Natural-Style Inground Pools vs. Above-Ground Pools: What’s the Difference?

If you are comparing above ground pools vs inground pools, there is much more to consider than whether the pool sits above or below the ground. And, if you found Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools while searching for above-ground pools,

We do not install above-ground swimming pools, but we often get asked what's the difference.

Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools specializes in custom inground swimming pools designed and built specifically for Northern California properties.

Many of our pools have a natural swimming-hole appearance with handcrafted rockwork, waterfalls, grottos, jump rocks and built-in spas. But underneath that natural appearance is a professionally constructed permanent inground swimming pool.

So what is the difference between an above-ground pool and the type of custom inground pool we build?

The difference goes far beyond whether the pool sits above or below the ground.

What Is an Above-Ground Pool?

An above-ground pool is a swimming pool structure that sits primarily above the surrounding ground level.

These pools are generally manufactured in predetermined shapes and sizes and then assembled on a prepared area of the property.

They can be a practical option for homeowners looking for a simpler swimming setup, but they are very different from a permanent custom inground pool.

Above-ground pools generally offer less flexibility when it comes to:

• Pool shape

• Pool depth

• Built-in spas

• waterfalls

• Grottos

• Jump rocks

• Beach entries

• Integrated seating

• Outdoor living design

• Custom placement within the landscape

That difference is important if your goal is to create a backyard environment rather than simply add a place to swim.

What Is a Custom Inground Pool?

A custom inground swimming pool is constructed into the property and designed specifically for the homeowner, the site and the way the pool will be used.

Instead of choosing from a limited selection of manufactured pool shapes, a custom pool can be designed around the property.

That may include the shape of the yard, existing trees, natural granite, slopes, views, patios, outdoor kitchens and other features already present or planned for the space.

At Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools, You can have a simple natural looking pool like the photo above for an afordable price. You can also add;

• Handcrafted rock-style waterfalls

• Grottos

• Jump rocks

• Built-in spas

• Beach entries

• Pool slides

• Swim-up areas

• Custom benches and steps

• Lap swimming areas

• Fire features

• Outdoor kitchens

• Custom patios and surrounding hardscape

The goal is not to place a standard pool in the yard.

The goal is to create a pool that belongs on that particular property.

Are Yuba River Pools “Natural Swimming Pools”?

Our pools are often described as natural-looking or swimming-hole-style pools because of the way they are designed.

They are inspired by Northern California's rivers, granite formations and natural swimming holes.

However, they are professionally constructed inground swimming pools, not ponds or unfiltered swimming systems. They are built to last and enjoy. Understanding the differences between above ground pools vs inground pools can help you decide which type of swimming pool better fits your property and long-term plans for your backyard.

The natural appearance comes from the design and the way we work with the local landscape.

That can include handcrafted rockwork, flowing waterfalls, grottos, carefully placed jump rocks and pool shapes that work with the surrounding landscape.

The finished pool can look as though it has always been part of the property while still functioning as a professionally built swimming pool.

Natural-Style Inground Pool vs. Above-Ground Pool

Most people think the price. Yes, it might be a bit more money in the short term, but in the long term we feel we stack up fairly equal. The maintenance for an inground pool over time is much much less cost than an above-ground pool.

One of the biggest differences in your overall project is customization.

An above-ground pool is generally a manufactured structure placed on the property.

A custom inground pool becomes part of the property.

With an inground pool, the design can respond to the land itself.

For example, a sloped backyard may allow for an elevated spa or waterfall.

A property with a beautiful foothill view may benefit from a pool positioned to preserve that view.

A wooded property may call for natural rockwork that helps the pool blend into its surroundings.

A smaller lot may benefit from a compact custom pool or lap pool that uses the available space more efficiently.

Those kinds of decisions are possible because the pool is being designed for the individual property.

Can an Inground Pool Look Like a Natural Swimming Hole?

Yes.

That is one of our specialties.

A natural swimming-hole look is created by designing the pool and its surrounding features together.

It is not simply a standard pool with rocks placed around the outside.

The pool shape, elevation, waterfalls, rock formations, steps, seating areas and surrounding outdoor space all contribute to the finished appearance.

Features may include:

• Rock-style waterfalls flowing into the pool

• Grottos incorporated into the swimming area

• Jump rocks integrated into surrounding rockwork

• Built-in spas that blend into the pool environment

• Beach-style entries

• Curved pool shapes

• Natural transitions between the pool and surrounding property

The goal is to make the entire backyard environment feel connected.

Why Does Custom Pool Design Matter in Northern California?

Northern California properties can be very different from one another.

In areas such as Grass Valley, Nevada City and Auburn, properties may include granite, mature trees, hillsides, elevation changes and limited construction access.

In Loomis, Granite Bay, Rocklin and Roseville, homeowners may have different lot sizes, landscaping, views and outdoor entertaining needs.

A pool design that works perfectly on one property may make very little sense on another.

That is why we start with the property.

Before deciding on waterfalls, spas or other features, we need to understand how the land works and how the homeowner wants to use the finished space.

Can You Add a Spa to a Natural-Style Inground Pool?

Yes.

Built-in spas are one of the most popular features we incorporate into custom swimming pools.

A spa can be integrated directly into the pool environment instead of looking like a separate addition.

Depending on the property and design, a spa may be:

• Elevated above the pool

• Surrounded by handcrafted rockwork

• Positioned to take advantage of a view

• Connected visually to a waterfall

• Incorporated into an outdoor entertaining area

• Designed as part of a more compact pool layout

Because the entire project is custom, the spa can be planned along with the pool instead of added as an afterthought.

Can a Custom Inground Pool Include a Grotto?

Yes.

Grottos are one of the signature features found in many Yuba River swimming-hole-style pools.

A grotto can become both a visual feature and part of the swimming experience.

Depending on the design, it may be incorporated beneath or near a waterfall and surrounded by handcrafted rock-style features.

As with every custom feature, the size and placement depend on the pool design, available space and the individual property.

Can You Build a Pool With Jump Rocks?

Yes, when jump rocks are appropriate for the specific pool design.

Jump rocks are often incorporated into our natural-style pools as part of the surrounding handcrafted rockwork.

They can add another element of fun while also helping create the appearance of a natural Northern California swimming hole.

The pool itself must be designed with the feature in mind.

That is another advantage of planning the pool and its features together from the beginning.

Do You Build Lap Pools Too?

Yes. They can also have automatic covers!

Not every homeowner wants a swimming-hole-style design.

Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools also builds custom lap pools.

A lap pool may be the right choice for someone who wants to swim for exercise, preserve more usable backyard space or create a cleaner, more streamlined pool design.

Because our projects are custom, a lap pool can still include features such as a built-in spa, seating areas or surrounding outdoor living spaces.

Is an Above-Ground Pool or Inground Pool Right for My Property?

That depends on what you want from your backyard.

If your primary goal is simply to add a basic swimming area, an above-ground pool may serve that purpose.

If your goal is to permanently transform your property with a pool designed specifically for your home, landscape and lifestyle, a custom inground pool offers far more design flexibility.

Homeowners who contact us are usually looking for more than a place to swim.

They may want:

• A natural swimming-hole environment

• A waterfall and grotto

• A spa overlooking the foothills

• A pool designed around a hillside

• A lap pool for exercise

• A backyard designed for entertaining

• An outdoor kitchen

• A pool that blends with existing granite and landscaping

• A unique design that does not look like everyone else's pool

That is the type of work we specialize in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Ground and Custom Inground Pools

Does Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools install above-ground pools?

No. We do not install above-ground swimming pools. We specialize in custom inground swimming pools designed for Northern California properties.

What kind of pools does Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools build?

We build custom inground swimming pools, including natural swimming-hole-style pools, waterfall pools, pools with grottos and jump rocks, built-in spas and custom lap pools.

Are your natural-looking pools actually inground pools?

Yes. Our swimming-hole-style pools are permanent, professionally constructed custom inground swimming pools. The natural appearance comes from the shape, handcrafted rockwork, waterfalls and surrounding design.

Can you build a custom pool on a sloped property?

Potentially, yes. Many Northern California properties have slopes and changing elevations. Each site needs to be evaluated individually to determine what can be built and what engineering, excavation or access considerations may apply.

Can you add an outdoor kitchen near the pool?

Yes. Outdoor kitchens and other outdoor living features can be incorporated into the overall backyard design.

Do you build pools in Grass Valley and Auburn?

Yes. Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools builds custom inground swimming pools throughout Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn and surrounding Northern California communities, including Loomis, Granite Bay, Rocklin and Roseville.

Looking for More Than an Above-Ground Pool?

If you arrived here looking for an above-ground pool but realized what you really want is a permanent custom backyard environment, that is where Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools comes in.

We specialize in creating custom inground swimming pools designed around the property and the people who will use them.

Whether you are imagining a natural swimming hole with waterfalls and a grotto, a built-in spa overlooking the foothills, a family pool with jump rocks and slides or a custom lap pool, the process begins with your property and your ideas.

Yuba River Swimming Holes & Pools LLC builds custom inground swimming pools throughout Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Loomis, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Roseville and surrounding Northern California communities.

Call owner/builder Doug Boan directly at 530-852-1888 to start planning your custom inground pool.

Or visit our Contact Us page to request a consultation.