Over 10 million residential homes have some type of swimming pool in their backyard.
If your home isn’t part of that number yet, you might be starting to consider installing one yourself. But you have to think about more than just the price when you install a pool. You also have to think about what type of swimming pool you want.
We’ve put together this list of pros and cons of an above-ground pool to help you narrow down some of your choices.
So let’s dive in!
The Pros of an Above-Ground Swimming Pool
If you live in a warm area and have some extra space in your backyard, an above-ground swimming pool can make a wonderful addition to your home, especially if you aren’t ready to commit to an in-ground pool.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most important benefits of an above-ground swimming pool.
They’re Affordable
Above-ground swimming pools are a lot less expensive than in-ground pools. If you don’t have a large budget but still want to give the kids a place to cool off during hot summer afternoons, an above ground pool is a good option.
Of course, that doesn’t mean these pools are cheap.
Even above-ground pools can cost a lot of money. Although the exact price will depend on what features you buy, you’ll still have to spend a couple hundred dollars at least.
They’re Easy to Install
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to install an above ground swimming pool. Instead of digging a hole in your backyard and laying concrete, all you have to do is clear a section of your backyard.
After this, you can set up the pool yourself or have a professional do the job for you. In a matter of hours, you’ll be able to throw on your swimming suit and jump in the water.
They’re Temporary
You can take your above ground pool with you wherever you go. If you know you’ll be moving in a few years, you don’t have to spend a bunch of money on an in-ground pool you won’t get to enjoy.
You can also disassemble your above-ground pool and put it in storage during the fall or winter. This means you won’t have to worry about harmful weather conditions damaging your pool.
They’re Easy to Maintain
You don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning, filtering, or bleaching your above-ground pool. In fact, you don’t even need to treat the pool water regularly.
Why?
Because the water in your above ground pool never stays stagnant. That means you don’t have to worry about getting any infections or allergies from the water.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your above ground pool won’t need any maintenance at all. But it doesn’t take as much work as an in-ground pool would need.
They’re Adjustable
You can put your above-ground pool in any part of your yard, and you can move it to a new location whenever you need.
But the size of the pool itself is also adjustable.
Some pools give you the option to increase the depth as your children get older. Others let you make the pool longer or wider at different times.
You can also find above-ground pools in all types of shapes and sizes. You aren’t limited to a standard circle. If you want something a little more unique, there are other options to choose from.
They’re Resellable
At some point, for whatever reason, you may decide to get rid of your above-ground pool.
Instead of throwing it out, you might be able to resell it and make a bit of money. If the pool is still in good condition, there’s a large market for used above-ground swimming pools.
While you won’t make back all the money you spent on it, you can get some of the cost.
The Cons of an Above-Ground Swimming Pool
Although above-ground swimming pools come with a lot of advantages, they have their own set of disadvantages as well.
These disadvantages don’t negate the benefits, but they are good to be aware of before you buy anything.
Here’s a closer look at some of the cons of above-ground pools below.
They Aren’t as Attractive as Other Pools
Above-ground pools don’t look as nice as in-ground pools. While they give you and your family a place to swim, above-ground pools just don’t give off the beautiful appearance or luxurious feel that in-ground pools provide.
If you’re looking for an eye-catching backyard feature, you should consider installing an in-ground pool instead. You can visit the site here to learn more.
They Don’t Add Value to Your Home
Because above-ground pools are only a temporary option, they don’t add any amount of value to your home.
While in-ground pools cost more than above-ground pools, that price is an investment. Installing an in-ground pool will raise the value of your property.
But above-ground pools aren’t part of the property. You can take them down and bring them with you when you move. Because of this, the money you spend on an above-ground pool doesn’t pay itself off in the long run.
They Don’t Last as Long
Above-ground pools aren’t as durable as in-ground pools. Above-ground pools are made of cheaper materials, and they are more exposed to the elements.
While an in-ground pool can last for several decades, an above-ground pool might only last 10 or 15 years. In some cases, it might not even reach the 10-year mark.
Buying multiple above-ground pools over the course of several decades might add up to cost more than the price of installing one in-ground pool.
They Don’t Have as Many Design Options
While you can buy above-ground pools in different shapes and sizes, your design options are still limited. You also can’t do a lot to customize them.
But you can make an in-ground pool look however you want. Do you want your pool to have a unique shape? Do you want to add a lot of features, such as a diving board? Do you want to create an inviting pool deck?
You can’t do these things with an above-ground pool.
Understanding Pros and Cons of an Above Ground Pool
Before you start pool shopping, you should take some time to understand the pros and cons of an above-ground swimming pool.
The affordability and ease of installation might make this pool the perfect addition to your home. But if you aren’t planning to move any time soon and want to invest in your home, installing an in-ground pool might suit your needs better.
Have a lot of trees in your backyard?
No matter what pool you choose, you’ll need to keep those leaves and branches out of the water.
Click here to learn how to keep your yard under control this spring.
