By adding a private swimming pool to your property, you can take your backyard from average to amazing! Swimming pools are a great source of fun for both children and adults, and they also provide a place to enjoy healthy exercise, soothing relaxation and casual time with friends and family. One of the great things about residential swimming pools is that there are a vast number of different types, models and styles available - including various above ground swimming pools, in-ground swimming pools and exercise and therapy swimming pools. With so many options available, there truly is a swimming pool to suit every backyard and every family.

Above ground swimming pools tend to be the most popular type of pool for residential properties and there are several reasons why that is the case. First of all, above ground pools are easy to set up and maintain during swim season. In many cases, owners of above ground swimming pools can set up their pool and start swimming on the same day. Some are designed to be permanent pools that you winterize for the off-season and re-open in the spring; others can be easily disassembled and stored indoors during the fall and winter months. Above ground pools are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and constructions options – and they are also very appealing economically, as they can be purchased for relatively little money and don't require costly installation. In fact, high quality above ground pools can be found for as little as $790.

If you would like to purchase an above ground pool for your backyard, you will have many options to consider. Traditional above ground pools such as Excalibur Pools for example, feature metal walls of galvanized steel that are exceptionally strong and durable. Some newer above ground pools, such as the Radiant & EZ Panel brands have energy-saving, eco-friendly properties which is making them increasing popular. Their strong metal walls feature a specially designed insulating foam core layer to retain heat and save on running costs & utilities. Their design also makes installation much more simple than traditional above ground pools, and they can be installed aboveground, semi-inground or completely in-ground – for the benefits of a traditional in-ground pool, without the high costs! A third class of above ground pools are perfect for smaller yards, smaller budgets and for families who want the flexibility to take down their pool during the off-season, or when moving. Intex pools for example offer round, rectangular and oval above ground pools in a variety of sizes, including some models made from a Super Tough® heavy-duty three ply liner, with an inflatable top ring that lets you set-up and swim in a single afternoon!

Above ground pools are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate many different yards. For enhanced installation convenience & value, most pool retailers offer (or can create) an above ground pool kit that includes everything you need, including a filtration system, a ladder, a pool cover, maintenance kit, etc.

Many homeowners prefer an in-ground swimming pool in their backyard. In-ground swimming pools are ideal for those who intend to use their pool more frequently during swim season or who live in areas where year-round use is an option. It’s also good for those who want greater depth to allow for a wider range of activities (such as diving, swimming laps and enjoying water games), those who want to include custom features (such as a spa, waterfall, steps) or to have the pool work within existing landscaping or backyard configurations. Also, because of their permanence, in-ground pools can increase property values. When well designed, these swimming pools can even enhance landscaping, creating a very attractive environment. Another great benefit of an in-ground pool is the fact that these pools are available in a multitude of different designs and styles, and can even be custom designed. For example, in-ground swimming pool designs include everything from standard rectangular, kidney shaped, figure eight or grecian pools to a unique custom shape or size that you create with your pool retailer.

Since in-ground swimming pools are obviously more permanent than above ground pools, they naturally cost more to purchase and install. However, those who wish to enjoy the many advantages of in-ground swimming pools have the option of saving thousands of dollars on installation costs by doing the installation on their own. With in-ground pool kits, people who enjoy do-it-yourself projects and who know how to use some basic household tools can install their pool without the help of expensive professionals. With or without professional installation, in-ground swimming pools can significantly increase the value of your home while providing you and your family with years of swimming fun.

If you are interested in a smaller in-ground pool, an indoor pool or a pool specifically geared toward exercise or water therapy, there are some other great in-ground swimming pool designs to choose from. The TheraPool™ brand, for instance provides aquatic therapy options that will allow you to relax while soothing your muscles and joints. And the ExerPool™ comes with different water current settings, for customized and effective home workouts. These therapy and exercise pools are available in different sizes and come with a variety of first-class accessories. Just as with larger in-ground swimming pools, there are kits available for do-it-yourself installation of therapy and exercise pools, once again allowing for thousands of dollars in savings.

Whether you would like to install an above ground pool, a large in-ground pool or a smaller in-ground pool for therapy or exercise, there are many excellent options and swimming pool designs for you to choose from. By adding a swimming pool to your property, you can transform your yard into your own private oasis, designed to meet your specific needs and tastes. Best of all, with the many different available models ranging in price and size, there are swimming pools to match every budget and every backyard.