9
Best Swimming Pool Loans Of 2026: Top Financing Options
Compare the Best Swimming Pool Loans
| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE | APR RANGE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 
|
Does not disclose
|
7.74% to 35.49%* with all discounts
|
Via Credible.com's Website
| |
|
|
700
|
6.49% to 24.89%
|
Via Credible.com's Website
| |
|
|
600
|
7.99% to 35.99%
|
Via MoneyLion's Website
| |
|
580
|
7.74% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com's Website
| |
|
|
560
|
11.69% to 35.99%
|
Via Credible.com's Website
|
Best Pool Loan Lenders: A Closer Look
BEST OVERALL POOL LOAN
SoFi®
Minimum Credit Score
Does not disclose
APR range
7.74% to 35.49%*
with all discounts
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
Does not disclose
7.74% to 35.49%*
with all discounts
$5,000 to $100,000
SoFi is an online lending platform that offers unsecured fixed-rate personal loans in every state. Founded in 2011, SoFi has extended over $50 billion in loans and stands out for allowing high loan amounts and its availability of extended loan terms.
Loans are available from $5,000 to $100,000, making SoFi a great option for those with excellent credit who need to borrow a large amount of money. Loan amounts available may vary by the state you live in. Repayment terms range from two to seven years, making SoFi an incredibly flexible option for those with sufficient credit (minimum does not disclose) and annual income (at least $45,000). SoFi also lets prospective borrowers submit joint applications—although co-signers are not permitted.
Approved borrowers are rewarded with comparatively low APRs. What’s more, SoFi doesn’t charge origination fees, late fees or prepayment penalties—a stand-out feature because personal loan lenders often charge origination or late payment fees at a minimum. The platform also offers customers several other perks and discounts.
- Offers comprehensive member benefits and perks
- Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
- Offers direct payment to creditors
- Loan amounts of up to $100,000
- Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000)
- Longer average funding time (4 days)
- High maximum loan APR (35.49%*)
- Live chat is limited to business hours
Lender details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score:Does not disclose
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Accepted
Funding Speed
Funding may occur within one business day of clearing verification.
Disclosures
*Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 03/24/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.
*Fixed rates from 7.74% APR to 35.49% APR. APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% SoFi Plus interest rate discount. SoFi Platform personal loans are made either by SoFi Bank, N.A. or , Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, operating from its Delaware branch, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. SoFi may receive compensation if you take out a loan originated by Cross River Bank. These rate ranges are current as of 03/24/26 and are subject to change without notice. Not all rates and amounts available in all states. See SoFi Personal Loan eligibility details at https://www.sofi.com/eligibility-criteria/#eligibility-personal. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including evaluation of your credit worthiness, income, and other factors.
Loan amounts range from $5,000–$100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 9.99% of your loan amount for Cross River Bank originated loans which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive and for SoFi Bank originated loans have an origination fee of 0%-7%, will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.
Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
SoFi Plus Discount: SoFi Plus members are eligible for an interest rate reduction of 0.25% on a Personal Loan. To be eligible for the discount, you must meet the SoFi Plus eligibility criteria within 31 days of the funding of your loan. For complete SoFi Plus eligibility, please see the SoFi Plus terms. When you enroll in SoFi Plus, the discount will lower the interest rate that applies to your loan only during periods in which you are enrolled in SoFi Plus. The discount will be removed during periods in which SoFi determines you are not enrolled in SoFi Plus. Each time your loan is re-amortized, your monthly payment amount will change based upon the interest rate that was in place. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer for unenrolled participants at any time. You are not required to enroll in SoFi Plus to be eligible for Loan approval.
Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction on your Personal Loan (your “Loan”), you must set up Direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., or enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee, all within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled Direct Deposit to an eligible Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion, or during periods in which SoFi successfully receives payment of the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off Direct Deposit to your Checking and Savings account or in which you have not paid for the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee. You are not required to enroll in Direct Deposit or to pay the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee to receive a Loan.
¹Terms and conditions apply. Offer good for personal loan customers with credit cards and personal loans in their name only and subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) register and/or apply through this landing page; (2) complete a loan application with SoFi within 90 days of your application submit date; (3) meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria; (4) apply 50% or more of your loan proceeds directly to your lenders/creditors. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.25% rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Direct Pay Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice. It takes about 3 business days for your creditor/lender to receive payment after your loan is signed. You will be responsible for making all required payments to avoid credit card and other loan fees.
BEST FOR LOW, COMPETITIVE RATES
LightStream
APR range
6.49% to 24.89%
with autopay
Minimum Credit Score
700
Loan amounts
$5,000 to $100,000
6.49% to 24.89%
with autopay
700
$5,000 to $100,000
LightStream offers loans with both a low minimum and maximum interest rate, along with a rate-beat program. LightStream’s unsecured personal loans range from $5,000 to $100,000 with loan amounts varying based on the loan purpose. In addition to offering appealing and flexible terms, LightStream charges no origination, late payment or prepayment fees. The lender also offers a 0.50% rate discount for borrowers who enroll in autopay.
- Does not charge origination, late payment or prepayment fees
- Lower maximum APR (capped at 24.89%)
- Same-day funding is possible
- Offers consolidation loan amounts of up to $100,000
- Higher minimum loan amount ($5,000)
- No option for prequalification
- No option for direct payments to creditors
- No mobile app
Lender details
Eligibility
- Minimum credit score: 700
- Co-signers/co-borrowers: Accepted
Funding Speed
Same-day funding may be available if you sign documents, provide a bank account and complete the loan verification process before 2:30 p.m. ET.
BEST FOR FAST FUNDING & BELOW-AVERAGE CREDIT
LendingPoint
Minimum Credit Score
600
APR range
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $36,500
600
7.99% to 35.99%
with autopay
$1,000 to $36,500
LendingPoint is an online lender that offers personal loans to prospective borrowers in 48 states and Washington D.C.; it doesn’t offer loans in Nevada and West Virginia.
Why We Like It
LendingPoint offers longer loan terms than many other lenders—24 to 60 months—or two to five years—providing borrowers with more flexibility in their repayment plans.
What We Don’t Like
High maximum APRs and origination fees up to 10% may make LendingPoint more costly for less-qualified borrowers.
Who It’s Best For
LendingPoint is best for borrowers who want a longer repayment period.
- Funding as soon as the next business day
- Low credit score requirement
- No prepayment penalty
- Origination fee up to 10%
- Co-signers or joint loans not permitted
- Not available in Nevada or West Virginia
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 600
- Minimum annual income. $35,000
- Co-signers. Not permitted
Customer service
After testing and evaluating LendingPoint’s customer service, we found it to be one of the most helpful and transparent lenders on our list after waiting only 46 seconds to be connected to a representative. The customer service representative we spoke with shared an in-depth perspective of their loan offers, including information about loan amounts, eligibility requirements, how interest rates are determined and prequalification.
LendingPoint’s team also disclosed late fees but didn’t confirm origination fees. While customer service didn’t share this information wasn’t, the lender discloses a fee of up to 10% on its website. LendingPoint was also one of few lenders that shared how they report payments to credit bureaus, which it typically does at the start of the month.
BEST FOR BAD CREDIT
Upgrade
Minimum Credit Score
580
APR range
7.74% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
580
7.74% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
Upgrade offers accessible online credit and banking services, including personal loans of $1,000 to $50,000.
Why We Like It
Upgrade allows borrowers to apply with co-signers and sets a low minimum credit requirement of 580, increasing the chances of approval.
What We Don’t Like
Upgrade’s loans only go up to $50,000. The lender also charges origination fees between 1.85% and 9.99% of the loan amount, which can decrease the total borrowed amount.
Who It’s Best For
Upgrade’s personal loans are best for borrowers with poor credit histories who may not qualify for a personal loan without a co-signer.
- Direct payment to creditors streamlines the consolidation process
- 24/7 live chat customer support available
- Offers both co-signer and co-borrower options
- Extended repayment terms of up to 7 years
- Charges origination fees on consolidation loans
- High maximum loan APR (35.99%)
- Average 3-day funding timeline
- Minimum credit score of 580 required
BEST FOR COMPARING MULTIPLE OFFERS
Universal Credit
Minimum Credit Score
560
APR range
11.69% to 35.99%
Loan amounts
$1,000 to $50,000
560
11.69% to 35.99%
$1,000 to $50,000
Universal Credit is an online lending platform that offers personal loans between $1,000 to $50,000 through its partners. Repayment terms range from three to seven years.
While Universal Credit makes finding a personal loan accessible even to those with damaged credit, it comes with a few tradeoffs. First, it charges high APRs, well above the most competitive rates seen on our list. Second, Universal Credit charges a 5.25% to 9.99% origination fee on all personal loans. Because this is deducted from your loan proceeds, you’ll need to factor this in when determining your loan amount to ensure you receive the necessary amount after the fact.
- Flexible qualification requirements
- Funding within one business day
- No prepayment penalty
- APRs are higher than those offered by top competitors
- Origination fees from 5.25% to 9.99%
- Lowest APR requires choosing direct payment of creditors
Eligibility:
- Minimum credit score. 560
- Minimum income. Does not disclose
- Co-signers. Not permitted
- Co-borrowers. Not permitted
Most Popular is calculated from the number of times each affiliate product was selected by Forbes Advisor users over a six month time period.
How to Compare Our Top Pool Loans
Consider these tips when comparing personal loans:
- Finalize a pool estimate before applying: It’s crucial to have a finalized pool estimate before applying for a pool loan to understand how much money you need to borrow. Your estimate will likely point you in the direction of the best lender for you. For example, if your estimated cost is $50,000, there are some pool loan lenders that don’t offer large enough loan amounts.
- Where possible, prequalify. Many personal loan providers offer prospective borrowers the ability to prequalify for a loan. This means the applicant can submit details about their financing needs, income, housing situation and other relevant information to find out what kind of loan amounts, rates and repayment terms they are likely to qualify for. Even better, this process typically requires just a soft credit inquiry so you can shop around without hurting your credit score. Some lenders offer pool loans if you have bad credit, though interest rates are typically higher and approval odds depend heavily on your income and overall financial profile.
- Keep an eye out for additional fees. Some lenders offer fee-free personal loans that don’t require borrowers to pay origination fees, late payment fees, prepayment penalties or any other common loan costs. But always ask about fees when shopping for the best loan. And, if a lender charges an origination fee, find out whether it’s built into the APR or taken out of the loan amount, as this can impact your total borrowing.
- Evaluate the lender’s customer support options. While customer support may not seem like a big deal in the early stages of your loan, it can make a huge difference if you encounter issues with payments or face a financial hardship during your repayment period. Review the lender’s customer service resources and read reviews from past and current borrowers to make sure it’s a good fit.
What Is a Pool Loan?
Pool loans are typically unsecured personal loans from a traditional bank, credit union or online lender that you can use to finance the cost of installing a swimming pool, along with just about any other expense. This means you can also use pool loan financing to help cover the costs of pool accessories, cleaning devices and maintenance supplies.
The best pool loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have terms up to 12 years, depending on the lender. You must repay your loan monthly with interest throughout the loan term.
How Do Pool Loans Work?
You can apply for a swimming pool loan online or in person and then wait for the lender’s decision. If approved, you’ll receive your funds as a lump-sum payment into your bank account; interest starts to accrue in the first month. Personal loans have terms ranging between one and 12 years and require fixed monthly payments over the life of the loan.
Use the Forbes Advisor personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and how much you’ll owe in interest.
Where to Get a Pool Loan
Pool loans are available through traditional banks, credit unions and online lenders. The right place to get a pool loan typically depends on your specific situation.
- Traditional bank. Traditional banks are typically best if you have an existing relationship with an institution that understands your reputation and offers a competitive pool loan. However, traditional banks may take longer to process your loan and disburse the funds, so consider an online lender if you need funds within one or two business days.
- Credit union. Credit unions typically offer less stringent qualification requirements than banks and online lenders; however, they require memberships, which are usually offered only to those within the community. If you are currently a member of a local credit union, compare its pool loans with online lenders.
- Online lender. Online lenders often provide the fastest funding times, competitive offers and a streamlined application process. High-qualified applicants can access swimming pool loan amounts as high as $100,000 and low interest rates. If you aren’t tied to a current banking relationship, compare offers with multiple online lenders to find the best pool loan.
How to Get a Pool Loan
While the process varies by lender, follow these general steps to apply for a pool loan:
- Check your credit score. Start by checking your credit score for free through your credit card issuer or another website that offers free scores. This will give you an understanding of your creditworthiness and your qualification chances. Aim for a score of at least 670; however, a score of at least 720 will yield the most favorable terms.
- If necessary, take steps to improve your credit score. If your score falls below 670 or you want to boost your score to receive the best terms possible, take time to improve your score before applying, such as lowering your credit usage or paying off unpaid debts.
- Determine how much you need to borrow. Once you check your credit score, calculate your pool construction budget to identify how much you need to borrow. Remember, though, you’ll receive your money as a lump sum, and you’ll have to pay interest on the entire amount—so only borrow what you need.
- Shop around for the best terms and swimming pool loan rates. Many lenders will let you prequalify prior to submitting your application, which lets you see the terms you would receive with just a soft credit inquiry. Prequalifying lets you shop around for the best rates without hurting your credit score.
- Submit a formal application and await a lending decision. After you find a lender that offers you the best terms for your situation, submit your application online or in person. Depending on the lender, this process can take a few hours to a few days.
Related: 5 Personal Loan Requirements To Know Before Applying
Average Cost to Build a Pool
A swimming pool is a major addition to a home and can come with a high price tag. According to HomeAdvisor, on average, building a pool ranges between $17,016 and $44,920. Inground pools, including fiberglass pools, typically cost between $36,750 to $66,500 while above-ground pools range from $700 to $3,600. And if you’re in the market for a custom pool, like an infinity pool, expect to pay upwards of $100,000.
In addition to installation costs, you may come across a handful of other pool expenses and optional additions, according to HomeAdvisor, that you may need to finance with your pool loan:
- Pool deck or patio costs. $3,000 to $12,000
- Cover or enclosure. $1,500 to $20,000
- Retaining wall cost. $3,000 to $8,000
- Basic maintenance, such as cleaning and winterizing. $1,200 to $1,800 per year
- Utilities and repairs. $1,800 to $3,200 every year
If you’re thinking of adding any additional features, like a deck or enclosure, it typically saves you money to include them during the initial construction, but it will increase your upfront costs. Consider passing on any additions if you want to build a more affordable pool.
What Type of Loan Is Best for a Pool?
There are generally three common types of pool loans: personal loans, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Many homeowners take out personal loans because they are relatively easy to obtain. However, some prefer to use their home’s equity as collateral for a loan to secure lower rates.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are secured loans that require you to pledge your home as collateral. Because lenders can seize the collateral if you default, they typically offer lower interest rates due to the reduced risk. To be eligible for either option, you typically need at least 20% equity in your home.
Personal loans are less risky for borrowers, but they may come with higher interest rates and monthly payments. If you don’t have equity in your home or you don’t want to risk losing your house, a personal loan may be the best option.
Methodology
We reviewed 16 popular lenders based on 16 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose the six best lenders based on the weighting assigned to each category:
- Loan cost: 35%
- Loan details: 20%
- Eligibility and accessibility: 20%
- Customer experience: 15%
- Application process: 10%
Within each major category, we also considered several characteristics, including available loan amounts, repayment terms, APR ranges and applicable fees. We also looked at minimum credit score requirements, whether each lender accepts co-signers or joint applications and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated each provider’s customer support tools, borrower perks and features that simplify the borrowing process—like prequalification options and mobile apps.
Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.
To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out our Loans Rating & Review Methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get a pool loan approval?
Pool loan approval ranges from 24 hours to seven business days, depending on the lender. Online lenders may offer faster approval times than brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions. Confirm approval and funding times with your lender before applying.
What is the average interest rate to finance a pool?
Pool loan interest rates typically range from 4% to 36%. The interest rate for your specific loan depends on factors like your credit score, income, credit history and existing debt.
How many years can you finance a pool?
Pool loans have terms between one and 12 years, depending on the lender, loan amount and your creditworthiness.
Can you finance a pool into a new mortgage?
When you buy or build a new home, you can typically include the cost of pool construction into your new mortgage. However, lenders have varying regulations, so be sure to check with your specific mortgage lender.
What credit score is required for a pool loan?
Some lenders on our list require a minimum credit score of 580 while others require a score between 600 and 680. We recommend aiming for a minimum score of 670 to improve your chances of qualifying. However, aim for a score of 720 if you want to receive the lowest rates.