How Much Does an Inground Pool Cost in St. Louis?

If you’ve ever daydreamed about walking into your backyard and straight into a resort-style pool, you’re not alone. For many homeowners in the St. Louis area, investing in an inground pool is about creating a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy life without ever leaving home.

But let’s get to the real question: how much does an inground pool cost in St. Louis? The short answer? It depends. So let’s dig deeper.

At Elevate Pools, we believe in being transparent about the pool-building process, especially when it comes to cost. This article will help you understand what goes into pricing an inground pool, what kind of investment you can expect, and how to make sure that investment delivers serious value.

What Impacts the Cost of an Inground Pool in St. Louis?

The price of your pool isn’t just about the hole in the ground, it’s about how you want to live around it.

Here are the biggest cost drivers:

• Pool type: Gunite (custom concrete) vs. fiberglass (pre-formed shell)
  
• Size & complexity: Larger footprints, complex shapes, or specialty depths raise the budget
  
• Site conditions: Backyard access, slope, soil composition, and city permitting all play a role
  
• Add-ons: Spas, sun shelves, fire features, slides, automation, lighting, etc.
  
• Decking material: Pavers vs. poured concrete
  
• Landscaping & finishes: Hardscaping, fencing, and plantings round out the investment
  

We’re here to help you understand pool construction costs explained from day one—no surprises.

Typical Range:

• Fiberglass pools: $100,000–$150,000+
  
• Gunite pools: $150,000–$300,000+ depending on design, materials, and features

Fiberglass Pools: Streamlined Simplicity, Lower Upfront Cost

If you’re looking for a faster install and a more streamlined option, fiberglass may be a great fit. These are pre-formed shells that come in standard sizes and shapes—think of them like installing a beautiful pool “insert” into your yard.

Average Cost: $100K–$150K+

Fiberglass pools are typically the most budget-friendly option when you’re comparing inground pool cost in St. Louis. But that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in beauty or function.

Why clients choose fiberglass:

• Fastest install timeline (ideal for people who want to be swimming ASAP)
  
• Lower maintenance due to the gelcoat surface
  
• Can still include nice features like bubblers, lights, and tanning ledges

The tradeoff? Limited customization. With fiberglass pools, you’re working with a fixed lineup of shell shapes—there’s no altering the structure. While you can add fun features, you’re still confined to the mold.

For homeowners who want a beautiful pool without all the bells, whistles, or complexity, this can be a great fit.

Gunite Pools: Tailored Luxury, Built for Life

If you want a pool that feels like it was designed just for you, because it was, gunite is the gold standard. These pools are completely custom-built using a reinforced steel framework and sprayed concrete.

Average Cost: $150K and up

The price goes up, but so does the potential for unlimited design freedom.

Why clients love gunite:

• You can dream big: custom shaped pools, sunken spas, built-in benches
  
• Infinite options for tanning ledges, zero-entry, waterfalls, fire features
  
• Integrated spas, custom steps, or bar seating
  
• Finish options like PebbleTec or quartz aggregate bring texture and longevity
  

And the durability? It’s unmatched. The gunite shell lasts for decades, and finish layers typically hold up for 10–15 years before needing refinishing.

Poured Concrete vs. Pavers: Don’t Skip the Surroundings

One of the most overlooked cost factors is what goes around the pool.In St. Louis, climate plays a big role here.

Why pavers are better than poured concrete:

Concrete will crack, it’s just a matter of time. Between freeze-thaw cycles and natural ground movement, shifting and fracturing are inevitable.

When that happens, repairs can be a major hassle. With poured concrete, a single crack might mean tearing out and repouring an entire section.

Pavers, on the other hand, make repairs simple. If there’s damage, you can just lift and replace the affected stones—no heavy equipment, no big repair bills.

And let’s be real: pavers look amazing. The range of shapes, tones, and textures allows you to complement your pool design perfectly, and enhance the luxury look you’re going for.

Choosing What’s Right for You

At Elevate, we don’t believe in “standard.” We believe in aligning your investment with your lifestyle.

Choose fiberglass if you want:

• A fast, straightforward install
  
• A simpler design with less decision fatigue
  
• A lower upfront investment
  

Choose gunite if you want:

• A pool as unique as your home
  
• Ultimate flexibility in shape, depth, and features
  
• Long-term value and design impact

Let’s Talk About Your Backyard

Still not sure which is right for you? That’s what we’re here for. We start with a no-pressure consultation to talk through what matters to you—then guide you through a fully customized design and quote process.

Want to get started? Begin your quote here. Let’s bring your dream backyard to life.