Above Ground Pool vs. an Inground Pool

Air conditioning isn’t the only way to stay cool during the summer. When you have a backyard pool, you have a getaway on your own property that you can enjoy whenever you want. As is the case with any other major investment, you should take your time and make sure you understand your options before you make your decision. Backyard pools are available in a range of sizes and shapes, but you can start by deciding whether yours should be above or below the ground.

Above ground and inground pools can both be lifesavers when the heat becomes a little too much to handle, but which type is best for you and your family? Price is always an important factor to consider, as well as the designs that are available and the time it takes to install the pool. Think about how much space you have in your yard, how much time you can spend on maintenance and how long you want the pool to last. Keep reading for a comparison and see which kind of backyard pool is right for you.

Affordability—Before you start looking at backyard pool options, decide how much money you’re comfortable with spending on the project. Factors like installation costs and the size of the pool itself will play a role in the total amount you spend, but above ground pools tend to be significantly cheaper than inground pools. Inground pools require extensive excavations, while above ground pools can be placed in the backyard with just a little preparation.

Design Options—There are more pool design options than a simple rectangle, so the shape of your pool is limited only by your imagination. However, this applies more to inground pools than to above ground pools. Above ground pools are usually shaped like a circle, oval or rectangle. Inground pools offer more creative freedom, as they can be L-shaped or even freeform.

Installation—Above ground pools are the winners when it comes to convenience of installation. When you have an inground pool installed, you need to have your yard excavated so the pool can be built into the ground. This can be a lengthy process, and you may have a bit of a mess to deal with before it’s over. On the other hand, above ground pools can be installed much more easily. You won’t have to rip up your yard, and you won’t have to wait as long to get in and start swimming.

Yard Space—The type of pool you should get depends on quite a few elements, one of which is the size of your yard. Having a big yard doesn’t necessarily mean you should get an inground pool, just like having a small yard doesn’t automatically point to an above ground pool. Since both types of pools are available in so many different sizes and configurations, it’s up to your taste to decide which type is right. Inground pools are often bigger and have more flexibility in terms of design, but above ground pools can be quite large as well. Think about how much of your yard you’re willing to dedicate to your swim area and then consider where you’ll place the pool.

Maintenance—Smaller pools are easier to maintain, simply because they don’t have as much water to clean. What you should really be concerned with, however, is your maintenance equipment. The right pool pumps, filters and chemicals make all the difference, and they work better when there’s less water to maintain. In terms of repairs and replacements, above ground pools are usually easier and more affordable to deal with.

Lifespan—Inground pools have longer expected lifespans than above ground pools, but both need regular care in order to survive. Whereas above ground pools can last for up to 25 years or so, inground pools may last double that time. However, inground pools will need refurbishing throughout that time to keep them looking fresh.

Whether you prefer above ground or inground pools, you’ve got all sorts of options to look through. Inground pools last longer and offer more pool design options, but above ground pools are cheaper as well as easier to install and maintain. Go through all the factors to find out which type of pool to purchase.