Above-Ground Pool vs In-Ground Pool: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s hot outside. You dream about having your own pool. But now you’re stuck… should you get a pool that goes above the ground or one that goes below the ground?

Don’t worry. This guide is for you. The costs, installation, maintenance work, and what will be best for your home will all be discussed here. By the end, you will know what kind of pool suits you, your house, and your budget.

What Is an Above-Ground Pool?

An above-ground pool is a pool that sits above ground level. You don’t dig a hole. You just find a flat spot in your yard and build it there.

These pools come in circles or ovals. Some are small. Some are pretty big. They are made of metal, plastic, or a mix of both.

They don’t take long to build. Some people even add a little deck around the pool to make it nicer. The cool part? You can take it down later or move it to a new home.

You can also pack it away for winter or move it to a new spot if you want. It gives you a lot of freedom.

What Is an In-Ground Pool?

An in-ground pool goes into the ground. You dig a big hole first. Then you build the pool inside it.

These pools can be made from:

• Concrete – strong and can be any shape
• Fiberglass – smooth and easy to clean
• Vinyl – soft inside and costs less

These pools last many years. You can make them fancy with lights, stairs, or even a little waterfall. However, they are more expensive and take a longer time to construct.

You can also make them look cool, like adding a deep end, wide steps, or even a small hot tub. You can make it feel like your own private resort.

Cost Comparison: Above-Ground vs In-Ground Pools

Let’s talk about the money involved in an in-ground pool vs an above-ground pool.

Above-Ground Pool Costs:

• The pool: $1,000–$5,000
• Setup and extras: $500–$2,000
  

In-Ground Pool Costs: 

Everything together: $30,000 to $100,000 or more

That’s a big difference. However, with in-ground pools, you also incur expenses such as digging, plumbing, and hiring professionals to assist with the construction. 

Ongoing Cost Comparison Between Above-Ground Pool and In-Ground Pool:

Things You Pay For	Above-Ground Pool	In-Ground Pool
Cleaning & Fixes	$500–$1,000/year	$1,000–$3,000/year
Water	$100–$300/year	$200–$600/year
Heating	$200–$800/year	$500–$2,000/year
Total	$800–$2,100/year	$1,700–$5,600/year

In-ground pools cost more over time. They use more water and heat. But they can also make your house look amazing. A detailed look at How Much Does an Inground Pool Really Cost.

Key Considerations Before Your Choice

Money:

Don’t want to spend a lot? Go with above-ground. Want something fancy that lasts long? Inground is better. An above-ground pool can last 10-15 years, and an in-ground pool can last about 20-50 years, depending on proper care and maintenance.

Also, think about what you’ll pay later, like fixing it, heating the water, or hiring help to clean it. That adds up, too.

Home Value:

In-ground pools might make your house worth more. Above-ground pools usually don’t change your house value.

But if an above-ground pool looks messy or old, it might even hurt your home’s look. A nice in-ground pool, though, can make your backyard feel like a getaway.

Above-Ground vs In-Ground Pool: Pros and Cons

Aspect	Above-Ground Pools	In-Ground Pools
Pros	Cheaper Quick and easy to set up Can be moved later Doesn’t mess up your yard too much Great for fun and splashing around with kids	Looks beautiful Lasts a long time Customizable size, shape, and extras Might increase home value Great for parties and relaxing with friends
Cons	Doesn’t last very long Limited shape options Doesn’t look as nice as in-ground Can’t add extras like diving boards or underwater lights	Costs a lot Takes time to build Needs more care Takes up more space and might need city permits

Installation and Maintenance 

• Above-ground pools are faster to build. Sometimes, you can do it yourself.
• In-ground pools take more time. You’ll need a builder to help.

An above-ground pool can be ready in just a few days. An in-ground one might take a few weeks or even a few months.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your pool clean! Scoop out leaves, check water levels, and add chemicals for safe swimming. To simplify maintenance, consider a robot pool cleaner, such as the Dreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner.

Manual pool cleaning takes about 2 to 3 hours weekly, or even more, but with a robot, you only need to check on it for around 30 minutes. These smart cleaners work for both above-ground and in-ground pools, making pool enjoyment easy!

Which Pool Should You Pick?

Pick an above-ground pool if you don’t want to spend money on maintenance. If you’re renting your property out or moving, an above-ground pool will suit you. Also, they are ideal if you plan to swim in them for fun. They are also easy and fast to set up.

Pick an in-ground pool if you have a budget and can easily spend on pool maintenance. If you want your pool to last a long time, choose an in-ground pool. It also looks stylish and luxurious, so they are ideal if you want to boost your property’s curb appeal. They also make your backyard feel like a fancy vacation spot.

Conclusion 

Deciding between an above-ground and in-ground pool is an exciting decision that aligns with your lifestyle! An above-ground pool offers quick and easy installation, letting you enjoy the fun right away. In contrast, an in-ground pool creates a stunning backyard centerpiece that blends seamlessly with your landscape and offers customization options.

Consider how you plan to use your pool, whether for refreshing swims or hosting gatherings, since your vision will guide your choice. 

Whichever option you pick, regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool sparkling. A robotic pool vacuum, like the Dreame, can simplify this task, allowing you more time to relax. 

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget, yard size, and the maintenance time you’re willing to invest. Reflect on these factors, and get ready to make a splash!