We bought a house with a very nice in ground pool - definitely something we probably wouldn't have installed ourselves (we have the receipts and between the pool, stonework etc. the previous owners spent 55k+). In our neighborhood you could probably get away with an above ground because we are all on 2+ acre lots, but anyone that has a pool it's in ground. That being said, I will admit I find above ground pools not the most aesthetically pleasing. We do less maintenance on our in ground saline pool than my friends do on their above ground - less chemicals, better/more efficient equipment. We have a pool sinking fund and add $100/month - that way if we need to replace the filter or a pump the money is sitting there. We do have it professionally opened and closed every year, repairing busted pipes because I did it wrong would be an expensive lesson on work that should be outsourced (at least for me!). Thus far, we've only replaced 2, $15 gaskets. Our kids (10, 8 and 6) are constantly in the pool - built in entertainment for the summer. Although perhaps not the most mustachian - we really do enjoy it.