Backyard Staycations: Why More Midwest Families Are Investing in Pools Instead of Travel in 2026

If the last few summers have taught us anything, it’s this: vacations are getting expensive. ✈️

Between airfare, gas prices, hotels, food, and entertainment, a single week-long trip can easily cost $5,000–$10,000 for a family of four. And when it’s over? You’re left with memories… and maybe a little credit card regret.

That’s why more families across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are choosing a different kind of investment: a backyard staycation.

Instead of booking another trip, they’re building something that lasts for decades — an inground fiberglass pool.

Let’s talk about why.

The Rising Cost of Travel in the Midwest

Travel costs have steadily increased over the past few years. Flights are higher. Resorts are booked out months in advance. Even road trips add up quickly when you factor in fuel, lodging, and meals.

Now compare that to a backyard pool:

  • One investment
  • Years of use
  • Zero airport lines
  • No packing
  • No check-out times

Your vacation is waiting outside your back door.

A Pool Is Not Just a Luxury — It’s a Lifestyle Upgrade

Many homeowners assume pools are “extra.” But in reality, they often become the center of family life.

With an in ground fiberglass pool, your backyard becomes:

  • The birthday party house 🎉
  • The graduation celebration spot 🎓
  • The place your kids’ friends always want to be
  • The stress-relief zone after long workdays

Instead of one week away each year, you get an entire summer — and beyond.

The Midwest Advantage: Why Fiberglass Makes Sense Here

Homeowners in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas face unique weather conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles, shifting soils, and hot summers make material choice important.

Fiberglass pools are especially popular in the Midwest because they offer:

  • Durability in varying soil conditions
  • A smooth, non-abrasive surface
  • Lower long-term maintenance
  • Faster installation compared to concrete

Many families can go from excavation to swimming in weeks, not months.

That means you could start planning in early spring and be swimming by summer.

Comparing the Cost: Travel vs. Pool Investment

Let’s look at this practically.

If your family spends:

  • $7,000 per year on vacations
    Over 10 years, that’s $70,000.

Now imagine putting that toward a backyard pool that:

  • Increases home enjoyment
  • Enhances entertainment space
  • May improve resale appeal
  • Creates daily access to relaxation

And with installation options like Turn Key, Whole Sale Labor, or Drop Set, homeowners can choose the investment level that fits their budget.

For many families, especially those planning to stay in their home long term, the math starts to make sense.

Staycations Offer Flexibility Travel Can’t

With a backyard pool:

  • Swim before dinner
  • Host spontaneous gatherings
  • Enjoy quiet mornings poolside
  • Let the kids burn energy without leaving home

There’s no schedule to follow. No reservations. No weather anxiety about “wasting” your one week off.

You create moments on your time.

Is a Backyard Pool Right for Your Family?

Every homeowner’s situation is different. The best way to know if a pool fits your lifestyle and budget is to have a conversation about:

  • Yard size
  • Pool design options
  • Installation approach
  • Investment range

At Home Pro Pools, we work with families throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to design fiberglass pool projects that align with both their vision and their budget.

We also offer free, no-obligation phone consultations to walk through pricing and options.

No pressure. Just clarity.

Final Thoughts: Build the Vacation That Never Ends

Trips come and go.
Airlines change schedules.
Hotels fill up.

But a backyard pool? That’s yours.

If 2026 is the year you stop traveling for relaxation and start creating it at home, we’d love to help you explore your options.

Contact Home Pro Pools today to schedule your free consultation and see what your backyard could become.

Synergy

16′ x 40′ – 2″, Depth 3′ – 9″ to 6′ – 3″ *

Soak up the sun in the Synergy, its subtle curves provide the perfect balance between the modern feel of a rectangle and the creative spirit of a freeform.

Specs & Features

Below you will discover a number of details relating to this pool shape. Information included ranges from this shape’s exact measurements to features that are included and available options to consider. If it’s not exactly what you were looking for please make sure to check out our other Similar Models.

Sizes & Specs

16′ x 40′ – 2″, Depth 3′ – 9″ to 6′ – 3″ *

Features

Swim Up Seating

Swim up seating is the perfect way to enjoy your swimming pool. Submerge yourself partially under the water to effortlessly enjoy your pool. Benches and seats bring a great conversation area into the pool. Most folks just want to relax when they hit the water; these offer a great way to do that. In fact, some of our customers have referred to them as their beverage bench. They enjoy winding down at the end of a long day with their favorite beverage in hand.

 

Slip Resistant Steps

These offer secure entry points into the swimming pool. Both young and old will be using the swimming pool, so it is essential to have a convenient option for entering the pool. All entry steps are easy on the feet and help ensure safety.

 

Lifetime Warranty

Latham products are known for their innovative technical features, many exclusive and patented, that improve product performance and extend product life. We also pay rigorous attention to detail throughout the manufacturing and Quality Assurance process. Because we design and build our products better, we are able to back them better – with the longest, strongest warranties in the business. please visit YourPoolWarranty.com.

 

Crystite Color Technology

Crystite Colors and Crystite Technology were introduced to the swimming pool industry in 1995. Over the past 24 years they have become the fiberglass swimming pool industry’s premier color family. This is why Latham offers exclusive color options utilizing this leading edge technology.

 

Fiberglass Laminate Construction

Latham’s Fiberglass Pools are the strongest in the industry. With the use of Reinforced Ribbing, Carbon Fiber and Biaxal reinforcements as well as Ceramic Infused Polyester combined with Pure VE Fiberglass, Latham is able to achieve increases the strength/flexural stiffness of our shells by 32%.

Options

Tile

Waterline tile and mosaics are a fun and creative way to give your pool a personal touch. We are happy to offer a variety of tile options for your pool. Tile is available on steps, floors and around the perimeter. Be sure to ask your Latham Independent Builder to show you the various options and layouts that are available.

 

Bubblers

Bubblers are the icing on the cake when it comes to having a Water Feature You Can Swim In! These simple built-in features require very little water and are economical to run around the clock. An easy way to create outdoor elegance. Bubblers are available on all Fiberglass swimming pool models, tanning ledges, and fountain pans.

 

Automatic Vacuums

This is the perfect option to make cleaning your Latham Fiberglass Pool effortless. Different options are available so be sure to check with your Latham Independent Builder for the model that is right for you.

 

Cascades

Listen to the intoxicating sounds of waterfalls that originate in the coping of your own Latham Pool. Latham Cascades are available in a variety of sizes and quantities for invigorating and attractive waterfalls that fit the size and landscape of your pool.

 

Spillways

Pick and choose your spillways and spill-overs. Make them as wide or as narrow as you desire. You can also add as many as you want! Why be stuck with an ugly, small pre-made spillway? Go with a Latham Pool & you don’t have to!

 

Lighting

Enjoy your Latham Fiberglass Pool and Spa long into the night with added lighting options. Choose from a variety of styles and brands to create your perfect late night getaway.

 

Tanning Ledge

Tanning ledges offer luxury living at its finest. If you are looking to bring home that resort vacation, tanning ledges are a great way to recreate that experience in your backyard. Tanning ledges can vary in depth, our standard for a tanning ledge is 12” from the top of the pool which equates to about  6”-8” of water depth. Outfit the tanning ledge with ledge loungers, bubblers and enjoy your favorite beverage.

Home Pro has fiberglass pools in stock direct from the factory.
Quantities are limited – Act NOW!

If you would like our team to design a virtual reality rendering of your home and pool, at no charge, please provide your address! We are confident once you see your dreams come to life, you will want your pool even more! Our team uses Google Earth Software to design the rendering. Additional images may be requested to provide a more accurate drawing.