How Much Does a Plunge Pool Cost?

With a plunge pool you get many of the advantages of having a pool (minus space to really swim or to play pool games) but with a lower cost. They are easier to clean and maintain, too. But just because it is a fraction of the size doesn't mean it will be a fraction of the cost. Just like the cost of a pool, as more high end finishes and features get added, the price will increase.

Here's our guide to plunge pool costs, so you know exactly what you can expect to pay to buy, install, and maintain and plunge pool.

Breakdown of Plunge Pool Cost Factors

When figuring out the cost of a plunge pool there are several factors that can affect the final price. Everything from the size and shape, the type of plunge pool, and material used can all have a major effect on cost.

Size and Shape

A plunge pool costs anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the size. The easiest way to keep the costs on the lower end of the estimate is to choose a small and simple plunge pool. A small plunge pool is considered to be about 6 to 8 feet wide, while a large plunge pool is about 10 to 12 feet wide.

The cheapest plunge pool shape is a square or rectangle, because they are the easiest shape to make and transport. Custom shapes will be the most expensive option, as well as curved, round, and L-shaped plunge pools.

Type

An above ground plunge pool will usually be cheaper than its in-ground counterpart, because an above ground plunge pool will not require as many permits as an in-ground option, not to mention the costs associated with excavation. Even so, an above ground plunge pool can cost from $3,000 to $30,000 while an in-ground version can cost $10,000 to $35,000, depending on type and finishes.

Material

A vinyl-lined plunge pool can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $18,000, while a fiberglass pool can cost $10,000 to $22,000. The most expensive material is concrete, which can cost $20,000 to $35,000.

Installation Costs

If the proposed location is hard to get to, then it will take longer to bring in material and equipment. Time is money and will thus increase cost. This also comes into play if the proposed location is near a structure or an immovable object that is difficult to work next to.

Labor cost, affected by pool size, type, shape, and local labor rates, can also affect your total cost. Usually, labor cost for a plunge pool can range from $1,000 to $6,000. If the site requires prep work that can raise costs by up to $2,500 on average.

On average, excavation for a plunge pool can cost $2,500, or $17 per cubic foot. If the location needs more than just excavation, such as removing trees or boulders, this cost can increase. And if the plunge pool is deeper than 6 feet, the cost will increase because of the additional material that will need to be removed.

Building permits are a part for any construction project and plunge pools are no exception. Depending on the proposed location, permitting cost can be $450 to $2,500. This can include permits for excavation, construction, and electrical work. Each municipality has their own set of rules so it is best to contact a local pool installation company to help you determine the total cost for a specific project.

Plunge Pool Material Cost

The material chosen will have the greatest effect on the cost of a plunge pool. It will also impact what finishes are available, which will also greatly impact cost. A plunge pool can be made of concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Concrete

Concrete for a plunge pool can cost $18,000 to $29,000 in material alone and $2,000 to $6,000 for labor. While concrete is the most expensive material option for a plunge pool, the typical lifespan for a concrete plunge pool is from 50 to 75 years.

But this longevity comes at a cost; concrete is porous and will need to be kept clean to prevent algae and staining. Over time, leaking and structural damage can occur if a crack is not repaired quickly.

Vinyl

The cheapest material to make a plunge pool with is vinyl. Material cost for a vinyl pool can cost from $9,000 to $15,000, plus an additional $1,000 to $3,000 to hire a professional installer. Vinyl is easier to keep clean because of its non-porous nature, but will have to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, which will add up over time. Liner cost can also increase if the plunge pool is an irregular shape such as a curved, round, or L-shaped.

Fiberglass

Material for a fiberglass plunge pool can cost $8,500 to $18,000, plus an additional $1,500 to $4,000 for labor. Fiberglass comes in a variety of colors and, because they are prefabricated, are an excellent choice for a standard-shaped plunge pool. Like vinyl, fiberglass is non porous, but it can last much longer than vinyl if properly maintained—up to 30 years.

Maintenance Costs

No matter the size, shape, or material a plunge pool is, it will cost money to operate. Some factors that can affect the cost to operate and own a plunge pool are increased taxes, regular maintenance and cleaning, and possibly the cost to run a pool heater, if you have one. Some costs are unavoidable while others can be minimized. With proper planning and consideration, maintenance costs can be predicted and controlled to avoid any unnecessary surprises when the bill shows up.

Most municipalities consider a pool or plunge pool something that increases property value. With increased value come increased taxes. Since each municipality is different it is best to consult the local and state tax laws to find out how much a plunge pool will increase your tax bill.

Seasonal maintenance and cleaning are a part of any plunge pool. Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 per year for cleaning and basic maintenance such as checking the pH, balancing chemicals, and cleaning, along with some basic repairs. However, if you clean and complete some small repairs yourself, you can save about $1,000 annually.

If the plunge pool isn't used all year, closing and opening costs will have to be added, which can cost $150 to $300 at the beginning and end of each season.

A pool heater can have a large impact on operating costs because of the amount of fuel they consume. Depending on type, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $850 per month for a plunge pool's utilities. Pool heaters can be solar ($0 to $10 monthly), a heat pump ($120 to $200 monthly), electric ($175 to $600 monthly), and propane ($200 to $850 monthly). This cost can be controlled by limiting the pool heater's usage, choosing a location for the plunge pool that's in the sun, and having a shorter plunge pool season.

Extra Features and Amenities

The more features a plunge pool has, the more it will cost. The following is a list of some common plunge pool add-ons and their associated costs (on average, though it will vary by location and brand):

• Pool cover ($750 to $2,550)

• Salt water system ($500 to $2500)

• Pool light ($625 each)

• Pool steps ($100 to $700)

• Underwater exercise equipment ($375 to $13,000)

• Pool jets ($800 to $1200)

How to Save Money on a Plunge Pool

The main way to save money on a plunge pool is to keep the install simple. The less complicated a plunge pool is, the less costly the installation is, the lower the chance it has of breaking, and the cheaper it will be to operate. Another way to keep your plunge pool affordable is to choose a small one. A smaller plunge pool requires less material, which lowers cost all around.

Consider choosing a material that is more affordable, but keep in mind short- versus long-term costs. For example, vinyl might have the lowest short-term cost, but over time the cost of liner replacements can add up. While concrete and fiberglass have a larger upfront cost, long term they can be cheaper to maintain and repair.

Use the existing landscape to your advantage, and landscape around the pool yourself. DIY whatever features you can, such as a solar-powered heater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy or build a plunge pool?

It is not usually cheaper to build a plunge pool because of the cost of buying or renting the tools and machinery. If a non professional DIYs it, there's also a risk the plunge pool won’t be built properly and will need costly repairs in the future.

Is a plunge pool a good investment?

A plunge pool will add value to a property in addition to creating a space for a quick dip at home.

Are there any disadvantages of a plunge pool?

The main drawback of a plunge pool is the smaller size that won't allow you to swim like you could in a larger pool.

Read the original article on The Spruce.