There’s a current trend where many homeowners decide to install a partial or totally buried above-ground pool in their gardens. The idea may seem sensible, and it’s easy to see why a lot of people are drawn to it. AG pools can sometimes be unsightly, meaning people want to camouflage them by burying them with blocks, stone, or various other materials. This way, you have a nice pool that’s easy on the eye.
However, there are 5 main reasons to reconsider partial in-ground pools. If you’re on the verge of installing a partial in-ground pool, then here are some things you should ponder:
1. Most above ground pools are not designed to be buried
The clue is in the name: an above ground pool is supposed to exist above the ground. Therefore, it’s not designed to be buried at all. The entire structural makeup of an AG pool exists so you can enjoy a lovely pool that sits on top of your lawn. Trying to bury one is a bit like trying to drive a car on water. It’s not designed for that purpose, so you’re always going to have problems.
2. Structural failure is common
Perhaps you’ll understand why AG pools aren’t designed to be buried when you look at what goes on beneath the surface. Burying a pool partially or fully in-ground will mean that the structure is surrounded by soil and other materials. The soil conditions alone can be devastating to the pool. It may lead to structural damages that can cause leaks and wreak havoc in your back garden.
Similarly, you have to remember that the water in your pool and yard needs to go somewhere. This requires a proper drainage system to be designed & built. Needless to say, AG pools aren’t designed for underground drainage. This means you could face a myriad of drainage issues that – once again – lead to structural failure. Corrosion of the structure is also highly common when you bury an AG pool.
Lastly, consider the lining of the pool. At some point, you’ll need to replace it. There is a strong possibility of the pool imploding when the water is removed due to the pressures of the soil. Also, if you find corrosion or other structural issues, repairs or replacement may be impossible or very costly and not worth the hassle or risks.
3. You need to install extra safety measures
When you build a pool into the ground, you instantly make your back yard a riskier place. It’s unsafe as anyone can fall into the pool if they’re not careful. Even if you have a cover over the pool, it’s still a risk. As such, it’s the law to fence off your yard if you’ve built an in-ground pool. This is to stop other people from wandering into it and drowning in your pool – along with any wild animals that might do the same.
The problem with this is that it costs a lot of money to build a fence around your yard and put the protective measures in place. Not only that, but it means you’re altering the natural beauty of your backyard as well. It’s a whole lot of hassle and extra expense for something that can easily be avoided with an AG pool.
In most areas, if your pool is at least 48” above ground, then you don’t need to fence it off. No protective barriers are required as the height of the pool acts as the safety measure. In this instance, all you need is a removable ladder or properly protected deck leading to the pool. Alternatively, you could use an access stair with a self-closing, self-latching gate as well. All of these options require minimum investment and can be installed without ruining your yard.
4. In-ground pools raise property taxes
You may have heard that an in-ground pool can increase the value of your property. Technically, that’s absolutely true. It’s seen as a permanent home improvement because of all the work that goes into it. You’re excavating a large section of your yard and fitting a pool in there. It is now part of your overall property, which can add some value to your home.
The downside of this is that you will pay more taxes. Raising the value of your home will mean that your tax bill is going to increase as well. Similarly, seeing as this is now part of your property, it can increase your home insurance premium as well. Your insurance will go up because of the extra risk of accidents present.
By contrast, an AG pool won’t affect your taxes and may not affect insurance. This is because it’s not considered a permanent or fixed improvement. The pool is not technically part of your property, so the value of your home isn’t affected at all. This means you can enjoy a pool without extra expenses.
5. You're stuck with the pool
Finally, a huge drawback of a semi or fully in-ground pool is that your yard is pretty much stuck with it. It’s fixed in place, so you can’t sell the pool if you no longer want it. You would have to dig it up and pay for the landscaping services to revert your yard back to normal.
Similarly, what if you love your pool but must move to a new house? You can’t pack it up and bring it with you, which you can do with an AG pool! Or, what if someone likes your house but doesn’t want a pool? You can miss out on a sale because of the great big pool stuck in your yard!
Ironically, this can undo the value you thought the pool added to your home. If someone falls in love with your property but does not want a pool, then they most likely will request that you remove it or offer you a reduced price to compensate for the expensive work they’ll have to pay to remove the pool! So, you not only lose your initial investment, you may be out thousands more.
Final thoughts on partial in-ground pools
The bottom line is that a semi or fully in-ground pool isn’t as beneficial as you might think. At Crestwood Pools, Inc, we have a wide range of naturally beautiful pools that can eliminate the expense and detrimental issues associated with semi and in-ground pools. They tastefully blend into any backyard setting, are extremely durable, and provide the perfect pool your family will enjoy for decades at a very affordable price, without any negatives