Above-Ground Vs. In-Ground Pools Pros & Cons featured image Best Pools & Spas.jpg

Above-Ground Vs. In-Ground Pools: Pros & Cons

There’s nothing better than taking a dip in a nice cool pool in your backyard on a hot summer day. Getting a swimming pool is a great investment, as it can provide you and your family with endless entertainment, exercise, and relief from the hot summer days. There are two main types of pools out there for getting installed on your property — in-ground and above-ground pools. Both are very popular, but which one is right for you? This guide goes over everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Whether you decide to get an in-ground or an above-ground pool, we encourage you to go for a custom pool. Best Pools & Spas of Florida, Inc. in Estero is a company fully-capable of making your swimming pool dream a reality. While we can't help you install an above-ground pool, we would be happy to help design and install an in-ground pool for you! The benefits of getting a custom pool over a standard one are multifarious:

  1. You decide the shape

  2. Design it for your lifestyle

  3. Add personal touches like water features

  4. Choose the tiles that match your needs

  5. Match your pool to the overall design of your backyard

  6. And more!

Our family-owned and -operated business possesses the creativity, design skills, and technical resources to get your custom swimming pool or spa built according to your grand vision. Check out our gallery of past projects for inspiration, then contact Best Pools & Spas of Florida today to speak with a member of our family and get your quote!

Above-Ground Vs. In-Ground Pools

When you think of custom pools, you may immediately think: “in-ground pool”. However, there are some nice above-ground pools out there -- however, of course, none as beautiful and special as an in-ground pool. It’s not wrong to think that an above-ground pool usually costs less than an in-ground one, due to the extra digging, construction, and planning that typically goes into the in-ground pool building process. But that’s not the only difference between them:

Size & Appearance

In general, you will have more size and appearance options available when you choose an in-ground pool over an above-ground pool. What is more, an in-ground pool is able to be shaped easier for swimming laps or other activities. In either case, however, the square footage of your new pool is only limited by your budget, imagination, and the size of your property. Above-ground pools, however, are generally circular or oval in shape, and between 12 and 33 feet in diameter and around 50 inches deep. If you are looking for a pool or spa to relax in and aren’t concerned about the finer details, you may be happy simply getting an above-ground pool.

In terms of material, an in-ground pool can be made of concrete, fiberglass, and other materials, and lined with vinyl. Around your pool, you can get all sorts of styles and colors of ceramic tiles to make the whole set-up look more attractive and welcoming. Above-ground swimming pool don't have anywhere close to as many options, for customizing.

Installation

As you might expect, the installation of an in-ground pool is a bigger project than that of an above-ground pool. That’s why you should always get your in-ground pool installed by a professional. If you’re planning on getting one installed, or want to create a custom-designed in-ground pool, contact Best Pools & Spas of Florida, Inc. in Estero to get the features, design, and workmanship that you’re looking for with your custom pool build.

Installing an above-ground pool typically is quite a bit simpler than an in-ground one. In most cases, you may be able to install it yourself — like if you get an above-ground kit. The more customized your pool is, the more time you can expect it to take to build. Features like decking and tiles, poolscaping, and waterfalls require extra time and skill to install. Getting extra features installed can make a big difference in the joy of swimming and relaxing in your pool, so they are always worth considering getting. If you want to go all-the-way and not compromise on your pool build, work with a pool designer to achieve a build that perfectly suits your utility and aesthetic goals.

Cost

As you might expect, the cost for an in-ground pool is usually more than the price for an above-ground pool. When pricing one of our in-ground pool builds, we include all the accessories, work, mechanical parts, and other material costs in our quote. The actual pool is only part of the cost. Decking, pool filters, pool pumps, and pool heaters also need to be accounted for; as well as the plumbing and electricity hookups and landscaping that may be involved to enhance the appearance and integrate your swimming pool into the surrounding environment.

The national average for an in-ground pool is roughly $30,000. For this, you can get a concrete pool with vinyl, a concrete apron, a retractable cover, a privacy fence, and so on. For features like water slides and waterfalls, expect to pay more.

The national average for an above-ground pool, on the other hand, is approximately $8,300. This includes all the material and labor costs. Expect to pay between $4 and $24 per square foot for pool decking around your above-ground pool — the price depends on what material you choose, detailing, and other such factors.

Get the Pool That Is Best for Your Estero Home

In-ground pools cost more, but they allow for more features, greater customization, and have a longer lifespan (25 years vs. 15 years) than a typical above-ground pool. Best Pools & Spas of Florida Inc. in Southwest Florida is here to make the ideal in-ground pool for your property and how you intend to use it; our expert pool builders are here to make your pool dreams a reality. Contact us today to get your in-ground pool build quote!