HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A POOL IN MARYLAND?
Updated: January 2025
As pool builders for over 83 years, it's safe to say that the number one question we get is, "How much does it cost to build a pool?" Unfortunately, this question is difficult to answer because every project is unique. However, we understand that budgeting and financing can be challenging without some idea of the costs involved. From our experience, we've found that most of our base pool packages for 2024 and continuing into 2025—regardless of the pool type—start at $100,000.
It's not uncommon to hear homeowners throw out numbers such as $50,000 - $60,000, but
an accurate budget for any inground swimming pool project must also include the components surrounding the pool.
At Browning, we aim to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of the total cost of their project, not just the swimming pool itself.
To help with planning, we have compiled a list of the top five hidden costs associated with any pool project that you need to be aware of. The size and scope of your particular project will determine where you fall within the ranges given below.
1 / FENCING
For safety reasons, a fence is legally required around the perimeter of all pools and should be included in your initial budget.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $8,000 - $12,000
2 / ELECTRICAL
Every swimming pool requires electricity, which should be factored into your initial budget. The extent of electrical work will depend on the project's scope.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $7,000 - $9,000
3 / SITE WORK
Every backyard requires some level of site work, starting with property access, dirt hauling, and removal, which may include tree removal if necessary. The presence of slopes can increase these costs. In such cases, retaining walls may be needed, and if the slope is particularly steep, terraced retaining walls might be required, pushing the total cost toward the higher end of the budget. When we evaluate your property, we can assess the specific site work needed.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $7,000 - $10,000; this number can increase significantly if severe sloping is present.
4 / PATIO
It's important to consider the type of patio you would like to surround your pool, concrete being the most economical. Many pool builders often exclude any patio option from their base pool package. Here at Browning, we include 500 sq. ft. of concrete in all of our base pool packages. That being said, most homeowners opt to add more patio space around their pool.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $10,000-$14,000
5 / PERMITTING FEES
The days of $500 permitting fees are gone in most counties. Depending on where you live, obtaining a permit for your project can take longer and cost more, with some counties even requiring an engineered certified site stamp survey.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $2,500 - $7,500
6 / WATER
Isn't this a no-brainer? Yet, we are always surprised when water isn't included in a proposal.
BUDGET ALLOWANCE: $2,000 - $3,000
So, to answer the question, "How much does it cost to build a swimming pool?" Start with a budget of $100,000 and make sure that whoever you talk to about building a pool includes everything needed for a complete project.
Ready to get the ball rolling?