Above Ground Pool - Pros and Cons

Nothing beats splashing around in a pool on a hot summer day. If you are considering investing in a pool, but not sure if an above ground pool will meet your needs, here are some pros and cons to help with your decision.

The pros

Having your own pool is the ultimate way to celebrate summer. Especially if you are a first time pool owner, you may want to try out an above ground pool to get your feet wet so to speak! In fact, there are many reasons why investing in an above ground pool is the way to go. Here are some of the major benefits to an above ground pool:

• Cost. First and foremost is the cost factor. An above ground pool is much less expensive and less costly to maintain than an in ground pool. You can purchase an above ground pool for a fraction of the cost of just digging an in-ground pool.
• Not permanent. An above ground pool is not a permanent fixture in your yard. If you ever decide you don't want the pool, you can easily remove it.
• Less maintenance. You don't have to worry about maintaining the water, fixing expensive cracks, or laborious annual cleaning routines when you own an above ground pool. Each year you fill it up with water and then simply drain it at the end of the season.
• Space. Yards in the suburbs are becoming smaller with each new development. If yard space is a consideration, an above ground pool is generally much smaller and takes up less yard space than an in ground pool.

The cons

Even though an above ground pool is less costly than an in ground pool, it is still a big investment. So before you buy one, you should consider the negative aspects. Here are some of the cons to owning an above ground pool:

• Size. Above ground pools are small. Not only are they shallow in depth, they are small in length as well. This may be great for floating and wading, but not so great if you want to swim laps. Plus, because of its size, you won't be able to have too many kids in an above ground pool at the same time.
• Susceptible to crime. Criminals or neighborhood pranksters will sometimes slit the sides of an above ground pool. There is little you can do to repair the damage if this happens to you.
• Fencing. Depending on the laws in your area, you may have to build a fence around an above ground pool, which is a considerable expense. Even if the law doesn't require it, you still may want to consider building a fence as a safety precaution.

After looking at your options and carefully considering these pros and cons, you are sure to make the right choice for you and your family.