How much does a custom in-ground pool cost in Maryland?

The Short Answer: $75,000–$250,000+ Depending on What You Build

Custom in-ground concrete pools in Maryland typically start around $75,000–$95,000 for a standard residential pool with basic finishes, a concrete or paver deck, and standard equipment. Pools with integrated spas, waterfalls, custom tile work, premium automation, and elaborate outdoor living environments routinely reach $150,000–$250,000 or more. Every Wade project is priced individually after a free on-site estimate — there are no packages.

What Drives Pool Cost in Maryland

Pool pricing in Maryland is more variable than most homeowners expect because every project is genuinely custom. The primary cost drivers are:

• Pool size: A 16×32 ft pool uses significantly more gunite, steel, plumbing, and labor than a 12×24 ft pool. Larger pools cost more per linear foot as well as in total.
• Lot conditions: Rocky soil, high water table, poor access, or significant slope all add excavation cost. A pool on a flat, accessible Anne Arundel County lot will cost less to build than the same pool on a waterfront lot with a 10-foot grade change and limited equipment access.
• Interior finish: Standard white plaster is the least expensive interior finish. Quartz aggregate (Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen) adds $5,000–$10,000. Glass tile interior adds $15,000–$30,000+ depending on coverage area.
• Integrated spa: Adding a spa at the time of pool construction typically adds $15,000–$30,000 to the project. Adding a spa after the fact to an existing pool costs significantly more because plumbing and equipment must be re-run.
• Decking material: Concrete decking is the least expensive. Concrete pavers add $8,000–$20,000 depending on area. Natural stone (travertine, bluestone) adds $15,000–$35,000+.
• Water features: A single natural stone waterfall typically adds $8,000–$18,000. Sheer descent features, deck jets, and bubblers each add $2,000–$6,000 per feature.
• Equipment package: Standard single-speed pump and filter systems are the base. Variable-speed pumps, saltwater chlorination, heat pumps, and smart automation systems add $5,000–$20,000 depending on selections.
• Permitting: Anne Arundel County pool permit fees typically run $400–$1,200. Properties in the Critical Area may incur additional review fees. Wade includes all permitting costs in the project estimate.

Typical Maryland Pool Cost Ranges by Project Type

• Entry-level custom pool (12×24 to 16×28): $75,000–$95,000. Standard plaster finish, concrete deck, basic equipment, safety fence. Suitable for smaller lots and budget-conscious buyers who want a genuine custom concrete pool without the premium add-ons.
• Mid-range project (16×32 to 18×36 with paver deck): $100,000–$150,000. Paver deck, quartz interior finish, variable-speed equipment, basic water feature or tanning ledge. The most common project range for Anne Arundel County.
• Full poolscape with spa and outdoor kitchen: $175,000–$250,000. Integrated spa, premium paver or natural stone deck, waterfall, outdoor kitchen with grill and refrigeration, landscape surround, smart automation. Common on larger Anne Arundel and Howard County lots.
• Resort estate pool: $250,000+. Vanishing edge, full outdoor living environment, fire features, pergola, custom glass tile work. Common on waterfront properties in Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, and large rural parcels.

What Wade’s Estimate Includes — and What to Watch For With Other Contractors

Wade’s estimates are fully itemized and include excavation, gunite, all plumbing and electrical, interior finish, coping, decking, equipment, fencing, permitting fees, and post-construction cleanup. There are no line-item surprises after you sign a contract.

When comparing contractors, ask whether the estimate includes:

• Permit fees (often excluded as “owner’s responsibility”)
• Electrical sub-contractor work (often a separate allowance that increases)
• Decking beyond a minimal concrete apron (often a separate line or not included)
• Safety fencing (required by Maryland law but sometimes not in base bids)
• Site restoration — grading and seeding after excavation

A low headline number that excludes these items will land significantly higher by the time the project is actually finished.

Does Pool Cost Add Value to a Maryland Home?

In most Maryland markets, a well-designed pool adds meaningful value — particularly in Anne Arundel County, where waterfront living and outdoor lifestyle are central to the market. Studies typically attribute 5–8% home value increase to an in-ground pool in warm-climate markets; Maryland’s four-season climate moderates this somewhat, but a well-executed pool with quality hardscaping and landscape is generally valued favorably by buyers in the $700K–$2M+ price range where most Wade clients are positioned.