How Much Does Pool Construction Cost in Denver, CO?
Updated March 2026 · Denver metro area · Based on BLS wage data and local market costs
Itemized Cost Breakdown
Estimated for Pool (12x24 avg): 1 project · Mid-Range tier · Local cost index: 1.05x
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Pool shell Fiberglass, vinyl liner, or gunite/concrete pool shell | $10,500 | $21,000 | $31,500 |
Excavation Digging, hauling dirt, and site prep | $2,100 | $5,250 | $8,400 |
Plumbing & filtration Pump, filter, heater, and plumbing lines | $2,100 | $3,675 | $5,250 |
Electrical Subpanel, pump wiring, lighting, GFCI protection | $1,575 | $2,888 | $4,200 |
Decking/coping Pool deck surface and coping around pool edge | $2,100 | $5,250 | $8,400 |
Safety fencing Required pool safety fence with self-closing gate Shop Fencing | $1,050 | $2,100 | $3,150 |
Permits Pool construction, electrical, and plumbing permits | $525 | $1,313 | $2,100 |
Labor Pool builder crew (several weeks) | $5,250 | $8,925 | $12,600 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,200 | $50,400 | $75,600 |
Costs adjusted for local market conditions. Actual prices vary based on project specifics, contractor, and material choices.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some product links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our free cost guides. We only link to retailers we trust. Learn more about our methodology.
Cost Calculator
Adjust project size and material tier to estimate your cost.
View itemized breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pool shell | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| Excavation | $2,100 | $8,400 |
| Plumbing & filtration | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Electrical | $1,575 | $4,200 |
| Decking/coping | $2,100 | $8,400 |
| Safety fencing | $1,050 | $3,150 |
| Permits | $525 | $2,100 |
| Labor | $5,250 | $12,600 |
| Total | $25,200 | $75,600 |
Estimates based on local cost data. Get quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.
What Drives Pool Construction Cost in Denver?
The average cost of pool construction in Denver, CO is $42,000 per project. Most homeowners pay between $26,250 and $68,250, depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and contractor experience.
Construction of an inground swimming pool including excavation, shell, and equipment.
Local Labor Costs
Construction workers in Denver earn an average of $25.3/hr — 11% above the national average. Labor typically accounts for 40-60% of total project cost.
Materials in CO are subject to 8.77% sales tax, which adds to the overall project cost. For a $42,000 project, expect roughly $1,473 in tax on materials alone.
Denver issued approximately 17,600 residential building permits in 2023, putting it in the upper range of US construction markets. High permit activity can mean busier contractors and longer wait times for scheduling.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Pool size
- Pool type (concrete, fiberglass, vinyl)
- Features
- Decking
- Fencing
- Contractor experience — Established contractors with strong reviews may charge 10-20% more
- Local cost of living — Denver's cost index is 1.05x the national baseline
Best Time for Pool Construction in Denver
Denver has cold winters with snow and dry, sunny summers. The building season is May through October. Spring snowstorms can delay early-season projects. High altitude affects concrete curing.
Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Lower demand often means better pricing and faster scheduling.
Peak Season (Higher Prices)
Dec, Jan, Feb
High demand can add 10-20% to project costs.
Monthly Weather in Denver
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg High | 45° | 48° | 56° | 62° | 72° | 83° | 90° | 87° | 79° | 66° | 52° | 44° |
| Avg Low | 16° | 19° | 27° | 34° | 43° | 52° | 58° | 57° | 47° | 35° | 24° | 16° |
| Rain (in) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
Source: Open-Meteo historical data (2024)
Licensing & Permits in CO
Colorado does not require a state-level general contractor license. Denver and most jurisdictions require local contractor licensing. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades require state licenses.
Verify a contractor's license at Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
How to Save Money on Pool Construction
- Get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors in Denver
- Schedule during off-peak months (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) for lower prices
- Clarify permit costs upfront — they vary by jurisdiction
- Consider mid-range materials for the best value-to-quality ratio
- Verify contractor licensing through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Ask about material package deals or contractor supplier discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pool construction take?
Pool Construction Cost in Other Cities
Other Costs in Denver
Ready to Get Quotes?
Browse top-rated Denver contractors
Find Contractors