The Backyard Feature That May Actually Be Worth It, Despite All The Hate

When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners often base their decisions on practical factors like whether it will add value to their home or enhance its curb appeal. Some decisions make more financial sense than they often get credit for, and it all comes down to how you do the math. That's especially true with above-ground pools, a backyard feature that's often criticized for being unattractive and high-maintenance. But when you calculate the cost of not having one, above-ground pools might actually be worth it.

Although they typically don't add value to real estate like in-ground pools do, above-ground pools cost much less to install and are DIY-installable, coming in somewhere between $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the style and size. While appraisers don't assign any resale value to above-ground pools and they're not considered a long-term investment, that doesn't mean they don't have value, because money isn't the only yardstick for measuring it.

For example, if you have a houseful of kids on a hot summer day, there's plenty of inherent value in an above-ground pool. Otherwise, you may be piling the kids into the car and paying for pool admission, and at rates like $10 per adult and $8 per kid, the math starts looking a little different. You could easily spend $20 to $40 every time you go, not including incidental costs like fuel or snacks, which have a way of adding up quickly every time you leave the house.

Cost and value aren't the only reasons that above-ground pools receive widespread criticism. But the biggest complaints — that they're ugly and high-maintenance — may be less of a concern than you think. Wraparound decks can make an above-ground pool much more attractive, so you don't necessarily have to sacrifice aesthetics. And while maintenance is a fact of life if you have a pool, estimates of $1,200 to $1,800 per year for maintenance may not be what you end up paying. One person reported that they spend as little as $550 each season, including $250 on electricity and $300 on chemicals. Some owners also find that above-ground saltwater pool systems reduce ongoing chemical costs, although installation adds an upfront expense.

Many of the benefits of an above-ground pool are difficult to put a dollar figure on. Having your own pool in your backyard is convenient, because you can easily grab a towel and jump in whenever you want. It's also private, so you don't have to share the space with a lot of strangers. And pools are excellent for entertaining, so they're a good choice if you want to host gatherings for any age.

When it comes to safety, an above-ground pool's walls provide an additional physical barrier, which is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends securing, locking, or removing ladders and pool steps when the pool isn't in use. Adding a deck gives permanent access to the water, so you'll need fencing and a self-closing gate to keep small children and pets out if you go that route.