Dive Into a Career: Inground Pool Installer
When the summer sun hits hard, nothing beats the cool relief of a backyard pool. But before anyone’s cannonballing in, there’s a skilled crew behind the scenes making it happen — the inground pool installers. If you want a career that’s hands-on, seasonal but steady, and pays well for solid work, pool installation could be your ticket.
🏊 How to Get Started
No college degree? No problem. Most pool installers get started through:
Entry-level jobs with pool companies: You’ll learn on the job, helping dig trenches, set forms, and assemble pool shells.
Apprenticeships or labor positions: Many begin as general laborers before moving up to specialized roles.
Vocational training or certifications: Look for programs offering courses on pool construction, plumbing, and electrical basics. Certifications from organizations like the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) can boost your resume.
OSHA and safety training: Working around heavy equipment, excavation, and electrical connections means safety training is non-negotiable.
🛠️ Training & Skill Development
Being a pool installer isn’t just digging a hole and filling it with water. It takes:
Physical stamina: You’ll be working outdoors, lifting heavy materials, and operating machinery.
Technical skills: Installing plumbing lines, wiring pumps and heaters, and ensuring proper drainage and waterproofing.
Blueprint reading: Knowing how to follow detailed pool designs.
Problem solving: Every yard is different — sometimes the soil or underground obstacles throw a wrench in the plan.
Teamwork: Pool installation is a team effort, so communication on the jobsite matters.
💰 What’s the Pay Like?
Pay can vary based on experience, region, and company size, but here’s a ballpark:
Entry-Level Laborer $13 – $18/hr $27,000 – $37,000/yr
Skilled Installer $18 – $25/hr $37,000 – $52,000/yr
Foreman / Supervisor $25 – $32/hr $52,000 – $66,000+/yr
Specialized Tech $30+$62,000+/yr
Many installers work seasonally, but with maintenance and repair gigs, there can be year-round opportunities.
📈 Job Outlook & Growth
The demand for inground pools keeps growing, especially in warmer climates and suburban neighborhoods where homeowners want outdoor living upgrades. New pool installations and pool renovations create a steady stream of jobs.
Plus, if you stick with it and develop skills in pool electrical systems, automation, or landscaping integration, you’ll boost your value and income.
🔹 Final Thoughts from The Blue Collar Boyfriend
Inground pool installation isn’t just digging holes and hauling concrete — it’s a skilled trade that blends physical labor with technical know-how. If you like working outside, tackling tough jobs, and building something that brings people joy for years, this career deserves a spot on your radar.
Grab your boots, learn the ropes, and dive into a trade that keeps your work cool — literally.
