The cost of building a pool in Tennessee might surprise you. Prices start at $25,000 and can exceed $250,000 based on your choices. My experience helping homeowners tap into the potential of their outdoor spaces has taught me the value of understanding the complete financial picture before making this investment.
Regional price differences exist throughout the state. Nashville homeowners typically spend between $35,000 for a simple vinyl liner pool and $150,000 for a premium concrete design with luxury features. The cost structure differs in Knoxville, where custom luxury inground pools start at $90,000 and can reach $250,000 for high-end installations. Pool prices in Tennessee vary by type. Vinyl liner pools start at $25,000 to $50,000. Fiberglass options range from $40,000 to $85,000. Concrete pools command $50,000 to $150,000.
This piece breaks down every factor that affects your Tennessee pool investment. The complete financial commitment includes construction costs and monthly maintenance expenses of up to $200. Your dream of a family pool or an upscale backyard retreat starts here. This detailed breakdown prepares you for all expenses from planning stages through your first refreshing swim.
Types of Pools and Their Costs in Tennessee
Learning about pool options in Tennessee helps you make smart investment decisions based on each type’s unique features. Let’s get into the four main pool types you can find in the Volunteer State and their costs.
Concrete pools: High-end and customizable
Concrete (also called gunite) pools stand at the premium end of Tennessee’s swimming pool market. These pools give you unmatched design flexibility and you can build them in any shape, size, or depth you dream up. Concrete pools in Nashville cost between $50,000 and $100,000. The price tag across Tennessee runs from $65,000 to $120,000 for a standard concrete installation.
Concrete pools shine because they last so long – anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Homeowners in Knoxville who want luxury options can expect to pay around $90,000, and this is a big deal as it means that prices can reach $250,000 for elaborate installations.
Notwithstanding that, concrete pools just need lots of care. You’ll have to brush the porous surface weekly with a steel brush to keep algae away. On top of that, the alkaline material keeps pushing up water pH, so you’ll need regular acid additions to keep the chemistry right.
Fiberglass pools: Low maintenance and fast install
Fiberglass pools have become a hit throughout Tennessee because they go in quickly and don’t need much upkeep. These factory-molded shells come ready to drop in place, so you can start swimming sooner than with concrete options.
Nashville’s fiberglass pool prices typically run from $40,000 to $85,000. Across Tennessee, well-known brands cost between $65,000 and $85,000, while lesser-known options range from $25,000 to $45,000.
Fiberglass pools’ smooth, non-porous surface brings real benefits. Algae can’t easily grow on them, so you’ll use fewer chemicals. These pools also insulate better, staying warmer and costing less to heat. Take good care of a fiberglass pool and it could last 60 years or more.
Vinyl liner pools: Budget-friendly but recurring costs
Vinyl liner pools give Tennessee homeowners the cheapest way to get an inground pool. Nashville homeowners pay between $35,000 and $70,000, while prices across Tennessee range from $40,000 to $75,000.
The low upfront cost looks great, but vinyl liner pools come with ongoing expenses. A new liner costs about $2,500 and you’ll need to replace it every 7-10 years. Each replacement runs around $4,000 when you add labor, water refills, and other costs.
The good news? Vinyl liner pools let you customize almost as much as concrete pools do, but they cost less at the start.
Above-ground pools: Affordable but limited value
Budget-conscious Tennessee homeowners can find their best deal with above-ground pools. Nashville prices run between $3,000 and $10,000, while the national average sits at $3,441.
You can choose from soft-sided ($200-$2,500), resin ($1,500-$3,700), or metal-framed ($1,800-$10,000) above-ground pools. These pools go up fast – usually in just 1-3 days.
Above-ground pools boost home value by about 7-8% – not as much as inground options. They take up less space and need less maintenance. Families who want a temporary pool or need to watch their budget will find above-ground pools strike a good balance between cost and function.
Additional Features That Impact Pool Cost
Your Tennessee swimming pool’s base price is just the start. The features you choose can substantially improve both functionality and enjoyment while affecting your final cost. These add-ons can turn a basic pool into your personal paradise.
Decking and patio options
The space around your pool shapes its look and usability. Nashville’s timber pool decks cost between $150 and $250 per square meter with labor. Paver pool decks run from $170 to $300 per square meter.
Stamped concrete pool decks give you great value at $9-$13 per square foot. Most installations cover 500-900 square feet, bringing the total to $4,500-$11,000. A larger entertainment area with a 1,200 square foot poured concrete patio costs about $13,933. A paver patio of the same size runs approximately $15,867.
Water features and lighting
Pool lights can turn your daytime swim spot into a round-the-clock retreat. Quality lighting makes edges and stairs safer while letting you swim long after sunset. Tennessee’s LED pool lights run about $1,265 per fixture.
Water features create visual appeal and peaceful ambiance. Deck jets shoot elegant water arcs from your pool deck at $933 per jet. Bubblers make gentle fountains in shallow areas at $1,100 each. Cascading waterfalls make a bigger splash at $5,833.
Heating systems and automation
Tennessee pool owners often add heating systems to swim longer each year. Electric heaters cost $1,500 to $3,500, plus $500 to $1,500 for installation. Heat pumps range from $2,000 to $4,500, with installation adding $500-$2,500.
Pool automation systems let you control temperature, filtration, and lighting remotely at $5,250 in Tennessee. About 80% of new Knoxville pools now have automation systems, showing their rising popularity across the state.
Safety features: covers, fencing, alarms
Safety features are both required investments and valuable additions. Tennessee law requires pools with over 24 inches of water to have a 48-inch high barrier minimum. This makes fencing a must-have for most pool owners.
Pool covers keep your pool safe and well-maintained. Automatic covers open and close at the push of a button, costing around $15,867 in Tennessee. Non-automatic safety covers are more budget-friendly at $5,067.
Homes that act as part of the pool barrier need UL-listed alarms mounted 54 inches above each pool-access door. A pool alarm must also be attached to the pool or float inside it. These features add extra safety to your investment.
Site-Specific Factors That Affect Pricing
Your Tennessee swimming pool’s final cost depends heavily on the land beneath it. The property’s unique geology and terrain will affect both how it’s built and what you’ll pay.
Soil conditions and excavation challenges
East Tennessee’s clay soil creates major challenges when installing pools. Building on this soil is like building on a sponge. The soil swells and shrinks as moisture levels change, which can damage the structure if builders don’t take proper precautions. This clay-rich soil can expand by up to 30% with moisture changes, so builders need special digging techniques and foundation methods.
Excavation makes up 25-50% of what you’ll pay for pool installation. Normal soil costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard to dig out. Rocky ground or clay-heavy soil can make these costs three or four times higher.
Rocky properties need special equipment. Jackhammering can cost $50-$200+ per cubic yard. A Bedford homeowner found this out the hard way when workers hit ledge rock during digging. They had to pay an extra $6,000 for special equipment.
Slope and yard accessibility
Tennessee properties’ natural layout brings unique challenges and possibilities. Sloped yards need retaining walls and drainage systems that add $6,000-$12,000 to pool costs. These tricky sites often lead to stunning multi-level designs that stand out in the neighborhood.
Getting equipment to your site matters too. Limited access means you’ll need special machinery. Fiberglass pool installation might need a crane to lift the shell over your house, adding up to $10,000 more.
Tight spaces or other obstacles might force workers to use smaller equipment or dig by hand. Hand-digging can make excavation costs three or four times higher.
Regional differences: Nashville vs Knoxville pool cost
Where you live in Tennessee changes what you’ll pay. Knoxville’s hilly landscape needs special approaches. The rocky ground often requires extra equipment or blasting, plus special engineering for hillside properties.
Knoxville homeowners pay between $1,232 and $1,548 for pool installation, with most prices falling between $1,311 and $1,469. Pool type makes a big difference – a basic 19-foot diameter above-ground pool costs about $6,250, while a 32×16 inground pool runs around $22,000.
Labor costs more in cities than in rural areas across Tennessee. Since labor makes up 70-80% of digging costs, this creates clear price differences between regions. Talk to contractors who know your area’s soil and landscape before starting your pool project. They can help you plan for these challenges.
Ongoing and Long-Term Pool Ownership Costs
Pool ownership costs go way beyond the initial installation price. Tennessee homeowners should think about how these expenses will affect their budget over decades. A clear understanding of long-term costs will help them prepare financially.
Annual maintenance and cleaning
Tennessee pool owners spend between $960 and $1,800 each year on upkeep. The average yearly cost runs about $1,400. These expenses cover:
- Chemical treatments: $175 for fiberglass pools, $400 for vinyl pools, and $750 for concrete pools yearly
- Professional cleaning: Nashville residents pay $28-$36 per visit while Collierville residents pay $45-$100
- Opening/closing services: Memphis pool owners pay $220-$240 per service
Energy usage and equipment upkeep
Swimming pools add $65-$100 to monthly electricity bills, which adds up to $800-$1,200 yearly. Electric bills jump 30-50% during swimming season. Smart equipment choices make a big difference. Variable-speed pumps cost $30-$50 monthly while single-speed pumps run $75-$150.
Pool owners need to replace major equipment periodically. Pumps and filters cost $500-$2,500, while heaters run $1,500-$3,000. Both need replacement every 8-12 years.
Liner replacements and resurfacing
Vinyl pool liners last 7-10 years and cost $2,505 on average to replace. Standard 16’x32′ pools need $2,055 to $2,565 for liner replacement. Above-ground pool owners pay less, with costs ranging from $2,000-$5,000.
Williamson County homeowners pay between $607-$688 for concrete pool resurfacing. This maintenance becomes necessary every 10-15 years.
Insurance and property tax considerations
Pools raise homeowner’s insurance premiums by $17-$25 monthly. Homes with pools average $1,226 in annual insurance costs.
Property taxes change differently based on pool type. Inground pools boost home value by 5-8%, which leads to higher annual taxes. Above-ground pools don’t count as permanent additions, so they usually don’t affect property taxes.
Total Cost Breakdown by Pool Type and Size
Pool costs in Tennessee become clearer when broken down by specific dimensions. Here are the numbers behind your investment.
Small, medium, and large pool estimates
Pool size affects final costs by a lot. Fiberglass pools in Tennessee cost around $73,333 for small pools under 26 feet. Medium pools between 26-34 feet cost about $80,000, and large options over 35 feet reach $100,000. Installation experts suggest a simple way to estimate basic fiberglass package costs – add the pool’s length to $15,000.
Average cost of inground pool in Tennessee
Tennessee’s inground pool costs range from $34,400 to $82,000. Nashville homeowners spend between $35,000 for simple vinyl liner pools to over $150,000 for premium concrete designs. Knoxville’s costs vary based on excavation challenges, especially when limestone requires specialized equipment.
Comparing upfront vs lifetime costs
Your pool’s original investment is just one part of the total expenditure. A 10-year comparison shows major differences between pool types. Fiberglass pools cost more upfront but need fewer chemicals, which saves about $575 each year compared to concrete pools. Concrete pools need expensive resurfacing every 10-15 years, but fiberglass pools don’t. Vinyl liner pools cost less at first but need new liners every 5-10 years, which costs thousands of dollars each time.
Your complete Tennessee pool investment has upfront construction costs plus ongoing maintenance, repairs, energy costs, and future renovation expenses.
Conclusion
Building a swimming pool in Tennessee needs more than just looking at the basic installation cost. Our research shows pool prices vary from $25,000 for simple designs to $250,000 for luxury versions. Your pool type choice will affect your budget the most. Concrete pools give you lasting durability and custom options at premium prices. Fiberglass pools offer great value and need less upkeep. Vinyl liner pools cost less upfront but need regular liner replacements that add up over time.
The features you pick can turn a simple pool into your own private getaway. Water elements, lights, heating, and smart controls improve your swim time and add to your investment. Safety items like fences and covers protect your family and property while being required by law.
Tennessee’s landscape shapes your final costs substantially. East Tennessee’s clay-filled soil, rocks, slopes, and tight spaces can add thousands to your budget. Price differences between Nashville, Knoxville, and other areas come from labor costs and ground challenges.
Pool ownership costs go way beyond the reach and influence of installation. You’ll pay for yearly maintenance, power bills, new equipment, and higher insurance for decades. That’s why looking at lifetime costs between pool types is just as vital as comparing upfront prices.
A pool means big money but brings endless fun, exercise, and family time. This complete cost breakdown helps you pick the right pool type and features that match your budget and lifestyle. Your dream Tennessee backyard retreat is possible—one that balances today’s investment with tomorrow’s costs and gives you the swimming spot you’ve always wanted.
