Planning for a swimming pool is an exciting endeavor. You know that your summers are about to get a lot more exciting! You can probably imagine yourself swimming, lounging, and spending time with friends and family.
Of course, before you get to that point, there are a lot of important decisions to make.
One of them would be choosing between an inground pool vs. an above-ground pool. These are the two main types of pools.
Before we go any further in this article, we want to be clear that Rock Water Farm does not install above-ground pools.
However, we do occasionally find that people ask questions about them as some pool companies do install above-ground pools.
The advantages of an inground pool are plentiful, plus, the downsides to an above-ground pool make it something that we simply don’t want to get involved with. But if you’re still weighing your options, consider these benefits of an inground pool before making your decision.
The Many Advantages of an Inground Pool
As we mentioned, there are many reasons why we feel that an inground pool is superior (and why it’s the only kind that we install). Let’s look at some of the key advantages to consider.
#1: An Inground Pool is More Aesthetically Appealing
One of the really significant advantages of an inground pool is that it’s an attractive addition to your Northern Virginia property—not an eyesore. Aesthetically, above-ground pools cannot even compare to an inground pool. Even if you build a deck around it, it’s still something that “sticks out” on the property.
In fact, it’s important to recognize that many Homeowner Associations do not even allow an above-ground pool as part of their rules and regulations. So, if you live in an HOA, an above-ground pool might not even be an option.
Along with all that, another disadvantage to an above-ground pool is that it generally adds no value to the home.
#2: An Inground Pool will Transform Your Backyard
One of the benefits of an inground pool is the way in which it can transform your backyard into an oasis.
This is typically one of the primary reasons why homeowners are looking to have an inground pool installed in Northern Virginia in the first place. It’s not just that they love swimming, it’s that they want their backyard to become a “destination” where they can spend more time.
An above-ground pool simply cannot achieve this.
In fact, you should keep in mind that an above-ground pool is a “temporary pool.” Even though you have likely invested time, money, and effort into it, it’s not a permanent solution.
#3: An Inground Pool Gives you a Multitude of Options
Of the benefits of an inground pool, the customizability and the wide range of options is another huge advantage. With an above-ground pool, you’re pretty much stuck with a standard shape, size, and depth. Above-ground pools typically come as either an oval or circle shape and that’s all you can get.
In other words, above-ground pools are incredibly limiting.
You can’t dive into them because they aren’t deep enough and many of them aren’t even big enough for actual swimming. They’re more for splashing or floating.
Most of the time an above-ground pool is bought from a big box store or sold as a kit (even if you have a “pool professional” installing it).
But with a custom-built, inground pool, your options are practically limitless. That is, of course, assuming that you are choosing a gunite pool as opposed to a fiberglass pool, something that we address in this article. A fiberglass pool is pre-built at a factory and is also limited in size, depth, and shape.
With a custom-built, gunite pool, you can get incredibly creative with the shape and you are not limited by size or depth the way that you would be with an above-ground pool (or a fiberglass pool). If you want a large pool that is extra-long or even extra-deep, you have those options!
#4: You Can Enhance an Inground Pool with Features
The features that can be added to an inground pool are also plentiful and are what help to make the space feel more like your own personal paradise.
Here are just some of the possible features that can be added to an inground pool.
- Tanning ledges
- Water features (fountains, jets, bubblers, etc.)
- Infinity edge
- Waterfalls or cave/caverns
- Pool lighting
- Rock walls
- Attached (or detached) spa
There are also so many exciting features that could be added around a pool such as a pool patio, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, fire features, and so much more. All of these add to the entertainment value and allow you to get more use out of your pool space.
Because an above-ground pool is above the ground, you would typically have to build a deck up and around it to include entertaining space. Plus, if you’re going the cheap route for the pool, it really doesn’t make sense to invest a lot of money in extras around the pool.
But with an inground pool, the contractors have excavated an opening within your yard for the pool to be installed. This makes it possible to have easily accessible surfaces like a patio or a nearby lawn.
Because inground pools become truly part of the landscape, it creates more of that oasis and “vacation-like feeling.”
#5: An Inground Pool is More Durable
Durability is also a huge factor and a definite advantage of an inground pool.
Again, an above-ground pool is typically considered a temporary solution. While above-ground pools do typically have some of the same maintenance tasks as inground pools (like cleaning and filtering), as far as durability goes, a gunite pool is going to be far superior to any above-ground pool.
Gunite pools are truly built to last, helping you to get long-term value out of your investment.
Installing an Inground Pool in Northern Virginia
Hopefully, this has given you some insight into why an inground, gunite pool is the superior choice.
Of course, at the end of the day, everyone has to weigh their options and choose what is right for them. If you know that you are only going to be in a house for a very short amount of time, then perhaps an above-ground pool will help you get by for that time until you move into your long-term home.
The one key advantage, after all, to an above-ground pool, is that it costs less. That’s really the main reason why homeowners would end up going this route. If you aren’t in your forever home, then you probably don’t want to invest too much in a pool just yet.
But if you are looking to create a backyard oasis where you can truly start making memories with friends and family, then an inground pool is the way to go.
Taking the Plunge
If you are ready to begin the process of designing and installing an inground pool in Northern Virginia, then we are here to help.
Perhaps you’ve only just begun your research which is why you might have been searching for information on an inground pool vs. an above-ground pool. There’s no doubt this is an exciting time as your research will continue to bring you closer to actually enjoying the pool of your dreams.
We know there is a lot to think about and many more points to consider, which is why we put together this swimming pool planning guide. But we are also always available to answer questions.
As you get closer to turning your pool dreams into a reality, we can be your guide. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that your hard-earned money is invested wisely into a swimming pool that you’ll love for many many years to come.
Are you ready to get started on the pool of your dreams at your Haymarket, Gainesville, or Round Hill, VA home? If so, talk to an expert, choose a solution that rocks, and get ready to see your dreams begin to take shape!
