Quick answer
A pool loan is usually an unsecured personal loan or a home equity loan or HELOC used to build a pool. Personal loans fund quickly and do not use your home as collateral; home equity may cost less but takes longer and puts the home at risk. Budget for fencing, landscaping, insurance and upkeep, not just construction.
A pool is a big purchase you will be paying for, in one way or another, every month you own it. Financing is only part of that.
Financing options
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Personal loan | Quick, home is not collateral, fixed payment | Higher APR than secured options for many borrowers |
| Home equity loan | Fixed payment, often lower rate | Home is collateral, closing costs |
| HELOC | Draw as the builder bills | Often variable rate, home is collateral |
| Builder financing | Convenient | Compare APR and promo terms carefully |
What a pool loan costs
Here is what borrowing $25,000 over 60 months costs at three APRs across the 5.99% to 35.99% range offered on our network.
| APR | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.99% | $483.20 | about $3,992 | about $28,992 |
| 15.99% | $607.82 | about $11,469 | about $36,469 |
| 35.99% | $903.16 | about $29,190 | about $54,190 |
The difference between the low and high APRs on a loan this size is large, so improving your credit before you build can pay off.
Budget beyond the build
- Fencing and safety features required by your town
- Decking, landscaping and electrical work
- Higher homeowners insurance
- Chemicals, maintenance, repairs and utilities
Add the monthly upkeep to the loan payment and check your debt-to-income ratio before you sign.
Questions for builders
- What exactly is included, and what is extra?
- What is the payment schedule, and what is due before work starts?
- Who pulls permits?
Compare home equity and unsecured options in HELOC vs personal loan.
If a fixed-rate installment loan is the right tool, use the form on this page to see whether partner lenders may have an offer, or call (800) 236-7761. You can also compare costs first with the loan payment calculator.
Examples are illustrations, not offers. Approval, APR and terms depend on the lender, your state and your credit profile.
Frequently asked questions about pool loans: how to finance an inground or above-ground pool
What credit score do I need for a pool loan?
Lenders set their own standards. Larger unsecured loans generally require stronger credit and income. Compare APRs across several offers.
How long can a pool loan be?
Personal loan terms vary by lender. Longer terms lower the monthly payment but raise total interest. Home equity products often allow longer terms.
What costs besides construction should I plan for?
Fencing or safety covers, decking, landscaping, electrical work, higher homeowners insurance, chemicals, maintenance and utilities.
Sources
- CFPB: What is a home equity loan? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a home equity line of credit (HELOC)? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a debt-to-income ratio? (accessed 2026-10-09)
Last updated 2026-10-09. How we research and update pages.