Best Swimming Pool Loans in 2024

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Written by Alex Cook | Edited by Katie Lowery and Chloe Della Costa | Reviewed January 5, 2024
How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
LenderUser ratingsAPR rangeLoan amountsLoan terms
BHG Money logo13.39% to 24.91%$10,000 to $200,00036 to 120 months
Discover personal loans logo
(1,592)
User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

7.99% to 24.99%$2,500 to $40,00036 to 84 months
LightStream logo8.49% to 21.47% (with autopay)$5,000 to $100,00024 to 144 months
Navy Federal Credit Union logoUser ratings coming soon8.99% to 18.00%Not specified180 months
PenFed Credit Union logo7.99% to 17.99%$600 to $50,00012 to 60 months
SoFi logo
(94)
User Ratings & Reviews rating-reviews-tooltip-icon

Ratings and reviews are from real consumers who have used the lending partner’s services.

8.99% to 25.81% (with discounts)$5,000 to $100,00024 to 84 months
Wells Fargo logoUser ratings coming soon7.49% to 23.34% (with discounts)$3,000 to $100,00012 to 84 months

Lender details

BHG Money logo

  • Loan amounts: $10,000 to $200,000
  • APR: 13.39% to 24.91%
  • Loan terms: 36 to 120 months
  • Origination fees: 2.00% - 4.00%
ProsCons

 Largest maximum loan amount

 Longer payment terms available

 No prepayment penalties

 Higher minimum interest rate

 Not available in Illinois or Maryland

 Origination fees

Discover personal loans logo

  • Loan amounts: $2,500 to $40,000
  • APR: 7.99% to 24.99%
  • Loan terms: 36 to 84 months
  • Origination fees: None
ProsCons

 APR starting at 7.99%

 No origination fees

 Repayment period of up to seven years

 Low loan maximum at $40,000

 Doesn’t allow joint applications

 Charges fees for late payments

LightStream logo

  • Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
  • APR: 8.49% to 21.47% (with autopay)
  • Loan terms: 24 to 144 months
  • Origination fees: None
ProsCons

 Up to $100,000 maximum

 No origination fees

 Wide range of payment terms

 No loan prequalification

 Hard credit check required

 Requires good or excellent credit

Navy Federal Credit Union logo

  • Loan amounts: Not specified
  • APR: 8.99% to 18.00%
  • Loan terms: 180 months
  • Origination fees: None
ProsCons

 Low maximum APR

 Allows joint applications

 Same-day funding

 Must qualify for membership

 Relatively high home improvement loan minimums

 Maximum loan amount not specified

PenFed Credit Union logo

  • Loan amounts: $600 to $50,000
  • APR: 7.99% to 17.99%
  • Loan terms: 12 to 60 months
  • Origination fees: None
ProsCons

 Quick funding timeline (1-2 days)

 Competitive APR range

 No origination fees

 Unclear eligibility requirements

 Relatively low maximum loan amount

 Fees for late payments

SoFi logo

  • Loan amounts: $5,000 to $100,000
  • APR: 8.99% to 25.81% (with autopay and direct deposit)
  • Loan terms: 24 to 84 months
  • Origination fees: 0.00% - 6.00% (not required)
ProsCons

 Competitive APR range

 No origination fees

 Same-day funding

 Requires higher credit score

 Doesn’t have clear eligibility criteria

 Employment requirements

Wells Fargo logo

  • Loan amounts: $3,000 to $100,000
  • APR: 7.49% to 23.24% (with existing relationship)
  • Loan terms: 12 to 84 months
  • Origination fees: None
ProsCons

 Terms as short as 12 months

 Low minimum APR at 7.49%

 Quick application process

 Only Wells Fargo customers can apply

 Late payment fees apply

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How much do swimming pools cost?

Before you apply for a swimming pool loan, you should get a few quotes for how much your new pool will cost. According to HomeAdvisor, in-ground pools range from about $44,000 to $85,000. Above-ground pools are substantially cheaper — usually less than $6,000.

The total cost of your pool will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live. Size, shape, materials and additional features like fencing or landscaping will also affect how much your pool costs.

As you’d expect, more luxurious pools are more expensive. In fact, if you want a huge, luxury pool with waterfalls or spillover features, many personal loans may not offer enough funding to finance the entire cost.

Contractors should be able to provide an estimate of what your pool may cost, but cost fluctuations for labor and materials could affect the final price. Whether you want an inexpensive above-ground pool or a custom in-ground pool with all the bells and whistles, be sure to get a few quotes from licensed contractors before applying for a personal loan.

Swimming pool loan calculator

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How to get a pool loan

Getting a swimming pool loan is similar to getting any other kind of personal loan. Once you’ve gathered quotes from contractors, you’re ready to start the loan application process.

1. Determine your budget

Keep monthly loan payments in mind as you decide what kind of pool you’d like and how much it might cost. If you’re borrowing money to finance the project, it’s important to ensure that the monthly cost fits into your budget. You don’t want to wind up underwater if you miss payments.

2. Check your credit score

Your credit score helps track your credit history for potential lenders. A higher score can offer access to more loans and better rates, and a lender will check your score when you apply for a loan. You can check your score for free with LendingTree Spring to understand where you stand as you start the application process.

3. Prequalify for loans

Think of prequalification as getting your feet wet without jumping all the way into the deep end. Some lenders allow you to prequalify for a loan, which gives you an estimated APR and monthly payment with a soft credit check — avoiding a hard credit check until you’re ready to apply. Some lenders don’t allow prequalification, so you wouldn’t know the specific terms before applying.

4. Compare loans

Once you’ve prequalified for a few loans, compare your options to see which has the best terms for your needs. Consider factors like APR, term length, origination fees and credit score requirements when deciding which loan is best for your circumstances.

Ultimately, the interest you’ll have to pay may be the most important number — a lower interest rate can save you a lot of money over the life of the loan. To get the best rates, you’ll need a strong credit score. It might be worth delaying your project and working to improve your credit score before applying.

5. Apply for your loan

The final step is to submit a formal loan application to a lender. In addition to basic information like your ID and Social Security number, you may also need to provide proof of income or employment, bank account information and documentation for your other debts. The lender will pull your credit report before making a final loan decision.

If your application is approved, you’ll sign a loan contract and receive your funds in the form of a lump sum. If your request is denied, here are ways to boost your odds of approval next time.

Swimming pool loan alternatives

While personal loans can be a great financing option, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before diving in, consider whether an alternative product makes more sense.

  • Home equity loan: Unlike unsecured personal loans, home equity loans are secured, meaning that your home is considered collateral (much like a mortgage). The amount you can borrow and the interest rates you qualify for will depend on your credit score and the amount of equity you’ve built in your home. Home equity loans come with fixed rates that tend to be lower than those for personal loans because they require you to use your home as collateral for the loan.
  • Home equity line of credit (HELOC): Like a credit card, a HELOC is a form of revolving credit that allows you to borrow money as needed. HELOC financing also uses your home as collateral for the secured credit line. Unlike a home equity loan, which often has a fixed interest rate, the APR on a HELOC is variable and can fluctuate with the market.
  • Cash-out refinance: If you’ve built considerable equity in your home, a cash-out refinance allows you to convert that equity into cash. With this type of refinancing, you borrow more than you currently owe on your mortgage and use the cash difference to finance projects like building a swimming pool in your backyard.

These alternatives have much longer funding timelines than personal loans, and they require a significant amount of home equity. If you’re itching to get started or haven’t built much equity in your home yet, a swimming pool loan may be your best bet.

How we chose the best pool loans

LendingTree reviewed 14 lenders to determine our list of the seven best lenders for swimming pool loans. Aside from one loan designed for cheaper, above-ground pools, each lender on our list has a maximum loan amount of at least $50,000 — enough to finance the average in-ground pool.

Other factors we considered include:

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Flexible repayment schedules
  • Low or no origination fees
  • Permitted loan use (swimming pool or home improvement loans allowed)

By offering you a detailed overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each loan product, LendingTree’s goal is to help you make an informed, financially sound decision that’s right for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, many personal loan companies help finance swimming pool construction. Home improvements are a common reason for taking out a personal loan, and while most lenders have a few restrictions on how you can use your funds, home improvements are commonly permitted.

It depends. Some lenders require at least good credit, though some don’t publicly specify their minimum credit requirements. To qualify for a lender’s lowest rate, you’ll likely need an excellent credit score.

Some lenders charge a loan origination fee, though not all do. Those fees are deducted upfront from the money your lender sends to you. Prepayment penalties are less common but can apply if you pay off your loan too quickly. It’s important to understand all potential fees before finalizing your loan application.

Lenders usually ask how you plan on using your loan funds during the application process. Personal loans can be used to pay for a wide variety of expenses, but most lenders place restrictions on how you can use the funds. If you use your loan to finance something that violates the lender’s conditions, you may be in breach of your loan contract and face stiff financial and legal repercussions.

If your lender does a hard credit check as part of the application process, your credit score will take a minor, temporary hit. As long as you make regular, on-time loan payments, your credit score should rebound eventually.