If you’ve been pricing pools in East Tennessee, you’ve probably noticed the gap is enormous: above ground installs typically run $5,000 to $15,000, while custom inground builds can reach $80,000 to $250,000 or more.

For most Blount County families, an above ground pool is the practical choice — you get real swimming, real fun, and real value for a fraction of the spend. Here’s what actually drives that $5K–$15K range, and what to think about as you price one out.

What’s the typical cost?

At our store, the entry point for a quality above ground pool is around $5,000 — that gets you a 24’ Carvin round with basic filtration, professionally installed. From there, larger ovals, premium liners, integrated decking, and accessories push the total up. Most of our installs land between $7,000 and $12,000 all-in.

What affects price

  • Pool size & shape. Ovals cost more than rounds at the same length. The biggest oval models can run 33’ long.
  • Site prep. Sloped yards or heavy clay soil may need grading or a sand pad. We’ll quote this honestly upfront.
  • Filtration & equipment. The standard cartridge filter is fine for most pools; sand filters or saltwater systems add a few hundred to a couple thousand.
  • Deck & surround. Adding a wooden deck or concrete patio around the pool is a separate line item — but doing it together saves on labor and grading.
  • Accessories. Steps, ladders, lighting, covers, automatic vacuums. Pick what you’ll actually use.

The honest version: Stop in, show us your yard photos, and we’ll give you a real number — usually within 15 minutes. Online “pool cost calculators” are bait. They never include site prep.

Above ground vs. inground — quick comparison

Inground pools cost 7–25× more, take 2–6 months to build, and require ongoing maintenance most homeowners underestimate. Above ground pools install in days, cost a fraction, and can be removed later if you sell the house. For most Tennessee families with kids, the above ground is the smarter pick.

Ready to talk numbers?

Stop by the shop, give us a call at (865) 567-6284, or send us a message and we’ll send a free estimate.