Price by pool type and size
| Type | Small (up to about 12x26) | Medium (about 14x30–35) | Large (16x36–40) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $52,000–68,000 | $63,000–82,000 | $70,000–95,000 |
| Vinyl liner | $40,000–58,000 | $50,000–72,000 | $60,000–88,000 |
| Gunite / concrete | $56,000–82,000 | $68,000–105,000 | $85,000–140,000 |
Our ranges for a finished pool with pump, filter, coping and start-up. Fiberglass is anchored to a Breaux Bridge builder's published installed prices; gunite and vinyl lean on local permit values and national guides. Checked November 2026. A wider deck, a fence and the extras below are separate. The builder who walks your yard sets the real number.
What local builders have put in writing
- Fiberglass, Breaux Bridge: 122 shells installed from $51,900 (a 14x8 plunge model) to $86,900; most 30–40 ft models sit between $64,900 and $79,900 (Acadiana Pools). That figure covers stone coping, waterline tile, a 3 ft concrete border, automatic chlorination, up to $1,000 of electrical, taxes and permit fees.
- Gunite, same builder: custom projects "start" at $55,900 (Acadiana Pools).
- Gunite, Scott: Bella Pool Services lists typical jobs of $60,000–150,000 (Houzz).
- Permits pulled: Sabine Pools' custom gunite permits in Lafayette Parish and Lake Charles in 2022–23 were valued around $72,000–118,000 (BuildZoom).
Add-ons and what they run
| Add-on | Range | Why it varies |
|---|---|---|
| Raised or attached spa | $12,000–30,000 (estimate) | Far cheaper built with the pool than added later |
| Wider deck, 600–800 sq ft | $5,000–15,000 | Broom-finish concrete is cheapest; pavers and stamped cost more (Fixr) |
| Fence with self-latching gate | $3,000–10,000 | Aluminum runs about $15–35 a foot installed (Fixr) |
| Screen enclosure | $12,000–30,000 (estimate) | Rare here; Fixr's typical range is $10,000–30,000 (Fixr) |
| Heat pump or gas heater, wired | $4,000–8,000 (estimate) | Units $2,000–4,500 before the circuit (River Pools) |
| Salt chlorine generator | $1,500–3,000 | This Old House: $1,100–2,200 (TOH); some packages include automatic chlorination |
| Permits, site plan, survey | $300–1,500 (estimate) | Sometimes already inside a builder's price |
| Wet dig: pumps and stone | $1,000–5,000 (estimate) | Worst in winter on low, flat lots |
| Hauling the dirt away | $1,000–4,000 (estimate) | Likely on floodplain lots under zero net fill |
Why two Lafayette quotes can differ by $20,000
- What's "included". One price may carry permits, tax and a border deck; another may be the pool alone. Line them up item by item.
- The spoil. A 15x30 pool leaves a big pile of dirt. In a mapped floodplain, LCG's zero net fill rule means you can't simply raise the yard with it (LCG).
- Water in the hole. Silty, slow-draining ground can mean pumps running for days in a wet month.
- Getting machines in. Tight side yards in older Lafayette neighborhoods mean smaller equipment and more labor.
Financing
Unsecured pool loans generally run 2–7 years at 6–36% APR by credit score; home equity loans and lines of credit cost less and run longer but are secured by the house (NerdWallet). Several builders here work with lenders. No utility or state rebate applies to a residential pool.
Checklist for comparing bids
- Same dimensions, depth, interior finish and coping on each
- Deck square footage, and whether permits and sales tax are in
- Who pays if the hole fills with water, and where the dirt goes
- Relief valve in the main drain, equipment brands, electrical run
- LSLBC license number, payment schedule and warranty on paper
Sources & further reading
- Acadiana Pools: fiberglass models and installed prices (checked Nov 2026). 122 models, $51,900–86,900 installed
- Acadiana Pools: custom gunite starting point. From $55,900
- Houzz: Bella Pool Services, Scott. Typical jobs $60,000–150,000
- BuildZoom: Sabine Pools permit values, 2022–23. Lafayette Parish and Lake Charles gunite
- This Old House: inground pool prices (Jun 2025). Vinyl ranges and add-ons
- Fixr: pool fence, deck and enclosure costs
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.