What’s the Real Cost of a Luxury Pool in 2026? A Breakdown of Excavation, Materials, and Labor

What’s the Real Cost of a Luxury Pool in 2026? A Breakdown of Excavation, Materials, and Labor

The real cost of a luxury pool in 2026 typically ranges from just under $100,000 to more than $400,000, depending on excavation conditions, material choices, labor rates, and custom features. While material prices remain elevated, experienced builders often offset costs through supplier relationships and efficient project planning. 

Luxury pools add a touch of glam to your property that turns the backyard into a genuine oasis where you can retreat from your stresses of the day. While traditional pools are also effective for enhancing your property’s curb appeal and allowing you to enjoy quick swims, opting for luxury materials and extra customization adds even more benefits. In 2026, pool builders face increased costs for materials, but established companies like San Diego Pools can usually still get good prices when they work with local suppliers. Taking a look at how much luxury pools are costing this year helps you prepare for planning your project.

Why Do Luxury Pool Prices Vary So Widely?

Luxury pool prices vary widely due to regional labor costs, material availability, and the level of customization selected. Much like other home improvement projects, you’ll find the cost of luxury pool installations can vary widely from one state to another. In California, the average luxury pool cost can range anywhere from just below $100,000 to more than $400,000. Although everyone must pay for excavation, labor, and materials, there are many factors that influence how much each one costs. For instance, someone who chooses all of the luxury features possible will naturally pay more for the time, work, and materials that go into the installation compared to someone who sticks to basic ones.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Pool Excavation?

Excavating for a swimming pool in San Diego can range anywhere from $1,000 to more than $5,000. If you have rocky or hilly terrain on your property, contractors may need to use more complicated techniques and equipment to get the job done. Trying to break up rocky soil can also be labor-intensive, which naturally increases this portion of the cost. During your in-home consultation, a pool installation expert can assess your backyard space and let you know if you need to plan for more intensive excavation on your property.

How Do Luxury Materials Impact the Overall Pool Cost?

Luxury materials increase pool costs by requiring higher-priced finishes and specialized installation techniques. Many standard pools are built using plaster or prefabricated fiberglass. Although these materials are durable, they’re less expensive due to the simplicity of their formation. If you prefer to keep a swimming pool installation on the lower end of the budget, choosing standard materials can help you achieve your goal. Luxury pools, however, have finishes made from high-end materials such as quartz and pebbles. San Diego pool builders must pay extra for purchasing luxury materials and use specialized techniques for their installation. You may also need to pay more for materials if you include special features such as a swim-up bar, sun deck, or infinity edges that require additional finishes.

How Much of a Luxury Pool Budget Goes Toward Labor?

Labor typically accounts for a significant portion of total luxury pool installation costs. Living in an area with a high cost of living naturally increases how much you’ll pay for labor in the final quote. Usually, labor is around 25 to 50 percent of the total cost of the pool installation. Building a pool often involves bringing in professional electricians, plumbers and other installation specialists to complete complex tasks. Pool builders typically include the labor cost in the overall total you’ll receive as a quote to ensure there are no surprises once the project starts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are luxury pools more expensive in 2026 than previous years?

Yes. Material and labor costs remain elevated compared to prior years.

Does excavation significantly affect luxury pool pricing?

Yes. Rocky or uneven terrain can increase excavation costs substantially.

Do luxury materials add long-term value to a pool?

Often. High-end finishes improve durability, appearance, and resale appeal.

Is labor included in most pool installation quotes?

Yes. Most builders bundle labor into the total quoted price.

Can builder relationships reduce overall pool costs?

Yes. Established builders often secure better pricing through local suppliers.

If you’re considering adding a luxury pool to your home, make sure to work with the finest San Diego pool contractors. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool and spa construction, from custom design and expert building techniques to installing slides, waterfalls, and in-ground spas. Call us today for a complimentary consultation.