Aboveground or inground: Which is right for you?

Aboveground pools sit entirely above the ground. However, unlike inflatable pools, they are permanent. You can pick the shape (round or oval), size, walls, liner, and ladder.

There are several types of aboveground pools:

• Galvanized steel: more resistant than aluminum and generally the most affordable option

• Aluminum: doesn’t rust but more expensive than steel

• Resin-coated steel: high-end look and durability at a lower price point

• Extruded, injected, or blown resin: highly resistant and durable

• Wood (or composite): more natural looking but more expensive to buy and maintain, fewer sizes and options available, panels require little maintenance

Aboveground pools are more economical than inground pools. They range in price from $3,000 to $12,000 including installation, depending on the size, shape, and materials. Installation is a separate line item, so you can save money by installing the pool yourself, but some retailers may not honour the warranty if you do. Be sure to ask. If you do plan to install it yourself, buy a pool that comes as a DIY kit.

Aboveground pool warranties generally cover defects in the pool structure (uprights, rails, seats or caps, walls) for up to 25 years and installation defects for 2 to 5 years if they compromise quality or safety. Warranties take effect on the purchase date in the contract and do not include normal wear and tear.

Most equipment (plumbing, skimmer, return line, pump, filter, chlorinator, salt system, heat pump, water heater, ozonator) is warranted for 1 to 3 years, and up to 10 years for some heat pumps. The liner has its own warranty against manufacturing defects, anywhere from 1 to 10+ years.

Find out what warranties the retailer/manufacturer offers and be sure to shop around.

Inground pools are ideal if you love to swim, dive, and jump and want to spruce up your outdoor space. There are several types of inground pools, all of which are customizable. You can choose the size (there are even models for tight spaces), shape, and stairs. You can also have a shallow end and a deep end or a pool that’s all the same depth. Tip: Only buy a pool if you intend to use it because if you just want to boost your home’s value, a pool is not a surefire investment.

There are several types of inground pools:

• Concrete pools, whether lined or unlined, are durable and resistant and come in many shapes and sizes. They can even be installed on uneven or rocky terrain. But they come at a price!

• Lined steel panel pools with concrete bottoms are a good match for smaller budgets (but still not as cheap as aboveground pools).

• Resin-concrete alloys are another corrosion-resistant option.

• Fibreglass pools (also called one-piece shells) come in a variety of shapes. Installation is quick and they’re easier to maintain. On the other hand, they’re more expensive and less durable than concrete pools. Make sure you have enough clearance to get the pool into your backyard. Otherwise it may have to be craned in, which will drive up the cost considerably.

Inground pool models and dimensions

Inground pool dealers offer basic models in various sizes, including rectangular, octagonal, oval, and curved. But most can be tailored to suit your needs. You can also have your pool custom-designed.

As far as dimensions are concerned, the possibilities are almost endless! Versatility is one of the big advantages of going with an inground pool.

Inground pool pricing

Every inground pool is unique. Prices can range anywhere from $20,000 to $45,000 and up, depending on the type, materials, size, shape, and structure. And if you want a waterfall, stonework, stamped concrete, or a hot tub, expect the price tag to go up accordingly!

Also be sure to budget for electrical work, a municipal permit (required for inground pools), landscaping (the heavy machinery will do some damage to your yard, particularly if it rains while the pool is being installed), and fencing (required for all inground pools).

There may be hidden costs as well—for instance if you end up having to remove stones or tree stumps, break up rocks, blast, backfill, or reroute underground conduits.

Inground pool warranties

Inground pool warranties vary by manufacturer but are typically divided into three parts: the general warranty, the installation warranty, and the liner warranty.

Structural (general) warranties range from 20 to 50 years depending on the type of pool and the dealer. Installation warranties can be anywhere from 5 to 25 years. And liners can easily carry a 10- to 15-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Of course, this doesn't exclude the possibility that your pool need repairs or replacement before then due to wear and tear, damage, etc.

The information included in this table is not exhaustive. The data could differ from one manufacturer to another and according to your sales and installation contract.

Semi-inground pools—also called onground pools—are long-lasting. Just like traditional inground pools, the concrete bottom allows for a shallow end and a deep end. This style is ideal if you want a pool that blends in better with the landscape, without the price tag of an inground pool.

Semi-inground pools made of steel (component and walls) generally carry a 15-year warranty against manufacturing defects and a 5-year warranty against settling. The concrete bottom and the liner will also be covered for 5 years. Labour is usually covered for 2 years (or 5 for a concrete bottom).

Small pool models and dimensions

Aboveground wood pools come in 10' and 12' diameters and inground models are available in 8' x 16', 9' x 30', and 10' x 20'. Small rectangular inground pools are especially popular because they can maximize your available space. One caveat: Make sure there’s enough room to get heavy equipment on site.

Inground pools: Smaller sizes don’t mean a smaller price tag

A small inground pool won’t necessarily cost much less than a standard one because they’re made of the same materials: galvanized steel, concrete (with liner), resin, or fibreglass. The installation process is also the same, although it can take even longer for a small pool because the lack of space may pose a challenge. But it’s worth it to have a durable pool that you (and maybe even the next people to own your home) will enjoy for years to come.

Small concrete pools

Concrete pools are an attractive option, although they’re more expensive than pools with a liner. They can be inground, semi-inground, or aboveground. Concrete is strong and durable and allows you to customize the shape, size, and depth of your pool. There are a few downsides, though: Concrete pools are harder to clean (they usually have to be almost completely emptied) and they will need resurfacing at some point.

Swim spas

Swim spas are perfect if you want to swim laps but don’t have room for a big pool. They’re equipped with powerful jet pumps that create a current so you can swim in place. Tethers can be used to add training equipment like rowers, elastic bands, and ars.

Chlorine and salt sanitation systems basically do the same thing: disinfect your pool water. More than half of pool owners go with salt. We don’t recommend a salt system if your pool walls are metal because corrosion could cause rust. But it’s a viable option for inground models and aboveground pools with resin rails.

Although salt systems are a more expensive initial investment, they require significantly less maintenance. You can even go on vacation for 2 weeks without worrying about your pool! Salt also has the advantage of being easier to store and handle than chlorine, and none of the drawbacks: It doesn’t smell and doesn’t irritate the eyes, hair, or skin.

Salt doesn’t evaporate like chlorine, but no matter what kind of system you have, it’s important to balance the pH, hardness, and alkalinity of the water. A weekly check is usually enough for the pH. Although salt chlorinators are the standard for treating a saltwater pool, there may be times when you have to use chemicals—like after a heavy rain or when a lot of people have been in the pool. You may also need to add algaecide occasionally. The chlorine level, on the other hand, should be checked every few days, especially when it’s hot out.

And salt does have an environmental impact. It ends up in the soil and the sewer system when you backwash the filter or drain the pool at the end of the season. Saltwater pools are even banned in some localities for this very reason. So do your homework and weigh your options carefully before deciding.