Cost to In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation in Houston, TX
$18,400–$73,600 in Houston
8% below the national average · 0.92x cost multiplier
In Houston, a in-ground swimming pool installation runs $18,400 to $73,600 on average — about 8% below what homeowners pay nationwide. The South market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Houston
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $46 | $83 | $138 |
| Materials | $9,200 | $20,240 | $36,800 |
| Labor | $8,280 | $16,560 | $27,600 |
| Permits | $736 | $1,380 | $2,300 |
| Design | $184 | $3,220 | $6,900 |
| Total | $18,400-8% vs. national avg | $41,400-8% vs. national avg | $73,600-8% vs. national avg |
Budget
Vinyl-liner pool (12x24 ft, ~288 sq ft), basic rectangular shape, concrete or vermiculite deck ($0 - deck separate), standard filtration, basic coping
Mid-Range
Fiberglass pool (14x30 ft, ~420 sq ft) or gunite/shotcrete, freeform shape, stamped concrete deck, upgraded filtration, LED lighting, auto cover
Premium
Custom gunite/shotcrete pool (16x36 ft, ~576 sq ft), vanishing edge or custom shape, natural stone coping and deck, spa/hot tub, water features, smart controls
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Houston may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Liner | $50 - $75 per sq ft of pool area | Budget-conscious homeowners, simple rectangular designs, anyone prioritizing low initial costLowest upfront cost, smooth non-abrasive surface, quick installation (1-3 weeks), wide range of patterns |
| Fiberglass | $75 - $110 per sq ft of pool area | Homeowners who want low lifetime maintenance costs, fast installation, and good long-term valueFast installation (3-5 days for shell), lowest maintenance costs, smooth surface, built-in seats and benches, 25+ year lifespan |
| Gunite/Shotcrete (Concrete) | $85 - $150 per sq ft of pool area | Custom designs, large pools, homeowners who want maximum features and don't mind higher ongoing costsUnlimited custom shapes and sizes, any depth, most durable (50+ year structure), highest resale value, can add spa and water features easily |
| Plaster Pool Finish (for gunite) | $4 - $8 per sq ft of pool interior | Budget-friendly gunite pool finish, traditional aestheticSmooth white finish, classic look, most affordable gunite finish, easy to repair |
| Pebble/Aggregate Finish (for gunite) | $6 - $14 per sq ft of pool interior | Long-lasting finish, natural stone aesthetic, homeowners who want extended time between resurfacingsExtremely durable (15-20 year lifespan), natural look, multiple color options, hides stains well |
Other Projects in Houston
Houston Estimate
Typical Range
$18,400–$73,600
vs. National Average
8% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.92x
Cost Per sq ft
$46–$138
Estimates apply Houston's 0.92x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →