Wondering about the price of an inground swimming pool in Minnesota? You're not alone. With our harsh climate and short summers, getting the right pool at the right price is crucial for Minnesota homeowners.
Let's dive right in: Inground swimming pools in Minnesota typically cost between $40,000 and $125,000 depending on the construction type. But there's much more to the story than just these numbers.
If you're ready to build your swimming pool anyhwere in the Twin Cities Metro Area, then you're in the right place.
We are Plan Pools, and we wrote this article so we could introduce ourselves, and hopefull earn your business for your inground swimming pool.
We aren't your typical pool builder, we build the best swimming pool systems available.
That is, we build the best value.
There's a huge difference between what typical pool contractors build, and their business model.
We're completely different, we're delivering the best value, most common sense setup that will outlast our competitors and lead to the best experience throughout the life of the pool.
We install the same stuff that's in our own backyard.
We include the best value automation, pool covers and systems
(no silly up-charges).
We install the best, most dependable salt-water system.
We use insulated (ICF) concrete forms rather than steel walls, leading to energy savings, customizability & your entire landscape lasting longer.
Superior Insulation Leads to 60% Lower Heating Costs
Open up earlier in spring & stay open longer in fall.
Steel walls can't be properly backfilled & compacted. Better compaction of soil leads to longer lasting hardscape & pool decks.
Avoids rust, corrosion & leaks.
Steel walls are kits, meaning less customization & a shallower pool depth.
Insulated Concrete Forms lead to a longer lifespan, lower cost of ownership & better hardscape & pool deck lifespans.
Warmer pool for less, means more enjoyment.
A major part of what makes a Plan Swimming pool better for customers, is our use of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls, vs. Steel wall construction.
If you want longer lifespans of your pool, hardspaces & decking with 60% lower energy costs, then connect with our team today!
When it comes to inground swimming pool prices in Minnesota, you'll find several options to fit different budgets and needs:
ICF pools are quickly becoming the preferred choice for Minnesota homeowners, and for good reason. As Plan Pools explains on their website, these pools combine concrete strength with foam insulation specifically designed to resist freeze-thaw damage—a critical feature in our climate.
The size of your pool dramatically affects the final price tag:
Remember, larger pools may cost less per square foot due to economies of scale, but the total investment will be higher.
If you've been researching pool costs nationally, you might notice Minnesota prices run about 10-15% higher than the national average. There's a good reason for this.
Our extreme temperature variations create unique challenges that significantly affect both initial and ongoing costs. According to Swimming Pool Quote's research on Minnesota pool prices, the freeze-thaw cycle causes soil expansion and contraction that can devastate poorly constructed pools.
This means Minnesota pools require:
All these requirements add 15-25% to construction costs compared to identical installations in warmer states—but they're absolutely essential for pool longevity in our climate.
Not all pool construction types handle Minnesota winters equally well.
Steel wall pools (often used with vinyl liners) are most susceptible to movement and damage during freeze cycles. Their support systems can actually prevent proper soil compaction, leading to shifting and damage over time.
According to Fox Blocks' analysis of ICF pool construction, ICF pools demonstrate superior resistance to harsh conditions. The monolithic concrete pour surrounded by insulating foam creates a structure that better withstands ground movement and temperature extremes.
"Using Insulated Concrete Form Construction is just one factor that goes into our overall Plan Pool Swimming Pool system, but it's a major differentiator between Plan Pools & other Pool Builders or Pool Installers near Minneapolis, St. Paul Twin Cities." - Plan Pools
The price of an inground swimming pool in Minnesota extends far beyond installation. Annual maintenance costs typically range from $2,000-$5,000 for chemicals, energy, and routine upkeep.
Heating costs vary dramatically by system type:
ICF pools shine here too, with their superior insulation cutting heating costs by up to 60% compared to standard constructions, according to Plan Pools' energy efficiency analysis.
Different pool types have vastly different maintenance needs:
Our climate necessitates professional winterization services ($250-$400 annually) to prevent freeze damage. This process includes:
Many Minnesota pool companies, including Plan Pools, offer first-year opening/closing services free with installation (approximately $455 value).
From an investment perspective, pools in Minnesota typically add 5-7% to home value, recovering approximately 50-56% of the initial investment at sale time. This ROI is lower than in warmer climates due to our shorter swimming season.
Bankrate's analysis of pool value shows that location significantly impacts value addition, with urban and upscale suburban areas seeing higher returns than rural properties. Interestingly, lakefront properties often see lower ROI from pools since natural water access diminishes the value of private water features.
Minnesota's pool season typically runs 3-4 months without heating but can be extended to 6-7 months with proper heating systems. This is where pool construction choices really impact your enjoyment.
As Sundays Off Pools notes in their swimming season analysis, properly insulated pools like ICF constructions can extend your swimming season by several weeks on both ends, maximizing your investment.
Minnesota municipalities enforce strict permit and safety requirements. Typical costs include:
Most municipalities require multiple inspections throughout the installation process:
According to Minnesota Pool Company's permit guide, most municipalities also require safety fencing at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Financing options for Minnesota pool projects include:
The average financed amount for Minnesota pool projects ranges from $60,000-$80,000, typically requiring 10-20% down payment, according to HFS Financial's Minnesota pool loan information.
When considering the cost of an inground swimming pool in Minnesota, it's tempting to focus solely on the initial price tag. However, this approach often leads to regrets and significantly higher long-term expenses.
Here's why investing in quality makes more sense in Minnesota:
As Plan Pools emphasizes, "You won't need to upgrade much, because we've included the most common sense, best-value options." This approach actually saves money in the long run by avoiding the "gotcha" upgrades that plague many budget pool installations.
Minnesota's unique climate creates both challenges and opportunities for pool ownership. While construction costs run 10-15% higher than national averages, the right design choices can mitigate long-term expenses and extend the swimming season.
The most important factors to consider when pricing your Minnesota pool:
Remember, a pool is a significant investment that should provide years of enjoyment. As Plan Pools notes, "Most pool contractors get you hooked, and then use change-orders, 'gotcha' upgrades or doomed technology to build profit." Choosing a reputable contractor who understands Minnesota's unique challenges is essential for getting the best value.
Ready to take the plunge? Contact a Minnesota pool specialist who understands our unique climate challenges and can help you select the right pool at the right price point for your needs.
