Cost of Outdoor Swimming Pool Construction in Ontario in 2026

Profile picture of editor Jessica Bellingem

Author: Jessica Bellingem
Content Writer, Former Landscaping Project Coordinator
Published: February 22, 2026

The cost of an outdoor inground swimming pool in Ontario ranges from $40,000 to $250,000 and is affected by pool type, size, features, and location. Vinyl liner pools start around $40,000 installed, fiberglass pools around $65,000, and concrete pools from $100,000 and up.

Key Factors That Influence Pool Costs:

  • Pool type (vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete inground)

  • Size and depth of the pool

  • Site excavation and soil conditions

  • Special features (heating, lighting, waterfalls, automation)

  • Pool decking and surrounding landscaping

  • Municipal permits and inspections

  • Seasonal maintenance and operating costs


Vinyl Liner Inground Pools

Vinyl liner pools feature a custom-dug hole with walls made of steel, aluminum, or polymer panels. A vinyl liner covers the interior surface. These pools offer design flexibility at a moderate price point and are the most common inground pool type in Ontario.

Cost Breakdown

Cost Component Materials Only Installed Cost Typical Pool Size Cost Expected Lifespan
Basic Installation $20,000 – $30,000 $40,000 – $65,000 12×24 ft (small) 25-30+ years (structure)
Mid-Range $30,000 – $45,000 $65,000 – $90,000 16×32 ft (medium) 25-30+ years (structure)
Large/Custom $45,000 – $60,000 $90,000 – $120,000+ 20×40 ft (large) 25-30+ years (structure)
Liner Replacement $3,000 – $5,000 $4,000 – $7,000 Every 7-12 years 7-12 years (liner only)

Pros

  • Lower initial cost than fiberglass or concrete
  • Smooth surface is gentle on feet
  • Wide variety of patterns and colors
  • Customizable shapes and sizes
  • Less algae growth than concrete
  • Quick installation (2-4 weeks)

Cons

  • Liner replacement needed every 7-12 years
  • Can tear or puncture
  • Fading over time from sun exposure
  • Seams are visible
  • Not as durable as other options
  • Cold water can cause shrinkage

Best for: Homeowners wanting customization at a moderate price point who don’t mind periodic liner replacements.


Fiberglass Inground Pools

Fiberglass pools arrive as a pre-molded shell manufactured off-site. The one-piece unit is craned into an excavated hole and set in place. Installation is faster than other inground types and the smooth gelcoat surface resists algae.

Cost Breakdown

Cost Component Materials Only Installed Cost Typical Pool Size Cost Expected Lifespan
Small Pool $25,000 – $40,000 $65,000 – $85,000 10×20 to 12×24 ft 30+ years
Medium Pool $35,000 – $50,000 $80,000 – $110,000 14×28 to 16×32 ft 30+ years
Large Pool $45,000 – $65,000 $100,000 – $130,000 16×36 to 18×40 ft 30+ years

Pros

  • Fastest installation (1-2 weeks)
  • Lowest maintenance of all pool types
  • Smooth non-porous surface resists algae
  • Extremely durable and flexible
  • No liner replacements needed
  • Lower chemical usage
  • Good for Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles

Cons

  • Limited shapes and sizes (only pre-made molds)
  • Higher upfront cost than vinyl
  • Transportation challenges for remote areas
  • Cannot customize depth after manufacturing
  • Wide load permits needed for delivery
  • Gelcoat may need refinishing after 15-20 years

Best for: Homeowners prioritizing low maintenance and quick installation who can work within standard shapes.


Concrete (Gunite/Shotcrete) Inground Pools

Concrete pools are fully customizable structures built on-site using gunite or shotcrete sprayed over a steel rebar frame. The surface is finished with plaster, aggregate, or tile. These pools offer unlimited design possibilities but require the most maintenance.

Cost Breakdown

Cost Component Materials Only Installed Cost Typical Pool Size Cost Expected Lifespan
Basic Concrete Pool $45,000 – $70,000 $100,000 – $150,000 14×28 ft standard 50+ years (structure)
Custom Design $70,000 – $110,000 $150,000 – $200,000 16×32 ft with features 50+ years (structure)
Luxury/Complex $110,000+ $200,000 – $250,000+ 20×40 ft+ custom shapes 50+ years (structure)
Replastering $5,000 – $8,000 $6,000 – $15,000 Every 10-15 years 10-15 years (surface)

Pros

  • Unlimited shape and size options
  • Can create any depth
  • Most durable structure
  • Highest property value increase
  • Can incorporate complex features
  • Can add beach entries and tanning ledges
  • Longest structural lifespan

Cons

  • Highest upfront cost
  • Longest installation time (8-12 weeks)
  • Rough surface requires more chemicals
  • Replastering needed every 10-15 years
  • Highest maintenance requirements
  • More prone to algae growth
  • Most expensive to heat

Best for: Homeowners wanting a fully custom design who can commit to higher maintenance and costs.


Pool Size and Depth

Pool dimensions significantly impact total cost. Larger pools require more excavation, materials, water, chemicals, and energy to maintain.

Common Pool Sizes and Price Ranges:

  • 12×24 ft (Small): $40,000 – $75,000 installed. Good for small yards and limited swimmers. Holds approximately 10,800 gallons at 4 ft average depth.

  • 14×28 ft (Medium): $50,000 – $90,000 installed. Accommodates 4-6 swimmers comfortably. Holds approximately 14,700 gallons at 4.5 ft average depth.

  • 16×32 ft (Standard): $60,000 – $110,000 installed. Most popular size for Ontario families. Holds approximately 19,200 gallons at 5 ft average depth.

  • 18×36 ft (Large): $75,000 – $130,000 installed. Suitable for entertaining and swimming laps. Holds approximately 24,300 gallons at 5 ft average depth.

  • 20×40 ft (Extra Large): $90,000 – $150,000+ installed. Luxury size for large properties. Holds approximately 30,000 gallons at 5.5 ft average depth.

Depth also affects cost. Standard pools range from 3.5 to 6 feet deep. Diving pools require 8-10 feet minimum depth and cost $15,000 to $30,000 more due to additional excavation and structural requirements.


Special Features and Add-Ons

Pool heaters extend the swimming season in Ontario’s climate from May through September or even October.

Gas Heaters: $1,500 – $6,000 installed. Heat pools quickly but cost $3-7 per hour to operate. Best for occasional use or rapid heating.

Electric Heat Pumps: $2,000 – $7,000 installed. Most energy-efficient option, delivering 3-5 units of heat per unit of electricity. Operating costs $0.50 – $1.00 per hour. Work best when temperatures are above 10°C.

Solar Heating: $3,000 – $8,000 installed. Free to operate after installation but requires adequate sun exposure and roof space. Extends season modestly in Ontario’s climate.

Basic Incandescent Lights: $300 – $700 per light installed. Higher operating costs and shorter lifespan.

LED Pool Lights: $700 – $1,500 per light installed. Color-changing LED systems cost $1,500 – $3,000 for a complete setup. Energy-efficient and last 10+ years.

Fiber Optic Lighting: $2,000 – $5,000 installed. Creates dramatic effects but requires more maintenance.

Basic Spillover: $1,500 – $4,000. Simple water flow from raised spa or ledge.

Rock Waterfalls: $5,000 – $15,000. Natural-looking rock formations with cascading water.

Custom Water Features: $15,000 – $25,000+. Includes grottos, rain curtains, deck jets, and bubblers.

Traditional Chlorine: $0 additional upfront cost. Ongoing chemical costs $50-80 per month or $600-960 annually.

Saltwater System: $1,200 – $2,500 installed for salt chlorinator. Ongoing costs $20-40 per month or $240-480 annually. Salt cell replacement needed every 3-7 years at $400-700.

Saltwater systems cost more upfront but save on chemicals over time. They produce softer-feeling water and eliminate chlorine storage.

Safety covers protect pools and reduce heating costs by retaining warmth and preventing debris.

Manual Safety Covers: $1,200 – $3,000 installed. Require physical effort to open and close.

Automatic/Retractable Covers: $8,000 – $20,000 installed. Operate with a switch and offer convenience and safety. Most popular option for families with children.

Winter Covers: $200 – $800. Basic tarps for seasonal protection.

Decking provides safe access around the pool and defines the entertainment space.

Concrete/Poured: $5 – $10 per sq ft installed. Durable but can crack in Ontario winters.

Interlocking Pavers: $18 – $22 per sq ft installed in Ontario. Popular choice for freeze-thaw climates. Non-slip and attractive.

Natural Stone: $20 – $40 per sq ft installed. Premium option with excellent durability.

Wood/Composite Decking: $15 – $35 per sq ft installed. Warm aesthetic but requires more maintenance.

A typical 400-500 sq ft deck adds $7,200 – $11,000 to total project costs using interlocking pavers.


Permits and Municipal Bylaws in Ontario

Every municipality in Ontario requires permits for pool enclosure fences. Building permits for the pool structure itself vary by location. Expect 4-8 weeks for permit approval.

General Ontario Requirements:

  • Fences typically 1.2-1.5 meters (4-5 feet) minimum height

  • Self-closing, self-latching gates required

  • Climbable objects restricted near fence

  • Setbacks usually 1.2 meters from property lines

  • Inspection required before filling pool

  • Fines up to $5,000 for non-compliance


Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Pool maintenance includes chemicals, cleaning, utilities, and seasonal opening and closing.

Ontario Winterization Specifics

Ontario’s harsh winters require proper pool winterization. Frost penetrates 3-4 feet deep across most of the province, reaching 1.2 meters (building code minimum) in southern regions.

Winterization includes:

  • Lowering water below return lines

  • Blowing out all plumbing lines

  • Adding antifreeze to lines and skimmers

  • Removing and storing equipment

  • Installing winter cover

  • Adding winterizing chemicals

Pool lines and equipment must be protected below frost line. Failure to properly winterize can result in burst pipes, cracked pool shells, and equipment damage costing $2,000 – $10,000+ to repair.

Professional winterization: $200 – $450 for inground pools.

Spring opening reverses the process and includes system checks, equipment reinstallation, water balancing, and initial shocking. Professional opening: $150 – $350.

Comparison Table

Pool Type Initial Cost Lifespan Annual Maintenance Durability Installation Time
Vinyl Liner Inground $40,000 – $120,000 25-30+ years $1,300 – $2,000 Medium 2-4 weeks
Fiberglass Inground $65,000 – $130,000 30+ years $800 – $1,500 High 1-2 weeks
Concrete Inground $100,000 – $250,000+ 50+ years $2,000 – $3,500 Highest 8-12 weeks

Annual Maintenance: $1,300 – $2,000

  • Chemicals: $300 – $500 per season

  • Professional opening: $150 – $300

  • Professional closing/winterizing: $200 – $400

  • Electricity (pump): $600 – $900 annually ($2-3 per day)

  • Water: $50 – $100 to fill/top up

  • Equipment repairs: $200 – $400 average

Vinyl pools need liner replacement every 7-12 years at $4,000 – $7,000.

Annual Maintenance: $800 – $1,500

  • Chemicals: $200 – $400 per season (uses less than other types)

  • Professional opening: $150 – $300

  • Professional closing/winterizing: $200 – $400

  • Electricity (pump): $500 – $800 annually

  • Water: $50 – $100

  • Equipment repairs: $150 – $300 average

Lowest maintenance pool type. Gelcoat may need refinishing after 15-20 years at $3,000 – $8,000.

Annual Maintenance: $2,000 – $3,500

  • Chemicals: $500 – $800 per season (rough surface requires more)

  • Professional opening: $200 – $350

  • Professional closing/winterizing: $250 – $450

  • Electricity (pump): $700 – $1,100 annually

  • Water: $75 – $125

  • Acid washing: $300 – $600 every 2-3 years

  • Equipment repairs: $300 – $500 average

Replastering needed every 10-15 years at $6,000 – $15,000.