Pool Financing: Best Loans to Finance a Pool in 2025

We talked to Tony Caciolo of Monogram Custom Pools to learn more about the expenses you may run into when adding a pool and how to manage costs. Corey Sayers from Acorn Finance dipped in to talk about financing. Between the two, we gained a greater understanding of how much to budget and how to pay for a new pool. 

Pool Financing: Best Loans to Finance a Pool in 2025

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$1,000-50,000 Loan Amount

8.49-35.99% APR

3–7 years Terms

560 Minimum Credit Score

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Disclaimer

Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.49%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 5% one-time origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade's bank partners. Information on Upgrade's bank partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/bank-partners/.

What does a new pool cost?

The costs of a new pool will depend a lot on the size, the style, and your pool’s features. 

• Inground pool costs: Angi.com estimates the current costs of an inground pool at anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 or more, but there are additional options at both ends of the range. 
• Above-ground pool costs: A small above-ground pool that you install yourself can cost under $1,000. At the other end of the spectrum, large pools with luxury add-ons can easily run into five figures. 

“On our pools, oftentimes, the amenities and the things they add around the pool end up costing more than the pool,” says Caciolo. “For example, a 700-square-foot concrete in-ground pool, fully automated, done correctly, may cost $100,000. But then you look at the next page of the price list that has a boulder waterfall. That’s $25,000. Or a water slide coming down the hill. A 22-foot-long water slide, that’s $23,000.”

Caciolo estimates he installs between 40 and 50 high-end custom in-ground pools a year. He gives other examples of high-end additions that can drive up the cost. “An outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven can easily run $15,000 to $25,000. Adding a spa? That’s another fifteen grand.” 

Types of pool financing

When it comes to financing a pool, your options will generally fall into two categories: secured loans that are collateralized by your equity in your home, and unsecured personal loans. Each has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to costs, terms, and availability. 

“What a lot of people do is they do like a home equity line of credit,” says Corey Sayers of Acorn Finance. “So, they’ll refinance their homes to get that cash. But, if you don’t have the equity in your home, or if you don’t want to deal with that hassle–because it takes about a month, minimum, to secure a home equity loan through a bank–you have to refinance your house. It’s this huge process.”

Let’s go over the basic options to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Important

When it comes to financing a pool, your options will generally fall into two categories: secured loans that are collateralized by your equity in your home, and unsecured personal loans.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a loan that uses your home as collateral. To qualify, you’ll generally need equity equal to at least 20% of your home’s value, a credit score of at least 600, and verifiable income history going back at least two years. 

Caciolo says 90 percent of his customers pay out of pocket for Monogram’s luxury pools. “The five to 10 percent that don’t, I always suggest they start with a home equity loan,” he says. “It’ll be a lower interest rate because the loan is collateralized by their house.”

While those benefits are attractive, there are also potential drawbacks. A home equity loan will typically take longer to close than a personal or contractor loan. And because it uses your house as collateral, you risk losing your residence if something happens that prevents you from paying the loan. 

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

This is similar to a home equity loan in that the equity in your home is used to secure the loan. But, rather than a lump sum loan, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit you can draw on when needed. 

Lenders will consider your credit history and credit score. Different lenders have different requirements, but most will require a credit score of at least 620 to qualify. 

HELOCs typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can save money over the life of the loan. But, interest rates are generally variable, so it could cost more than a fixed-rate home equity loan. 

Be sure to consider the total cost of what you borrow. Often, there are ongoing fees that can drive up the cost. Experts say the easy loan terms can leave some people spending beyond their means. Only consider a HELOC if you are sure you have the discipline to manage it. 

Cash-out Refi

If you have built up some equity in your home and are eyeing falling interest rates, a cash-out refinance can be a way to finance a pool while getting a better deal on your mortgage.

A cash-out refinance is a type of mortgage refinance that is based on the value of your property rather than what you owe on the loan. You apply for a new loan that is used to pay off what you owe on the old one. You then receive the balance in cash and can use it to cover the cost of the pool.

To qualify, you’ll need at least 20% equity in your home and a debt-to-income ratio of 45% or less. Typically, you’ll need to show a credit score of 620 or more. You will also likely need to have owned your home for at least six months. 

Run the numbers to make sure a cash-out refi is the right move for you. Because it’s for a larger amount than you previously owed on your mortgage, your payments will probably be higher. You will also likely restart the clock on paying your mortgage down because you are cashing in your existing equity. 

Unsecured loans

While there are many reasons to look at the equity in your home, there are just as many to avoid that option. New owners may not have enough equity to draw on it for a loan. Or, you may feel uncomfortable risking your primary residence by linking it to additional debt. Unsecured loans typically have higher interest rates than secured loans, but they also offer convenience secured loans do not.

Acorn Finance has a simple portal that allows you to compare offers from multiple banks side by side. You can see the interest rate, terms, and loan amounts all in one place. Getting preapproved takes just minutes and does not affect your credit.

Unsecured loan options include:

Credit cards

Got a zero-interest offer in the mail? A credit card can be a valid option for low-cost above-ground pools. Be sure you can pay it off before interest eliminates any savings.

A credit card can be convenient because, if you have an adequate credit limit, you can borrow without having to apply. This convenience comes with some drawbacks, however.

Outside of special offers, credit cards are typically the most expensive way to borrow due to higher interest rates. 

Because of this, a credit card will rarely be adequate for more than a simple aboveground pool or a low-end inground pool. 

Contractor Loans 

When you are interviewing contractors, be sure to ask whether they offer financing. Monogram Custom Pools, for example, works with a specialty lender who concentrates on pool financing. Other regional lenders may have deals with contractors that can include zero money down or interest-free periods. 

“Talk to a contractor and see if they offer 0% financing, or no payment for six months,” says Sayers. He warns that deals like that can seem economical up front, but may have hidden costs. “You need to look for fees and added charges,” as well as the interest rate when the zero interest period expires.

Personal Loans

Personal loans have the advantage of not using your primary home as collateral. Instead, banks lend money based on your credit score and demonstrated ability to make payments on the loan. 

The terms and eligibility will depend on the lender you choose. Most will have minimum credit score requirements; however, there are some loans available for people with low credit scores or slim credit histories. 

Typically, lenders will want to see proof of income that shows an ability to make the monthly payments on the loan. A pool loan can often have terms of a decade or more, so be sure you anticipate being able to continue to make payments for the life of the loan. 

Acorn Finance works with over a dozen lenders, so you can compare offers side by side. The terms you’ll be offered will depend on your credit history. Before you commit to a loan, you can take a few minutes to check preapprovals. There is no obligation to borrow, and this soft pull will not affect your credit score.

Steps to get a pool loan

Start by getting quotes from one or more contractors. This will help you decide what features you want to spring for and how much you’ll need to get your dream pool installed.

Get together documentation. You’ll typically be asked for things that can prove your identity (driver’s license), address (utility bills or a lease agreement), and income/employment status (pay stubs), among other documents.

From there, the process will vary depending on where you borrow. In most cases, you will put in a formal application, then accept the terms to get your loan.

Tip

The first step to get a pool loan is to get quotes from one or more contractors.

How Acorn Finance Can Help

On Acorn Finance, your loan application takes just a few minutes to fill out before being sent to multiple lenders. You’ll be able to compare offers in as little as a few minutes. Once you find an offer you like, you can submit the documentation needed. When you’re approved, you’ll typically have the money in your account in just a couple of days.

Before you know it, you’ll be relaxing in your own private oasis. Curious what it’ll take to get you into the swimming pool of your dreams? Check out loan offers today.