Key Takeaways

• A fully installed fiberglass pool in Myrtle Beach typically costs between $45,000 and $85,000, depending on size, features, and site conditions.
• Fiberglass pools cost less over their lifetime than concrete pools due to lower maintenance, fewer chemicals, and no resurfacing.
• Sandy soil conditions common in Horry County can actually reduce excavation costs compared to rocky terrain found inland.
• Pool financing options make it possible to start enjoying your pool with monthly payments as low as $300 to $500.

What Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Myrtle Beach?

A complete fiberglass pool installation in Myrtle Beach typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000. That number covers the pool shell, excavation, plumbing, electrical work, equipment, patio or deck, and permitting. Most homeowners in the Grand Strand area land somewhere around $55,000 to $70,000 for a standard installation with a concrete deck and basic equipment package.

The wide range exists because no two projects are identical. A compact 12-by-24-foot pool with a simple concrete surround will cost significantly less than a 16-by-40-foot freeform pool with a tanning ledge, LED lighting, and a natural stone patio. Understanding where your money goes helps you make smart decisions about what matters most for your backyard.

Base Pool Shell and Delivery

The fiberglass shell itself typically represents $15,000 to $30,000 of the total cost. Larger shells with built-in features like spas, tanning ledges, and bench seating sit at the higher end. Delivery to the Myrtle Beach area from most manufacturers involves specialized oversized transport, which runs $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the factory location.

Excavation and Installation

Excavation in the Myrtle Beach and Horry County area typically costs $5,000 to $10,000. The sandy coastal soil throughout the Grand Strand is actually easier and faster to dig than the clay or rock found in upstate South Carolina, which can keep excavation costs on the lower end. However, properties with high water tables or flood zone considerations may require additional dewatering or engineering, adding $1,000 to $3,000.

Plumbing, Electrical, and Equipment

Pool plumbing, electrical connections, and equipment — including the pump, filter, heater, and sanitization system — generally run $8,000 to $15,000. A variable-speed pump saves significant money on electricity over time and is now required by federal energy standards for new pool installations. Saltwater chlorination systems add roughly $1,500 to $2,500 to the equipment package but reduce ongoing chemical costs.

Patio, Decking, and Coping

The area surrounding your pool is a major cost variable. A basic broom-finished concrete deck runs $6,000 to $12,000, while upgraded options like stamped concrete, travertine pavers, or natural stone can push that to $15,000 to $30,000. This is often where homeowners find the most flexibility to adjust their budget up or down.

What Factors Affect Fiberglass Pool Pricing?

Several factors specific to your property and preferences will move your final cost higher or lower. Understanding these variables upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises during construction.

Pool size and shape have the largest impact on price. A small plunge pool or cocktail pool (10 by 20 feet or under) can come in under $50,000, while a full-size pool with an attached spa may exceed $80,000. You can browse fiberglass pool shapes online to get a sense of what appeals to you before your consultation.

Site access and conditions matter more than most people realize. If the pool shell has to be craned over the house or through a narrow side yard, crane fees of $2,000 to $5,000 apply. Properties in flood zones — common in parts of Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, and coastal Conway — may need elevated equipment pads or additional drainage engineering.

Permits and inspections in Horry County typically cost $500 to $1,200 for the pool permit, electrical permit, and required inspections. Your builder handles this process, but it is a real line item in the project cost. Setback requirements and fence regulations also affect the scope of work needed.

Add-on features are where costs can climb quickly. Here is what popular upgrades typically add:

• LED color-changing lighting: $800 to $2,000
• Tanning ledge or sun shelf: Built into the shell, adds $2,000 to $5,000 to the shell cost
• Water features (bubblers, deck jets, waterfalls): $1,000 to $5,000
• Pool heater (heat pump): $3,000 to $5,500
• Automatic pool cover: $8,000 to $15,000
• Spill-over spa: $15,000 to $25,000

Fiberglass vs Concrete: Which Costs Less in South Carolina?

Fiberglass pools cost 10 to 20 percent less upfront than comparable concrete (gunite) pools, and the gap widens significantly over time. A concrete pool of similar size typically runs $60,000 to $120,000 installed, and that is just the beginning of the spending difference.

Concrete pools require acid washing every three to five years ($400 to $800) and full replastering every 10 to 15 years ($8,000 to $15,000). The rougher surface of concrete promotes algae growth, meaning higher chemical costs — typically $100 to $150 per month compared to $50 to $80 for fiberglass. In South Carolina’s warm, humid climate, where pool season stretches from April through October, those chemical costs add up quickly.

Over a 20-year period, the total cost of ownership for a fiberglass pool typically runs $20,000 to $40,000 less than an equivalent concrete pool. The smooth gelcoat surface resists algae, requires fewer chemicals, and never needs resurfacing. That is money that stays in your pocket — or goes toward the patio upgrade you actually want.

How to Finance Your Myrtle Beach Pool Project

Most homeowners do not pay for a pool entirely out of pocket, and they should not have to. Pool financing has become straightforward, with several options that make pool ownership accessible without draining savings.

Specialty pool financing through lenders like Lyon Financial is designed specifically for pool and outdoor living projects. These loans typically offer terms of 10 to 20 years with competitive fixed rates. A $60,000 pool financed over 15 years at current rates often results in monthly payments between $400 and $550.

Home equity loans and HELOCs use your home’s existing equity to finance the pool, often at lower interest rates than unsecured loans. Since a pool adds value to your property, you are essentially borrowing against an asset that will grow.

Personal loans offer a simpler application process and work well for smaller projects or when you want to finance just a portion of the total cost.

The best first step is to start your pool planning conversation before committing to a specific financing path. Understanding your total project cost helps you choose the right loan structure and term.

Does a Pool Increase Home Value in the Grand Strand?

In the Myrtle Beach real estate market, a pool is a genuine asset — not just a lifestyle upgrade. Pools add an estimated 5 to 8 percent to home value in warm-climate markets like the Grand Strand, where outdoor living is a year-round selling point. On a $400,000 home, that translates to $20,000 to $32,000 in added value.

The Grand Strand’s tourism economy adds another layer of value. Vacation rental properties with pools command significantly higher nightly rates on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. A pool can increase rental income by $5,000 to $15,000 annually, making it a legitimate income-producing investment for homeowners who rent their property during peak season.

Fiberglass pools are particularly attractive to future buyers because they signal lower maintenance costs. A well-maintained fiberglass pool with modern equipment tells a buyer they are getting a turnkey backyard — not inheriting a maintenance headache. Check out our pool gallery to see how a finished installation looks in real Grand Strand backyards.

Getting Started With Your Pool Project

Knowing the cost range is the first step. The next step is getting a price tailored to your specific property, preferences, and budget. Every backyard in Horry County is different — soil conditions, lot size, access, HOA rules, and flood zone status all factor in.

Black Dog Pools provides free consultations for homeowners in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, and the surrounding Grand Strand area. A site visit lets us give you an accurate, detailed estimate rather than a guess.

Ready to find out what your pool will actually cost? Contact Black Dog Pools or call (843) 732-1650 to schedule your free consultation.