How Much Does it Cost to Build a Pool in Texas?
Having a pool in Texas is like having a true oasis right in your own backyard. With the long summers and warm climate, a backyard pool is more than just a luxury — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. But before you dive in, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: How much does it cost to build a pool in Texas?
The answer depends on several key factors, including the type of pool, size, materials, custom features, and even where in Texas you live. At Maximum Pools, we specialize in designing and building custom gunite pools that suit both your vision and budget. In this blog, we’ll break down the major cost factors, explain different pool types, and help you understand what to expect when planning your investment.
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the average cost to build a pool in Texas.
The "It Depends" Factors - What Drives the Price?
Pool pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are multiple variables that affect the final cost of your project, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions that align with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. At Maximum Pools, we specialize in building high-quality gunite pools, but we also believe in helping you understand the full picture.
How much does a pool cost to build? Below, we break down the four biggest factors that influence the cost of an inground swimming pool, from the type of pool you choose to the unique features of your property.
Pool type
The type of pool you choose has one of the biggest impacts on your budget. Each pool type comes with different material costs, installation timelines, durability levels, and maintenance considerations. Here’s how the three main types compare:
Gunite/Concrete:
The gold standard for custom inground pools, gunite pools are our specialty. Gunite pools offer virtually unlimited design options in terms of shape, size, depth, and built-in features like tanning ledges or infinity edges. They’re also the most durable, capable of lasting decades with proper maintenance. Though this customization comes at a higher upfront cost and longer construction timeline, the longevity of your pool build is unbeatable.
Fiberglass:
A mid-range option in terms of both cost and installation time, fiberglass pools come pre-molded and are installed as a single shell. They’re quick to install (sometimes in as little as a week) and require less maintenance due to their smooth, non-porous surface. The trade-off is that you’re limited to the manufacturer’s available shapes and sizes, which makes it less customizable than other types.
Vinyl Liner:
Vinyl liner pools are the most budget-friendly option upfront. They’re customizable in shape and size (within reason), but the liner will need to be replaced every 5–10 years, adding to the long-term costs. They’re a solid choice for homeowners looking for a lower initial investment, though they typically don’t offer the same longevity or aesthetic value as gunite or fiberglass.
Size and shape
Bigger isn’t just better — it’s also more expensive. The overall size and complexity of your pool have a direct impact on material, labor, and equipment costs. A larger pool requires more excavation, plumbing, decking, and finishing materials. Likewise, irregular shapes or customized design elements like curves, beach entries, or deep-end diving areas can drive up the cost due to the additional labor and engineering involved.
With gunite pools, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity, but more intricate designs will come with a premium.
Site accessibility and ground conditions
Where you want to build your pool matters almost as much as what you want to build. Site accessibility and the condition of your soil can significantly influence the cost and complexity of your project.
If your backyard has limited access (think tight gates, steep slopes, or obstacles like retaining walls or trees), getting excavation equipment in and out becomes more challenging and labor-intensive. Similarly, ground conditions like rocky soil, high water tables, or unstable earth can require additional work such as grading, backfilling, or even engineering solutions like retaining walls or drainage systems.
At Maximum Pools, we perform a detailed site analysis before breaking ground, so you’ll understand any potential challenges upfront and can factor them into your cost to build a pool.
Material quality
Not all materials are created equal, and the choices you make (from tile and plaster to decking and lighting) can significantly influence the final price. Premium finishes like glass tile, exposed aggregate, or natural stone decking come at a higher cost but offer a luxurious aesthetic and long-lasting durability.
Choosing high-quality materials also tends to reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve the overall longevity of your pool.
Providing Realistic Cost Ranges for Texas
If you’re considering building a custom gunite pool in Texas, knowing what to expect in terms of cost can help you plan smarter and avoid sticker shock. The cost to build a pool depends heavily on the factors we covered earlier (pool type, size, site conditions, and material choices), but below, we’ll provide a realistic ballpark based on our extensive experience building in Texas.
General cost range for custom gunite pools in Texas
For most homeowners, a fully installed custom gunite pool in Texas typically falls between $80,000 and $150,000. That said, projects on the simpler side can start closer to $70,000, while high-end designs with luxury features, large footprints, or challenging site conditions can exceed $200,000.
This range includes excavation, framing, plumbing, electrical, shotcrete application, interior finish, decking, and startup, but can vary depending on upgrades and site-specific factors.
At the lower $70,000 end, you can enjoy a modest-sized gunite pool (approx. 12×24 feet) with a basic rectangular or geometric shape, with standard equipment and a single-speed pump, but no spa or water features.
At the higher $150,00 luxury range, you can enjoy a large or custom-shaped pool with complex geometry and premium finishes, a raised spa with spillover, and an infinity edge. Luxury pools also have high-end decking (travertine, natural stone) and complete automation, with smart controls for advanced filtration and heating systems.
Beyond the Price Tag: Understanding Value
When it comes to building a swimming pool, focusing solely on the initial price can be misleading. While a low bid might catch your eye, it often comes with hidden costs like poor workmanship, subpar materials, delays, and expensive repairs that arise down the road.
Why experience matters
Choosing an experienced, licensed, and insured contractor like Maximum Pools means you’re partnering with a team that understands the nuances of pool construction in Texas — from soil conditions to permitting requirements. Our decades of expertise span across all major pool types, ensuring your pool is not only beautiful but structurally sound and built to last.
Collaborative, custom design process
We don’t just build pools — we craft personalized backyard experiences. Our design process is collaborative and transparent, focusing on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Using detailed 3D renderings and careful planning, we make sure every detail meets your expectations, avoiding costly surprises later.
Commitment to quality materials and workmanship
From premium interior finishes and durable equipment to high-end decking materials, we use only trusted, top-quality products that stand up to Texas weather and wear. This commitment means fewer maintenance headaches and a pool that retains its beauty and function for decades.
With Maximum Pools, you’re investing in peace of mind, expert craftsmanship, and a pool that delivers lasting enjoyment — not just a price tag.
The Only Way to Get an Accurate Price
Every pool project is as unique as the homeowner behind it, and the true cost depends on many site-specific factors, from your yard’s layout and soil conditions to your design preferences and desired features. Because of this, the only way to get an accurate, reliable quote is through a personalized on-site consultation with our expert team at Maximum Pools.
During this visit, we’ll assess your property, discuss your vision and budget, and provide a detailed proposal tailored specifically to your needs, with the proposal and cost clearly laid out. At Maximum Pools, answering the question of how much does it cost to build a pool in Texas will always be clear, with no guesswork or surprises later down the line.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and start turning your backyard vision into reality:
