Average Lap Pool Cost by Size
The three main sizes for lap pools are standard in-ground pools, half Olympic, and full Olympic-sized pools. Here's what you can expect to pay for each.
| Lap Pool Size (Feet) | Lap Pool Size (Meters) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 40 ft | 12.192m | $45,000 |
| 82 ft | 25m | $100,000 – $400,000 |
| 164 ft | 50m | $300,000 – $500,000 |
Lap Pool Cost Factors
Here are some cost factors to consider when determining the cost to build a pool.
Size
The size of your lap pool will directly affect cost. Forty feet is a standard size for homeowners with a moderately sized backyard. A 25-meter "short" course will nearly double the cost. For an Olympic-sized 50-meter in-ground pool, you are likely starting in the low- to mid-six figures range from a cost perspective.
Above- or In-Ground
Above-ground lap pools are less common, as they need to be shaped longer than a traditional above-ground pool to accommodate your workouts. That said, they start as low as $6,000. For an in-ground pool, you're likely looking at at least a five-figure investment.
Labor
Labor costs to build a lap pool are the same as the labor rate for traditional models, or $5.50 per square foot. For an average 40-by-8-by-4 unit, this would be $3,800. The more complex the project, the higher the labor charge.
Things that can increase this total include:
Excavation complications like removing large vegetation or other obstructions.
Extras like elaborate tile surfacing requests.
Adding special features, such as a mirror-style infinity pool or zero-entry access.
Installation should take roughly one month for vinyl, six to eight weeks for fiberglass, or three to five months for concrete, assuming you have not excavated land.
Materials
Materials make up the bulk of any lap pool investment you make. Roughly $39,000 of the aforementioned $44,000 estimate for a 40-foot pool will be the result of materials.
Permits
Building a pool sometimes requires a permit, depending on your state or city. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for a pool permit.
Excavation
Digging and backfilling a 40-foot pool costs $1,000 to $1,500 on average. If you're digging in an area with lots of roots or vegetation, or obstacles that need to be removed, the cost may increase.
Saltwater Conversion
The cost of installing a saltwater pool includes the price of the pool plus the saltwater-chlorine generator, which runs $500 to $2,500. Overall, you will spend less on chlorine and maintenance, as these systems tend to keep surfaces cleaner longer.
Some parts, such as vinyl lining, stone coping, steel ladders, and O-rings, could corrode if used in saltwater. Talk to a pro if you’re considering this alternative.
Heating
There are affordable and pricey ways to heat your pool. With a solar cover, for example, you may only spend $2,000 and have a device that can heat your pool going forward.
An electric heat pump or resistance heater, on the other hand, may cost as much as $7,700.
Lighting
Lighting a pool, on average, costs $450 to $650. This includes materials and installation.
Pool Cover or Enclosure
Safety covers start around $1,000 for lap pools. For one that offers solar benefits, you might pay as much as $3,000.
If you have small kids, for example, you might need to factor in the cost to build a fence around your lap pool. This could cost an additional $2,000 for even a basic wire fence.
Additional Accessories
Pool accessories can range greatly depending on what you need. A skimmer costs around $100, but you'll need one to keep your workouts leaf and bug-free.
Additional Landscaping
Expect to pay $4 to $12 per square foot for landscaping. Some homeowners install gravel around their pool area to make it easier to mow their lawn.
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Lap Pool Costs by Design
The design of your lap pool can greatly change the price you'll pay. From in-ground and above-ground to more high-end variations, here's what you can expect in terms of cost.
In-Ground
In-ground lap pools average $50,000. This is for an average 8-foot-by-40-foot and 4-foot-deep structure. Prices can vary depending on the materials used during installation. Each pool manufacturers’ products will vary slightly, even for similar models.
Above-Ground
Above-ground models typically run $6,000 with labor included. This amount is for a vinyl model, which you could assemble yourself to lower the price to a few thousand dollars.
Resin and fiberglass options are also available for $3,000, not including labor. These are restricted in length to 45 feet max. While most units are oval-shaped, there are some rectangular models available for lap swimmers.
Indoor
The cost of an indoor lap pool is, on average, $50,000 for in-ground and $6,000 for above-ground—roughly the same as the outdoor version with a few expenses added on.
Added expenses for an indoor pool include:
Dehumidifier system: $200–$5,000+
Building permit charges: $500–$1,000 (more if making structural changes)
Infinity
The cost of installing an in-ground infinity lap pool runs around $80,000. Totals include labor, which runs around $1,550 to $2,500. An above-ground version is less expensive, running between $1,700 and $6,000. Build time is 12 weeks for an in-ground model and around one week for above-ground.
There are three types, including:
Infinity: One edge “disappears,” making it look like the water extends forever in certain conditions.
Mirror: All edges disappear into the ground, and the deck sits directly next to the edge.
Endless infinity: Has both an infinity edge and an endless/stationary system installed.
The real financial burden here is the cost to run and maintain it, which is higher than a traditional pool. Because the water is continuously running, electricity bills are high. Evaporation also increases water and chemical usage.
Saltwater
You’ll pay $500 to $2,500 for a saltwater generator, in addition to the cost of the pool.
Endless
Endless lap pools (or “stationary lap pools”) are a good alternative to a full-length model and start at about $24,000. There are many options, but typically they are 9-by-14 feet.
Benefits include:
Lower energy and utility bills
Less water and chemical usage
Space-saving
(Video) How to build a Lap pool with shotcrete .Require less maintenance
Easily built indoors
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Ongoing Maintenance Costs
How you maintain your pool depends on the type and system you install. Outdoor, larger models will require more maintenance and chemical input than a smaller, indoor system.
Things you will need to maintain include:
Water levels: Levels change due to evaporation and excessive rain.
Chemical levels: You’ll need to check chlorine and salt, depending on your system type.
Waterline tile: Regular cleaning prevents permanent staining and replacement needs.
Skimmer: You will need to empty this when leaves and other items get stuck.
Pool vacuum/chlorination system: These systems reduce regular maintenance, but will need repair if they break.
Surface: Check with the manufacturer on how to best clean your specific surface material.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Installation Contractor
Having a pro install a lap pool can range from $6,000 to over $100,000, depending on the model and location you choose. Labor itself is a significant portion of the total, mainly for in-ground installs, at almost $40,000 for the whole project.
While an exceptionally skilled homeowner (and several friends) could complete the work themselves, we recommend that you leave it to a seasoned contractor.
Above-ground models are much easier to install because they do not require specialized skills or tools. You could end up spending as little as $3,000 for a vinyl above-ground pool if you have the expertise to finish the work safely and accurately. Still, even this is a job for only a highly skilled homeowner.
FAQs
What are the benefits of installing a home lap pool?
The major benefit of a home lap pool is the convenience of exercise and not having to travel somewhere to swim.
A smaller version is especially beneficial compared to a normal-sized pool because it uses less:
Space
Water
Energy
Installation and maintenance fees
How much space in your backyard do you need for a lap pool?
The space needed for a lap pool depends on the type you install.
Traditional: 50-by-10 feet (40-by-8-foot pool with room for decking)
Stationary/endless: 8-by-15 feet
What is a good lap pool size?
Forty feet is the baseline you should consider unless you're thinking of using an endless pool. Ask a local pool builder to give you suggestions on the right size for your space and budget.
Are lap pools worth it?
Whether a lap pool is worth it will depend on your needs and wants. If you want to exercise at home in your lap pool without having to go to the gym, it could be a great investment for you.
However, lap pools need to be longer than the average swimming pool, which means you’ll need more space in your backyard to accommodate one. On average, lap pools should be 40-feet long to get a good workout.
Adding a pool to your home can raise its value by 7%. However, the materials you use and how well you maintain it will heavily play into its ultimate ROI. Keep in mind that buyers with young children may steer away from homes with lap pools, as well as anyone looking for a standard pool.
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FAQs
What does it cost to put in a lap pool? ›
According to fixr.com, the average cost for a lap pool is $50,000. At the high end, you could pay $60,000. You'd need to then factor in costs of heating and maintaining water quality in an oversized lap pool.
What is a good size for a lap pool? ›Lap pools are typically about 40 feet long, but they can reach up to 75 feet. Their width ranges from six to 10 ft. Experts recommend a minimum depth of 3-1/2 feet so swimmers don't scrape their hands or feet on the bottom.
What cost the most when building a pool? ›Inground pools can range from $36,750 to $66,500, and above-ground pools can run from $700 to $3,600. If you're interested in a custom pool with luxury add-ons, the price can jump to $100,000 or more. Excavation and labor costs make up between 25 and 50 percent of the total cost to build a pool.
How much does it cost to build a 25 m pool? ›A full-length 25-yard or 25-meter pool can easily exceed $100,000, once you factor in everything. The cost to build a backyard pool with a lap lane varies with location, materials, topography, and the type of features you want.
Is a lap pool worth it? ›For swimmers and fitness enthusiasts, a lap pool can be an attractive option. It can take the stress out of going for a swim, allowing homeowners to skip the gym commute, locker room, and crowded swim lanes. But installing a lap pool can also require permits, lengthy construction timeline, and additional landscaping.
How long should a backyard lap pool be? ›Lap pools are long, narrow, and typically rectangular pools. The best length for a lap pool is between 45 feet (15 yards) minimum and 75 feet (or 25 yards) maximum.
Is 30 feet long enough for a lap pool? ›While an ideal size for swimming laps is 6 feet in width by 60-75 feet in length, you can still fit a pool that accommodates exercise in as little as 30 feet.
What is the shortest length for a lap pool? ›At a public or community facility, a true lap or competition pool is 25 meters (82 feet). But shorter pools—around 40 feet in length—are also considered lap pools. The point here is that lap pools provide a clear path so you can freely swim without obstacles.
Is 40 feet long enough for a lap pool? ›The length of a lap pool
Therefore, a pool measuring 12 metres (40 foot) in length is enough for the swimmer to enjoy a good workout. Anything lower will become less practical for swimming laps. This length allows the swimmer to turn easily.
The cost to install an inground pool is $35,000 on average and can range from $28,000 to $55,000 and sometimes upwards of $65,000 for special customizations and extra features. An added hot tub, for example, will cost $6,000 to $15,000 and pool lighting will be another $700 to $1,800.
What is the cheapest shape inground pool? ›
For either a custom-built pool or a prebuilt liner shape, the most affordable inground pools are those with the least-interesting shape—those with a rectangle or an oval shape will generally be the most inexpensive.
What is the cheapest inground pool to install? ›Most affordable inground pools – Vinyl Pools
Generally, vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial costs. Thus, you will spend the least amount of money purchasing a vinyl liner pool. On average, vinyl liner pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 to install. Homeowners can customize this pool into various shapes and designs.
Cost of Lap Pool Installation
Inground pools will cost significantly more than above ground pools due to the landscaping and the amount of labour required. The size and model of your pool will also affect the cost of installation.
It makes sense that smaller pools cost less to install than larger ones. For example, a 12-foot by 24-foot pool is a standard, relatively small inground pool size that can cost you between $25,000 and $50,000 (CAD 33,000 and CAD 65,000), depending on the type of materials used.
Can you build a pool yourself? ›Can You Build Your Own DIY Pool? The short answer to this question is yes. If you wanted to, you could dig a big hole in your backyard and, with a little effort, turn it into a swimming pool. So instead of asking this question, you need to ask yourself a different question instead.
Why are lap pools so expensive? ›Cost of Lap Pool Installation
Inground pools will cost significantly more than above ground pools due to the landscaping and the amount of labour required. The size and model of your pool will also affect the cost of installation.
Labor Cost of Lap Pools Installed
The average cost of lap pools installed ranges from $40,000 to $65,000. People spend about 25 to 50 percent of that on labor and the other 50 to 75 percent on the pool itself, including all materials and equipment needed to complete the project.
How small can an in-ground pool be? Most of the smallest in-ground pools across all pool types, on average, are around 12' by 24', 10' by 15', or even a 10' x 10' Spool/Cocktail pool!
How much does it cost to build a Olympic-size swimming pool? ›Olympic-Size Pool Cost
The cost of Olympic-size swimming pools is between $300,000 and $500,000. They conform to very strict measurements. They are exactly 50 meters in length, 25 meters in width and have at least 2 meters depth. They contain 10 lanes, each lane measuring 2.5 meters in width.