Cost to In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
If you’re budgeting a in-ground swimming pool installation in Philadelphia, most projects run $21,373-$85,490, 7% 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 Northeast (where Philadelphia sits): Shorter building season and higher labor rates increase costs. Rocky soil in New England often requires excavation surcharges.
$21,373-$85,490 in Philadelphia
7% above the national average · 1.07x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $21,373-$85,490 for a in-ground swimming pool installation in Philadelphia, about 7% above the national benchmark. The Northeast region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at Philadelphia prices.
Cost Breakdown in Philadelphia
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $53 | $96 | $160 |
| Materials | $11,100 | $24,420 | $44,400 |
| Labor | $9,043 | $18,086 | $30,143 |
| Permits | $888 | $1,665 | $2,775 |
| Design | $222 | $3,885 | $8,325 |
| Total | $21,253+6% vs. national avg | $48,056+7% vs. national avg | $85,643+7% 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Philadelphia Estimate
Typical Range
$21,373-$85,490
vs. National Average
7% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.07x
Cost Per sq ft
$53-$160
This 1.07x estimate prices Philadelphia 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 →