Vinyl Swimming PoolsVinyl swimming pools can be either above ground or in ground. Above ground swimming pools are the most economical swimming pools that you can have installed in your yard. Their overall cost and installation is well below anything that you’ll find for inground swimming pools.
If you can afford it however, and if you’re certain about the longevity of the relationship you want with a pool (inground pools are permanent once established) an inground pool is the way to go. Let’s talk about some of the differences between each of these vinyl swimming pools:
Above Ground Vinyl Swimming PoolsAbove ground pools are wonderful in that even a family on a somewhat limited budget can still have a pool installed. They are also much more durable nowadays than they were years ago. Above ground swimming pools are generally made of such materials as galvanized steel and resin, and are produced and coated in such a way as to make them resistant to corrosion. Even pools that are not the top of the line come with a 20+ year warranty. Depending on the quality of above ground vinyl swimming pools that you purchase, some come with a lifetime guarantee.I purchased my above ground pool approximately four years ago, and I am very happy with it. All of the components of this pool have held up well over time, and I have found it to be quite enjoyable. The pool is a 30’ round pool, which was one of the largest round pools available for purchase at the time. Most of the round pools that you’ll find available for purchase are no more than 28’ as are many of the products that you can purchase on line, such as swimming pool solar covers and swimming pool winter covers. I do wish that I had researched this a bit more before purchasing. Because I have a 30’ pool, I’m sort of at the mercy of the store where I made the original pool purchase to get additional items that completely fit my pool. I have found some great products that I’d prefer to purchase online, but they generally are not available for anything over 28’. The most important step to purchasing vinyl swimming pools is to complete some research prior to making any decisions. While I know how excited you can get when buying a pool (I know I was off the charts!) take a moment to consider everything possible before buying. Your pool will still be waiting for you to purchase it when you’re ready! One more consideration when deciding between an above ground or inground pool – besides the obvious difference in purchase price of these two types of pools – remember that inground pools are permanent, whereas above ground pools can be removed in 20 years if you want! Maybe right now you’re younger, you have kids in the family, and you don’t mind the maintenance that comes with owning a pool. As you get older, this could change. If you have an above ground pool, it’s no problem to remove. You may even be able to sell it for a little extra cash! Try and remove an inground pool, and you’ll end up back-filling it with soil, which is just a little creepy if you ask me. I don’t like the idea of an old pool filled with soil in my backyard...Yuk! I lied...there is one more consideration in the decision…the installation of an inground pool is quite extensive and can take many months. Also, the process can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Unless you’re having the entire project done (pool installation and landscaping) and you’re willing to live with the mess for up to 6 months (depending on the type of pool you’re installing), and you can afford it, and you are committed to your pool for life, than get an above ground pool!
Inground Vinyl Swimming PoolsSo, you’re not deterred by the price, the length of installation, and the long-term commitment of an inground pool? Great! I wouldn’t be either! There can be some initial hassles, but ultimately, I’m in favor of the inground pool myself. There are just some totally cool toys and gadgets that you can get with this purchase that make it all worth it!!What are the advantages of inground vinyl swimming pools as opposed to fiberglass or tiled pools? Well, let’s discuss that!
Fiberglass inground swimming pools are great, but they are pre-formed in the factory which limits the amount of selection you have regarding shape and size. The material itself is designed to last a lifetime, however it must be cleaned properly in order to maintain its original appearance. Other than that, fiberglass pools don't have too many "cons" on the list when comparing with other inground swimming pools. Fiberglass pools are designed to handle the fluctuation of temperature better than other materials, and the price of these pools is comparable to or less than that of inground vinyl swimming pools. Personally, if I were to purchase an inground pool, a fiberglass pool would be one of my first choices. Inground vinyl swimming pools are a nice option if you are particular about the size and shape of your pool. You have much more flexibility regarding the actual design of your pool, and the finished product looks fantastic! Because the vinyl liner is designed to last more than 15 years, you may only need to replace it once during the life of your pool, however when you do replace it, it will be like getting a new pool for minimal expense! This type of inground pool is a close second choice for me. The vinyl liner makes the pool nice and soft for walking in and swimming in. Inground pools that are coated with tile and cement can be hard and damaging to swim suits. In addition, if you’re particular about the look and design of the pool walls (this really does make a big difference in what your pool looks like in the end) vinyl swimming pools will offer you a whole host of options! The vinyl liners have great designs that in my opinion, look much better than any tile or cement pool would. One more consideration which may sway you in favor of inground pools – as stated on the previous page, it is much, much easier to find someone to service your pool in spring and in fall, which are the two most labor intensive seasons for pool ownership. If I could pay someone to open my pool in spring, and close it in fall, I would surely do it! You’ll have that option if you opt for an inground pool as there are usually many local services willing and able to help with this function. I hope that this has given you a good idea of what to expect from vinyl swimming pools. Good luck to you in your decision making process, and I hope you’re all swimming by this summer!
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