Should I Buy an In-ground or Above Ground Pool?

by VictoriaLynn

There are advantages and disadvantages of in-ground or above ground pools. Consider cost, upkeep, and long-term goals when considering what type of pool to buy.

You want a swimming pool! Now, the big question is what kind to get. You will need to consider the pros and cons of in-ground versus above ground pools. Whatever you decide, you can save on the cost of the pool, including any pool supplies and poolside accessories you might need by shopping with online coupons.

The Luxuriousness of a Big In-ground Pool

Large In-ground Swimming Pool
Large In-ground Swimming Pool

Having a swimming pool in the backyard is a dream for many homeowners. When the decision is made to install a pool, then becomes the next biggest decision: in-ground or above ground?

Personally, as far as aesthetic value, I like the look of an in-ground pool. There is a luxurious feel of coming out of the house into a backyard with a long sparkling pool that spans the length of the yard, complete with slide and diving board, surrounded by tables and chairs with umbrellas. Drinking a glass of tea or an ice-cold margarita out there—with a tiny umbrella thrown in—gives the feel of an upscale hotel. 

Sure, in-ground pools are great in themselves, but they do bring with them a lot to consider. They do require a lot of upkeep. Generally larger than above ground pools, in-ground pools take more time to fill with water (and more expense!) as well as more time to clean and more chemicals to keep them clean.  If you don’t have a lot of time to put into pool maintenance and can’t afford a pool boy, then you might opt for the above ground pool.

 Filling up and maintaining an in-ground swimming pool isn’t the only expense, of course. The up-front expense of digging up the yard and installing a pool is considerably more than setting up a pool on the ground. While you can get an above ground pool for only a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, an in-ground pool can cost in the ballpark of $20,000! 

Consider Above Ground Pool Options

Above Ground Pools
Above Ground Pools

Whew! That amount of money makes me rethink this whole luxurious hotel feel. The above ground pools really do outdo the pools of old. There really are some attractive (and decent-sized) above ground pools out there. They are much more advanced than a kiddie pool, and come with options for slides, too. Sure, they aren’t as deep, and a diving board would be dangerous, but they still offer a refreshing break from the summer heat.

 Another big consideration is how long you plan to stay in your home. If you move, you’ll leave behind a huge investment with an in-ground pool. Plus, this type of pool can be a detriment to selling your home to people who have small children or pets or who simply don’t want the responsibility and upkeep of a pool. With an above the ground pool, you can dismantle it and take it with you. 

Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll have to make sure you have all the equipment you need for your pool. Do you need a liner, a heater, a pool cover? What about chemicals and filters? You can even dress it all up with poolside furniture. At online pool stores such as Namco and Backyard Ocean (and many more!), you can find above ground pools ranging in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your need and desire. Plus, you can save by using Pool Supplies coupon codes. Decide on what type of pool you want to buy and go online to save on your pool accessories and more!

 

Cool, relaxing water
Cool, relaxing water
Pixabay Public Domain

Check out other articles by Victoria Lynn

http://victorialynn.hubpages.com/
articles on saving money, grammar and writing, pets, food and recipes, poetry

Updated: 09/24/2012, VictoriaLynn
 
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VictoriaLynn on 06/22/2012

Hi, Brenda! I actually have had a little kiddie pool for my dog, but he wouldn't touch it. But he's a little, kind of prissy dog. LOL. I know a lot of dogs do like the water!

BrendaReeves on 06/22/2012

I would love to have a pool for my dogs to swim in. Great article.

VictoriaLynn on 06/21/2012

Thanks, Anamika! Good to see you here!

Anamika on 06/21/2012

Pools are fun to be in, but unfortunately where I live I do not have the space for such luxury. Awesome start on Wizzley, voted up!

VictoriaLynn on 06/20/2012

Hey, Sannel, a pool sounds really good right now. Thanks for the comments! Much appreciated!

VictoriaLynn on 06/20/2012

Tolovaj--I think there are larger above ground pool where you can swim some, but most I have seen are smaller scale. When I get filthy rich, I'll get the biggest one I can find! :-) Thanks for your comments!

Sannel on 06/20/2012

I would love to have an indoor pool. . . . or come to think of it, any pool will do, lol.
I just have to keep on dreaming! Great well-researched article Victoria! Lots of helpful information. Thanks!

Tolovaj on 06/20/2012

Not long ago I have read an article about investments we can make in and around our homes to make them more attractive if we decide to put them on the market.

In-ground pool was from the point of investment on the top of no-nos. You have already written their is a lot to do to maintain it in good shape and costs are justifiable only if you do it for you and your personal feelings.

Well, when I grow up and become filthy rich (but still lazy miser), will certainly think about pool and ground version looks pretty good to me. But it looks too small... Is there bigger version, something where you can actually swim, available?

VictoriaLynn on 06/19/2012

Hi, Cindy, Katie, and Susan. It's nice to see some familiar faces here!

As far as pools go, I would have a hard time deciding what kind. There's a lot to consider.

See you guys soon!

SusanZutautas on 06/19/2012

Hi Vicki, Nice to see you here. I've always wanted an in-ground pool. We've been talking about putting one in for a few years now. I think if we do we will go with the salt water pool.


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