Swimming is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Even if you aren’t a big swimmer, installing a pool in your backyard gives you a place to relax, which can benefit your mental health.
Trying to decide what type of pool to get, though, usually does the opposite, but don’t let it overwhelm you. We’ve put together this guide to help you compare above ground pool vs inground pool cost and learn which option is better for your home.
So let’s get started!
A Breakdown of the Price
The price range for both an above ground pool and an inground pool can vary widely depending on the type you get, where you live, who you hire, etc. However, on average, you’re looking at about $2,800 on an above ground pool and about $35,000 on an inground pool as the base.
So if you’re looking at cost alone, installing an above ground pool is much, much cheaper.
Price isn’t the only thing you have to consider when shopping for a pool, though. Just because an above ground pool is more affordable doesn’t always make it the right choice for your backyard. Unless you’re working with a tight budget, spending more on an inground pool might be the better choice.
Above Ground Pool or Inground Pool: Which One Should You Buy?
Part of deciding what type of pool to install involves thinking about how you plan to use it. Do you want to swim laps as a form of exercise in the evening? Is the pool a fun way to entertain the kids and help them get out some energy?
The answers to these questions will have a big impact on the design and depth of your pool. If you aren’t sure how you want to use your pool just yet, here are a few pros and cons of both styles to help you decide.
Above Ground Pool Pros
As mentioned earlier, above ground pools are cheap. You can buy them for a few thousand dollars, and the purchase usually includes a professional installation.
And the setup is fast.
As soon as the pool arrives at your house, the professional can have it set up and ready to go the same day. Keep in mind, depending on where you buy the above ground pool, you may be left to follow the kit and put it together yourself. This might be a bit harder and take a bit longer.
Either way, you’ll be able to start swimming soon after you get your pool.
You can also take an above ground pool apart (in most cases), and take it with you if you ever decide to move. This means you won’t end up losing your investment by having to leave it behind.
Above Ground Pool Cons
The biggest problem with above ground pools is they don’t have a lot of design options. You’ll get to choose from three different styles: circle, oval, and rectangle. You’ll also have to deal with whatever standard size you can get (which might be bigger or smaller than you want), and the pool may not be as deep as you want.
In other words, above ground pools don’t give you a lot of flexibility or customizations options.
These pools also don’t look very aesthetically pleasing. Many homeowners even consider them an eyesore. You can build a deck around the pool to make it look nicer, but that add lot to the cost and can be a pain.
Most importantly, above ground pools don’t last nearly as long as inground pools. You may be able to get 10 years out of it if you’re lucky, but odds are you’ll have to replace it before then.
Inground Pool Pros
Inground pools give you a lot more creative control over the shape, the depth, and the overall design. You can make your pool as curvy or angular as you want, and you can make it much deeper than an above ground pool. You can also decorate the pool deck, which can add value to your home.
As a general rule, inground pools are more beautiful than their above-ground counterparts.
They last much longer as well. The lifespan of your pool will depend on the material, but you can often keep swimming in them for over 20 years.
Inground Pool Cons
Again, inground pools are expensive. Not only is the installation cost larger, but you’ll also have to spend more money over the years maintaining it.
You’ll have to be more patient during the installation, too. Because of the excavation, you’ll need to apply for the right permits with your local government and wait for them to get approved, which can take several weeks. The installation itself will take another few days (or weeks depending on weather conditions), so you won’t be able to start swimming for a month or so after you decide to buy a pool.
Think you might move out of your home within the next few years? You won’t be able to take the pool with you, meaning you’ll lose all that money you spent on it.
Above Ground Pool vs Inground Pool Cost: How to Pick the Right Pool for Your Backyard
When it comes to above ground pool vs inground pool cost, an above ground pool is going to be cheaper. But that doesn’t mean it’s the better choice. As long as you aren’t planning to move, you’ll likely get more use and enjoyment out of an inground pool.
Interested in installing an inground pool?
We can help! Make sure you get in touch with a pool design expert in your area to start the process!
