Size and Appearance

An in-ground pool has more variety available regarding shape, size, and added features than an above-ground pool. The in-ground pool can be a long lap pool or a rectangular or round pool for relaxing and playing with friends. The shape possibilities are almost endless. The square footage of the water is limited only by the homeowner’s budget, imagination, and property boundaries. Residential pools usually are no more than 9 to 11 feet deep. Above-ground pools, however, are more limited in size, shape, and depth since they come in a kit delivered to your home. They are usually 12 to 33 feet in diameter, 48 to 52 inches deep, and typically round or oval.

In-ground pools can be made of a hard surface like concrete, which is usually gunite ¹, fiberglass ², or they can have a vinyl ³ liner ⁴. The plaster ⁵/gunite ¹ surface can be colored, and ceramic tile can be laid around the top edge of the pool to produce an attractive look. Also, you have more variety of pool shapes and sizes with a gunite ¹ pool. Pools with a vinyl ³ liner ⁴ offer fewer size and shape choices but a larger variety of colors and designs. The third type, the fiberglass ² pool, is a pre-formed pool that is limited in size and shape since it must be delivered to the home already built.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most people see an in-ground pool as the more attractive option. The highest compliment paid to an owner of an above-ground pool is that it looks like an in-ground one!

Costs

When pricing any new pool, it is important to consider all of the accessories. The pool itself is just the beginning. The decking or treatment of the pool apron, pool filter and treatment type, plumbing and electrical hookups, accessories, and landscaping that may be added to enhance its appearance must also be priced.

With all of these factors, the more costly of the two types of pools is the in-ground pool. The national average for an in-ground pool is about $30,000. This pays for a 12- by 24-foot concrete pool with a vinyl ³ retractable cover, concrete apron, and privacy fence ⁶. Adding a slide, water features, or other special amenities will increase the price to $70,000 or beyond. A fiberglass ² pool will be slightly more, at about $31,500. A vinyl ³ liner ⁴ pool will cost about $25,500.

These are the costs for the materials. Labor to install an in-ground pool will be about $14 an hour or just over $5.25 per square foot. This makes the total for a 12- by 24-foot concrete pool about $31,500.

The above-ground pool, however, has lower material and labor costs. The average cost for an above-ground kit with equipment included is about $13 per square foot. If we purchase an average quality 19-foot-diameter pool kit, the cost will be about $3,700. Adding a vinyl ³ cover will add about $620, and a perimeter sidewalk will cost about $130. Finally, adding a privacy fence ⁶ around the pool will add about $1,350, bringing the total material cost to approximately $5,800. Labor to install an above-ground pool will be just under $9 per square foot, costing about $2,500. This makes the total for a 19-foot-diameter above-ground pool about $8,300.

If you decide to add pool decking ⁷ to your above-ground pool, plan to spend between $4 and $24 per square foot depending on the material, size, and detail.

Lifespan

In-ground pools can last 50 years or more if properly maintained. This varies somewhat by the type of material used to construct the pool. For example, a concrete or gunite ¹ pool will last longer than a fiberglass ² one. The plaster ⁵ finish can be resurfaced to help it last even longer. Fiberglass ² pools, on the other hand, will last 20 to 25 years with a reapplication of the gel-coat finish approximately every 10 years. Vinyl ³ liner ⁴ pools do not have as long a lifespan as either of these since the vinyl ³ can be punctured or torn by severe weather or misuse.

By contrast, an above-ground pool will last only about 25 years with excellent care and maintenance. The typical lifespan is closer to 10 to 15 years. You should always look for a permanent above-ground pool as opposed to a temporary one if you want the pool to last longer. For some homeowners, the shorter lifespan is a reason to have an above-ground pool. They may not be prepared for the long-term commitment of an in-ground pool.

Pool Features

An above-ground pool is more limited in the number of added features. It can have lighting, heating, and a small slide, for example. Due to its shallow depth, it cannot have a diving board, however. In-ground pools, on the other hand, have an almost limitless variety of options available. In addition to a diving board and slide, the pool can offer a connected spa or children’s shallow pool. Waterfalls, grottos, fire features, swim-up bars, tanning ledges, and a sloped entry are other possibilities.

Above-ground pools can have a wood deck built around them that comes with the pool kit or that is built separately. The area surrounding an in-ground pool is called an apron. It can be of many construction materials and designs incorporating plants and other water features.

One of the most practical features that homeowners desire in an in-ground pool is a pool cover. In climates that do not support year-round swimming, a pool cover is a good way to “close” the pool for the winter. They work best on traditional rectangular pool designs. Pool covers can be vinyl ³ for keeping out leaves and other debris, or they can be hard covers that will prevent someone from falling into the pool when the pool is closed.