Estimated prices by type and size
| Type | Small (about 12x24) | Medium (about 14x28) | Large (16x36 and up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $44,000–62,000 | $56,000–80,000 | $70,000–105,000 |
| Vinyl liner | $36,000–50,000 | $44,000–64,000 | $54,000–82,000 |
| Gunite | $52,000–75,000 | $66,000–100,000 | $85,000–140,000 |
These are our estimates for the shell or structure, pump, filter, coping and start-up. We built them from This Old House, River Pools and Fixr (2025–2026) and set them against Bay County pool-permit values from 2025. Checked November 2026. Decking, enclosure, fence and permits are priced on their own. A site visit sets the real number.
What 79 local pool permits show
| Builder (as listed) | Permits, Jan + Aug 2025 | Declared values |
|---|---|---|
| Pools on the Gulf (Blue Haven) | 17 | $46,000–111,925 |
| Cox Pools | 8 | $40,000–91,293 |
| Palm Bay Pools | 5 | $55,000–99,700 |
| Southern Blue Pool/Spa | 5 | $90,800–142,400 |
| Neway Pools | 4 | $75,165–109,565 |
| Southern Poolscapes | 2 | $119,000–194,000 |
| Gilbertson Pools (liner) | 2 | $47,900–51,050 |
From the January 2025 and August 2025 Bay County permit reports, unincorporated county only (city permits are separate). The value is what the contractor filed and may exclude the deck or cage. Listing a firm here is not a recommendation.
Add-ons and what they run
| Add-on | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spa built with the pool | $12,000–30,000 (estimate) | Far cheaper during the build than later |
| Deck, 600–800 sq ft | $6,000–16,000 (estimate) | Broom-finish concrete costs least; pavers and travertine more (Fixr) |
| Fence and self-closing gates | $3,000–10,000 | Aluminum fencing runs about $15–35 a foot (Fixr) |
| Screen enclosure (pool cage) | $14,000–38,000 (estimate) | Fixr's typical is $10,000–30,000 (Fixr); our 130–140 mph wind zone pushes it up |
| Heat pump or gas heater | $4,000–8,000 (estimate) | Heat pump units $2,000–4,500 before wiring (River Pools) |
| Salt chlorine generator | $1,500–3,000 | This Old House lists $1,100–2,200 (TOH) |
| Permit, survey, recorded notice | $600–2,000 (estimate) | Fees vary by office; flood-zone lots may need engineering |
| Wet lot: dewatering the dig | $1,000–5,000 (estimate) | Settled once the hole is open |
Why a Bay County price moves
- The cage. Many owners here want a screen enclosure for bugs, leaves and as the safety barrier. It can add as much as a mid-size deck.
- Groundwater. Flatwoods sand can be wet a foot or two down for months (USDA), so the crew may pump while they work.
- Flood zones. Beach-side and bayou lots can need an engineered flood design under the county packet (Form B53).
- Access. Tight side yards and fenced subdivisions mean smaller machines and more hand work.
Ways to pay
NerdWallet puts pool loans at roughly 2–7 years and 6–36% APR, depending on credit; a HELOC or home equity loan is cheaper but secured by the house (NerdWallet). Florida has no pool rebate, so be wary of any ad that offers one.
Lining up two bids
- Same shell size, depth, finish and equipment brand on both
- Screen cage: engineered for our wind zone, and who pulls its permit
- Who pumps the hole if it fills, and at whose cost
- Relief valve in the main drain
- Deck square footage, electrical run, permit fees, cleanup and start-up spelled out
- CPC license number, draw schedule and warranty in writing
Sources & further reading
- Bay County permit report, January 2025. 46 residential pool permits and their valuations
- Bay County permit report, August 2025. 33 residential pool permits and their valuations
- This Old House: inground pool cost (Jun 2025). Type and size ranges; salt and deck
- River Pools: what a fiberglass pool really costs (Dec 2025). Heat pump and package items
- Fixr: enclosure, fence and pool deck costs. Add-on prices
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.