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In Ground vs Above Ground Pools

March 15, 2018

15The advantages of in ground pools are that they are higher in quality, more durable, and larger than above ground pools.  In ground pools are typically made to last and are constructed by highly qualified professionals who use high quality materials. In ground pools can also be designed more creatively because they are larger, and can be constructed in many different styles with several features. The experience of owning an in ground pool can be enhanced by adding unique features such as diving boards, water slides, vanishing edges, waterfalls, beach walk ins, lighting, and more. Adding several features to an in ground pool can completely transform the entire pool project. However the increased quality, lifetime, and size of in ground pools come at a significantly increased cost compared to above ground pools. An in ground pool can cost as little as $20,000, and all the way up to over $100,000. Not only are there more costs for in ground pools upfront but in the long run they cost more to maintain. In ground pools are harder to maintain because of their increased size and water volume. This makes in ground pools harder to vacuum, clean the tiling, and test the water.  They are also harder to winterize because the entire pool is larger and all of its parts need to be cleaned, and the underground pipe system needs to be drained and dried. Then finally the pipes need to be plugged so no water leaks into the pool over the winter. It is also important to note that in ground pools are far more permanent than above ground pools and will alter the landscape of a yard for many years. Overall in ground pools require more commitment because of their increased size, cost, maintenance, and lifetime.

The biggest advantage that above ground pools have over in ground pools is that they are significantly less expensive. Above ground pools can be as cheap as less than $1,000 dollars, and typically do not exceed $5,000. Not only are above ground pools less expensive up front, but they are also cheaper in the long run because they are easier to maintain. This is because above ground pools do not have underground pipes and drains, and there is less size and water volume to manage. It is also easier to winterize an above ground pool than an in ground pool. This is because all you need to do to winterize an above ground pool is shock the water with chemicals and drain half the water. Above ground pools are also much smaller than in ground pools which not only means there is less water to drain in the winter time, but also limits the amount of activities that an above ground pool can be used for.  For people looking to do more with a pool than just wade, an above ground pool does not provide many options. The activities an above ground pool can be used for may be increased by adding features similar to in ground pools. Less features can be added to an above ground pool than an in ground pool, but can still include features such as a slide, deck, water jets, lighting, and heating. Above ground pools are also far less permanent than in ground pools, and can be removed from a property relatively easily and quickly, at little or even no cost. Although above ground pools are usually far less expensive, this also means that they can be me made cheaply and of lower quality. It is more common for above ground pools to have problems such as breaking, leaking, or weak filtration. This could lead to unforeseen future costs that add up in the long run. Not as many professional pool contractors work with above ground pools as in ground pools which makes it harder for above ground pool owners to manage. Typically the assembly and disassembly of an above ground pool are in the hands of the owner and require specific knowledge and use of tools. Many factors must be considered when looking to install a pool, and it ultimately comes down to space, budget, ability and commitment to manage the work associated with owning a pool.

 

For more information on New Jersey pool fencing laws and regulations, or if you are interested in what designs work best around your pool, visit Carl’s at www.bycarls.com or call 732-504-3372.

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