Choosing the Best Pool for Your Home

Summertime means barbecues, plenty of time outside, and both lounging by and cooling off in the water. For some families, this means hanging out by their backyard pool. If you’re considering installing a pool, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

First, decide what type of pool would work best for your backyard (and your budget!) Where you live is also a big deciding factor.  If you live in a warmer climate, an in-ground pool is almost a given.  If you live in a cooler region or have a smaller backyard, an above-ground pool will likely work better.  

Let’s take a closer look at the differences of each model, as well as the maintenance required.

Installing a pool is a big investment of both time and money. Take the time to research your options and compare prices before making your decision.

In-ground

An in-ground pool adds a pleasant touch to your backyard and quickly becomes the prime gathering spot for friends and family, where you can swim, lounge, and hang out together. It can also add value to your home. But in-ground models are expensive to both install and maintain. Besides the initial installation costs (site prep, digging the hole, and other charges), there are other expenses you may not be aware of, including:

• Higher electric bill due to running the filter
• Higher water bill due to refilling the pool’s water
• Chemicals for routine maintenance, opening, and closing the pool

If you decide that an in-ground pool is the best choice for your backyard, get ready to be overwhelmed by all the different options available. From shape to liner materials to wall colors, the possibilities to customize your pool to your exact preferences are endless.

Above-ground

Above-ground pools are a better choice for families who won’t be able to use it year-round (or most of it, anyway).  They are also considerably less expensive. Other advantages to an above-ground model is that it can be assembled in a few days, it usually come in the form of a kit, and a team of installers set it up for you. Some higher-end models also come with railing and decking options for an additional cost.

Unfortunately, above-ground pools add no value to your home.  Most are also too shallow for diving, and they are typically only available in a round or oval shape, unlike in-ground pools which can be round, oval, square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, and more.  Otherwise, they require much of the same maintenance as in-ground models.

Choosing the right pool for your backyard essentially comes down to price, size, and your geographic area.  Talk to a reputable dealer who can help you select the best model for your family’s lifestyle.

Are you thinking of putting in a pool? Will you be choosing an in-ground or above-ground model? Do you have one already? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!