Highlights
Above-ground pools are semi-permanent, while in-ground pools are permanent.
Above-ground pools are much less pricey than in-ground pools.
Above-ground pools take one to three days to install, versus weeks for in-ground pools.
In-ground pools often increase property value and offer options for customization.
In-ground pools are generally more expensive and time-consuming to maintain.
You can install an above-ground pool in a small yard, whereas you need a larger lot for an in-ground pool.
You’ve been visualizing a pool in your backyard for years. However, you’re stuck on whether to go the in-ground or above-ground route. For a round-up of the pros and cons of each, dive into the following. Then pick up some new bathing suits and savor your upgraded space.
Above-Ground Pools Pros and Cons
These semi-permanent pools generally range from 4 to 6 feet in depth and 12 and 30 feet in diameter. Fairly inexpensive, they’re also relatively easy to assemble. They’re also not as bare-bones as you might think: some higher-end models even include decking, railing, and heating. As an added plus, if you decide to move, you can disassemble an above-ground pool, take it to your new home, and reassemble it there.
Pros of Above-Ground Pools
Cost
With a typical price of between $7,000 and $8,000, above-ground pools are economical. In contrast, in-ground pools typically cost at least $38,000 and usually closer to $55,000.
Property Taxes
Since they’re semi-permanent, above-ground pools shouldn’t increase property taxes.
Installation Time
You can have an above-ground pool installed in one to three days versus several weeks for an in-ground pool.
Space Requirements
Since above-ground pools are relatively small, they can fit in small yards. For in-ground pools, you need a lot more space.
Portability
When you move or if you’re about to put your home on the market, you can disassemble your above-ground pool. Then you can take it with you to your new home, reassembling it there.
Maintenance
Since above-ground pools are smaller, they require less maintenance than in-ground pools. For instance, you can often disassemble and store your above-ground pool rather than carrying out the multiple steps required for winterizing an in-ground pool. That said, you still need to maintain an above-ground pool, put in a sump pump, test the chlorine level, do weekly shock treatments, and more.
Cons of Above-Ground Pools
Appearance
Generally, above-ground pools don’t hold a candle to in-ground pools when it comes to attractiveness.
Home Value
Partially due to their lackluster looks, above-ground pools do not add value to homes, and might even turn off potential buyers.
Size
Above-ground pools tend to max out at 6 feet in depth, meaning you can’t dive in them. Most are even shallower, ranging between 48 and 52 inches. They’re also too small for swimming laps. Instead, use these smaller pools for soaking and splashing.
Customization
Above-ground pools come in round or oval shapes—forget rectangular or kidney-shaped.
Longevity
Although some above-ground pools can be serviceable for decades, most last 10 to 20 years.
In-Ground Pools Pros and Cons
In-ground pools are iconic and beautiful. Unfortunately, these permanent watering holes are also a major investment.
Pros of In-Ground Pools
Appearance
In-ground pools are attractive and luxurious. Install one, and you’ll add a beautiful water feature, giving yourself an enticing view from your home interior, patio, or deck.
Customization
With in-ground pools, you can specify exactly what you want, from shape and tiling to configuration.
Size
Since in-ground pools are customizable, you choose your ideal depth and dimensions. If you have the room and budget, you can even put in a pool deep enough for diving and long enough for lap swimming.
Extras
For fun and entertainment value, throw in amenities, like Baja spa steps, a bar, or a waterfall.
Resale Value
In-ground pools add value to homes—now more than ever. Some buyers are even making them a requirement for homes they purchase, especially in areas with warm climates.
Longevity
In-ground pools usually last for several decades.
Cons of In-Ground Pools
Price
In-ground pools are several times the cost of above-ground pools. Plus, they’ll probably up your property taxes.
Portability
You can’t take an in-ground pool with you if you move.
Installation
It will take your local swimming pool installer several weeks to complete the job.
Space Requirements
To put in an in-ground pool, you need a large flat area. Many yards are too small and not level enough to accommodate an in-ground pool.
Maintenance
In-ground pools tend to be more costly and time-consuming to maintain than above-ground pools. Because in-ground pools are larger and hold more water, you’ll also spend more on your electric and water bills, chemicals, and cleanings. After 12 to 15 years, you might need to shell out for resurfacing, which costs an average of between $1,000 and $6,500 per 1,000 square feet.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pools
Which type of pool is best for your home? It depends on your needs and circumstances. Let’s look at how each option performs in a head-to-head battle.
Price
Expect to spend a few thousand dollars for an above-ground pool versus tens of thousands for an in-ground pool. Also, with an in-ground pool, your property taxes will likely increase.
More affordable: Above-ground
Installation
It takes a mere one to three days to install an above-ground pool. If you choose an in-ground pool, expect to wait weeks before wading in.
Quicker installation: Above-ground
Maintenance
In general, above-ground pools are less pricey and time-consuming to maintain.
Less maintenance: Above-ground
Longevity
In-ground pools can last several decades, while above-ground pools tend to span 10 to 20 years.
Longer lasting: In-ground
Customization
The sky’s the limit with in-ground pools, whereas you’ll have very few options with above-ground pools.
More customization: In-ground
Size
You can go as big as you like (and your budget will allow) with in-ground pools. Meanwhile, above-ground pools are much more limited in space.
Larger: In-ground
Usage
Since in-ground pools can be much larger, longer, deeper, and full-featured, they’re more useful. You and your family can swim laps, jump or dive in, and race, in addition to splashing and floating around.
More useful: In-ground
Extras
In-ground pools offer a myriad of features, such as a hot tub, slide, diving board, and shallow and deep ends. With above-ground pools, you have very few options.
More extras: In-ground
Home Value
In-ground pools often increase home value, whereas above-ground pools either have a negative or neutral effect on home value.
Increases home value: In-ground
Portability
Unlike in-ground pools, above-ground pools can be disassembled and reinstalled in another location.
More portable: Above-ground
Space Requirements
You need more yard space to install an in-ground pool versus an above-ground pool.
Fewer space requirements: Above-ground
The Winner: Above-Ground or In-Ground?
Overall, in-ground pools are more beautiful, useful, and valuable. However, they’re a lot more expensive. If you can swing the cost and have the yard space, shell out for an in-ground pool.
Winner: In-ground
