In-Ground Pools vs. Above-Ground Pools

While you can always head to a local pool to cool off on a hot summer day, nothing beats having your own pool to swim in and lounge around with friends and family. If you've decided to get your own pool, you're now trying to decide whether you should get an in-ground pool or one that is above-ground. Since both have advantages and disadvantages, here are some tips that might make your decision easier.

Cost Variations

As you would expect, there are wide cost variations between in-ground and above-ground pools. For an in-ground pool that's 12x24 and includes a safety fence, retractable cover, and concrete apron, you can plan on spending about $32,000. Should you opt for other features like diving boards and sloped entries, costs could go as high as $70,000. If this is too much for your budget, an above-ground pool of similar size and amenities may only cost about $10,000.

Installation

Typically, for above-ground pools, transporting the pool and getting it installed where you want it is going to get handled by experts. However, if you are a seasoned DIY person who likes tackling home projects, chances are you and some family members or friends can install an above-ground pool yourself in about three days. If you have questions or don't have the experience and tools needed for such a job, leave above ground pool installation to the experts. That way all of the equipment and needed hardware are installed properly. 

Should you want an in-ground pool for your home, this will require extensive excavation and likely take weeks to finish and you should turn this job over to professional installers. In addition to the excavation, the cement, sealing, and tiles is an extensive job that needs to be done perfectly for it to last. This makes it incredibly important to work with a company that specializes in pools with a record of successful installations.

Adding Value to Your Home

Like most home improvement projects you've had done over the years, one of your goals was to add value to your home, which can be important should you decide at some point to sell. An in-ground pool can be a great way to add value. Often viewed by prospective buyers as a status symbol, an in-ground pool will add several thousand dollars of value to your home, especially if your pool has an elaborate design and has numerous features. Unfortunately, if you get an above-ground pool, this generally adds little to no extra value to your home. There are some ways to make the above pool seem more luxurious and attractive to help drive value but even the most elite features won’t compare to an in-ground pool when it comes to selling your home.

Pool Maintenance

Ensuring that your pool is properly maintained is essential. Filtering, cleaning, and maintaining your pool’s chemical balance are all tasks you’ll have to perform no matter which type of pool you choose. The time and frequency of needing to complete maintenance tasks are also similar between in-ground and above-ground pools. In terms of maintaining the structure of the pool itself, in-ground pools have the advantage of generally being more durable and longer-lasting. That being said, both pools will eventually require these kinds of repairs. In addition, the repairs of both the in-ground and above-ground repairs will eventually lead to the pool being replaced so consider that when considering how long you intend to live in your home with the pool. 

Safety Issues to Consider

In-ground pools are usually not a great option for people with small children and pets. Unless your pool has a fence with a locked gate around it, you run the risk of your kids or animals falling into the pool and potentially drowning. In fact, well more than half of all accidental drownings occur in in-ground pools. Of course, drownings can also occur in an above-ground pool. Nonetheless, above-ground pools are statistically far safer, which is definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind when making your decision.

No matter which type of pool you choose for your home, it will be a source of fun and relaxation on the hottest of summer days.

Cost vs. Long-Term Value of Swimming Pools

If your idea of the perfect backyard involves lazy days floating on a raft and sipping margaritas or your kids splashing around and having the time of their lives, it is likely that you have considered building a swimming pool.

Many homeowners believe a swimming pool can boost their home's value significantly, but it's not the case all the time. It is recommended that you explore the cost vs. long-term value of swimming pools first so you know what you are getting yourself into.

According to home improvement site Fixr, the average in-ground swimming pool costs around $21, 919. But that only covers the building of the pool. Remember that you might also need to spend money on swimming pool repair at one point or another.

In addition, it pays to also keep in mind that you will have to spend money on its annual maintenance. If anything, swimming pools can be a great investment if you live in the right place and it is the right size.

Considering a Swimming Pool? Key Factors to Keep In Mind

Cost

At first glance, a swimming pool can seem like a wonderful addition to any home. However, getting one would make more sense if you live in a warm climate or an area with temperate and fairly short winters.

Similarly, investing in one would be much more appropriate if you live in a high-end neighborhood. Since there is a huge chance other homes in the area also have a pool, you won't be left behind if the time to sell your property comes.

According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of building a swimming pool can range from $14,112 to $41,424. The average cost sits at $27,588. The figures account for both the above-ground and in-ground swimming pools.

Now, let's examine the cost of maintaining and running a pool. Depending on the type and size, the filtration and heating will cost you around $8,000. However, that's not all. There are also other extras you need to keep in mind. For instance:

• Diving board: $300 to $5,000

• Enclosures: $4,800 to $14,300

• Pool covers: $300 to $2,000

If the cost deters you, but you still want to have one, consider getting a smaller one instead, perhaps a plunge, lap, or cocktail pool. The material you will use can also greatly affect your overall cost.

While concrete is considered more durable, it will cost more than a pool lined with tile or vinyl. Using fiberglass shells can cut your cost by as much as 50 percent. Moreover, going above ground instead of in-ground can help you save even more.

Resale Value

While it's safe to assume a pool can increase the value of your home, it is important to set expectations right—it might not be as lucrative as you think. There is even no guarantee you will get your investment back, according to HouseLogic.

On average, a swimming pool can only increase your home's value by as much as 7 percent. Of course, as mentioned earlier, there are several factors to consider, including your location.

Undoubtedly, if you live in a posh area with a warm climate, having a pool can surely help your property get noticed. However, it is also crucial that you have some space in your backyard left for other activities.  

Other factors that can help determine if you will get a good return on your investment include the type of pool you have, the condition of your pool, and its age. Buyers might pass on your home if you have a pool that is old and in poor condition.

Also, while you love your pool, remember that not everyone will feel the same way. Case in point: couples with young children often consider swimming pools a safety hazard. This can limit your potential buyers to older couples or families with teenage kids.

Final Thoughts

Getting a swimming pool can be a costly commitment. That said, it is ideal that you think carefully before investing in one. The bottom line is that you need to ask yourself one ultimate question when it comes to swimming pools: do the costs outweigh the return? If such is the case, you are better off considering other home improvement projects with better ROI.

Plants and Pools: How Can You Prepare Your Yard's Landscaping When Adding a Pool?

A pool can be the focal point of a backyard oasis, with the right landscaping. Planning your landscaping and preparing your yard for your new pool takes considerable thought. So, here are a few points you need to know about landscaping when installing your pool.

What Not to Plant

The wrong plants can create extra pool maintenance as will planting grass too close to the pool. For example, bougainvillea will shed tons of pretty pink flowers into your pool that can clog your pool’s jets and drains. You will want to avoid these kinds of plants around your pool. You'll also want to avoid plants that attract a lot of bees, such as honeysuckle.

Grass too close to a pool can also create problems. Not only will grass clippings fly into the pool, but the roots can eventually cause damage to both in-ground and above-ground pools. In fact, do not plant anything with invasive roots, such as oleander, around a pool.

Plants Appropriate for Around the Pool

If you want a tropical look and feel, stick with non-shedding poolside plants. Go with plants like canna lilies, bird of paradise flowers, and hibiscus plants. These are hardy plants that do not shed.

While lawn grass must be kept away from the pool, decorative grasses, such as feather reed grass, zebra grass, and mondo grass are very appropriate for around the pool.

In desert regions, succulents are a good choice. They can withstand heat and intense sunshine like cactus, but unlike cactus, they do not have dangerous thorns.

Landscaping Around Above-Ground Pools

While in-ground pools have a rim of cement decking, above-ground pools do not. That means, before you decide on any plants, you'll need to decide what to surround them with. Several inches of gravel or decorative rock around the pool is a popular option. However, before you lay down any rock, put down a layer of landscaping fabric to prevent weeds. The rock should extend two or three feet from the pool.

Not only does the decorative rock look attractive, but it also allows for evaporation. This keeps water from building up around and under the pool. Once you have your rock laid out, you can plant it around the perimeter of the gravel. You can place potted plants around the pool too. Potted plants also give you the option to change your landscaping seasonally.

When you’re planning the landscaping for your above-ground pool, talk to your installation company about which plants work best for your area and style of pool. They can give you specific advice for what will work well in your yard.

With some research into the best plants for your region, your pool's landscaping will not only create an oasis but will also be relatively low maintenance.

Installing a Pool This Spring? 4 Design Ideas to Consider

You’ve made the decision to add a swimming pool. A pool will increase the value of your home or business in many ways. Here are four different design options to help you decide which pool is best.

Above Ground Pool

The first type of pool is the above ground pool. As its name suggests, it sits on top of the ground. On the pro side, this type of pool is less complicated and less costly to install. On the con side, above ground pools don’t always have the durability or overall visual appeal of a quality in-ground installation.

Types of In-Ground Pool Designs

The next and most diverse category of pool installation is the in-ground pool. There are three major types of in-ground swimming pools. Your new in-ground pool can have a flexible vinyl liner. It can also have a rigid fiberglass liner, or it can be constructed from concrete.

Frameless Glass Pool Fencing

As you decide which type of pool you want to install, it’s important to consider your fencing requirements. A professionally designed and installed fence gives you an unchallenged sense of safety and security while adding to the overall appeal of your entire pool area. There are many design choices when it comes to pool fencing. One of the most durable and beautiful is frameless glass pool fencing. This style of pool fencing provides you with excellent safety and security while allowing you to preserve and enjoy the unbroken design of your pool and surrounding landscape. Frameless glass pool fencing can also be designed to accommodate a wide variety of pool shapes and sizes.

Vinyl Liner Pool

An in-ground pool can be installed with a flexible vinyl liner. The main pro of the vinyl liner is the variety of designs available for the pool. The flexible vinyl can be constructed to fit almost any design. The con of the vinyl liner is durability. A vinyl liner can be torn, requiring repair. Also, any vinyl liner will eventually need to be replaced.

Fiberglass Liner Pool

An in-ground pool can also have a rigid fiberglass liner. The pros of a fiberglass liner are ease of cleaning and durability. The cons of the fiberglass lined pool are that it is generally more expensive than a vinyl lined pool and has fewer design options.

Cement Pool

The fourth style of pool design is the cement pool. This style of pool has the pros of being open to almost any design concept and also extremely durable. It has the cons of being more expensive to install and if needed, repaired.

So if you’re thinking of installing a pool this spring, consider these four different designs. Whichever design you choose, enjoy your beautiful addition to your home.