Summary:
What Does Inground Pool Installation Actually Cost in Long Island NY
Inground pool installation costs in New York range from $20,000 to $195,000, with the national average being $35,000, but Long Island presents unique challenges that often push costs higher. As of 2025, average inground pool installation costs range from $25,000 to $100,000, though luxury installations routinely exceed these figures.
The wide range isn’t just marketing speak—it reflects real differences in materials, size, site conditions, and features. On average, inground pool installation runs between $44,500 and $87,500, with a national average of around $66,000, though basic pools can go for as little as $30,000 while luxury custom jobs easily top $140,000.
Your location within Nassau County or Suffolk County matters more than you might think. Ground conditions in Suffolk and Nassau Counties can affect excavation costs, with rocky soil or high water tables adding to the project’s complexity.
Breaking Down Pool Installation Costs by Material Type
The material you choose for your inground swimming pool installation drives a significant portion of your total cost, but it also determines your long-term expenses and maintenance headaches.
Vinyl inground pools cost $25,000 to $65,000 with installation, making them the most budget-friendly option upfront. However, vinyl pool liners cost $3,000 to $7,500 for inground pools and should be replaced every 10 years. Vinyl pools are cheaper and easier to install but are susceptible to algae, and they’re not the best choice if you have pets or sharp pool toys.
A fiberglass swimming pool will likely cost you between $60,000 and $120,000, but here’s what most contractors won’t tell you upfront: the upfront cost of $60,000 to $120,000 is steeper than vinyl, but when you add up maintenance costs over 25+ years, fiberglass often ends up cheaper in the long run. Fiberglass pools win the low-maintenance contest hands down, with their non-porous gel coat surface naturally resisting algae and maintaining stable water chemistry, requiring about 30–50% less time and chemicals than concrete pools, with most owners spending just 30 minutes weekly on maintenance.
Concrete or gunite pools cost $65,000–$120,000 and last 50–100 years, making them the most expensive option initially. Concrete pools have the longest potential lifespan at 50+ years but require resurfacing every 10–15 years ($8,000–$12,000) and more aggressive maintenance. If you want complete customization and don’t mind the maintenance commitment, concrete gives you unlimited design possibilities.
Size and Features That Impact Your Long Island Pool Installation Cost
Size matters, especially when it comes to your pool budget, as larger pools need more of everything: more excavation, more materials, more water, more chemicals, and more energy to run, with standard inground pools ranging from 10–24 feet wide and 20–48 feet long, costing between $65 and $130 per square foot to install.
The average in-ground pool is 12-by-28 feet with a depth of around 6½ feet, and you’re looking at spending around $90 to $250 per square foot for this pool size. But Long Island homeowners often want more than basic rectangles.
Lap pools cost $44,000 and are designed for swimming laps, while spool pools are a hybrid of a pool and spa, with these smaller pools (around 300 square feet) including features like jets and heating and costing about $22,650. In-ground pools with hot tubs range from $44,000–$120,000.
The add-ons pile up quickly. Diving boards often cost $300-$1,000, lighting runs $450-$1,800, and heating systems range from $500-$7,500. You can minimize costs by skipping extras like waterfalls, colorful lighting, or custom-designed pool tiles, but many Long Island homeowners find these features essential for their vision.
Every feature you add extends both your installation timeline and cost. The final stage involves adding finishing touches such as landscaping, lighting, pool structures, and water features like waterfalls or spas, and depending on the complexity and scale, this phase can take anywhere from one to four weeks.
How Long Does Inground Pool Installation Take in Nassau and Suffolk County
A pool building timeline for installing an in-ground pool typically spans 8 to 12 weeks, but it’s essential to understand that this is a flexible estimate. Installing an inground pool typically takes 6-12 weeks from start to finish; however, the exact timeline depends on several factors, including the pool type, size, weather conditions, and permit approval times.
The material you choose dramatically affects your timeline. Fiberglass pools are typically the quickest to install, often completed in 3-4 weeks. Fiberglass pools come preassembled, so once the permits and excavation are complete, they can be installed within one to two days. Vinyl-lined pools are faster to install, generally completed within 4-8 weeks, involving assembling a prefabricated metal or plastic frame, laying the vinyl liner, and filling the pool.
A concrete pool takes an average of 3 to 6 months to install, primarily because it can take up to a month to cure the concrete before it will be ready to fill with water.
Permits and Planning Phase Timeline for Long Island Pool Installation
Once the design is finalized, obtaining the necessary permits is the next hurdle, with the duration varying significantly based on your local municipality’s requirements—some areas offer quick approvals within two weeks, while others may require multiple approvals, attendance at planning board meetings, or additional input from engineers, extending the process to up to six months.
The time needed to obtain a permit can vary greatly, taking anywhere from one week to upwards of six weeks for some forms, with all wait times depending on how long officials take to approve permits—some municipalities approve permits quickly with approval in two weeks, while others require several different approvals, attendance at a planning board meeting and involvement from an engineer and can take several months.
Permits vary from location to location and range anywhere from $450 to $1,800, and you should hire a local swimming pool installer to get the right permits, as failure to do so could cost you both time and money.
The design phase itself takes time too. Typically, this phase of the pool building process is completed within one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of your pool project and how quickly decisions are made. The design process typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on how complex the design is and the number of revisions needed, with tools like 3D modeling software helping visualize the pool but often requiring back-and-forth adjustments.
Nassau County and Suffolk County each have their own requirements, and working with a local contractor familiar with these processes saves you significant time and potential headaches.
Weather and Seasonal Factors Affecting Installation Timeline
Spring is the best season for inground pool installation, so it’s ready to go for summertime use. Pool contractors are in high demand during the spring and summer, so if you can wait to dive into your pool project, begin the design and installation process in the fall or winter, and if excavation isn’t an option in the winter where you live, begin researching contractors and start the permit process just before spring.
Long Island’s climate creates specific challenges. Suffolk County and Nassau County’s climate creates unique maintenance challenges, from spring pollen that clouds water to winter freeze damage that can cost $5,000-15,000 in emergency repairs. Weather can significantly impact timelines, especially during excavation and construction stages.
Once the ground thaws and there are no longer signs of winter lingering, pool builders may start excavating, with the ideal scenario being ready to break ground as early as possible during the building season to beat the rush and ensure your pool is ready for summer, as pool building season starts in spring and only gets busier as the weather warms up.
The reality is that it’s a good idea to start getting estimates and finding a qualified pool company at least a year before your anticipated installation, because spring and summer is the busy season for pool contractors, which impacts their availability as projects are typically booked for several weeks if not months. Starting your planning in fall or winter for a spring installation gives you the best shot at reasonable timelines and competitive pricing.
Making Your Long Island Pool Installation Decision for 2026
Installing an inground pool in Nassau County or Suffolk County represents a significant investment, but one that can transform your outdoor living experience and add substantial value to your property. The key is approaching the project with realistic expectations about costs, timelines, and the complexity involved.
The U.S. swimming pool industry remains strong in 2025, with steady growth in construction, global expansion, and rising demand for both residential and public aquatic spaces, and while costs are up, so is interest in high-quality, long-lasting pool investments. Your pool installation is an investment in your family’s lifestyle and your property’s future value.
When you’re ready to move forward, choose a contractor who understands Long Island’s unique conditions and requirements. We bring years of experience working in Nassau and Suffolk counties, with the local expertise to navigate permits, ground conditions, and seasonal challenges that can make or break your pool installation timeline and budget.
