The average inground pool costs about $22,000. That lovely patio and pool you see in this photo is my Fort Lauderdale backyard. As summer steams in, maybe you’re dreaming of a similar view. Before you call the contractor and start picking out float toys, let’s make sure you know what you’re getting into. The average in-ground swimming pool costs $21,919, according to home improvement site Fixr. And that’s for a pretty basic 32’ by 16’ model. (Eleven years ago, we spent about $24,000 on our pool plus that pavered patio.) But that’s just to build the thing. Then you have to take care of it.