Inground pool cost in Decatur, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $32,100 – $100,500
- Per sq ft
- $71 – $222
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −11%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #258
- 1 = most expensive
Decatur homeowners pay roughly $32,100 to $100,500 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $71 to $222 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Decatur is 11% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $18.11 an hour in the Decatur area, 20% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Decatur, AL, standard level
$52,600 to $79,900
About $117 to $177 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $27,200 | $41,400 |
| Labor | $25,300 | $38,300 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $210 |
| Total | $52,600 | $79,900 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Decatur, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $34,300 | $52,100 | 52% |
| Labor | $15,500 | $31,800 | $48,100 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $170 | $260 | 0% |
| Total | $32,100 | $66,200 | $100,500 | 100% |
Why Decatur prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on construction laborers, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $18.11 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Decatur is 0.82 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 48% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Decatur metro is 96.4 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $34,300, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (87.2) and land at $85 to $260.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Decatur. The wage table below marks each row.
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Decatur
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Decatur wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 3 common sizes.
Basic
$32,100 to $59,400
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$52,600 to $79,900
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$73,100 to $100,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $28,500 – $52,800 | $46,800 – $71,000 | $65,000 – $89,300 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $36,500 – $67,600 | $59,800 – $90,900 | $83,100 – $114,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $57,000 – $105,500 | $93,400 – $142,000 | $130,000 – $178,500 |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Decatur is 0.82 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $18.11 an hour, 20% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $15.52 and $23.05 an hour. About 690 work in the metro. That is 112.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.79 an hour, which is 17% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.70 and $28.46 an hour. BLS counts 290 of them working in the area, 47.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Decatur metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median: $23.90 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $18.98 and $27.55 an hour.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $28.81 an hour, which is 6% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.04 and $35.82 an hour. BLS counts 210 of them working in the area, 34.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($23.05 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $3,350. At the 25th percentile ($15.52) it shrinks by about $1,750. The total moves by 5.1% or 2.7%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 61,240 jobs in the Decatur area. That makes it the 283rd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.04% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $15.52 | $18.11 | $23.05 | $22.66 | 0.80 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $21.70 | $23.79 | $28.46 | $28.78 | 0.83 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $18.98 | $23.90 | $27.55 | $29.87 | 0.80 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.04 | $28.81 | $35.82 | $30.67 | 0.94 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.82 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Decatur?
Because every project leans on different trades, Decatur's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, aluminum fence runs −9% and concrete patio −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,400 – $10,400 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,650 – $4,800 | −12% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,450 | −12% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,850 – $13,700 | −9% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $540 – $1,900 | −11% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,100 – $12,100 | −11% |
When to schedule inground pool in Decatur
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Decatur Pryor Fld (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
March through June and September through October are the stretches where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Decatur (6 of 12 months). January, February, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below; July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Decatur gets about 49 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are February, March and December (5.2 inches in December). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.2 and 3.2 inches. The station averages about 64 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51 | 32 | 4.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 55 | 35 | 5.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 64 | 42 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 73 | 50 | 4.5 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 59 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 67 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 70 | 4.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 68 | 3.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 85 | 61 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 75 | 50 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Nov | 62 | 39 | 4.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 54 | 35 | 5.2 | Cold |
Is Decatur cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Decatur. Tuscaloosa is the lowest at about $65,500 (midpoint, 450 sq ft), 105 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur, ALthis page | $32,100 – $100,500 | $66,200 | |
| Huntsville, AL30 miles | $32,000 – $99,900 | $65,900 | level |
| Birmingham, AL75 miles | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,500 | +2% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL105 miles | $31,700 – $99,200 | $65,500 | −1% |
| Chattanooga, TN105 miles | $34,200 – $107,000 | $70,500 | +6% |
| Nashville, TN115 miles | $35,100 – $109,500 | $72,400 | +9% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $31,800 – $99,300 | $65,500 | −1% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +12% |
Across 300 US metros, Decatur comes in at #258 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Decatur is 1% above the Alabama figure.
Other Alabama metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,500 | +2% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $32,000 – $99,900 | $65,900 | level |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $31,800 – $99,300 | $65,500 | −1% |
| Montgomery, AL | 165,550 jobs | $31,400 – $98,300 | $64,900 | −2% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $31,700 – $99,200 | $65,500 | −1% |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $31,900 – $99,800 | $65,800 | −1% |
Cities with a workforce like Decatur's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Decatur against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | 61,770 jobs | $32,400 – $101,500 | $66,900 | +1% |
| Dothan, AL | 60,720 jobs | $30,600 – $95,900 | $63,300 | −4% |
| Pueblo, CO | 61,780 jobs | $35,500 – $111,000 | $73,200 | +10% |
| Sheboygan, WI | 60,630 jobs | $38,900 – $121,500 | $80,100 | +21% |
Inground pool: what moves the price in Decatur
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $52,600 to $79,900 for Decatur, AL is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Decatur, AL, $9
Multi-page report for Decatur, AL: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Inground pool in Decatur: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Decatur?
For 450 sq ft, expect $32,100 to $100,500 in the Decatur area. A standard-spec job lands at $52,600 to $79,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Decatur?
About $71 to $222 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $85 to $260 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Decatur or Huntsville?
Huntsville is 30 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $65,900, which is 0% less than Decatur ($66,200). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Decatur?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $31,800 out of $66,200. Materials are 52% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Decatur?
$36,500 to $114,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Decatur?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $85 to $260 for fees in the Decatur area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Decatur expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Alabama?
Decatur is 1% above the Alabama statewide estimate ($65,500 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Decatur?
The BLS median is $18.11 an hour in the Decatur area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $15.52 to $23.05.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Decatur?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $32,100 to $59,400 and premium work $73,100 to $100,500. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool in Decatur?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and September through October. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Inground pool near Decatur
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.