Best Pool Loans for Your Oasis: A Comprehensive Guide in 2025

Dipping into a cool pool on a hot summer day is sheer bliss. But installing one can leave quite the dent in your wallet. Don’t let that dampen your spirits, though – pool financing options abound! Let’s dive into the best pool loans of 2025, their pros and cons, and how to snag the perfect one for your dream oasis.

What is a Pool Loan?

A pool loan, also known as a swimming pool loan or pool financing, is an unsecured personal loan designed specifically to cover the costs of installing an above-ground or in-ground pool. These loans don’t require collateral, making them accessible even if you’re not ready to tap into your home equity.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pool?

The cost of installing a pool varies greatly depending on several factors:

Type: Above-ground pools are cheaper than in-ground ones.
Materials: Concrete or gunite pools, for instance, are pricier than vinyl-lined ones.
Size and depth
Additional features, such as heating systems, lighting, or diving boards

According to Angi, a home service professional website, the average cost of installing an in-ground pool ranges from $44,500 to $87,500. Above-ground pools are much cheaper, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.

Best Pool Loans of 2025

When it comes to the best pool loans, NerdWallet’s experts have you covered. Here are their top picks for 2025:

Lender	Est. APR	Loan Amount	Min. Credit Score
SoFi Personal Loan	8.99-29.99%	5K−100K	None
LightStream	4.99%-16.79%*	5K−100K	660+
Upgrade	7.99%-35.89%	1K−50K	620+
Prosper	7.45%-35.99%	2K−40K	640+
Navy Federal Credit Union Personal Loan	7.49%-17.99%	Up to $50K (for members)	None
Best Egg	4.99%-35.99%	2K−50K	600+
LendingClub	8.05%-35.89%	1K−40K	600+
Wells Fargo Personal Loan	6.79%-24.99% (as of 1/16/25)	Up to $100K (for existing customers)	None

*Rates vary and are subject to change; example rates shown assume excellent credit.

Top Pool Loans: What Sets Them Apart?

Each lender on this list boasts unique features that set them apart:

SoFi Personal Loan

SoFi is renowned for its consumer-friendly features, such as unemployment protection, career services, and financial education. They also offer fast funding times – sometimes within one business day.

LightStream

LightStream offers low rates for good- to excellent-credit borrowers. Plus, they provide flexible repayment terms of up to 12 years for home improvement projects like pool installation.

Upgrade

Upgrade caters to borrowers with fair credit and provides a mobile app for easy loan management. They also offer fast funding times – often within one business day.

Prosper

Prosper is known for its bad-credit personal loans, making it an attractive option for those struggling with less-than-perfect credit. They also offer rate discounts for autopay and soft credit checks to pre-qualify without affecting your score.

Navy Federal Credit Union Personal Loan

NFCU members enjoy competitive rates and flexible repayment terms up to 60 months. Plus, there are no origination fees or prepayment penalties.

Best Egg

Best Egg offers fast funding times – often within one business day – and a mobile app for easy loan management. They also provide financial education resources and tools.

LendingClub

LendingClub is another popular choice for borrowers with fair to excellent credit. They offer flexible repayment terms up to five years and don’t charge prepayment penalties.

Wells Fargo Personal Loan

Existing Wells Fargo customers can qualify for loans with lower rates, larger amounts, or special discounts. Repayment terms range from one to seven years, with no origination fees or prepayment penalties.

How to Finance Your Dream Pool in 2025

1. Size Up the Costs

Work with a contractor to get an accurate estimate of your pool installation costs before shopping for loans. This will help you narrow down the best loan amounts and terms for your needs.

2. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a significant role in determining whether you qualify for a loan and what interest rates you’ll receive. You can check your credit reports for free with NerdWallet or at AnnualCreditReport.com.

3. Pre-Qualify and Compare Lenders

Many lenders allow you to pre-qualify for a personal loan without affecting your credit score. Use this opportunity to compare potential loan offers, rates, and terms from multiple lenders.

4. Consider More Than Just Rates and Terms

When comparing pool loans, consider other features as well:

Loan amounts: Ensure the lender can provide the full amount you need for your pool installation.
Repayment terms: Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but higher total interest costs. Choose a term that balances affordability with cost-effectiveness.
Fees: Some lenders charge origination fees, prepayment penalties, or other fees. Be sure to factor these into your decision.
Customer service and reviews: Positive customer feedback indicates a lender is likely to provide a smooth, hassle-free borrowing experience.

5. Gather Documents and Apply

Once you’ve found the best pool loan for your needs, gather any required documents – typically W-2s, bank statements, and a government-issued ID – and submit your application. Some lenders can make an approval decision within one business day and fund loans within two.

Pool Loans: Pros and Cons

Pros of Pool Loans

No collateral required – lenders can’t seize your possessions if you fail to repay.
Fast funding times – some lenders can deposit funds the same or next day after approval, while others take up to a couple of business days.
Wide range of repayment terms – pool loans typically offer terms between two and seven years, with some lenders extending up to 12 years for home improvement projects.

Cons of Pool Loans

Rates can be high: Compared to home equity loans or lines of credit, personal loans can come with higher APRs.
Large monthly payments: Because pool loans typically have shorter repayment terms, monthly payments can be sizeable. Be sure to budget accordingly.
No tax benefits: Unlike home equity loans, personal loans don’t offer tax deductions for interest paid.

Pool Loans vs Other Financing Options

Financing a pool is a long-term commitment, so it’s crucial to compare personal loans with other financing options before making a decision. Here are some alternatives to consider:

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans, also known as second mortgages, offer lower rates and longer repayment terms than personal loans. However, they require using your home as collateral. If you’re comfortable with this risk, home equity loans can be an excellent financing option for pool installation.

Expected Loan Amounts, Repayment Terms, and APRs:

Maximum loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
Repayment term: Up to 30 years
APRs: Start around 8%

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)

HELOCs are open-ended credit lines that allow you to draw funds as needed. They’re ideal for long-term projects or those with surprise costs. HELOC rates are often lower than personal loan rates, but your monthly payments may fluctuate due to variable interest rates.

Expected Loan Amounts, Repayment Terms, and APRs:

Maximum loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
Repayment term: Typically a 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period
APRs: Start around 8%

Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, larger loan. You “cash out” the difference between your new loan and what you owe on your mortgage to pay for pool installation costs.

Expected Loan Amounts, Repayment Terms, and APRs:

Loan amount: 80% to 90% of your home’s value, minus what you owe on the mortgage.
Repayment terms: Common repayment terms include 15 years and 30 years.
APRs: Start around 7%

In-House Financing

Your pool contractor may offer in-house financing options through a third-party lender. These loans often have larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms than personal loans, but be sure to compare offers with other financing options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the typical terms on a pool loan?

The typical repayment term on an unsecured pool loan is between two and seven years. Other pool financing options, like home equity loans and lines of credit, can have repayment terms up to 15 or 20 years. In-house financing through a contractor may offer repayment terms up to 30 years.

What credit score is needed for a pool loan?

You usually need a credit score around 560 or higher to qualify for a pool loan. Some lenders accept lower credit scores, but you may receive a higher rate. The largest loan amounts typically go to those with good and excellent credit scores (690 or higher).

What’s the best place to finance a pool?

The best lender for your pool financing depends on your project’s costs, credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors. Be sure to compare rates, terms, fees, and other features from multiple lenders to find the best fit for your needs.

How much do pools cost?

The cost of installing a pool varies depending on several factors:

Type: Above-ground pools are cheaper than in-ground ones.
Materials: Concrete or gunite pools, for instance, are pricier than vinyl-lined ones.
Size and depth
Additional features, such as heating systems, lighting, or diving boards

Ready to Dive In?

Financing your dream pool doesn’t have to be a headache – armed with the right information and comparison tools, you can find the perfect loan for your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your pool financing options today!