Updated June 2026 · Local pricing for the Winston-Salem metro area
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Prices estimated using the NailThePrice Local Cost Model™ — national averages adjusted for Winston-Salem's labor rates, cost of living, and material pricing.
The cost to install an inground pool in Winston-Salem ranges from $32,480 to $88,160, with most homeowners paying around $60,320. Your actual cost depends on several factors specific to your home and the Winston-Salem market.
Each additional 100 square feet of pool surface adds roughly $5,000–$10,000 in materials and labor. Custom shapes, beach entries, and tanning ledges cost more than rectangular pools to form, plumb, and finish.
Concrete (gunite/shotcrete) is the most expensive and most customizable, typically $50K–$100K+. Vinyl-liner pools are the most affordable at $35K–$65K but need a new liner every 7–12 years. Fiberglass shells fall in between at $45K–$85K and install fastest.
Rocky soil, high water tables, sloped lots, or limited backyard access (no gate wide enough for an excavator) can add $3,000–$15,000+ to excavation. Hauling spoil offsite vs. spreading it on-property also affects cost.
Concrete decking starts around $8–$15 per square foot; pavers and stamped concrete run $18–$35+. A typical 800–square-foot patio surround adds $10,000–$25,000 on top of the pool itself.
Heaters, saltwater systems, automation, LED lighting, waterfalls, and spa attachments each add $1,500–$10,000+. Variable-speed pumps cost more upfront but pay back in energy savings within 2–3 years.
The South generally offers lower labor costs, though fast-growing metro areas are seeing rates climb. Year-round building seasons mean more consistent pricing and availability.
Budget $184–$1380 for permits and inspections. Your contractor typically handles the permit process, but confirm this upfront.
Hiring a pro? Make sure they're properly licensed — see how to get licensed as a pool contractor in North Carolina.
Mild climates offer one of the longest practical swim seasons in the country, and many homeowners skip the heater entirely or add a low-cost solar system. Year-round construction is feasible, so excavation crews and pool builders are available without the spring rush you'd see in colder regions.
This project requires a licensed professional in Winston-Salem. Attempting inground pool installation without proper licensing can void insurance and create serious safety hazards.
Compare licensed, insured contractors serving Winston-Salem.
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The average cost to install an inground pool in Winston-Salem ranges from $32,480 to $88,160, with most homeowners paying around $60,320. This estimate includes both labor ($30,160) and materials ($30,160). Costs in Winston-Salem are lower than the national average due to local cost of living and labor market conditions. Get multiple quotes from licensed Winston-Salem contractors to lock in the best price.
Yes, Winston-Salem typically requires a permit for inground pool installation. Budget $184–$1380 for permit fees and expect 1–2 weeks for approval. Your contractor typically handles the permit application. Working without a required permit can void warranties and create problems when selling your home.
Most inground pool installation projects in Winston-Salem take 30–90 days to complete. The timeline depends on project scope, contractor availability in the Winston-Salem metro area, and seasonal demand. Scheduling during Winston-Salem's off-peak season (typically winter months) can reduce wait times and may lower costs.
Most inground pools take 6–12 weeks from groundbreaking to swim-ready, though permitting and design can add another 1–3 months on the front end. Fiberglass shells install fastest (often 2–4 weeks), vinyl-liner pools take 4–6 weeks, and gunite/concrete pools run 8–12+ weeks because the shell has to cure before plaster, tile, and decking.
It depends heavily on your climate and neighborhood. In warm-climate markets where pools are expected (Phoenix, Miami, Las Vegas), a quality inground pool can recover 50–70% of its cost at resale and significantly speed up the sale. In cold-climate markets where pools are unusual, you may recover only 20–40% — build for personal enjoyment, not as an investment.