Should You Get an Inground or Above Ground Pool? 5 Things to Consider
Deciding between an inground or above ground pool reveals much about your goals and preferences. The inground is often associated with luxury while above ground pools are more about cost and frequent use.
In the following article, we’re going to help you make your decision by digging into the five things that every pool owner must consider before making their purchase. Let’s begin!
1. Installation Process
When installing a pool, above ground or inground, the first thing to consider is how you plan to do it. The above-ground installation is more accessible to most family budgets. That’s mostly because there is less prep work involved and a reasonable possibility that you can perform at least some of the functions of the installation yourself.
Inground pool installations involve more heavy equipment and construction expertise. They also are not as affordable for many young families or individuals.
Costs of both can vary depending on which part of the country you are in, materials used, and how complex you want other features to be. The same goes for pricing an above ground pool.
Keep in mind you may have to do a lot of the clearing and leveling work on your own to hold costs down to the bare minimum. Still, it can be well worth the extra effort.
One last thing to remember as you go about the installation process is this. Your local jurisdiction probably has rules for building permits regarding putting in a pool. You’ll need to brush up on those local ordinances and go about the proper processes for getting started.
2. Maintenance
Installing a pool of any kind requires a larger upfront investment. However, costs will continue after the pool is in place because of ongoing maintenance requirements. The quality of your build plays a factor here, but so does the supplies used and the length of time you plan to use the pool throughout the year.
Some common costs associated with a swimming pool’s upkeep include “opening” and “closing” the pool. These are the points in which you employ the needed chemicals to get the water ready for use or shutdown.
Pools are subject to needed repairs as well. Add to that water use, electricity, chemical costs, filters, and cleaning, and you could be looking at a significant monthly or annual investment.
Above ground, pools are cheaper to maintain. This generally is because they’re smaller, and they use cheaper materials.
3. How Long You Plan to Stay Put
Another factor to keep in mind for your outdoor swimming pool is how long you plan to be there. Neither above ground nor inground pools will necessarily add value to your home, but they can make a difference when it comes time to resell. However, experts are somewhat divided on just how much.
Before you decide on which one to install, decide how long you plan to stay in the home. Adding a swimming pool can cause your home to be listed for longer than if you didn’t have a pool. That’s because it requires selling to someone who isn’t just in the market for a home but a home with a pool.
If the home has an above ground pool, it might not affect sales time as much as an inground pool would. That’s because above ground pools are easier to upkeep and less of a financial commitment.
Obviously, plans to put the home on the market within five years should make you think twice about installing a pool of any kind. However, a home that you plan on being in until retirement, or one that you plan on never leaving, could be better served with an inground pool.
4. Pool Longevity
Your pool’s longevity will vary depending on the type of liner you’re using and how well-committed you are to maintenance requirements. An above-ground pool tends to require replacement every 15 years, while inground pools can last 20 years or more.
Some maintenance issues can be dealt with on your schedule. However, the pool liner itself really should be replaced every 6-12 years on an inground pool and every 5-10 on an above ground pool.
Failure to do so can cause cracks and leaks, leading to structural damage and other costlier issues. Furthermore, either pool type can make your home nearly impossible to sell if you haven’t taken care of it.
One final point to consider longevity is this: how long do you plan to actively use it? For example, let’s say you’re installing an inground pool primarily for your kids to use while they’re in high school, but you aren’t much into swimming.
Will the investment be worth it to you if you only plan on actively using the pool for five years? Oftentimes, the answer is yes because kids come home for the holidays, they get married, have children of their own, then send the grandchildren down your way every summer.
The bottom line is to look at your life plan. Then, see where the pool fits into that in the grand scheme of things as a pool is a significant investment and commitment that should not be entered into lightly.
5. Other Additions
Finally, it is important to realize that the pool itself is not the only cost that may be necessary. Above ground pools, for example, can swell in cost if you plan on installing an elegant deck and outdoor living area around it.
Once again, it takes focus and vision for what you hope to get out of the pool experience. These things must be in place before you can know beyond doubt which pool type is the best one for you.
Weigh All Options Before Going With an Inground or Above Ground Pool
If you’re sure about installing an inground or above ground pool, good for you! They can enrich your life in many ways beyond costs and bribing your kids and grandkids to visit more often.
That said, be careful and deliberate in your planning. This is a commitment. Best of luck, and if you’ve got pool fever in the Rochester area, contact us today for pricing.
