Homeowners in Des Moines pay between $88,000 and $127,000 for a typical inground pool, with costs varying by size and local soil conditions.
A small inground pool in the Des Moines area runs around $88,000 on average, a medium pool costs about $107,000, and a large pool typically comes in around $127,500. These are 2026 figures based on dealer surveys for fiberglass pools, which are common in Iowa because they handle our freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete.
Above-ground pools cost much less, usually $3,000 to $15,000 depending on size and quality. But most homeowners who call us are asking about inground options, so that is what we focus on here.
The clay soil under most of Polk County makes excavation harder and more expensive. Our area sits on glacial till left behind about 12,000 years ago, and that till contains 25 to 40 percent clay. Clay holds water, resists drainage, and requires careful planning so your pool does not shift or crack over time.
Excavation costs for clay-heavy soil in Iowa add roughly $1,700 to $4,250 to a project compared to easier digging conditions. If your lot is in Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, or Altoona, you probably have this clay layer. Some areas near rivers have sandier soil that digs easier, but most suburban lots deal with clay.
Proper drainage work is not optional here. Without it, water sits around the pool shell and causes problems. We install drainage tile and gravel backfill to move groundwater away from the pool, and that work adds to the cost but protects your investment.
Pool size is the biggest factor. A small pool might be 10 by 20 feet, a medium closer to 14 by 28, and a large pool 16 by 40 or bigger. More gallons means more excavation, more materials, and more labor.
Your lot conditions matter too. Tight access in older Des Moines neighborhoods means smaller equipment and more hand work. Sloped yards require retaining walls or extra grading. Rocky soil in parts of the area needs special excavation equipment. New subdivision lots sometimes have compacted fill that complicates the dig.
Add-ons like heaters, automatic covers, upgraded decking, lighting, and fencing all increase the total. A basic safety fence might cost $2,000, while decorative options with gates and landscaping can run $5,000 or more. Electrical and plumbing permits are separate line items, typically $100 to $500 depending on the scope.
The City of Des Moines requires a building permit for any pool that holds water more than 24 inches deep, including inground, above-ground, and on-ground pools. You apply through the Development Services Department, which you can reach at 515-283-4200 or permits@dmgov.org. The city adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 edition, with local modifications.
Permit fees in Des Moines typically run $100 to $500 depending on the project scope. West Des Moines, Ankeny, and other suburbs have their own permit processes. West Des Moines Development Services can be reached at 515-222-3630. Each city has slightly different fees and requirements, so check with your local building department before you start.
Residential pools in Iowa do not need to be registered with the state Swimming Pool and Spa Program. That program at the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing handles public pools like those at hotels and country clubs, not backyard pools at private homes.
Any contractor who gives you a price over the phone without seeing your yard is guessing. Soil type, access, drainage needs, and setback requirements all affect the final number. We always do a site visit before we quote a job.
Get at least three written estimates. Make sure each one breaks out excavation, materials, labor, permits, and drainage work as separate items. Ask what happens if they hit rock or groundwater during the dig. A good contract spells out who pays for surprises.
Avoid the lowest bid if it seems too good. Cutting corners on drainage or backfill saves money now but costs you later when the pool settles or cracks. In Des Moines clay soil, doing it right the first time is worth the extra money.
Also in our network: Artificial Turf Cost in Des Moines: What Homeowners Pay in 2026, Pool Permit Requirements in Cedar Rapids, IA (2024 Guide).
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