How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Tampa Bay?
If you’re planning on installing a swimming pool on your property, one of the first things you’ll need to address is the cost of the project. Several factors will affect the total cost of installing a swimming pool. Exploring these topics will help you create the pool design of your dreams while keeping your project within your budget.
Upfront Considerations That Affect Pool Construction Costs in Tampa
Before you even begin the process of hiring a swimming pool builder, there are a few issues you’ll need to address. These startup tasks will help you prepare for the pool construction, but they also carry their own costs and fees, so it’s best to address them early to properly prepare the budget for your project:
Pool Size and Depth
Even if you know that a large swimming pool will fit comfortably in your yard, the cost of such a project can be an obstacle. A deeper or longer pool requires the use of more construction materials and longer hours of labor. Calculate these added costs with your builder as you design your pool.
Design Style and Pool Shape
A common mistake among homeowners is assuming that it’s cheap to build a smaller pool. And though the costs are indeed lower when compared to those incurred when constructing a larger pool with a similar style, your design choices can affect the overall cost. A complex design with curves, fountains, and other features will cost more to build than a traditional rectangular or square-shaped pool.
Tampa Building Codes and Permits
If you hire an experienced and licensed builder, they will know the intricacies of the building codes they must follow when designing and building your pool. Even so, prepare to pay the necessary permit fees related to the construction project. These will vary based on the scope of the project, your residential neighborhood, and other factors. Homeowners associations typically have their own rules for these types of projects.
Land Formation and Excavation
The geographical features of your property can affect your pool construction cost. It’s easier to install an in-ground pool on flat land with soft soil. However, land with hills, trees, and rocky soil presents unique challenges. Calculate the cost of removing these landscape features and preparing the land for construction.
Factors That Affect Each Swimming Pool Installation Cost
Adding a swimming pool can lead to a 7% increase in your property value. But even considering that financial incentive, you’ll want to keep tight control over the project’s upfront costs.
Summing up your project is easier when you understand the average construction costs, which include the following:
Basic Swimming Pool Construction Costs in Tampa Bay
It’s beneficial to know the average total rate for building a concrete in-ground pool. The average pool is 14×28 feet, and it is a project that involves excavating the land, creating the framework, installing the plumbing equipment, and providing a basic finish.
Premium Finishes and Materials
A high-end finish can enhance a pool’s longevity and durability, but you can expect premium finishes and materials to raise your project’s price.
Pool Material Comparison
| Material | Upfront Cost Range | Lifespan & Durability | Customization | Maintenance Costs | Best For |
| Gunite (Concrete) | $$$ (highest initial cost) | 30+ years with proper maintenance | Fully customizable in shape, depth, and features | Higher annual costs ($2,000–$4,000) due to resurfacing needs every 10–15 years | Homeowners who want a long-lasting, luxury pool tailored to their lifestyle |
| Fiberglass | $$ (mid-range) | 20–25 years | Limited shapes and sizes (factory-molded shells) | Lower maintenance, smooth surface resists algae | Homeowners who want a quicker install and low upkeep |
| Vinyl Liner | $ (lowest initial cost) | 7–10 years before liner replacement | Limited shapes, less durable | Lowest initial upkeep, but liners need regular replacement | Budget-conscious homeowners looking for the lowest upfront cost |
Why Gunite Wins in Tampa Bay
While fiberglass and vinyl may appear less expensive at first, they come with limitations in design, lifespan, and durability. Gunite pools cost more upfront, but they last decades, withstand Tampa Bay’s soil and climate, and allow for unlimited design possibilities. For homeowners investing in a pool to enhance their property value and create a long-term outdoor living space, gunite remains the most reliable choice.
Customized Design Features
Any additions you make to the design will affect your budget as well. When adding fountains, infinity edges, stairs, and other features, you should expect to see an increase in the estimate from your builder. Depending on the design features you choose, your total cost can rise.
The Costs of Adding a Spa to Your Tampa Bay Pool
Some of the latest swimming pool design trends include the addition of spas. And if that is something you want to include in your project, the following cost rundown will help:
Basic Design Expenses
Your builder will help you design a spa that seamlessly connects with your pool. Assuming you choose a basic design without any customizations, expect to add about $17,000 to $20,000.
Heating and Jet Installations
You’ll want your spa to provide year-round comfort, which makes a more effective heating system and water jets that massage the body enticing customizations. Talk to your builder about adding these features to get an accurate estimate.
Hidden Swimming Pool Costs
Building your Tampa pool involves more than the excavation and pouring of concrete. There are additional features you’ll install for safety and comfort. However, since homeowners often forget about these features, they might think of them as hidden project costs:
Swimming Pool Decks
Every swimming pool needs some type of encompassing deck. These choices start and include pavers but you can add Travetine for approximately $6000 depending on the overall size of the deck.
Protective Screens
The Tampa sea air carries pests, sand, and other forms of debris. To keep the air around your pool cleaner, you can install a protective screen, which can range in price from $15,000 to $20,000.
Heating and Pump Systems
Most pools need heating systems and pumps that help circulate water. Installing these systems increases the overall costs by approximately $6000
Ongoing Maintenance, Operational, and Repair Costs
Building the pool is only the beginning since maintenance and operational costs play a big role in long-term ownership. In Tampa’s warm climate, pool owners typically spend between $80 and $150 per month for routine maintenance such as cleaning and balancing chemicals, which adds up to about $960 to $1,800 per year.
Once you factor in electricity for pumps, water costs, and eventual equipment repairs, annual ownership costs can reach $3,000 to $6,000 for a concrete pool. Gunite pools are built to last for decades, but they do require regular upkeep to maintain their finish and protect your investment.
Setting realistic expectations for these costs helps homeowners plan beyond the initial construction budget.
Discuss Your Pool Construction Project With the Experts in Tampa Bay, FL
Tampa Bay Pools is a leader in the swimming pool construction industry. We’ll help you build and maintain a swimming pool that your family can enjoy for years. If you want to discuss your swimming pool or spa design, schedule a consultation with us today to get started.