Ready to take the plunge? If the heat and humidity in Houston is getting to you, you might be considering getting your own pool to cool down in the summer. If you’re wondering just how much that dream pool will cost, let us help you out. 

Don’t dive into the deep end just yet – we’ve done the research on Houston pool prices and offer you some tips and tricks so you can stay afloat with your budget.

How much does it cost to have a pool built in Houston? 

Getting your own pool in Houston can be as expensive or cheap as you want. Above ground pools in Houston can cost $3000 to $18,000, while in-ground pools can range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on features and pool size. 

Factors that Affect the Cost of Building a Pool in Houston

Different pools can cost vastly different prices depending on several factors. Here are the most common to consider when finding out how much building pools in Houston can set you back. 

Permits

Before any work begins, you must go through a series of steps to get a permit in Houston. The cost of these permits varies depending on the type of pool and its location. 

In general, permit fees for pools in Houston can range from $100 to $500 depending on what type of pool you build and the location. Here is an estimated breakdown of the costs of obtaining a pool permit in Houston. 

Fees	Cost
Plan Review Fee	$85.45
Administrative Fee	$31.32
Permit	$356.72
Total	$473.49

Pro Tip: Getting permits for a pool can take several weeks, sometimes months. Starting the process in the off-season may get you more chances of completing the permitting process without delaying construction.

Kind of Pool

Getting your own pool can cost you different amounts depending on what type of pool you are looking to get. Below are some of the most common types of pools to have in your backyard and their average costs to build in Houston. 

Type of Pool	Approximate Cost Range
In-ground pool	$20,000 – $100,000+
Above-ground pool	$3,000 – $18,000
Indoor pool	$125,000 – $250,000+
Outdoor pool	$30,000 – $60,000+
Lap pool	$25,000 – $55,000+
Saltwater pool	$40,000 – $80,000+
Hot tub or spa	$2,500 – $25,000+
Wading pool for kids	$1,500 – $6,000

Location

The location of the pool is an important factor that can impact the cost of building a pool in Houston. There are several ways in which the location of the pool can affect its cost:

• Site Conditions and Preparation: A site that requires extensive excavation or grading will add to the cost. For example, if installation of a retaining wall or other site preparation work is needed, this can easily add $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

• Access to the Area: If the site is difficult to access or requires specialized equipment, this can add to the cost as well. Renting or using a crane to install the pool, can add about $3,000 to $5,000 to your budget.

• Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations: If the pool is located in an area that has strict building codes, like hurricane-resistant construction, fees can add up to $1000 for your project.

• Utilities: The availability of electricity and water can also impact the cost of construction.Installation of additional utilities or infrastructure can cost upwards of $1200 for pool constructions. 

• Landscaping: If the pool is located in an area that requires major landscaping, like removing trees or leveling the land, this can amount to $2000-$3000 in additional costs depending on the severity. 

Pro Tip: If you plan to do some landscaping to go with your new pool, build it during the fall or winter months. This will give you time to finalize the landscaping design once you see the pool’s layout.  It also gives the plants time to grow, so your pool’s all decked out in the spring and summer.

Size and Depth

The size and depth of the pool are important factors that can affect the cost of building a pool in Houston. The larger and deeper the pool, the more materials and labor will be required to construct it, which can increase the overall cost of the project. 

Here are some estimated costs for building pools of different sizes and depths in Houston:

• Small and Shallow Pools: A small and shallow pool with dimensions of around 10 feet by 20 feet and a depth of 4-5 feet can cost between $25,000 to $35,000 to construct.

• Medium-sized Pools: A 15 foot by 30 foot pool with a depth of 5-6 feet can cost you between $35,000 to $50,000.

• Large and Deep Pools: Pools with estimated dimensions of around 20 feet by 40 feet and a depth of 8-9 feet can cost between $50,000 to $80,000 or more to build.

Contractors

The choice of contractor can also have a significant impact on the cost of building a pool in Houston. There are many pool contractors to choose from in Houston, each with their own pricing structures and levels of experience and expertise. 

A budget pool contractor in Houston may offer lower prices for their services but may lack the experience and expertise of more established contractors. Prices for a basic pool installation with a budget contractor can start at around $20,000 to $30,000.

Mid-range pool contractors can charge anywhere from $30,000-$50,000 in Houston for  basic pool installations. These contractors generally offer more comprehensive services and higher-quality materials and construction than a budget contractor. 

A high-end pool contractor typically offers the highest-quality materials and special requests including customized design and advanced features like waterfalls, spas, and high-tech automation systems. Prices can start at around $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

Pro Tip:  Pool contractors tend to be busiest during the spring and summer months. Building a pool during the off-season may result in shorter wait times and potentially lower costs.

Materials

The type of materials used to build the pool can also impact the cost. For example, higher-end materials such as natural stone or glass tile can be more expensive than standard materials such as concrete or vinyl.

Here are estimated costs of pools depending on materials used in Houston.

Type of Pool	Estimated Cost Range
Concrete	$30,000 – $100,000+
Vinyl	$20,000 – $45,000
Fiberglass	$25,000 – $60,000
Steel	$40,000 – $70,000
Aluminum	$35,000 – $60,000
Hybrid	$50,000 – $80,000+

Pro Tip:  Buying towards the end of the year can get you some savings as prices tend to drop by that time. There is also less demand in the off-season, so you’re less likely to run out of that beautiful tile you’re obsessed with!

Special Features

The features you choose to add to your pool can also affect the cost. These common additions can add quite a bit to your bill. Below is a list of estimated costs. 

Pool Feature	Estimated Cost Range
Pool Lighting	$500 – $5,000
Waterfalls and Fountains	$1,000 – $10,000
Pool Heating	$1,500 – $5,000
Pool Covers	$500 – $3,000
Pool Decking	$3,000 – $15,000+
Pool Automation	$1,000 – $5,000
Spa/Jacuzzi	$5,000 – $15,000+
Diving Board	$1,000 – $3,000
Water Slides	$3,000 – $15,000+
Pool Cabanas	$5,000 – $20,000+
Pool Cleaning System	$1,000 – $5,000

When is the best time to build a pool in Houston?

Houston is known for its hot and humid summers, which makes it the perfect place for a swimming pool. But when is the best time to build a pool in Houston? 

The best time to build a pool in Houston is during the fall or winter months considering costs, weather, and procedure. Building during the cooler months of autumn and winter will give not only you but also the workers a respite from the Houston heat. 

How much does maintaining a pool in Houston cost?

On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300 per month to keep your pool in tip-top shape. This cost includes regular cleaning, chemical treatments, and equipment maintenance.

However, if you opt for more advanced features like an automated cleaning system, your ongoing maintenance costs can be lowered to about $150 to $200 a month. 

Take note, that maintenance cost can fluctuate depending on how often you use your pool. More frequent use will require you to invest in more chemicals to keep your pool running. 

How much can pool repairs cost? 

Spending money on building and having a pool doesn’t stop once construction is complete. Pools get damages and repair work for them and their many features can add up to quite a lot as well. 

Here are some of the most common repair work for pools and their estimated costs in Houston. 

Type of Pool Repair	Estimated Cost Range
Pool Leak Repair	$300 – $3,000
Pool Pump Repair	$250 – $500
Pool Heater Repair	$200 – $1,500
Pool Tile Repair	$300 – $1,000
Pool Resurfacing	$3,000 – $10,000+
Pool Deck Repair	$500 – $5,000