How Much Does a Pool Cost in Tennessee in 2026?
In Tennessee, a gunite pool averages $70,000, fiberglass averages $53,000, and vinyl liner pools average $42,000 — before features, decking, and site conditions. Use the free calculator below to get a personalized estimate.
Tennessee Pool Cost Comparison Table (2026)
Standard 500 sq ft pool, Tennessee labor index (83% of US average), permits included, decking/spa/features excluded.
| Pool Type | Avg Cost (Tennessee) | $/sqft | Build Time | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunite / Shotcrete | $70,000 | $68 | 12-22 weeks | 50+ years | Fully custom shape, premium finishes |
| Fiberglass | $53,000 | $50 | 3-6 weeks | 25-30 years | Fast install, low maintenance, freeze-thaw |
| Vinyl Liner | $42,000 | $29 | 4-8 weeks | Liner 7-10 yr, frame 20+ | Lowest upfront cost, simple design |
Pricing methodology: see how we calculate these costs. Machine-readable data: /pool-cost-data.json.
Pool Costs in Tennessee: What You Need to Know
Tennessee has a growing pool market with Nashville leading a decade-long demand surge. Memphis and Knoxville round out the major metros. Labor is below the national median, and a 6-month pool season supports favorable economics.
Pool Permits and Building Code in Tennessee
Tennessee pool permits are issued at the municipal and county level under the Tennessee Residential Code (based on IRC). Davidson County (Nashville), Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood), Shelby County (Memphis), and Knox County (Knoxville) handle most of the state's pool volume. Barrier rules follow ICC. Permit fees typically run $900–$1,700. Williamson County has design-review requirements in many affluent subdivisions.
Pool Season and Climate in Tennessee
Tennessee pool season is early May through late September — 5 months uncovered. West Tennessee and the Tennessee River valley get an extra 2 weeks. Winterization is required (frost line 20–28 inches, shallower than most of the upper South). Severe weather (tornadoes, ice storms, derechos) is a notable seasonal risk; the 2020 Nashville tornado and 2021 Middle Tennessee flooding both damaged pools across multiple counties.
Soil and Site Conditions in Tennessee
Middle Tennessee sits on limestone karst — sinkhole risk is real across the Nashville Basin and requires geotechnical review in some subdivisions. Rock outcrops are common, and shallow bedrock hits add $5,000–$15,000 to many Nashville-area builds. East Tennessee (Knoxville, Chattanooga) has mixed valley-and-ridge geology with shale, sandstone, and limestone. West Tennessee (Memphis) has deep loess and Mississippi alluvium — clean excavation.
Metro Labor and Where Tennessee Pool Costs Spike
Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, College Grove, Leiper's Fork) is Tennessee's most expensive pool submarket. Nashville's Belle Meade, Green Hills, and East Nashville submarkets are comparable. Knoxville's West Hills and Farragut areas, and Memphis's Germantown and Collierville, are the other premium markets. Williamson County waitlists for custom pool builders have run 10–14 months in recent years.
Pool Builders Operating in Tennessee
Tennessee pool builders include Oasis Pools & Spas (Nashville), Plaster Pools (Nashville), Volunteer Pools (Nashville), Premier Pools & Spas (Nashville franchise), Mid-South Pool Builders (Memphis), and Anthony & Sylvan (Nashville branch). Blue Haven Pools serves multiple Tennessee metros.
What Affects Pool Cost in Tennessee?
Cost to Build a Pool by City in Tennessee (2026)
Pool costs vary within Tennessee by metro labor market. Estimates below are for a standard 500 sq ft inground pool, permits included. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for a build-specific number.
| City | Gunite | Fiberglass | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $73,000 | $55,000 | $44,000 |
| Memphis | $70,000 | $53,000 | $42,000 |
| Knoxville | $70,000 | $53,000 | $42,000 |
| Chattanooga | $70,000 | $53,000 | $42,000 |
| Clarksville | $70,000 | $53,000 | $42,000 |
| Murfreesboro | $70,000 | $53,000 | $42,000 |
