There’s no better way to cool off the heat from a hot summer day than a dip in a swimming pool.
As a result, more residences are installing swimming pools to enhance their living conditions.
Having a pool in the comfort of your home saves you time and energy that would otherwise be invested in visiting one elsewhere. Imagine catching a great bask after a good swim right on your deck at home. The thought is enough to make you dig deep into your pocket and invest in a pool.
Perhaps you are already considering adding a swimming pool to your home, but you don’t know which option to pick. Here is an excellent place to start.
Do you want your pool above the ground or in it? What best suits your needs?
You can answer these questions by exploring the difference between above ground and inground swimming pools.
Capital Investment
Above ground and in-ground swimming pools have different material needs and installation procedures. As a result, how much you will spend to own the swimming pool varies.
Above ground pools are pre-made and designed from inexpensive materials. The units are also trim. As a result, the capital investment required for purchase and installation is lower than the alternative, inground pools.
The installation procedure and material cost raise the overall cost of an in-ground pool. The excavation and construction of the pool are labour intensive and involve hiring heavy machinery. Although pre-made options exist, they are designed with costly materials like fibreglass.
Added Fittings and Maintenance Requirements
Swimming pools need several added fitting to complete the set-up and ensure proper maintenance.
Some of the equipment includes heater, pumps, filters, chlorination and cleaning systems. Each of the components plays a significant role in maintaining the swimming pool.
Above ground swimming pools are smaller and require fewer components. Therefore, they are more straightforward to operate, and the cost of maintenance is low.
On the other hand, in-ground swimming pools are big and run several parts. These include a pumping system, filtration system and drainage. As a result, maintenance needs are far greater than the above ground pool alternative.
Moreover, professional maintenance is necessary for inground pools. The pool surfaces need particular cleaning approaches and the pool water is often treated and maintained within narrow chemical parameters. Above ground pools often allow complete drainage after short swimming cycles. Therefore, maintenance is often a DIY affair.
Ease of Installation
Swimming pools above the ground are delivered when already made. Therefore, the process of installing them is pretty straightforward. Moreover, there are no special permits needed to set up the pool. In many cases, owners set up the pool on their own.
On the other hand, inground pools are either delivered as prefabricated units or constructed on the site. Regardless, a lot of time and effort is dedicated to setting up the pool. In addition, special permits are also needed while excavating and laying the swimming pool. Therefore, only a professional should handle inground swimming pool installations.
Pool Longevity
Above ground pools are designed for short term use and have a portable design. They work perfectly for those summer days you wish to swim, then put away the pool.
A long term solution is an inground swimming pool. The pool has an average lifespan of 15 years. Moreover, the swimming pool is durable and serves as a permanent outdoor installation.
Do your research before getting a swimming pool. It’s the one outdoor installation you want to get right.