Do In-Ground Pools Require More Money to Upkeep

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: 

Swimming is among the best stress-relieving activities. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, having a pool in your yard provides you with a relaxing spot.

Yet, deciding between an above-ground and an in-ground pool is not straightforward. You'' have to consider the entire installation and maintenance costs, the pool's material durability, etc.

Pool Maintenance Cost Influencing Factors

As with any home care project, several factors might influence your specific expenses. This implies that you may part with more or less than the average maintenance prices indicated below.

Perhaps, the most important aspect is geographic location. It influences labor expenses and how long you open your pool for each season. For example, if you live in areas with longer summers, expect to pay more maintenance fees each year.

Nevertheless, saltwater and indoor pools will have much lower pool maintenance costs. Indoor pools cost at most $50 per hour for maintenance. Saltwater pools range in price from $25 to $45 per hour.

On the other hand, the costs of maintaining an in-ground or aboveground pool are not much different. With either of these layouts, you should expect to pay about $100 per hour as a maintenance fee.

Other factors that matter include the pool size, material used for construction, and how much dirt or debris your pool has. For instance, if your pool has a vinyl liner, you'll shell out lots of cash throughout the years. Things like pet scratches can easily ruin the material.

In short, vinyl is much more delicate than fiberglass pools; which makes fiberglass pools far less expensive to maintain (around $550 per year).

On the other hand, concrete pools need more chemicals because they're quite prone to algae invasion. So, expect to spend approximately $1,200 each year (this makes them the most expensive kinds to maintain).

Lastly, the costs will also depend on whether you have a pool heating system. You'll need swimming pool heater repair services to ensure the optimum function of your heater and pool in general. Note that overactive heaters can affect your pool's water chemistry. A pro will also help keep the area around the pool heater free from rodents and debris.

Other Factors to Help You Decide

Price

The price range for an in-ground pool versus an above-ground pool can vary greatly based on your location, contractor, type of pool, and other factors. As a baseline, though, you should expect to pay approximately $2,800 for an above-ground pool and $35,000 for an in-ground pool.

Installing an above-ground pool is, thus, significantly less expensive.

Even so, while looking for a swimming pool, price isn't the only element to consider. Even while above-ground pools are less expensive, they are not the best option for your property. Unless you have a limited budget, investing more in an in-ground pool may be the best option.

Durability

"What's the lifespan of above-ground pools?" is one of the most commonly raised issues by homeowners. While above-ground pools are less expensive than in-ground pools, they have shorter lifespans. They often last about 15 years depending on aspects, for instance, care and construction quality. Other extra factors can alter this longevity such as general wear and tear, the presence of wildlife in the vicinity, and snow and ice.

What makes above-ground pools less durable than in-ground pools? An above-ground pool's structure is completely visible, making it more subject to harm and wear and tear. It is also susceptible to unintentional impact damage from harsh weather conditions.

Thus, if you value durability, it's best if you choose an in-ground pool. Due to its structure, an in-ground pool has a longer lifespan and comes with a hefty guarantee. In-ground pools can survive a lifetime with proper care and upkeep, depending on the weather, quality of materials, construction, etc.

The cost of maintaining in-ground and above-ground pools is dependent on different factors including the construction materials and design, the geographic location, the frequency of use, etc. Thus, there's no clear answer about which of the two pools is cheaper to maintain. Yet, while above-ground pools seem cheaper because of their accessibility, and cheaper installation costs, they're less durable. Thus, in-ground pools are a better option.