So you’ve decided to take the plunge. A pool. In your garden. The dream, right ? But then comes the real question that stops pretty much everyone at some point : should you go for an above ground pool or bite the bullet and dig one in properly ?
Honestly, there’s no universal answer. It really depends on your budget, the size of your garden, and what you actually want from it. If you’re also thinking about broader home improvement projects alongside your pool, it’s worth browsing resources like https://www.maison-atypique.fr for inspiration. Let’s break it down properly.
Above Ground Pools : The Affordable Entry Point
Above ground pools have come a long way. Forget the flimsy inflatable rings you’d see in a tiny backyard in the nineties. Today’s above ground pools – especially the steel-framed or wooden models – look genuinely decent and can last for years with proper care.
The big advantage ? Price. You can get a solid above ground pool for somewhere between £300 and £3,000 depending on the size and material. Installation is fast, often just a weekend job. And if you move house, you can take it with you. That’s actually a bigger deal than people realise.
The main downsides though :
- They don’t add value to your property
- The lifespan is shorter – typically 5 to 15 years
- They can look a bit temporary if not integrated properly into the garden
- Water heats and cools faster, which can be annoying in unpredictable weather
That said, for families with young kids, or people who aren’t sure they’ll stay in the same house long-term, an above ground pool is a perfectly sensible choice. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
In-Ground Pools : A Real Investment, in Every Sense
An in-ground pool is a different beast altogether. We’re talking a permanent structure, buried in your garden, with proper filtration, lighting, and often a surrounding terrace. It’s a project.
Budget-wise, expect to spend at least £15,000 to £20,000 for a basic concrete or liner pool in the UK. A fibreglass shell can come in slightly cheaper and faster to install. A tiled, custom-designed pool ? Easily £40,000 or more. Yes, really.
But here’s the thing – a well-designed in-ground pool genuinely transforms a garden. It adds usable space, it looks incredible, and it can actually increase your property value if done well. I find that the visual impact alone is worth thinking about seriously, especially if you’re planning to stay in your home for ten years or more.
What makes in-ground pools appealing :
- Much longer lifespan – 25 to 50 years with proper maintenance
- Better heat retention
- Can be fully customised in shape, depth, and finish
- Integrates naturally into the landscape
- Adds real value to the property
The downside is obvious : the cost, the construction time (sometimes 4 to 12 weeks), and the fact that once it’s in, it’s in. You can’t change your mind easily.
Garden Size : It Matters More Than You Think
Here’s something people overlook. Even if your budget is generous, your garden might not cooperate.
An above ground pool can technically fit in a smaller space – some models start at 3 metres in diameter. But you still need clearance around it for access and safety. In-ground pools generally need a minimum garden width of around 8 to 10 metres to feel balanced and functional, though compact plunge pool designs can work in tighter spaces.
If your garden is long and narrow, a rectangular in-ground pool can actually look stunning – almost like a lap pool. If it’s small and irregular, an above ground option or a small prefab fibreglass shell might be the smarter move.
Planning Permission : Don’t Skip This Step
In England and Wales, most in-ground pools don’t require planning permission as long as they’re within permitted development rules – basically, the pool must be in the garden (not the front of the house) and not take up more than half the total garden area. But always check with your local council before starting work. Rules can vary, and getting this wrong is an expensive mistake.
Above ground pools generally don’t require any planning permission. Another point in their favour if you want to keep things simple.
Running Costs : Think Long Term
Whether above ground or in-ground, a pool costs money to run. Filter pump, chemicals, water heating if you want it warm – it all adds up. Expect to spend roughly £500 to £1,500 per year on running costs for a standard-sized pool, depending on how you heat it and how well you manage the chemistry.
A heat pump is generally the most efficient option for heating. Solar covers make a real difference too – they can cut heat loss by up to 70% overnight. Worth every penny.
So, Which One Should You Actually Choose ?
Here’s the honest version :
- Choose an above ground pool if your budget is under £5,000, your garden is small, you’re renting, or you’re not sure how much you’ll actually use it.
- Choose an in-ground pool if you have the budget, you’re staying put for the long haul, and you want something that genuinely enhances your home and lifestyle.
Maybe the most important question isn’t above ground vs in-ground. It’s : how often will you actually use it ? Because the best pool is the one you swim in three times a week, not the one that looks impressive and collects leaves.
Whatever you decide, take your time with the planning. A pool is one of those projects where rushing almost always leads to regret.