Inground vs. Above-Ground: Which Pool is Best for You?

You’ve decided you want a pool—which is a great decision! Owning a pool is the perfect way to enhance your backyard and make the most of the warm weather months! However, with this decision comes an important question: Do you want an inground pool or an above-ground pool? The right answer is different for everyone depending on budget, backyard situation, wants and needs, and how long you plan on living at your current home. It sounds like a lot to consider, but luckily you’ve got the experts on your side! Below, we’ll dive in (no pun intended) to the most important factors you should consider to help you decide which type of pool is best for you and your property.

Budget

One of the most important things to take into consideration is your budget. Inground pools are a bigger—and more expensive—investment, which may not be as much of an issue if you’re planning on staying in your home for several years. On the flip side, above-ground pools cost less to install, and are definitely more budget friendly. Even if you are on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an inground pool—you’ll just want to keep costs in mind. For either type of pool, these costs will extend beyond the pool purchase and installation. It’s important to remember that you’ll be spending money on landscaping, fencing (always with an inground pool) and backyard lighting. However, all of this makes for a worthwhile investment if you know you’ll be using your pool often as the weather gets warmer!

Location

Consider your property—while you may want that big inground pool, do you have enough room for it? If so, great! An inground pool can completely transform your backyard into a mini paradise, and provides a great way to entertain friends and family during those hot summer months. Compared to above-ground pools, an inground pool is also more likely to add value to your property. If you don’t have the space or the ideal location for an inground pool, don’t fret! An above-ground pool can be the ideal solution for smaller yards since they take up less space, and can be easily removed if a new homeowner decides they don’t want it.

Commitment

If you’re absolutely sure that you want a pool long-term and you’re excited about making a big change to your backyard, an inground pool is ideal as a more permanent, longer-lasting option. However, if you’re on the fence or you’re new to the idea of pool ownership, it can be better to start with an above-ground pool to be sure. An above-ground pool is a less permanent option, and these pools can be taken down and replaced with an inground pool if you decide you’d like to upgrade in the future.

Installation

Keep in mind that inground pools do take longer to install, so if you’re considering this option you’ll want to get in contact with a trusted inground pool provider like Pettis Pools ASAP to make the most of those summer months! If speed is your main priority, you may want to consider an above-ground pool, which features a quicker turnaround when it comes to installation.

Intended Use

Think about how you plan on using your new pool. While both inground and above-ground pools give you a place to cool off from the summer heat, an inground pool tends to be more conducive to exercise, lap swimming, and overall physical fitness. Above-ground pools are best for more casual use, providing a place for family and friends to take a dip and relax during the warm weather.

Maintenance

It’s important to remember that both inground and above-ground pools will require regular maintenance to keep functioning smoothly and safely. Since we live in a seasonal area where the warm weather (unfortunately) doesn’t stay with us all year round, this will also involve proper pool closing at the end of the swimming season, and opening your pool back up in the spring. If you’d rather leave that to the pros, Pettis Pools offers both opening & closing services.

Lifespan

While inground pools are a bigger investment, they also provide a larger return as they last longer than their above ground counterparts. If you’re ready to commit to a pool for the long run, this may be the ideal option for you. Above-ground pools do not last as long as inground pools, but do cost less to fix or replace than inground pools.
 
No matter which type you choose, installing a pool is a big decision, but it’s one that brings years of enjoyment—especially when you’re working with a company you can trust! At Pettis Pools, we’re available to answer any of your questions and walk you through every step of the pool purchasing process. Start your journey to owning a pool: contact us today for a free quote!