Article
Comparisons
Pool Guide: Above Ground vs In-Ground Cost and Types
Lumberama Editorial Team, Pool & Outdoor Living Specialists Nov 3, 2026 11 min read
Above Ground Pools
Types: Steel wall: most common, durable, affordable. Aluminum wall: rust-resistant, lightweight, more expensive than steel. Resin (plastic): rust-proof, stays cooler in sun, modern look. Hybrid (steel bottom rails, resin top): combines benefits. Inflatable/soft-sided: cheapest, temporary, 1-3 year lifespan.
Sizes: Round: 12 ft (113 sq ft), 15 ft (177 sq ft), 18 ft (254 sq ft), 21 ft (346 sq ft), 24 ft (452 sq ft), 27 ft (572 sq ft). Oval: 12x24 ft, 15x30 ft, 18x33 ft. Depth: typically 48-54 inches (4-4.5 ft).
Cost: Pool kit (no installation): $1,500-$5,000 (steel/resin). $200-$800 (inflatable). Professional installation: $1,500-$3,000. Total (pool + installation): $3,000-$8,000.
Additional costs: Deck/platform: $1,000-$5,000. Liner replacement (every 5-9 years): $300-$800. Pump and filter upgrade: $200-$500. Heater: $300-$1,500. Fence (often required by code): $1,500-$5,000. Annual maintenance: $500-$1,000.
Lifespan: Steel/aluminum frame: 10-20 years. Liner: 5-9 years. Pump/filter: 5-10 years.
In-Ground Pools
Types: Fiberglass: pre-formed shell, installed in 2-4 weeks. Low maintenance, smooth surface, limited shapes. Cost: $30,000-$65,000. Vinyl liner: custom shape, installed in 4-8 weeks. Lower upfront cost, liner replacement every 7-12 years. Cost: $25,000-$50,000. Concrete (gunite/shotcrete): fully custom, installed in 8-16 weeks. Any shape, size, or depth. Most durable but highest maintenance. Cost: $50,000-$100,000+.
Sizes: Small (10x20 ft, plunge): 200 sq ft. Medium (12x24 ft): 288 sq ft. Standard (16x32 ft): 512 sq ft. Large (20x40 ft): 800 sq ft. Depth: 3-8 ft (typical residential).
Cost breakdown: Pool shell/structure: 50-60% of total. Decking/coping: 10-15%. Equipment (pump, filter, heater, lights): 10-15%. Fencing: 5-10%. Landscaping: 5-10%. Permits: 1-3%.
Additional costs: Pool cover: $500-$3,000 (manual) or $5,000-$15,000 (automatic). Heating: $1,500-$5,000 (heat pump) or $300-$1,500 (gas heater). Saltwater system: $1,000-$2,500. Lighting: $500-$2,000. Water features: $1,000-$5,000+. Annual maintenance: $1,200-$3,000.
Above Ground vs In-Ground Comparison
Cost: Above ground: $3,000-$8,000. In-ground: $25,000-$100,000+.
Lifespan: Above ground: 10-20 years. In-ground: 20-50+ years.
Property value: Above ground: minimal impact (sometimes negative). In-ground: adds $10,000-$30,000 (varies widely).
Installation time: Above ground: 1-3 days. In-ground: 2-16 weeks.
Maintenance: Above ground: lower (smaller volume). In-ground: higher (more equipment, larger volume).
Customization: Above ground: limited (round or oval). In-ground: unlimited shapes, sizes, features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Above ground: $3,000-$8,000 (installed). In-ground fiberglass: $30,000-$65,000. In-ground vinyl liner: $25,000-$50,000. In-ground concrete: $50,000-$100,000+. National average for in-ground: about $40,000-$55,000. Additional costs: decking ($3,000-$10,000), fencing ($1,500-$5,000), landscaping ($2,000-$5,000), permits ($200-$2,000). Annual operating cost: above ground: $500-$1,000. In-ground: $1,200-$3,000 (chemicals, electricity, maintenance).
Choose above ground when: budget is under $10,000. You may move in the next 5-10 years. You want quick installation. Your yard has access or grading challenges. You want a lower maintenance commitment. Choose in-ground when: you want a permanent investment. You want custom shape and design. You want to add property value. You want deeper water (diving, lap swimming). You plan to stay in the home long-term. Middle ground: semi-inground pools ($5,000-$15,000) offer partial burial with easier installation than full in-ground.
In-ground pool: adds $10,000-$30,000 in home value (roughly 5-8% of home value). But: ROI is typically 30-50% (you spend $50,000, home value increases $15,000-$25,000). Value varies enormously by: location (warm climates: higher value. Cold climates: lower or negative). Neighborhood (if most homes have pools, not having one is a disadvantage). Pool condition (a well-maintained pool adds value; a neglected one subtracts). Above ground pool: typically adds no value, and in some markets, can decrease value. The real value: lifestyle enjoyment, family recreation, and health benefits. Do not install a pool purely as a financial investment.
Annual costs: chemicals: $300-$800. Electricity (pump, filter, heater): $600-$1,200. Professional cleaning (weekly): $100-$200/month ($1,200-$2,400/year). Opening and closing (seasonal): $300-$600/year. Equipment repairs: $200-$500/year average. Total DIY maintenance: $800-$1,500/year. Total with professional service: $2,000-$4,000/year. Periodic costs: liner replacement (vinyl): $3,000-$5,000 every 7-12 years. Resurface (concrete): $5,000-$10,000 every 10-15 years. Equipment replacement (pump, filter, heater): $1,000-$5,000 every 8-12 years.
Lumberama Editorial Team
Pool & Outdoor Living Specialists
Contributor to Lumberama’s reference library. Read our editorial standards and source methodology.
Continue researching decking
Where readers of this article usually go next.
Related Articles
Comparisons
Tree Removal Guide: Cost, When to Remove & DIY vs Pro
Make safe and informed tree removal decisions.
Lumberama Editorial Team Nov 26, 2026 7 min
Comparisons
Countertop Guide: Granite vs Quartz vs Marble and More
Choose the right kitchen or bathroom countertop with this comprehensive comparison.
Lumberama Editorial Team Nov 5, 2026 10 min
Comparisons
Retaining Wall Guide: Types, Cost & DIY vs Professional
Build a retaining wall that lasts with this comprehensive guide covering all types and costs.
Lumberama Editorial Team Oct 25, 2026 11 min