Choosing between an above ground and an inground pool is one of the biggest decisions Long Island homeowners face. The cost difference is significant, but so are the differences in longevity, property value, maintenance, and how each type fits into your backyard. Here is an honest, detailed comparison to help you decide.
The Cost Difference: What You Actually Pay on Long Island
Cost is typically the first factor homeowners consider, and the gap between above ground and inground pools is substantial on Long Island.
Above Ground Pool Costs
A quality above ground pool on Long Island costs between $3,500 and $15,000 installed, depending on size, materials, and features. A basic 15-foot round steel-wall pool with a pump and filter starts around $3,500 to $5,000 installed. A premium 18x33 oval above ground pool with resin walls, a decent deck, upgraded liner, and professional installation runs $8,000 to $15,000. Add a surrounding deck and the total can reach $20,000 to $25,000, though at that price point many homeowners start reconsidering inground options.
Inground Pool Costs
Inground pools on Long Island start around $55,000 for a basic vinyl liner pool and range up to $150,000 or more for a custom concrete pool with premium finishes. A mid-range fiberglass pool — the most popular choice on Long Island right now — runs $60,000 to $90,000 fully installed with basic decking and fencing. Concrete (gunite) pools with custom shapes, tile finishes, and integrated spas typically start around $80,000 and can exceed $150,000 for high-end builds.
The price difference is clear: inground pools cost 5 to 15 times more than above ground pools. But cost alone does not tell the full story.
Property Value Impact on Long Island
This is where the comparison gets interesting for Long Island homeowners specifically. Long Island real estate is expensive, and pools affect property values differently here than in most parts of the country.
Inground Pools Add Value
On Long Island, a well-maintained inground pool typically adds 5 to 8 percent to your home's value. For a $600,000 home — close to the Nassau County median — that translates to $30,000 to $48,000 in added value. In premium neighborhoods across the South Shore, North Shore, and the Hamptons, an inground pool is often expected. Homes without pools in these areas can actually sell for less than comparable homes with pools.
Real estate agents across Long Island consistently report that inground pools are a net positive for resale in most neighborhoods, particularly for homes priced above $500,000. Buyers in this range expect outdoor amenities, and a pool is at the top of the list.
Above Ground Pools Do Not Add Value
Above ground pools add zero value to your Long Island property — and in some cases, they can actually hurt resale. Many buyers view above ground pools as something they will need to remove. Real estate agents sometimes recommend taking down an above ground pool before listing a home because it can make the backyard look smaller and less appealing in listing photos.
This does not mean an above ground pool is a bad investment. It simply means you should view the purchase as a lifestyle expense, similar to buying a boat, rather than a home improvement that builds equity.
Longevity and Lifespan
How long each type of pool lasts matters significantly when you calculate the true cost of ownership.
- Above ground pools: Steel-wall above ground pools last 10 to 15 years on Long Island before the walls corrode and the structure needs replacement. Resin-wall models last slightly longer, around 15 to 20 years. Liners need replacement every 5 to 9 years at a cost of $1,500 to $3,500 on Long Island. Over 30 years, you will likely buy two to three complete above ground pool systems.
- Vinyl liner inground pools: The structure lasts 30 to 40 years or more. Liners need replacement every 7 to 12 years at a cost of $4,000 to $7,000 on Long Island.
- Fiberglass inground pools: The shell lasts 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. The gelcoat surface may need refinishing after 15 to 20 years.
- Concrete inground pools: The structure lasts 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Replastering is needed every 10 to 15 years at a cost of $8,000 to $15,000 on Long Island.
Maintenance Requirements
Both pool types require regular maintenance, but the specifics differ.
Above Ground Pool Maintenance
Above ground pools are generally easier to maintain because they are smaller. A typical 15 to 18-foot round above ground pool holds 5,000 to 8,000 gallons of water, compared to 15,000 to 25,000 gallons for most inground pools. Less water means less chemical usage and faster turnover times. Weekly maintenance takes about 30 to 45 minutes and includes skimming, vacuuming, testing water chemistry, and adding chemicals. Annual chemical costs run $200 to $400. Equipment is less expensive to replace — a new pump and filter system costs $300 to $800.
Inground Pool Maintenance
Inground pools require more maintenance due to their larger volume and more complex equipment. Weekly maintenance takes 45 minutes to an hour and includes skimming, brushing walls, vacuuming, testing chemistry, and checking equipment. Annual chemical costs run $400 to $800. Many Long Island inground pool owners hire a weekly service, which costs $150 to $300 per month during the swim season.
The advantage of inground pools is that they support more sophisticated equipment — salt chlorine generators, variable speed pumps, automatic cleaners, and smart controllers — that can reduce hands-on maintenance significantly. A properly automated inground pool can actually require less weekly effort than a basic above ground pool.
Permits and Zoning on Long Island
Long Island has strict building codes, and pool permitting varies by town. Understanding the requirements for each type saves time and avoids violations.
Above Ground Pool Permits
Most Long Island towns require a building permit for above ground pools, though the requirements are less stringent than for inground pools. Typical requirements include:
- A building permit application with a site plan showing pool placement
- Minimum setback distances from property lines (usually 6 to 10 feet, varies by town)
- A barrier or fence meeting the 4-foot minimum height requirement with self-closing, self-latching gates
- Electrical inspection for pump and filter hookup
Permit costs for above ground pools on Long Island range from $100 to $500 depending on the town. Processing time is typically 1 to 3 weeks.
Inground Pool Permits
Inground pools require a more extensive permitting process:
- Building permit with engineered drawings and a professional site survey
- Setback requirements (typically 10 to 15 feet from property lines and structures)
- Fencing that meets town code (4-foot minimum with approved gate hardware)
- Electrical permit for bonding, grounding, and equipment hookup
- Possible Board of Health review in some Suffolk County towns
- Multiple inspections during construction (excavation, steel, plumbing, electrical, final)
Permit costs for inground pools range from $500 to $2,000 on Long Island. The process typically takes 3 to 8 weeks, and some towns in the Hamptons and North Shore can take longer during peak season.
Aesthetic and Lifestyle Differences
Beyond the numbers, the day-to-day experience of owning each type of pool is meaningfully different.
Above ground pools sit 48 to 54 inches above the ground, which limits how they integrate with your landscape. Even with a beautiful surrounding deck, an above ground pool is a visible structure that dominates your backyard. Depth is limited to 48 to 54 inches in most models, which means no diving and limited space for active swimming. The experience is best described as comfortable and functional — great for cooling off, floating, and casual swimming.
Inground pools become part of your landscape. They can be designed to complement your home's architecture, surrounded by natural stone, integrated with outdoor kitchens, and finished with custom lighting. Depth ranges from 3 to 8 feet, allowing for diving areas, swim-up benches, and attached spas. The experience feels more like a resort or vacation — a true outdoor living space that you use for entertainment, exercise, and relaxation.
Which Is Right for Your Long Island Home?
Choose Above Ground If:
- Your budget is under $15,000
- You rent your home or plan to move within 3 to 5 years
- You want a pool quickly (installation takes 1 to 3 days)
- Your yard has challenging conditions that make excavation difficult or expensive
- You are primarily looking for a place to cool off and relax rather than entertain
- You are comfortable with the pool having no impact on property value
Choose Inground If:
- You plan to stay in your home for 7 or more years
- You want to increase your property value
- You entertain regularly and want a backyard centerpiece
- You want design flexibility — custom shapes, depths, and features
- You value long-term durability over lower upfront cost
- Your neighborhood has homes with inground pools (matching the area standard matters for resale)
The Long Island Reality
On Long Island specifically, inground pools are far more common than above ground pools in most neighborhoods. In Nassau County and western Suffolk County, where home values are higher and lots tend to be larger, inground pools are the standard. In more affordable eastern Suffolk communities, above ground pools are more common and carry less stigma.
If your home is valued above $400,000 and you plan to stay for at least 5 to 7 years, an inground pool is almost always the better long-term investment on Long Island. The combination of property value increase, superior longevity, and lifestyle improvement makes the higher upfront cost worthwhile for most homeowners in this bracket.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you are leaning toward above ground or inground, the right pool depends on your specific property, budget, and goals. Schedule a free consultation and we will assess your yard, discuss your priorities, and help you make the best decision for your Long Island home.