Having a pool in your yard is a luxurious way to celebrate the summer. Pools offer a cool paradise in especially hot climates. They offer a nice centerpiece to an evening cookout. And they are an unbeatable entertainment system for children of all ages. If you are considering investing in a pool, but you are not yet sure whether you want to invest in an above-ground or in-ground pool, here are some notes to help you make your decision.
Above-ground Pros
There are many pros to investing in an above-ground pool. For starters, they are less expensive, less costly on your insurance bill and not permanent. You can purchase an above-ground pool for a fraction of the cost it would take to dig out an in-ground pool.
Above ground pools are not deep – usually they are only 3 feet at their deepest point. You will never have a diving board, so insurance companies do not charge as hefty premiums for them.
They are also not permanent fixtures to your yard. They are easy to maintain and you never have to worry about expensive cracks in the cement or laborious annual cleaning routines. Each year, you simply drain or fill it up.
Above-ground Cons
Above ground cons include the size of the pool. Most above ground pools are very small and allow only for wading and floating. It is difficult to swim even a small lap in the pools and you will not be able to have too many children paying in them at the same time.
The above-ground pools are nice because they are not permanent, but if you ever want to remove the pool, you will have to replant all of your grass, as it will have been killed by the weight of the pool. Above ground pools are also susceptible to crime. Criminals will slit the sides of the pool, draining the water. There is little that one can do to repair the damage without great expense.
In-ground Pros
In-ground pools are permanent, which is nice to home resell. They can generally be made deep enough to include a diving board. They are also larger, which can accommodate more swimmers at one time. In-ground pools tend to be long as well, so if you enjoy swimming a few strokes, you can swim them in an in-ground pool.
In-ground Cons
In ground pools cannot easily be removed without a lot of expense. They can be dangerous for small children and can be a liability for the neighborhood. Also, if they have a diving board, risk of injury increases. Thus, the homeowners insurance rate for a home with a pool is drastically larger than for a home without a pool.
You will also have to consider the high-maintenance fees and labor force that need to go into maintaining an in-ground pool. Every year, you will have to open and close your pool, a process that requires weeks of maintenance.
Whichever option you choose, you are sure to enjoy your new backyard pool. They provide days of fun, sunshine and memories. Enjoy!