Prices by pool type and size
| Type | Small, about 12x24 | Medium, about 15x30 | Large, 16x36 or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $45,000–65,000 | $55,000–82,000 | $68,000–105,000 |
| Vinyl liner | $35,000–54,000 | $45,000–70,000 | $56,000–88,000 |
| Gunite / concrete | $52,000–78,000 | $65,000–100,000 | $82,000–130,000 |
These are our estimates for a finished pool with pump, filter, coping and start-up. We set them from This Old House, River Pools and Fixr (2025–2026), leaning on River Pools' Texas figures, and checked them in November 2026. Decking, fencing, permits and add-ons are priced on their own. A builder confirms after walking your lot.
For a Texas check, River Pools says a basic fiberglass install starts around $40,000 and a turnkey job runs $45,000–85,000 and up (River Pools). Its national base package is higher, at $60,000–100,000 (River Pools, Dec 2025). Our large row stretches the guides' 16x32 figures, so treat it as a rough guide.
Add-ons and site costs
| Item | Our range | Why it varies |
|---|---|---|
| Spa attached to the pool | $10,000–25,000 (estimate) | Far cheaper built with the pool than added later |
| Concrete deck, 600–800 sq ft | $5,000–14,000 | Broom finish costs least; stamped concrete and pavers more (Fixr) |
| Fence with a self-latching gate | $2,500–9,000 | Aluminum is about $15–35 per foot installed (Fixr) |
| Heat pump with its circuit | $4,000–7,500 (estimate) | The unit is $2,000–4,500 before the 240V wiring (River Pools) |
| Salt chlorine system | $1,500–3,000 | This Old House lists $1,100–2,200 (TOH) |
| Drainage: French drain or deck drains | $1,500–5,000 (estimate) | Clay subsoil holds water near the shell |
| Rock, ironstone or caving sand | $1,000–5,000 (estimate) | Known only once digging starts |
| Permit and plan fees | $200–1,200 (estimate) | Tyler's fee schedule has no pool line; residential work starts at a $50 minimum plus 20% plan check (city) |
Why two Tyler yards get different prices
- What is under the grass. Red clay with ironstone digs slowly; deep sand digs fast but may need bracing (USDA).
- Slope. Hillside lots in the county often need a retaining wall, and in Tyler every retaining wall needs a permit, with engineered plans once it passes 4 ft (city FAQ).
- Where the dirt goes. A medium pool makes several truckloads of spoil. Spreading it on a big lot is cheaper than hauling it.
- Reaching the backyard. A tight gate or fence line means a smaller excavator, or taking a fence panel down.
- Septic. On rural lots the pool has to be placed clear of the tank and drain field, which can push it farther from the house.
Ways people pay
Unsecured pool loans usually run 2–7 years at about 6–36% APR, depending on credit. A home equity loan or line of credit costs less and stretches longer, but it is secured by your home (NerdWallet). Several Tyler builders mention financing on their sites. No utility or state rebate covers pools.
Lining up two bids
- Same pool size, depth, interior finish and equipment brand on both
- Who pays if they hit rock, ironstone or caving sand
- How drainage around the deck and shell is handled
- Exactly what is included: deck square feet, coping, fence, electrical run, permit, cleanup and start-up
- Who the electrician is, the payment schedule and the warranty, all in writing
Sources & further reading
- This Old House: inground pool cost (updated Jun 2025). Ranges by size and type; add-on costs
- River Pools: fiberglass pool cost in Texas (updated Jul 2025). Basic and turnkey Texas ranges
- River Pools: what a fiberglass pool really costs (Dec 2025). Base package, patio, heat pump, salt
- Fixr: pool fence and pool deck costs (2025). Fence per foot; deck by pool size
- City of Tyler: schedule of fees. Residential minimum and plan-check fee
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.