Cost to In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
If you’re budgeting a in-ground swimming pool installation in Los Angeles, most projects run $23,679-$94,716, 18% above the $45,000 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Pool Type and Material. On its own it can swing the cost by $10,000 - $40,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Choose a vinyl-liner pool over fiberglass or gunite. You'll save $10,000-$30,000 upfront on a comparable-size pool, though liner replacement every 7-12 years is an ongoing cost.
In the West Coast (where Los Angeles sits): Year-round pool use drives strong demand. California permitting and safety requirements add cost, but pools add significant property value.
$23,679-$94,716 in Los Angeles
18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier
In Los Angeles, a in-ground swimming pool installation runs $23,679 to $94,716 on average - about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The West Coast 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 Los Angeles
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $59 | $107 | $178 |
| Materials | $11,750 | $25,850 | $47,000 |
| Labor | $10,780 | $21,560 | $35,933 |
| Permits | $940 | $1,763 | $2,938 |
| Design | $235 | $4,113 | $8,813 |
| Total | $23,705+19% vs. national avg | $53,286+18% vs. national avg | $94,684+18% 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Los Angeles Estimate
Typical Range
$23,679-$94,716
vs. National Average
18% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.18x
Cost Per sq ft
$59-$178
This 1.18x estimate prices Los Angeles labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →