Cake Decorating Supplies Kansas City

Pool design and installation in Kansas City

The first major decision when deciding to install a pool is choosing between an inground pool or above ground pool. There are multiple factors to consider, including the long-term value, how often you'll use the pool and the size of your yard.

If you live in a Kansas City suburb such as Overland Park or Parkville, you're likely to have more yard space to install an inground pool. Because these pools are often larger, they can become a social hub for families in your neighborhood. Inground pools also give your property value a significant boost, especially for big homes such as those in the Ward Parkway neighborhood.

If you live in KC metro, however, an above ground pool may be a better option because of its smaller size less permanent construction. Other pros and cons of the two types are:

Inground pools vs. above ground pools in Kansas City

	Inground pool	Above ground pool
Pros	More variety in styles and options Longer-lasting	Cheaper and faster installation Easily maintained/repaired
Cons	More expensive to build Requires more maintenance	Not as customizable Generally smaller
Best for	Adding long-term value to your home Creating a centerpiece for your backyard	Nonpermanent installation Wading/relaxing
Features	Diving boards Patio areas	Wrap-around decks Ladders
Average cost	$25,000 - $100,000	$1,000 - $10,000

A pool builder works directly with you to figure out what options are best for your home and budget, whether that be an above ground pool with a wrap-around deck or an extensively landscaped inground pool that becomes the focal point of your backyard.

Inground pools can be built with a variety of materials, which vary in cost, durability and ease of maintenance.

Inground pool construction materials in Kansas City

Concrete pools are the easiest to customize to fit your landscaping vision but are also the costliest. They're very durable, but because concrete is a porous material, these pools require the most work to maintain a safe pH balance and remove algae.
Fiberglass pools are prebuilt by the manufacturer and have very few customization options, but they do come in many shapes and sizes. These pools require less maintenance because of their virtually nonporous design. They can also be quickly installed and are very durable.
Vinyl pools are the cheapest option for homeowners and are fairly customizable. However, they're less durable — vinyl liners must be replaced every four to seven years, which adds more long-term costs than other options. There is also room for algae growth where the plastic attaches to vinyl, which requires more hands-on cleaning.

Once your pool is built or installed, you may have additional costs for extra features. Some options, such as building a wrap-around deck for an above ground pool or landscaping for an inground pool, are optional. Most Kansas City counties require you to have a barrier around the pool, so you may need to pay for a fence.

Maintaining a pool in Kansas City

Maintenance costs for pools vary based on the type. Above ground pools are generally smaller and less complex, which makes them much easier to maintain. In general, both inground and above ground pools require skimming and vacuuming the water for insects and leaves. You'll also need to maintain a chemical balance that is safe for swimming.

Materials and supplies you'll need to maintain your pool include:

Chemical test kit and balancers
Telescoping pole
Pool net and leaf rake
Vacuum (head and hose)
Algae brush
Pool cover

Choosing a pool contractor in Kansas City

Because of the expense involved in installing a pool, it's important to work with a reliable company that you trust. Once you decide which style of pool you want, check Kansas City companies to see who specializes in building that type. Customer reviews are excellent resources — if a company has a history of bad quality or customer service, it shows in the reviews.

If you're unsure what type of pool would work best for you, many companies in Kansas City perform site evaluations and provide advice to help you decide. When you're talking to pool builders, be sure to ask:

How much experience do you have building swimming pools?
Is my property better suited for an inground or above ground pool?
How much maintenance will this pool require?
Will an inground pool increase my property value?
Do you provide landscaping services or work with companies that do?
Do you have a portfolio of previous projects I can view?

Pool construction requires a building permit, but most contractors handle the paperwork for you — another reason why finding a reliable Kansas City pool builder who does quality work without cutting corners is essential. Working with a company you trust pays dividends in the long run by saving money, reducing stress and getting you into your new pool as quickly as possible.