If you’re a Jacksonville homeowner thinking about building a pool, the first question on your mind is probably: how much is this actually going to cost?
The honest answer is that it depends — but that’s not helpful on its own. In this guide, we’ll break down real pricing for new inground pool construction in Jacksonville, what drives costs up or down, and what you should expect at different budget levels. No vague ranges. No bait-and-switch starting prices that only apply to the most basic builds imaginable.
What Does a New Pool Cost in Jacksonville?
For a custom concrete inground pool in Jacksonville, FL, here’s a realistic breakdown by budget tier:
| Budget Range | What You’re Getting |
|---|---|
| $60,000 – $90,000 | Entry-level custom concrete pool, standard finishes, basic equipment package, minimal decking |
| $90,000 – $130,000 | Pool + integrated spa, paver decking, upgraded equipment, LED lighting, screen enclosure ready |
| $130,000 – $200,000 | Larger or complex custom build, premium finishes, water features, fire features, outdoor kitchen, full enclosure |
| $200,000+ | High-end custom design, large footprint, all the extras, premium everything |
The majority of new pool builds in Jacksonville land between $90,000 and $150,000 for a complete backyard setup. If someone quotes you $40,000–$50,000 for a custom inground concrete pool, ask a lot of questions — that number almost always excludes decking, permits, equipment, or other costs that add up fast.
What Type of Pool Are We Talking About?
Not all pools are created equal, and the type of construction makes a significant difference in cost, durability, and long-term value.
Concrete (Gunite/Shotcrete): The most durable and customizable option. Fully custom shapes, sizes, and depths. Higher upfront cost but longer lifespan and better resale value. This is what Scott’s Pools & Spas builds exclusively.
Fiberglass: Pre-manufactured shell dropped into an excavated hole. Faster to install and lower upfront cost, but limited in shape and size. Can have issues with ground movement in Florida’s sandy soil over time.
Vinyl Liner: Lowest upfront cost, but liners need replacing every 7–15 years. Less common in Florida for new builds.
If you’re investing $60,000+, concrete is almost always the right long-term choice for a Florida homeowner. The flexibility in design and the durability over decades outweighs the higher starting price.
What Affects Pool Cost the Most?
1. Size
The single biggest driver of cost. A 12×24 pool and a 16×36 pool are completely different projects in terms of excavation, steel, concrete, decking, and equipment. Every extra square foot adds cost.
2. Features and Add-Ons
This is where budgets expand the most. Common add-ons and their rough cost impact:
- Integrated spa: +$10,000–$20,000
- Sun shelf / tanning ledge: +$3,000–$6,000
- Water features (sheer descents, scuppers, bubblers): +$2,000–$8,000 depending on quantity
- Fire features: +$3,000–$8,000
- Screen enclosure: +$10,000–$25,000 depending on size
- Outdoor kitchen: +$15,000–$40,000+
- Paver decking: +$10,000–$20,000 depending on square footage
None of these are required, but most homeowners end up adding at least a few once they see how they transform the finished space.
3. Interior Finish
The surface finish inside the pool bowl affects both cost and aesthetics. Basic plaster is the most affordable. Pebble aggregate and quartz finishes cost more but look better, last longer, and feel better underfoot. Expect to pay $5,000–$15,000 more for a premium interior finish over standard plaster.
4. Equipment
The pump, filter, heater, automation system, and salt system are the mechanical heart of your pool. A basic package gets the job done. A premium Pentair or Jandy automation system lets you control your pool from your phone, heat to specific temperatures, and program lighting scenes — and it’s worth every penny for Jacksonville’s year-round pool season. Budget $8,000–$15,000 for a solid equipment package.
5. Site Conditions
Jacksonville’s sandy soil is generally favorable for pool construction, but your specific property matters. A sloped yard, mature trees, limited access for excavation equipment, or a high water table can all add cost. Most contractors (including us) evaluate site conditions during the consultation before giving a final proposal.
6. Permits and Engineering
This is a cost most people don’t think about upfront. Florida requires stamped engineering plans and permits from your county before a shovel touches the ground. Permit fees vary by county — Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns all have slightly different processes and timelines. Budget approximately $3,000–$6,000 for permitting and engineering on a typical residential build.
Ongoing Costs to Budget For
The build price is just the beginning. Here’s what to expect after your pool is complete:
Monthly costs:
- Electricity (pump, heater, lighting): $80–$200/month depending on usage and equipment efficiency
- Chemicals: $50–$100/month if you maintain it yourself; $150–$300/month for a weekly service
Annual costs:
- Routine maintenance and equipment checks: $300–$600/year
- Equipment repairs or replacements as needed
Long-term:
- Interior resurfacing every 10–20 years depending on finish type: $8,000–$20,000
- Equipment replacement (pumps, heaters) every 7–15 years
Over 20 years, a Jacksonville pool owner typically spends $40,000–$80,000 in maintenance and operating costs on top of the build price. Factor this into your overall investment decision.
Why Quotes Vary So Widely
You might get three quotes for the same pool and see prices ranging from $65,000 to $130,000. Here’s why:
Scope differences: The lowest quote often excludes items the higher quotes include — decking, screen enclosure, premium equipment. Always compare what’s actually in each proposal line by line.
Material choices: The difference between standard plaster and pebble finish, basic equipment and premium automation, or concrete pavers and basic cool deck adds up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Builder overhead and experience: A solo owner-operator with low overhead prices differently than a large company with multiple crews, a showroom, and a marketing budget. Neither is automatically better or worse — but understand what you’re paying for.
What’s left out: Some contractors quote a low number to win the job and add change orders throughout the build. Ask every contractor how they handle scope changes and what triggers additional costs.
What You Get With Scott’s Pools & Spas
At Scott’s Pools & Spas, new pool builds start at $60,000 and our most popular Signature Build Package — a saltwater pool with integrated spa, paver decking, and full Pentair equipment — starts at $90,000.
Every proposal we provide is fully itemized. No vague lump-sum pricing, no mystery line items, and no change orders that weren’t discussed upfront. Scott personally handles design, permitting, on-site oversight, and final walkthrough — so the person you talk to on day one is the same person handing you the keys when your pool is complete.
We build in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns County. If you’re ready to talk through what a build would look like for your property and budget, contact us here for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a pool in Jacksonville?
From permit approval to a filled pool, typically 2–3 months. The permitting phase itself varies by county and can add additional weeks. Total timeline from signed contract to swimming is generally 4–6 months.
Is a pool a good investment in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville’s climate makes a pool usable 10–11 months of the year, which is about as favorable as it gets in the US. A well-built pool typically adds 5–8% to home value in Florida markets, though this varies by neighborhood and pool quality.
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Jacksonville?
Yes — always. Any contractor willing to build without permits is a major red flag. Permits protect you, ensure the work meets code, and matter when you sell your home.
What’s the cheapest way to build a pool in Jacksonville?
Keep it simple — smaller footprint, standard finishes, basic equipment, minimal features. A straightforward concrete pool with no extras can be done starting around $60,000. Just make sure you’re not trading short-term savings for long-term headaches.
Can I finance a new pool?
Yes. Scott’s Pools & Spas works with Lyon Financial and HFS Financial for new pool construction financing. See our financing page for details and direct application links.
Scott’s Pools & Spas is a licensed Florida pool contractor (CPC1460880) serving Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns County. We specialize exclusively in new pool construction.