How Much Does a Pool Cost in South Carolina? A Realistic 2025 Breakdown
A practical, numbers-first guide to budgeting an in-ground pool in the Upstate: materials, add-ons, “hidden” line items, and what ownership costs after install.
- Pool build (shell + install)
- Backyard finish (decking, fencing, drainage, landscaping)
- Ownership (power, chemicals, upkeep, occasional repairs)
Baseline 2025 Cost Ranges (National Data You Can Use as a Starting Point)
Most homeowners will land somewhere in a broad range depending on pool type, yard conditions, decking scope, and upgrades. For national benchmarks, these sources are a good “sanity check” when comparing quotes:
- HomeAdvisor – In-ground pool cost (2025)
- Angi – In-ground pool cost by material (updated Oct 2025)
- This Old House – Cost per square foot by pool type
Note: South Carolina costs can trend above or below national averages depending on access, soil, water table, slope, and local labor demand. Use the ranges below to frame expectations—then price your actual yard.
Cost by Pool Type (Fiberglass vs Vinyl vs Concrete/Gunite)
| Pool Type | How it typically prices | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass |
Mid-range upfront; often lower long-term surface-related maintenance.
References:
HomeAdvisor,
Fixr
|
Fast installs, low-fuss ownership, pre-engineered shapes that still look premium. |
| Vinyl-Lined | Often the most approachable upfront price; liners are a consumable over time. | Custom shapes on a controlled budget; families who want flexibility without going full custom concrete. |
| Concrete / Gunite |
Highest ceiling (and most design flexibility); premium finishes and features add cost.
References:
Angi,
This Old House
|
Architectural one-of-one designs, raised walls, vanishing edges, and complex hardscapes. |
What Actually Drives the Price
Most cost swings come from site realities and scope, not the pool itself. Here are the biggest drivers:
Access & Yard Constraints
- Can equipment reach the yard without tearing up landscaping?
- Do we need a crane lift for a fiberglass shell?
- Tight setbacks or utility easements?
Soil, Slope & Water Table
- Rocky soil increases excavation time/cost.
- Slope can require retaining walls or extra drainage.
- High water table may require special engineering.
How “Finished” You Want It
- Decking area (small border vs full patio).
- Lighting, steps, seating zones, shade structures.
- Landscaping and grading to “make it look like it belongs.”
Don’t forget these common “missing line items”
- Electrical (subpanel, bonding, GFCI, dedicated circuits)
- Safety barrier (fence, alarms, gate hardware—varies by jurisdiction/insurance)
- Drainage (downspout routing, deck drains, swales, catch basins)
- Water (filling the pool can be significant depending on local rates)
Upgrades That Change the Budget (and Why They’re Worth Discussing Early)
Upgrades are where two “similar” pools can be $20,000+ apart. The key is to decide what matters for your lifestyle.
| Upgrade | What it does | Budget impact |
|---|---|---|
| Heater / Heat Pump | Extends swim season (especially valuable in Upstate shoulder months). | Medium to High |
| Automation | Schedules pump, heater, lights; simplifies ownership. | Medium |
| LED Lighting | Nighttime ambiance and safety; high perceived value. | Low to Medium |
| Tanning ledge / benches | Turns the pool into a lounge space (especially family-friendly). | Medium |
| Water features | Sound, movement, and “resort feel.” | Medium to High |
| Decking upgrades (pavers/stone) | Major visual impact and comfort underfoot. | High |
What Does It Cost to Own a Pool Each Year?
Ownership costs depend heavily on whether you DIY maintenance, hire weekly service, add heating, and how you manage water chemistry. These references provide realistic ranges:
Safety and chemical handling matter. If you’re new to pool ownership, the CDC has a solid overview on chemical safety: CDC – Pool chemical safety
A SimplePool Way to Budget (Simple, Honest, and Accurate Enough to Plan)
Instead of asking “How much is a pool?”, ask this:
- Pick a pool type (fiberglass / vinyl / concrete).
- Define the finish level (basic deck vs full outdoor living zone).
- Choose 3–5 upgrades you actually care about (not everything).
- Add the “must-have” line items: electrical, barrier, drainage.
- Set an ownership budget so the pool stays fun (not stressful).
Disclosure: This post is informational and not a binding quote. Final pricing depends on site conditions, design, permitting, and selected materials/equipment.