Top Reasons for Not Installing an In-Ground Pool

Cost

• Installing an in-ground pool in your backyard can be an expensive undertaking. Depending on the size of the pool, and whether you choose a vinyl or fiberglass liner or opt for a concrete pool, your in-ground pool may cost from around $10,000 to over $50,000. This huge expense may leave many homeowners having to procure a loan for pool installation. In-ground pools also require a certain amount of upkeep, which can vary greatly depending on the type of pool and any situation that may arise requiring maintenance. While adding an in-ground pool will increase the value of your home, the increase may not offset the amount of purchase if you sell the home.

Safety Hazards

• While an in-ground pool has many advantages and can offer hours of family fun, it can also pose a safety hazard if not properly secured. An in-ground pool without proper fencing or security gates can pose a huge hazard to small children and individuals without proper swimming skills. The property owner bares the sole responsibility of ensuring that their in-ground pool remains hazard free.

Sacrificing Yard Space

• Another top reason for not installing an in-ground swimming pool is the sacrifice of a large part of the lawn. Small to medium lawns may not contain enough space to install an in-ground pool. If your property is large enough, you may still have to give up optimum space to install the pool. Where the pool can actually be installed also depends on a number of factors including the property layout, any buildings or structures built on the property and the layout of existing piping and/or septic tanks installed on the property. Unlike an above-ground pool, the lawn must be dug up for installation, and it cannot be easily uninstalled or removed if you change your mind.

Maintenance

• Besides the cost of maintaining an in-ground pool, there is also the actual maintenance itself, which can be very time consuming. If you can hire someone to maintain the pool, you will have the extra cost of regular maintenance; if not, you will need to perform the maintenance yourself. In-ground pools, like any type of pool, can become dirty very quickly and will need to be skimmed and vacuumed to keep down the amount of bacteria and algae. You will also need to test pH levels regularly to ensure the pool does not need to be cleaned and is safe to swim in.