You’re ready to combat sweltering Raleigh summers and transform your backyard into your own slice of paradise by getting a pool! Now, it’s time to start looking into the logistics, starting with what type of pool you want to get – an inground pool or an above ground pool. Our pool installation company in Raleigh is taking a closer look at both options to help you decide which one will work best for your home and lifestyle.
The Benefits of Inground Pools
There are several upsides to choosing an inground pool, including:
Customization Options
Inground pools offer near endless customization options. You can choose virtually any size, from a narrow lap-pool to a spacious oasis with room for dozens of people to swim and splash in comfort, and of course, you can choose a round, square, rectangle or kidney-shaped pool. It really just depends on the size of your yard and aesthetic preferences. Additionally, inground pools come in three varieties:
- Concrete pools can be any size or shape, plus tinted or tiled to improve the look.
- Fiberglass are available in pre-set panels so less customization but easier construction.
- Vinyl liner pools offer few limitations in shape and size, plus more variety in colors and patterns.
Attractive
Inground pools are lovely features to add to your backyard, especially when paired with tile or patterned concrete surrounding. They add sophistication and a feeling of luxury to your space while also seamlessly blending in to the surroundings.
Long-Lasting
An inground pool is a permanent fixture in your home. While vinyl pool liners will need to be replaced, with the proper care and correct balance of chemicals, they can last ten years and often longer! Concrete and fiberglass pools are completely permanent and, aside from anything going wrong with the filtration and other mechanical components, are virtually worry free from repairs.
Improve Your Home’s Value
In Raleigh, homes with a pool are highly sought-after. Our pool season is fairly extended due to our long summers, so homeowners find that having a pool improves their quality of life and increases time spent with family. Most estimates show that adding an inground pool to your property increases your home’s value between 7 and 10 percent.
HOA-Compliant
If you live in a housing development or subdivision, an inground pool may be your only option as those are all many HOAs will allow.
Things to Consider with an Inground Pool
While inground pools have some incredible benefits, there are some challenges associated with having them installed and maintaining them:
Cost
The number one thing to consider when looking at an inground pool is the cost. While the cost is highly dependent on the size, shape, and materials used, they are significantly more expensive than an above ground pool due to the excavation, installation, materials, and permits. However, you can often take out a home equity loan or financing for the project.
Maintenance
Inground pools do require quite a bit of maintenance. This includes skimming the leaves and debris, checking chemicals regularly, “shocking” the pool from time to time, and equipment upkeep. When done regularly, it’s not generally time-consuming, though it is something that busy homeowners will want to consider. Also, if maintenance is a concern, consider a saltwater pool.
Lengthy Installation
Inground pools absolutely must be installed by a professional. While this removes any work and stress on your part, the excavation and pool installation process can be a bit lengthy, especially if there are weather delays and unforeseen obstacles.
Benefits of Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools are a semi-permanent option to swim at home and are not without their benefits, including:
Affordability
Above ground pools vary in price, but on average, they can be purchased and installed for between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the size and shape of the pool, liner, and any filtration systems you choose to install with it.
Installation
An above ground pool is fairly straightforward to install for a professional, and it can often be up and ready to fill in just a matter of hours. Some kits are actually designed to be built and put up by the homeowner.
Semi-Permanent
Some above-ground pools are actually able to be moved or easily taken down, making them good for people who rent or don’t plan on being in their current home for very long.
Easy Maintenance
You’ll still need to vacuum out the pool, balance chemicals, and run your filter, but because above ground pools are smaller, they are often easier to maintain or can be done in less time.
Challenges with Above Ground Pools
While above ground pools do have benefits, let’s look at the challenges, too.
Minimal Customization
While the pools come in a few different shapes or sizes, they are very much a “what you see is what you get” option. You have a minimal selection of sizes, depths, and shapes to choose from.
Less Aesthetically Appealing
Above ground pools are functional, but they are seldom attractive. Building a deck around them can add more visual appeal, though that does run up the cost considerably. “Looks like an inground pool” is a common compliment given to homeowners with a new above ground pool.
HOA Issues
Many HOAs don’t allow above ground pools in their rules and guidelines, making them a non-option for many homeowners.
Reduced Home Value
Because of the lack of aesthetic appeal, when it’s time to put the home on the market, having an above ground pool can actually detract from your home’s value. Rather than a selling point, buyers may think of it as more of an eyesore.
Shorter Lifespan
With the proper care, an above ground pool will last between 10 and 15 years. They are not made to be permanent fixtures in your home.
Contact Our Raleigh Inground Pool Installation Company to Learn More!
If you would like to learn more about whether or not an inground pool is right for you, reach out to the experienced team at Prestige Pools in Raleigh! Call us at 919-779-1033 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and quote!
