Only 8% of homes in the U.S. have a pool, according to the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. Why the scarcity? Cost. Pools can be one of the most expensive additions to a home, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. Covering that kind of expense with cash may be impossible for many, but personal loans provide a relatively affordable (and quick) way to finance a swimming pool. Other options include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, and contractor financing.
How much do swimming pools cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 for an in-ground pool, says Karen Watts, founder of new-homeowner consulting firm DomiSource. However, that number can vary based on where you live, your pool’s size, and other costs such as custom shapes, decking, and heating.
For example, a basic pool may cost an average of $55,000 to $75,000 in Texas, says John Uhle, founding partner at Discount Salt Pool. However, a pool built with luxury accommodations such as a heater, lighting, fencing, and decking could easily cost more than $150,000, Watts says, once you factor in the add-ons, permits, and drainage work.
Expert take: Pool costs don’t stop at installation; budget for monthly and yearly maintenance costs. “Even ‘low-maintenance’ pools will require a commitment of $500 to $1,000 per year for chemicals, cleaning, and service. I always remind homeowners that if you don't budget every year for pool maintenance before you build, you aren't really budgeting.”
— Karen Watts, DomiSource Founder
Why trust Credible

The Credible editorial team is independent and unbiased — we base ratings on a data-driven process and apply rating algorithms uniformly to ensure fair comparisons between lenders. We never get paid to rank products or lending partners.
Our expert editorial staff analyzed 1,216 personal loan data points across 32 lenders, assessing rates, fees, customer experience, and more to simplify your personal loan comparison. For a deeper dive into our process, see our detailed methodology.
Credible has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating with Trustpilot, based on over 8,000 reviews.
Advertiser DisclosureThe rates that appear are from companies from which Credible receives compensation. This compensation does not impact how or where products appear within the table. The rates and information shown do not include all financial service providers or all of the displayed lenders' available services and product offerings.
Credible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
LightStream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses. Plus, average rates on LightStream personal loans were the lowest among all Credible partner lenders for borrowers with good, very good, and excellent credit, according to 12 months of Credible personal loans marketplace data. There are no origination fees or other fees, and loans can be used for a wide range of purposes
Funds can be available as soon as the same day you apply, and you could have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans.
Unlike most lenders, LightStream does not let you prequalify on its site — but you can prequalify through Credible. LightStream scored better than average in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study, beating out online lender SoFi by one position.
pros
- Same-day funding available
- High maximum loan amount
- No origination fee or other fees
- Allows co-borrowers
- Rate beat program
- Long repayment terms available
cons
- Good credit required
- Not available in Vermont
- No loans under $5,000
- Limited customer service
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, which means borrowers with fair credit are eligible. Plus, Best Egg is one of a handful of Credible partner lenders to offer secured loans, and the only one we know of that offers loans secured by the fixtures in your home. This can be a great way for homeowners to lower their rate, while not putting their actual home up as collateral.
However, Best Egg loans may have an origination fee, which ranges from 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount.
pros
- Secured loans available
- Low minimum income requirement
- Wide range of loan purposes allowed
- Funds in 1-3 business days
cons
- Origination fees
- No discounts
- Not available in DC, IA, VT, or WV
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
LendingClub makes loans to borrowers across the credit spectrum and stands out for its low rates, based on Credible personal loan data. The lender had some of the lowest APRs for borrowers with fair credit (FICO 580 - 669), very good credit (FICO 740 - 799), and excellent credit (FICO 800+), compared to other Credible partner lenders. The lender has a low minimum income requirement, wide availability, and offers a mobile app for streamlined loan management.
LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
pros
- Mobile app
- Low minimum income requirement
- High close rate on loans made through Credible
- Available in all states
cons
- Origination fee
- No discounts
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
As soon as next-day funding once approved
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
pros
- Excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Large loan amounts available
cons
- Possible origination fee up to 7.49% (through Credible)
- Other lenders may have lower starting APRs
- No cosigner option
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $50,000 on Credible)
Eligibility
Available in all states. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, major purchases, paying bills or rent
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Citi offers no-fee personal loans to borrowers with good credit (a FICO credit score of 720 or higher). No-fee means no origination fees and no late fees, and Citi is one of few lenders that don’t charge either. (Origination fees are deducted from the loan upfront, reducing the amount you receive).
The company also offers a generous 0.50 percentage point autopay discount and makes same day funding available to current Citi customers. However, Citi requires a relatively high credit score to qualify and caps the amount you can borrow at $30,000, which is less than most of its competitors.
Citi came in second for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's 2025 Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study.
pros
- No origination fees
- Autopay discount
- 2nd in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study
- 100% digital process
cons
- Max loan amount is lower than most lenders
- High credit score required
Discounts
0.5% APR autopay discount
Time to get funds
Same day with an existing Citi account, or within 2 business days with a non-Citi account
Loan uses
Can be used for almost any purpose, except for using the proceeds for post-secondary expenses or business purposes.
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers and borrowers with low annual incomes. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%.
pros
- Fair credit borrowers eligible
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Can fund in as little as 1 business day
- Mobile app
- Secured loans available
- Low annual income requirement
cons
- High maximum origination fee
- Cosigners not accepted on home improvement loans
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Universal Credit offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
pros
- Borrowers with low credit scores considered
- $25,000 annual income requirement
- Autopay and direct pay discounts available
- Can fund in one business day
cons
- High APRs
- Potentially high origination fees
- Not available in Iowa
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
LightStream is one of three Credible partner lenders to offer loan amounts up to $100,000, which makes it ideal for financing large expenses. Plus, average rates on LightStream personal loans were the lowest among all Credible partner lenders for borrowers with good, very good, and excellent credit, according to 12 months of Credible personal loans marketplace data. There are no origination fees or other fees, and loans can be used for a wide range of purposes
Funds can be available as soon as the same day you apply, and you could have up to 20 years to repay certain types of loans, including home improvement loans, RV loans, and boat loans.
Unlike most lenders, LightStream does not let you prequalify on its site — but you can prequalify through Credible. LightStream scored better than average in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study, beating out online lender SoFi by one position.
pros
- Same-day funding available
- High maximum loan amount
- No origination fee or other fees
- Allows co-borrowers
- Rate beat program
- Long repayment terms available
cons
- Good credit required
- Not available in Vermont
- No loans under $5,000
- Limited customer service
Repayment terms
2 - 20 years, depending on loan purpose
Eligibility
Available in all states except VT
Time to get funds
As soon as the same business day
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Best Egg is a solid lender for a wide range of borrowers. It offers competitive rates, reasonable loan terms and amounts, and personal loans for fair credit. You'll need a FICO score of at least 600 to qualify, which means borrowers with fair credit are eligible. Plus, Best Egg is one of a handful of Credible partner lenders to offer secured loans, and the only one we know of that offers loans secured by the fixtures in your home. This can be a great way for homeowners to lower their rate, while not putting their actual home up as collateral.
However, Best Egg loans may have an origination fee, which ranges from 0.99% to 9.99% of the loan amount.
pros
- Secured loans available
- Low minimum income requirement
- Wide range of loan purposes allowed
- Funds in 1-3 business days
cons
- Origination fees
- No discounts
- Not available in DC, IA, VT, or WV
Fees
Origination fee, late fee, unsuccessful payment fee, check processing fee
Eligibility
Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 to 3 business days after successful verification
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
LendingClub makes loans to borrowers across the credit spectrum and stands out for its low rates, based on Credible personal loan data. The lender had some of the lowest APRs for borrowers with fair credit (FICO 580 - 669), very good credit (FICO 740 - 799), and excellent credit (FICO 800+), compared to other Credible partner lenders. The lender has a low minimum income requirement, wide availability, and offers a mobile app for streamlined loan management.
LendingClub may charge an origination fee between 3% and 8%.
pros
- Mobile app
- Low minimum income requirement
- High close rate on loans made through Credible
- Available in all states
cons
- Origination fee
- No discounts
Eligibility
Available in all 50 states
Time to get funds
As soon as next-day funding once approved
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
It’s worth considering a personal loan through Splash if you have good credit (ideally, a FICO score above 700). The platform offers loans from a wide range of lenders, and next-day funding is available. Plus, Splash has a live chat feature so you can get real-time answers without having to wait on hold or for an email. Loans are available up to $100,000 if you apply via Splash’s website.
Rates are competitive, but borrowers with excellent credit may find lower APRs elsewhere. If you need a repayment term longer than five years, you’ll need to look elsewhere as well.
pros
- Excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Large loan amounts available
cons
- Possible origination fee up to 7.49% (through Credible)
- Other lenders may have lower starting APRs
- No cosigner option
Loan amount
$5,000 - $100,000 (up to $50,000 on Credible)
Eligibility
Available in all states. OH and NM net disbursed amount must be greater than $5,000. MA must be greater than $6,000
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, major purchases, paying bills or rent
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Citi offers no-fee personal loans to borrowers with good credit (a FICO credit score of 720 or higher). No-fee means no origination fees and no late fees, and Citi is one of few lenders that don’t charge either. (Origination fees are deducted from the loan upfront, reducing the amount you receive).
The company also offers a generous 0.50 percentage point autopay discount and makes same day funding available to current Citi customers. However, Citi requires a relatively high credit score to qualify and caps the amount you can borrow at $30,000, which is less than most of its competitors.
Citi came in second for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's 2025 Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study.
pros
- No origination fees
- Autopay discount
- 2nd in J.D. Power's Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study
- 100% digital process
cons
- Max loan amount is lower than most lenders
- High credit score required
Discounts
0.5% APR autopay discount
Time to get funds
Same day with an existing Citi account, or within 2 business days with a non-Citi account
Loan uses
Can be used for almost any purpose, except for using the proceeds for post-secondary expenses or business purposes.
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Upgrade has a suite of features that make it a very attractive lender: competitive interest rates, discounts for direct pay and autopay, as soon as same-day funding, up to seven-year repayment terms, and nationwide availability. Plus, loans are available to fair-credit borrowers and borrowers with low annual incomes. Upgrade even offers secured personal loans, which is not common among lenders.
However, Upgrade does charge an origination fee of 1.85% to 9.99%.
pros
- Fair credit borrowers eligible
- Autopay and direct pay discounts
- Can fund in as little as 1 business day
- Mobile app
- Secured loans available
- Low annual income requirement
cons
- High maximum origination fee
- Cosigners not accepted on home improvement loans
Loan uses
Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, other
Read full reviewCredible rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Overview
Universal Credit offers loan amounts up to $50,000, repayment terms up to seven years, and discounts for direct pay and autopay. Funds are available as soon as the next business day after loan approval.
Note that rates and fees can be relatively high — you may pay an origination fee from 5.25% to 9.99%, and APRs start at 11.69%. If you get a loan with a high interest rate, consider refinancing your personal loan at a lower rate once you've improved your credit score.
pros
- Borrowers with low credit scores considered
- $25,000 annual income requirement
- Autopay and direct pay discounts available
- Can fund in one business day
cons
- High APRs
- Potentially high origination fees
- Not available in Iowa
Time to get funds
As soon as 1 business day after acceptance
Loan uses
Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
Read full review
Tip
Borrowers with excellent credit paid an average APR of 10.42% for home improvement loans, according to 12 months of Credible personal loan marketplace data. (Home improvement is the loan category that pool financing falls in.)
Best pool loans
The loans below are all personal loans. Compared to home equity loans, they can be quicker to get and don’t require an evaluation of your home’s worth to qualify. They can be a good option if you don’t have enough home equity to qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit, or if you don’t want to use your home’s equity as collateral. If you don’t have excellent credit, however, you could pay a higher interest rate on a personal loan compared to a loan secured by your home.
LightStream
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $100,000

Tip
LightStream’s maximum loan amount of $100,000 and extended repayment terms make it a good option for homeowners considering a custom pool.
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$1,000 to $50,000

Good to know
Upgrade charges an origination fee that ranges from 1.85% to 9.99%.
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$1,000 to $50,000
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$2,000 to $30,000

Tip
Citi swimming pool loans are a great fit for Citi loyalists who want to keep their pool financing in-house and plan on building a smaller-than-average pool with no add-ons or customizations.
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$5,000 to $50,000
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$1,000 to $60,000
Advertiser Disclosure
We receive compensation from the companies below if you purchase a product. Amount of compensation does not impact the ranking or placement of a particular product. Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website. This content is not provided by Credible or any of the Providers on the Credible website. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Credible.
Credible Rating
Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. We collected thousands of data points on dozens of lenders for personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. Specific criteria vary by loan type, but generally include interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirements, transparency, funding times, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more.
Read our full methodology.
Loan Amount
$2,000 to $50,000
Methodology
Credible evaluated 32 lenders across 1,216 data points to find the best pool loans among personal loan lenders. We feature lenders that offer loans for home improvement and one or more of the following factors: high loan amounts, low rates, and financing options for fair credit.
Lender star ratings were established based on the following weighted categories:
- Rates and fees: 18.75%
- Eligibility and options for bad and no credit: 17.5%
- Availability: 12.5%
- Loan amounts and terms: 10%
- Customer satisfaction: 10%
- Customer service: 10%
- Efficiency and fund delivery: 10%
- Discounts: 7.5%
- Credible proprietary data: 3.75%
Credible’s team of experts gathered information from each lender’s website and from our partners directly. We also considered each of our partner lenders’ statistics over a 12-month period — including average funding times, average credit scores for approved applicants, and average rates. Each data point is verified by a senior editor to make sure it’s accurate at the time of publication.
Learn more about how Credible rates lenders by exploring our personal loans lender rating methodology.
Tips on comparing swimming pool loans
Start by prequalifying with multiple lenders to get a sense of the personal loan interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms you might qualify for, along with which lenders you’re more likely to qualify with. Once you have multiple quotes, compare:
- Loan terms: Which lenders offer repayment terms that fit your budget and time horizon for debt payoff?
- Interest rates: What APRs are you quoted? The APR is the annual percentage rate — it accounts for the loan’s interest rate and any upfront fees, and represents the cost to borrow on an annual basis.
- Monthly payment: This is related to APR and repayment term. Which lenders feature loans with payments that fit your budget?
- Fees: Do any of the lenders charge origination fees? Origination fees may be charged upfront and deducted from the loan amount, which could reduce the amount you receive.
- Loan amount: Which lenders quoted you the full loan amount requested?

Tip
Use a personal loan marketplace like Credible to prequalify with multiple lenders simultaneously and potentially receive multiple quotes.
What are pool loans and how do they work?
Pool loans can be installment loans that disburse the money upfront and require a fixed monthly payment for the entire loan term. In other cases, they could be a revolving line of credit that you use to pay pool cost expenses as they’re due. Common types of installment loans used to finance a pool include personal loans and home equity loans. Revolving credit lines include HELOCs and credit cards. Builder financing may also be an option.

Good to know
Lenders that charge origination fees may deduct the fee from your loan amount before you receive your funds. So, if you’re approved for $30,000 and your origination fee is 3% ($900, in this case), you’d receive $29,100.
Pros and cons of personal loans for swimming pools
One of the biggest benefits of using a personal loan to finance your pool is that there is no home equity requirement — making personal loans an option for more homeowners.

Pros
- Fixed interest rate and monthly payments
- No collateral required
- Long- and short-term options
- No home equity requirement
- Quick funding

Cons
- Potential origination fees
- Potential for high APRs
Pros
- Fixed interest rate and monthly payments: Personal loans for pools have a predictable repayment schedule since your monthly payment and APR don’t change.
- No collateral required: Pool loans from personal loan lenders are typically unsecured, which means you don’t have to pledge any assets to get the loan.
- Long- and short-term options: Lenders that provide pool loans tend to offer multiple repayment terms, which gives you flexibility to opt for a higher monthly payment and lower overall interest costs or a lower monthly payment and higher overall costs across a longer loan term.
- No home equity requirement: Since personal loans are not secured by your home’s equity, you don’t need a minimum amount of equity to qualify.
- Quick funding: Also, since there’s no minimum home equity requirement, your home’s value doesn’t need to be appraised, which can lead to much quicker funding relative to home-equity-based loans.
Cons
- Potential origination fees: Some lenders charge origination fees that can cost up to or over 10% of your loan amount.
- Potential for high APRs: If you don’t have good credit and can qualify for a pool loan, you could pay an APR near 30%.

Good to know
Borrowers with fair credit paid an average APR of 29.70% for home improvement loans, according to 12 months of Credible personal loan marketplace data. (Home improvement is the loan category that pool financing falls in.)
How to get a pool loan
- Get a pool estimate. Many contractors and pool companies offer estimates at no cost — get at least a few to compare.
- Check your credit score and check your credit report for errors. Dispute any inaccurate or outdated information on your credit report before applying for a loan.
- Prequalify with multiple lenders to get an idea of the rates and repayment terms you might be offered. Compare the results.
- Research lenders based on customer satisfaction, contact details, and any features important to you, like whether the lender has a mobile app.
- Pick the loan quote and company that best fit your needs and start the application.
- Complete the application and wait for the lender’s decision.
- If you’re approved, you’ll receive a formal loan offer. Read the loan contract carefully to confirm that the rate, terms, monthly payment amount, and all fees are acceptable.
- Sign the loan agreement and related documents to initiate funding.
Other ways to pay for a swimming pool
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A HELOC is a popular way to pay for a swimming pool. HELOCs are a line of credit you take out against your home, and the amount you’re approved for is based on the equity you have in your home.
HELOC rates tend to be lower than personal loans and credit cards. However, HELOC rates are variable, which means your rate could change over time based on market conditions. As a result, your monthly payment could change monthly as well. You could also lose your home if you can’t keep up with payments.
HELOCs are divided into draw and repayment periods. During the draw period, you can draw from your line of credit and make interest-only payments on what you pull out. During the repayment period, you can’t draw from your HELOC and your monthly payments include principal and interest.
Home equity loan
Home equity loans are very similar to personal loans in that you make fixed monthly payments based on a fixed interest rate, and you receive the money upfront. The big difference is that, like with a HELOC, you use your home as collateral, which means you could lose it if you default on payments. Average home equity loan rates were below 9% in August 2025.

Good to know
The average homeowner has $212,000 in tappable home equity — meaning, the amount they can access while maintaining 20% equity. Keeping at least 20% of equity in the home is often required to get a HELOC or home equity loan.
Contractor financing
The contractor you choose to build your pool may offer financing. If that’s an option, be sure to review the terms of the lender’s financing and prequalify (if you can) to get a sense of what your financing rate and terms would be. Some contractors may offer 0% promotions that allow you to make payments without interest for a certain number of months.

Warning
With “deferred interest” financing, you’ll be charged the full amount of interest that was deferred if you don’t pay off your loan by the end of the promotional period.
FAQ
What is the minimum credit score required to qualify for a pool loan?
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What is the average term for a swimming pool loan?
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Repayment terms for swimming pool loans can range from two years to more than 20 years. The repayment terms available to you depend on the type of pool financing you choose (such as a home equity loan or a personal loan), as well as the specific lender you go with. The cost of your project could also impact the length of the repayment period you qualify for.
How long does it take to get approved for a pool loan?
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Can you refinance a swimming pool loan?
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Yes, you can typically refinance a swimming pool loan. Whether you take out a personal loan, a home equity loan, or use contractor financing, you can often refinance if rates decrease with either the same lender (in some cases) or a different lender.
Disclosure: Some lending partners that participate in Credible’s comparison marketplace offer loans to borrowers with scores as low as 550. Borrowers with low scores will have fewer lending options than borrowers with higher credit scores.
Meet the expert:
J.R. Duren
J.R. Duren has 17 years of professional writing experience, was a three-time winner at the Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism contest, and has edited and written about personal finance for the past seven years. His work has appeared at Investopedia, The Balance, LendingTree, and H&R Block.