Direct Answer: How much does an inground pool cost? In Ontario, an inground pool typically costs $40,000 to $150,000+ depending on material — vinyl liner starts lowest at $40,000 to $80,000, fiberglass runs $50,000 to $100,000+, and concrete is the premium option at $85,000 to $150,000+. A small inground pool (around 12’x24′ or smaller) can bring the total closer to $40,000 to $75,000 installed.
Who doesn’t love the idea of a private pool in their own backyard? As inground pools have grown more popular than above-ground alternatives, the question homeowners ask most is simple: how much does an inground pool cost, and is it worth the investment compared to other options? Whether you’re comparing inground pool cost Ontario-wide or specifically inground pools Toronto pricing, the in ground pool cost breaks down the same way everywhere: material, size, and site conditions.
The honest answer to the cost of inground pool in Ontario projects is that it depends heavily on these factors — but with real numbers below, you can use this as your own inground pool cost estimator before requesting quotes.
Inground Pool Cost by Material
Material is the single biggest factor in inground pool cost. Here’s what each option typically runs, and why:
| Material | Typical Installed Cost | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Liner | $40,000 – $80,000 | Lowest upfront cost; liner replacement every 7-12 years |
| Fiberglass | $50,000 – $100,000+ | Higher upfront cost; lowest long-term maintenance, fastest install |
| Concrete / Gunite | $85,000 – $150,000+ | Highest upfront cost and longest build time; most design flexibility, longest lifespan |
Vinyl keeps the entry price lowest, but the liner itself has a shorter lifespan than the other two options and will need replacing periodically. Concrete costs more upfront but lasts the longest and offers the most design freedom — ideal if you want a custom shape or integrated features. Fiberglass sits in between on price, but often wins on convenience: the pre-formed shell installs faster than either alternative and needs the least ongoing chemical maintenance thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface.
Inground Pool Cost by Size
Size affects cost almost as much as material does, since a larger shell means more excavation, more material, and more water and chemicals on an ongoing basis.
| Size | Typical Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| 12′ x 24′ (small/compact) | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| 16′ x 32′ (standard) | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| 20′ x 40’+ (large/custom) | $150,000 – $250,000+ |
Inground Pool Installation Process
Inground pool installation follows roughly the same sequence regardless of material: site excavation, structural work (steel walls for vinyl, shell placement for fiberglass, or forming and pouring for concrete), plumbing and electrical, then decking and finishing. Installing an inground pool this way typically takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks for fiberglass up to 8-12 weeks for a custom concrete build. Inground swimming pool installation timelines shift with weather, permit approval speed, and site access, so build a buffer into your expected start date rather than counting on the fastest-case scenario.
Small Inground Pools: A Growing Trend
Small inground pools have become one of the most requested project types we see, particularly on urban and suburban lots where a full-size pool simply won’t fit. Inground pools for small backyards still deliver a genuine inground pool experience — real depth, real swimming space — at a lower total cost than a standard-size build, since less excavation and less material are needed overall.
A small pool inground works particularly well with fiberglass, since pre-formed shells in compact sizes install with minimal disruption to a tight backyard. Vinyl liner is also a practical option for a small inground pool on a limited budget. For more on how lot size shapes pool type, see our small backyard pool design ideas.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the pool shell itself, most inground pool projects include:
- Permits and enclosure fencing: required by every Ontario municipality, typically $250 to $2,500 depending on your area
- Decking and patio: connects the pool to your yard, often one of the largest add-on costs
- Heating: $3,000 to $10,000 installed for gas or heat pump systems
- Landscaping: ties the finished pool into the rest of your backyard
All other ongoing costs — chemicals, cleaning equipment, seasonal opening and closing — apply regardless of which inground material you choose. For a full monthly and annual breakdown, see our pool maintenance cost guide.
Get an Accurate Inground Pool Quote for Your Property
Inground Pool Financing
Given the size of this investment, most homeowners look at inground pool financing rather than paying the full cost upfront. Common options include a home equity line of credit, a personal loan, or financing arranged directly through your pool builder. Each has different rate and repayment structures, so it’s worth comparing before committing to a specific material or size — a slightly higher-cost fiberglass or concrete pool may still fit your monthly budget once financed over the right term.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Building an inground pool yourself can lower the upfront labour cost, but it’s a considerably bigger undertaking than an above-ground DIY kit — excavation, structural work, plumbing, and electrical all need to be done correctly the first time. Getting any of these wrong on an inground project is expensive to fix after the fact. Most homeowners find that getting quotes from 2-3 licensed contractors and comparing them is the more predictable path for a project this size.
For a Toronto-specific, line-by-line budget example — including a real sample project breakdown and current permit fees — see our detailed Toronto inground pool price guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an inground pool cost?
An inground pool typically costs $40,000 to $150,000+ depending on material, with vinyl liner at the lower end, fiberglass in the middle, and concrete at the top. Size, site conditions, and finishing choices all affect the final number.
How much does a 12×24 inground pool cost?
A 12’x24′ inground pool — a common compact size — typically costs $40,000 to $75,000 installed, depending on material and site conditions.
How much does an inground pool cost in Ontario?
Inground pool prices Ontario-wide follow the same material-based ranges: $40,000 to $80,000 for vinyl, $50,000 to $100,000+ for fiberglass, and $85,000 to $150,000+ for concrete. The cost of inground pool Ontario projects can shift somewhat by municipality due to differing permit fees and labour costs.
What’s the best type of inground pool?
There isn’t a single best option — it depends on your priorities. Vinyl liner suits a tighter budget, fiberglass balances cost and low maintenance, and concrete suits homeowners who want maximum design flexibility and are prepared for a longer build and higher investment.
Can I finance an inground pool?
Yes. Common options include a home equity line of credit, a personal loan, or financing arranged directly through your pool builder.
Are small inground pools worth it?
Yes, for many properties. A small inground pool costs less overall than a standard-size build while still delivering a genuine inground swimming experience, making it a practical option for tighter lots or smaller budgets.
How does inground pool cost compare to above-ground?
Inground pools cost significantly more than above-ground pools due to the excavation and structural work involved. For a full comparison across all pool types, see our general pool cost guide.
Get an Accurate Inground Pool Cost Estimate
Land-Con has been a leading landscaping and pool construction company in Toronto for over 25 years. Our trained professionals, including landscaping designers and architects, handle every project in-house from design through installation, backed by a 5-year warranty on our craftsmanship.
Our service regions include Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding GTA.