Want an inground pool in Louisiana? The price tag might catch you off guard. Louisiana homeowners spend anywhere from $60,000 to over $100,000 on inground pools. Many people miss the hidden costs that affect the final price. Those attractive first quotes rarely show what you’ll actually invest in your backyard paradise.
Recent projects across Louisiana reveal big price differences between cities. Baton Rouge residents pay $60,000 to $100,000+ for a standard in-ground gunite pool installation. Simple concrete or fiberglass pools cost less. New Orleans has its own rules – you’ll need permits that cost $500 to $1,500 before any digging starts. The base prices don’t paint the complete picture of your investment.
This piece breaks down the actual costs of Louisiana inground pools based on real projects. You’ll learn about those hidden expenses contractors rarely mention upfront. We’ll walk you through every cost – from permits to safety features. Our goal is to help you understand exactly what you’ll invest before you start your pool project.
Base pool construction costs in Louisiana
Building an inground pool in Louisiana takes up the biggest chunk of your investment. A good grasp of these costs helps you set up a realistic budget before adding any custom features.
Typical price range for standard pools
Recent Louisiana projects show inground pool construction costs between $55,000 and $75,000. Your choice of pool type makes a big difference in the final price. Concrete (gunite) pools start at $60,000 and can reach beyond $80,000 for simple installations. Fiberglass pools sit in the middle range. They start at $50,000 and can cost up to $100,000 for bigger models. Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable option with starting costs around $40,000.
Louisiana homeowners looking to save money often choose vinyl liner pools. These pools cost between $40,000-$70,000 for the original installation. Remember that the upfront cost doesn’t tell you everything about what you’ll spend over time.
How size and shape affect cost
The size of your pool directly affects material and labor costs. Small pools (about 12’x24′) typically start at $30,000. Medium-sized options (15’x30′) range from $35,000-$50,000. Larger pools (20’x40′ or more) usually cost over $60,000.
Popular gunite pool sizes include 10’x20′, 14’x28′, and 16’x32′. Bigger options like 18’x36′ and 20’x40′ work well for larger properties. Each size increase means more excavation work and materials.
The pool’s shape can change the price dramatically. Simple rectangular or oval pools cost less than custom designs. Pools with curves and special features will add more to your final cost.
Material choices and their effect
Your choice of material affects both upfront and long-term costs:
Concrete/Gunite Pools: These pools start at $55,000 in Louisiana and let you customize everything. They’re the most flexible for design but need more upkeep. Expect to spend between $15,000-$27,000 on maintenance over ten years.
Fiberglass Pools: These pre-made shells install quickly (2-3 days versus 28-30 days for concrete) and need less long-term maintenance. You’ll spend about $4,000 on upkeep over ten years. A standard 15’x30′ fiberglass pool in Louisiana costs around $57,655.
Vinyl Liner Pools: These have the lowest starting price ($30,000-$45,000). You’ll need to replace the liner every 5-10 years at about $2,489 each time. This adds up to roughly $7,000 in maintenance over ten years.
Popular upgrades and their price impact
Premium upgrades can make your pool more enjoyable and expensive. A realistic budget for your dream backyard oasis needs careful consideration of these costs.
Infinity edges and tanning ledges
Water seems to vanish at the pool’s edge with infinity edges, which creates a stunning visual effect. This luxury feature adds about 20% to your pool’s construction cost. Louisiana homeowners pay roughly $16,500 for a 15-square-foot uninterrupted viewing wall.
Tanning ledges, also known as Baja shelves, have gained popularity among Louisiana’s pool owners. These shallow areas range from 6-18 inches deep and offer perfect spots to relax. A standard tanning ledge costs $1,000 to $1,800. Larger custom ledges measuring 10’x6′ can cost between $8,000 and $14,400.
Integrated spas and waterfalls
Complete setups of in-ground pools with integrated hot tubs or spas cost between $44,000 and $120,000. These prices reflect sophisticated heating systems and additional plumbing requirements.
Waterfalls blend visual appeal with soothing sounds. Simple sheet waterfalls start at $1,000. Rock waterfalls can cost more than $20,000. Most Louisiana’s homeowners choose cascade waterfalls that cost between $3,000 and $10,000. This makes waterfalls more available compared to other premium features.
LED lighting and automation
LED pool lighting revolutionizes nighttime swimming while cutting down energy costs. Small LED pool lights cost $700-$900, while larger models range from $1,000 to $1,500. Color-changing options add $500-$1,000 per light. Most pools need multiple fixtures for proper lighting.
Pool automation systems have caught on in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These systems let you control everything from lighting to filtration through your smartphone. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,500. Louisiana pool owners can save up to 70% on energy costs long-term, making automation both convenient and cost-effective.
Site-specific factors that affect pricing
The final pool costs in Louisiana depend heavily on your property’s specific conditions. A good understanding of these factors helps you avoid surprise expenses during construction.
Soil conditions and access issues
Pool installers face unique challenges in Louisiana’s terrain. The soil quality and high water tables often need extra preparation work, which drives up overall costs. Uneven terrain can increase your investment by a lot due to excavation, dirt removal, and site preparation. The retaining walls might add $5,000 or more based on their size and materials.
Your backyard’s accessibility can create extra expenses. Obstacles like trees or existing structures that make access difficult will add $2,000 to $5,000 to your costs. Contractors often need to rent specialized equipment like cranes for sites with limited access.
Permit requirements by city
Louisiana requires permits for all inground pools. The fees range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. New Orleans swimming pool permits must go through the Department of Safety and Permits, with costs between $500-$1,500 based on project size.
Different parishes process permits at different speeds. One contractor explains, “Some parishes process permits faster than others. In cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, it can take longer due to stricter building codes”. Public and commercial pools need even more thorough reviews.
New Orleans vs. Baton Rouge pool cost differences
Major Louisiana cities show substantial price differences. New Orleans and Baton Rouge prices run 15-20% higher than smaller cities like Lake Charles or Alexandria. Higher labor rates and operating costs in urban areas cause this difference.
A standard 32×16 inground pool in New Orleans costs around $22,000. Premium features and accessories can quickly increase this price. New Orleans’s special site requirements often need extra equipment, which adds to the final cost.
Long-term costs and value considerations
Pool ownership in Louisiana comes with costs that extend well beyond the construction phase. You should know these ongoing expenses to understand your investment’s true value.
Energy-efficient equipment savings
Energy-efficient pool equipment can save you money over time. ENERGY STAR certified pool pumps consume up to 65% less energy than standard models and save about $450 on yearly energy costs. The original cost of variable-speed pumps might be higher, but they cut pump-related electricity costs in half as time goes by. Louisiana’s longer swimming season means you’ll recover the cost of efficient equipment faster than the national average.
Maintenance and insurance costs
Louisiana pool maintenance costs range from $1,500 to $5,000 yearly, depending on your pool type. A concrete pool needs acid washing and resurfacing every 10-15 years, which costs between $3,000 and $10,000. Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals and never need resurfacing. The vinyl liner in your pool will need replacement every 5-10 years at about $2,500 each time.
Your homeowner’s insurance premiums will likely increase with a pool. The liability insurance adds $17-$25 to your monthly costs. Most experts suggest increasing your liability coverage to $300,000-$500,000.
How pools affect home value
An inground pool typically adds 7% to your home’s value, though this return varies by region. Louisiana homes can see a substantial boost in value, especially in upscale neighborhoods. Note that the average pool cost of $65,000 means you won’t recover your entire investment through increased property value alone.
Conclusion
Building an inground pool is a major investment for Louisiana’s homeowners. Base costs start at $40,000 for vinyl pools and can go up to $100,000+ for custom gunite installations. Your final price depends a lot on what materials you choose. Concrete pools last longer but cost more to maintain, while fiberglass pools are quicker to install and cost less over time.
The size, shape, and extra features will reshape the scene in your backyard and affect your budget. Popular add-ons like tanning ledges, integrated spas, and LED lighting systems can add $1,000 to $20,000 to your project. Challenges specific to your property, such as tough soil conditions or limited access, might add unexpected costs of $2,000-$5,000 beyond your original quote.
Smart homeowners need to think about the complete ownership picture. Energy-efficient equipment costs more upfront but saves hundreds each year. Each material needs different levels of care, and concrete pools need the most attention as time goes by. Your insurance costs will likely go up $200-$300 yearly to get proper liability coverage.
We looked at all these factors and found that Louisiana pools are lifestyle investments more than financial ones. You’ll probably get back about 7% of your home’s value, but the real return comes from endless summer memories in your backyard oasis. Before starting your pool project, review both your current budget and future financial commitment. The best pool matches your dream features with practical needs and creates an enjoyable retreat without straining your finances for years ahead.
