Ballpark Lab

Pool Cost Calculator / California

California pool estimate

Inground Pool Cost in California (2026)

Building an inground pool in California runs roughly 35% above the national average on labor and materials, which we apply to the pool shell. With about a 12-month swim season and residential power around 33¢/kWh, per U.S. EIA data through April 2026, where you live shapes both the build price and what it costs to run.

A typical 400 sq ft gunite pool in California

20 ft × 20 ft, 5 ft average depth, standard (flat) excavation, no add-ons — a clean baseline before you customize.

Estimated all-in cost
$49k – $66k
Footprint
400 sq ft
Base shell
$57,400
Equipment + finish + dig
Midpoint
$57,400
Local labor
135%
vs. national baseline (100%)
  • Estimate for pre-qualification, not a quote; price varies by contractor, location, and season.

Last updated June 30, 2026

Gunite vs. fiberglass vs. vinyl in California

Same 400 sq ft pool, priced three ways with California's labor rates.

Gunite (concrete)
$49k – $66k
Fiberglass
$44k – $59k
Vinyl liner
$33k – $45k

Estimate your pool in California

Tell us about your pool

ft
ft
Estimated total cost
$64,976–$87,909
Build: 8-12 weeks
Low $65kMost likely ~$76,443High $88k
WHERE THE MONEY GOES · at ~$76,443
Shell & construction
$66,472
Excavation
$9,971
Then budget $1,600–$2,400/yr to run it.Upkeep costs →
iEstimate for pre-qualification, not a quote; price varies by contractor, location, and season.

Data: U.S. EIA · OpenEI URDB · Google Solar · NREL PVWatts · DSIRE · IRS · ENERGY STAR · industry surveys — see all sources

Already have a pool? Running costs in California hinge on the same local power price — see monthly maintenance and heating costs. Or head back to the national pool cost calculator.