Mason Blake
New member
Thinking about getting an above-ground pool this summer are they actually worth it in the long run? How’s the maintenance compared to an in-ground pool, and what should I know before making the investment?
Maintenance of above ground pool compared to an in-ground pool
- Thread starter Mason Blake
- Start date
Harper Clark
Active member
I've had an above-ground pool for a couple of years now. Maintenance is definitely easier than an in-ground pool, especially since you don’t have to worry as much about landscaping or leaks. But the trade-off is you might get less aesthetic appeal and longevity.
Ethan Blake
New member
I’ve had an above-ground pool for a few years now, and honestly, it’s been worth it for us. They’re definitely more affordable upfront and easier to install than an in-ground pool, which was a huge plus.
Maintenance-wise, it’s pretty similar, you still have to check the water chemistry, clean it regularly, and run the pump and filter. The main difference is you might have slightly less plumbing and equipment to deal with, depending on the setup.
One thing to keep in mind is making sure your yard is properly leveled before installation, that can make or break the whole experience. Also, budget for a good cover and maybe a small deck if you want that built-in feel.
If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off and don’t want to go all-in on an in-ground system, I’d say go for it, Just do your research on brands and durability.
Maintenance-wise, it’s pretty similar, you still have to check the water chemistry, clean it regularly, and run the pump and filter. The main difference is you might have slightly less plumbing and equipment to deal with, depending on the setup.
One thing to keep in mind is making sure your yard is properly leveled before installation, that can make or break the whole experience. Also, budget for a good cover and maybe a small deck if you want that built-in feel.
If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off and don’t want to go all-in on an in-ground system, I’d say go for it, Just do your research on brands and durability.
We installed an above-ground pool about four years ago, and honestly, it’s been one of the best backyard decisions we’ve made, but it depends on what you're looking for.
Maintenance-wise, it’s actually pretty manageable. I test the water a couple of times a week, vacuum once a week, and clean the filter regularly. Compared to our neighbor’s in-ground pool, we spend less on chemicals and upkeep. The biggest difference is probably in insulation, above-ground pools can lose heat faster, so we invested in a solar cover, which helped a lot.
One thing to really think about is how you’ll landscape around it. We added a small deck and some privacy panels, which made the whole setup feel a lot more permanent and cozy. Structurally, if you level the ground properly and go with a good brand, they hold up well. Ours has gone through a few storms with no problem.
Maintenance-wise, it’s actually pretty manageable. I test the water a couple of times a week, vacuum once a week, and clean the filter regularly. Compared to our neighbor’s in-ground pool, we spend less on chemicals and upkeep. The biggest difference is probably in insulation, above-ground pools can lose heat faster, so we invested in a solar cover, which helped a lot.
One thing to really think about is how you’ll landscape around it. We added a small deck and some privacy panels, which made the whole setup feel a lot more permanent and cozy. Structurally, if you level the ground properly and go with a good brand, they hold up well. Ours has gone through a few storms with no problem.
syedsalman
Active member
For sure, above-ground pools can totally be worth it, especially if you want something more budget-friendly and less permanent than an in-ground. Maintenance is generally easier and cheaper too less surface area and simpler equipment means fewer headaches.
That said, they don’t last as long as in-ground pools and aren’t quite as fancy, but if you just want a spot to cool off and chill in your backyard, they do the job really well. Just make sure you prep the ground right and keep up with water care chlorine and pH balance are still key. Also, think about where you’ll store it or how you’ll cover it in the off-season to protect it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hassle-light way to enjoy summer, above-ground pools are a solid choice
James Carter
New member
I got an above-ground pool three summers ago, and while it doesn’t have the wow factor of an in-ground setup, it’s been a total game-changer for hot days and family time.
Maintenance-wise, it's actually easier and more forgiving. You still need to stay on top of water chemistry, filtering, and cleaning, but the smaller volume means fewer chemicals and quicker adjustments. That said, the structure can be more vulnerable to damage storms, sharp objects, even lawn mowers getting too close.
One thing I wish I knew: invest in a quality base and leveling job from the start. It makes all the difference in durability and water balance. Also, don’t cheap out on the pump/filter, a good system will save you hours of hassle.
if you want backyard fun without digging a hole in your budget, it’s a solid choice.
Maintenance-wise, it's actually easier and more forgiving. You still need to stay on top of water chemistry, filtering, and cleaning, but the smaller volume means fewer chemicals and quicker adjustments. That said, the structure can be more vulnerable to damage storms, sharp objects, even lawn mowers getting too close.
One thing I wish I knew: invest in a quality base and leveling job from the start. It makes all the difference in durability and water balance. Also, don’t cheap out on the pump/filter, a good system will save you hours of hassle.
if you want backyard fun without digging a hole in your budget, it’s a solid choice.
Peter K
Member
I went with an above ground pool a couple years ago and honestly, it has been a great choice for our family. If you are comparing above ground pool maintenance to in ground pool maintenance, I have found the upkeep is pretty similar when it comes to testing water, adding chemicals, and running the filter. The main difference is cost and time. Above ground pools are usually easier and faster to clean, and the equipment tends to be smaller and more affordable.
They are also easier to install and remove if needed, which gives you more flexibility. Just make sure the ground is level before setup and invest in a good quality pump and filter system. If you are wondering whether an above ground pool is worth it in the long run, I would say yes. As long as you keep up with basic maintenance, they can last for many seasons and offer a lot of fun without the high price of an in ground pool.
They are also easier to install and remove if needed, which gives you more flexibility. Just make sure the ground is level before setup and invest in a good quality pump and filter system. If you are wondering whether an above ground pool is worth it in the long run, I would say yes. As long as you keep up with basic maintenance, they can last for many seasons and offer a lot of fun without the high price of an in ground pool.
Monica Cardona
Member
Above-ground pools can definitely be worth it in the long run, especially if you're looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option compared to an in-ground pool. The initial cost and installation are much lower, and maintenance is generally easier. You'll still need to clean the pool, balance the water, and run the filter, but it’s typically less time-consuming and costly than maintaining an in-ground pool. One thing to keep in mind is that, while they’re durable, above-ground pools typically have a shorter lifespan than in-ground ones, but with proper care, they can last many years. Before making the investment, consider the size of your yard, the space you need, and how much maintenance you're willing to handle. Above-ground pools offer a fun, practical way to enjoy the water without the long-term commitment and expense of an in-ground pool!