Cost to In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation in San Diego, CA
$27,000–$108,000 in San Diego
35% above the national average · 1.35x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $27,000–$108,000 for a in-ground swimming pool installation in San Diego, about 35% above the national benchmark. The West Coast 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 San Diego prices.
Cost Breakdown in San Diego
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $68 | $122 | $203 |
| Materials | $13,500 | $29,700 | $54,000 |
| Labor | $12,150 | $24,300 | $40,500 |
| Permits | $1,080 | $2,025 | $3,375 |
| Design | $270 | $4,725 | $10,125 |
| Total | $27,000+35% vs. national avg | $60,750+35% vs. national avg | $108,000+35% 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 San Diego 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 San Diego
San Diego Estimate
Typical Range
$27,000–$108,000
vs. National Average
35% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.35x
Cost Per sq ft
$68–$203
Estimates apply San Diego's 1.35x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →