12 Pool Types to Consider-Ⅰ
In the residential landscape, a swimming pool can refer to any permanent or temporary tank or container used to hold water in which users can swim or relax. They come in many different types, and choosing the right one requires you to think carefully about what role you want your pool to play in your family's lifestyle. The label "swimming pool" is broad and covers very cheap portable play equipment for children as well as major landscaping features that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Budget, lot size, local codes and availability of materials can all affect your final decision on what type of pool to build or install on your property. Also consider the maintenance required for each type. Some pool owners start to regret owning a pool that requires long hours of maintenance work or expensive pool maintenance services.
As you browse the 12 pool options below, consider what you really want and need in your pool, and how much time, money, and effort you're willing to invest.
01 Children's pool
Best for: Portable gaming capabilities for kids.
At the lowest end of the "Can I afford a pool?" scale is an easy-to-find portable kiddie pool, which can be an inflatable or a hard plastic enclosure. Either way, whenever the weather is hot and the kids need a cool spot, these pools can be taken out of storage and put back in storage at the end of the season. Just make sure to drain the pool after each use (water the lawn) and always be on the lookout for kids - even very shallow pools can be a hazard to unattended children.
Kiddie pools are often just a few bucks, especially when purchased late in the season, when prices can be discounted by as much as 75%. It's entirely possible that this affordable option will satisfy your main reason for wanting a pool. There is no pool that is easier to maintain.
02 above ground swimming pool
Best for: Owning a functional recreational pool at an affordable investment.
An above ground pool is a symbol of pool ownership available. They're also a good option for colder winter climates, where maintaining an inground pool can be difficult. This style comes in both hard-sided and soft-sided options, and some pools are virtually indistinguishable from more expensive in-ground pools, especially if you add a raised platform or frame to the pool's exterior. However, in many climates, in-ground pools are drained, dismantled and stored away during the season when they are not needed. In this case, a soft-edged above-ground pool is a great option.
Above ground swimming pools are relatively easy for DIYers to assemble. The national average cost of installing an above-ground pool is about $3,000, but if your pool includes add-ons, such as a build-up deck, it could cost $20,000 or more. While easier to maintain than large inground pools, above ground pools do require management of water chemistry, as well as filtration and cleaning.
03 Inground Family Pool
Best for: Active families who need a multi-use recreational pool.
The growing number of swimming pools is not just a feature of the luxury real estate market. In some real estate markets, especially Sun Belt areas, swimming pools are now an expected feature even in middle-class neighborhoods.
Broad "all ages" appeal is what a leisure pool is all about. If you love to entertain and love noise, activity and excitement, then this could be your dream pool - or at least your child's.
However, an in-ground pool is a serious investment. Nationally, the average installation cost for an inground pool is about $55,000, while it's easy to spend $100,000 or more for a high-end poured concrete pool. 1 But for active families, this could be an excellent investment, both for current enjoyment and long-term property value. But you have to plan to spend a few hours each week on water and filter maintenance and cleaning—or plan to hire someone to do it for you.
Tip:
The cost of building a swimming pool can vary widely based on prices and labor availability in your area. For example, the cost of building a swimming pool in a major large city in the Southwest is much less expensive than in a rural area of the Midwest, where there are many contractors who are familiar with pool construction. Detailed discussions with multiple contractors in your area are the best way to get a true view of costs.