor

Skilled labor plays a big role in what you pay for your pool. More complex designs or challenging site conditions require more time and expertise, so labor costs naturally go up.

🚧 Pool Fencing

In North Carolina, pool fencing is required for most residential pools, including self-closing gates for safety before your final inspection.

For a typical Wilmington backyard, installing fencing usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000 and helps keep your family safe while meeting legal requirements.

Example Cost Breakdown for an Inground Pool Installation in Wilmington

Here’s how much it costs to build a 16 × 32 concrete inground pool in Wilmington.

Cost Component	Estimated Cost
Excavation and site prep	$8,000 – $15,000
Gunite shell and structural construction	$45,000 – $70,000
Plumbing and electrical	$10,000 – $15,000
Pump, filter, and other pool equipment	$5,000 – $10,000
Decking (400 sq. ft.)	$8,000 – $15,000
Fencing	$2,000 – $5,000
Landscaping	$3,000 – $7,000
Permits, inspections, and design approvals	$2,000 – $5,000
Contingency (10%)	$7,000 – $12,000

Pool shell costs make up most of the cost, followed by site preparation, plumbing, and pool equipment.

You also need to set aside a good chunk of money for decking, landscaping, fencing, and any add-ons like lighting.

Annual Pool Maintenance Costs in Wilmington

Keeping your pool in great shape is an important part of owning one. Wilmington homeowners spend between $1,700 and $3,300 per year on pool maintenance, which includes weekly cleaning, filter servicing a few times a year, and seasonal openings and closings.

Coastal humidity in Wilmington can make your pool more prone to imbalance, but saltwater systems can help reduce some costs. Even with a saltwater setup, you’ll still need to budget $400 to $800 per year for chemicals, plus $800 to $1,200 for the salt cell every 3 to 7 years, to keep your pool clean.

In addition, expect your electricity and water bills to go up by $750 to $1,500 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions