When the days get long at work and the Texas summer feels eternal, there’s nothing quite like an evening of rest and relaxation right in your very own backyard. You can create your own little slice of paradise with a swimming pool and a beautiful outdoor design.
As you begin researching pool options, you’ll quickly discover there are two basic types of pools to choose from: a custom inground pool and an above-ground pool. Which is better? What’s the cost difference, and how do they affect real estate prices?
Keep reading to hear all of the similarities and differences between these two key elements for your backyard oasis.
Having a custom inground pool installed also often gives you the opportunity for a complete backyard makeover. Many pool companies will offer outdoor living solutions.
Installation and Cost Differences
At first glance, you’ll quickly notice the aesthetic and installation differences between custom pools and an above-ground pool. Custom pool builders design inground pools to fit in a particular space for a particular function. Above-ground pools come in a one-size-fits-all type fashion, whether they’re oblong or round.
Inground pools cost much more to install than an above-ground pool. When you opt to install any pool, you’ll need to consider the extra costs. Here is a short laundry list of expenses:
- Excavation costs, be it leveling the ground for an above-ground pool or digging a hole for an inground pool
- Professional pool installation
- Increased liability insurance on homeowners insurance
- Safety fence
- Permits
Thus, one of the above-ground pool benefits is the extra money you will have to play with. You can install beautiful decking and lighting with the same budget when you opt for an above-ground pool versus an in-ground pool.
Prices vary greatly between these two types of pools. With an above-ground pool, you can plan on paying between $1,000 and $6,000 for the pool and installation. An in-ground pool will cost between $28,000 and $65,000.
You need to consider the ongoing costs of maintenance as well as the cost of time in installing and maintaining the pool.
An above-ground pool will take less time to install and maintain than an inground pool. In fact, you can have an above-ground pool installed and ready for use in as little as a few days.
If you’re installing an inground pool, plan on having a construction zone for your backyard for six to eight weeks.
Customization
If you’re looking for a unique look for your backyard, then you should consider an inground pool.
While there are many different styles of above-ground pool styles, there are also a limited number of models. You can only install what the manufacturer has predesigned.
A custom inground pool, however, can take any shape or form you want if you’re using a concrete shell. You can create your own special and unique paradise in the backyard with an inground pool. You also have more options such as a diving board, tanning ledges, and attached spas.
Basically, an above-ground pool gives you the functionality of a pool whereas an inground pool gives you the luxurious look.
Aesthetics
Most people see inground swimming pools as more attractive than their above-ground counterparts. Inground pools just look more natural, whereas above-ground pools like a construction project.
You can still make an above-ground pool look attractive. You can build a wrap-around deck that hides the ugly sides of the pool and leads directly to the water’s edge.
You can also create an inground pool look with the right landscaping. You have to work hard to create the inground look with an above-ground pool.
Real Estate Value
If you install a pool and maintain it, you can increase your home’s value. One study suggests that an inground pool can increase your property value by as much as five to eight percent.
The location of your home as well as the condition of your pool plays a critical role in if the pool adds value to your home. For example, if you live in a neighborhood with a high population of elementary-age children, a pool will increase your home’s value.
In a place like Teas where temperatures regularly reach triple digits in the summer, your home’s value will only increase with the installation of an inground pool.
If you cannot afford an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool will still add value. It just won’t add as much as an inground pool.
If you’re thinking about contact a pool service for a new pool, ask a realtor to appraise your home. The realtor can evaluate if a pool will add or detract from your home’s overall value.
Consider a Custom Inground Pool Today
A pool will increase value to your home and enrich your life, regardless of which kind you choose.
When you choose to install a custom inground pool, you plan on a long-term investment. Your backyard will have a big hole in it for a sizable amount of time as the pool takes shape.
But once the inground pool is finished, you’ll have an oasis like none other in the neighborhood. You’ll be able to step into the pool daily, cool off, and relax without dealing with the ugliness of an above-ground aesthetic.
You will also add value to your home with an inground pool. You can hope for your home value to bump up tens of thousands of dollars because of your pool.
More importantly, your quality of life will improve. You’ll enjoy coming home and hanging out with your family, hosting get-togethers at your pool.
If you’re convinced it’s time to invest in an inground pool, contact us today. We build, install, and maintain custom inground pools to our customer’s satisfaction. Check out our gallery of backyard transformations today.
