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What is an Inground Swimming Pool?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

An inground swimming pool is built directly into the ground as a permanent fixture, usually using concrete as the primary material for construction. Unlike above ground swimming pools, an inground swimming pool is extremely difficult to remove should the need arise, as they are designed to be permanent structures in private or public spaces. The size, shape, and design of the inground swimming pool varies depending on the builder's desires, and while many pools designed for home use are small enough to fit in a back yard, public pools can be much larger to accommodate the surrounding community.

Many gyms and fitness centers commonly feature an inground swimming pool designed for athletes who intend to swim laps for fitness. Such pools are built on the ground floor of the fitness center so the body of water does not run the risk of leaking onto the floors below. the pool is generally split up into lanes using floating markers so more than one swimmer can use the pool at one time without running into another swimmer. All inground swimming pool structures, regardless of location, are built with filtering systems so the water can remain clean and safe for swimmers at all times.

The top of an inground swimming pool is flush with the ground.
The top of an inground swimming pool is flush with the ground.

Since most inground pools are constructed from concrete, the size and shape can be easily manipulated to fit the needs of the owners. Backyard swimming pools are not always rectangular, like public pools usually are. The backyard inground swimming pool can be designed to mimic the irregular shape of a pond or swimming hole, or it can be made oval, rectangular, square, or any other shape the builder wants to create. Concrete is also useful in making the pool multi-leveled, meaning one end of the pool can be much deeper than the other end. Inground pools often feature concrete steps at one corner of the pool to allow easy access.

Unlike most public pools, backyard swimming pools do not have to be rectangular.
Unlike most public pools, backyard swimming pools do not have to be rectangular.

The concrete is often finished with a waterproofing material as well as paint to improve the aesthetic of the structure. In some cases, the pool can be decorated with tile or other materials to further enhance the visual appeal. The area surrounding the pool is also often concrete to promote traction and allow a flat surface on which excess water from the pool or from the elements can be drained. Some swimming areas feature a hot tub very close to the pool itself, as such an inground structure is also easy to build and convenient for swimmers.

Discussion Comments

Feryll

Inground swimming pool designs are better for diving. The average above ground pool is not deep enough to be safe for diving, especially head-first diving. You should take this into consideration when choosing a pool.

Drentel

Inground swimming pools may look better in general, but there is a lot you can do to improve the look of above ground pools. Building a wooden deck around an above ground improves the look 100 percent.

Sporkasia

I think the biggest drawbacks for an inground swimming pool when compared to an above ground model are the price and the work involved in installing the pool. As a rule, the inground pool is going to cost considerably more. Some of this cost is because of the excavation that will have to take place to put in the pool.

So if you go with the inground style then be prepared to have your yard in an awful state while the work is being completed. This can be extremely inconvenient. On the other hand, in my opinion, the best aspect of the inground pool is that it looks better than the above ground models. I find inground pools less obtrusive. The above ground pool can be a bit of and eye soar.

Animandel

Everyone has been telling us that we should replace out above ground swimming pool with an in ground pool. I have never owned an in ground pool and am wondering why so many people think they are so much better than what we currently have. Does anyone have an opinion on the subject? Is an in ground swimming pool really that much better?

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    • The top of an inground swimming pool is flush with the ground.
      By: mikumistock
      The top of an inground swimming pool is flush with the ground.
    • Unlike most public pools, backyard swimming pools do not have to be rectangular.
      By: ViewApart
      Unlike most public pools, backyard swimming pools do not have to be rectangular.
    • Building an in-ground pool may add value to a home.
      By: Iuliia Sokolovska
      Building an in-ground pool may add value to a home.
    • Some regions tax in-ground swimming pools, but don't tax above ground swimming pools.
      By: ElinaManninen
      Some regions tax in-ground swimming pools, but don't tax above ground swimming pools.