The Benefits of Above-Ground Pools

An above-ground pool lets a family spend time together without leaving home

The outstanding benefits associated with above-ground pools are 1) easy installation and maintenance, and 2) heightened safety. On those factors alone, an above-ground pool beats an in-ground pool for consumers seeking a relaxing yet surprisingly affordable backyard luxury.

Anyone on a tight budget can afford an above-ground pool thanks to easy installation. Installation of an above-ground pool takes substantially less effort that an in-ground pool. An above-ground swimming pool can be expertly installed by a service provider, or the homeowner can easily do the job in a matter of hours. Just about anyone can do it. All that's required is to select a spot on your property, prepare the ground, and put it all together in a day or so.

When it comes to maintenance, an above-ground pool is easier to deal with due to the simple fact that it sits above ground. In fact, an in-ground pool attracts far more debris from surrounding sources. For example, during lawn maintenance, grass clippings can easily get into an in-ground pool without precaution. With an above ground pool, the height means you don't have to worry about grass clippings.

In-ground pool owners also cite problems with keeping animals out—including dogs, cats, squirrels, skunks and rodents, and frogs. An above-ground pool obviously is harder for critters like these to access.

That's also why above-ground pools are safer for people—and especially children. A child is more likely to fall into an in-ground pool due to the pool's close proximity to the ground. But entering an above-ground pool requires climbing a ladder, which can be quite a tough obstacle for younger children to navigate. With children on the scene, an above-ground pool is the more secure option.

What to know when considering an above-ground pool

Before you jump in, know the drill

Few things are more relaxing than a luxurious soak in a swimming pool, especially when affordability is no longer a concern. Homeowners with tightly spaced backyards and even tighter budgets can still enjoy all that an above-ground private pool has to offer.

The truth is above-ground models have several important advantages over in-ground pools. The most obvious is price: Above-ground pools are available at a fraction of the cost of in-ground pools.

Above ground pool models are significantly less expensive than in-ground pools, which can rack up plenty of expenses and end up being a major home addition. A good-quality above-ground pool—including pump and filtration system—is available for under $3,000, as compared to the $10,000 starting point for the typical residential in-ground pool.

Another advantage of an above-ground pool is the short installation time compared to, say, an in-ground pool constructed of gunite—a blown-in concrete mixture. A gunite contractor likely will take about two to three weeks—depending on conditions—to complete an in-ground pool. Add to that the installation of an in-ground vinyl pool liner, which likely will require a week or two. Conversely, above-ground pool kits usually can be assembled in a couple of days—sometimes less than the time it takes to fill them.

Above-ground pools come in many different sizes, yet are limited to three basic shapes: round, rectangular, and oval. The ovals aren't true ovals, but simply rectangles with rounded ends. Round pools typically range from 10 feet to 24 feet in diameter, and rectangles and ovals range from 12 x 24 feet to about 18 x 33 feet. These pools usually are 48 or 52 inches deep.
Above-ground pools require a level surface and access to electricity and water. In a small yard, be mindful of installation instructions for any pool under consideration. That's because most oval and rectangular pools require an extra three feet of clearance on each long side to accommodate the supports. For example, a pool that is 18 feet wide actually requires an area measuring 24 feet wide.

Many communities require a building permit for any pool deeper than 24 inches, or more than 500 square feet in surface area, or that has a water circulating system. Check with the local building department and ask about the code requirements and zoning laws—and especially whether setback requirements apply to pools. A setback requirement may mean that there must be 10 feet or so between the pool and the property line. If such space is not available, a variance may be required.

Also, some pools cannot be placed under overhead power lines, or over buried power lines or septic systems. Most building codes also call for a 48-inch-high fence to surround a pool. For above-ground models, the pool walls serve as a suitable barrier. But a fence with a self-closing and latching gate should enclose any permanent ladder leading to the pool.

It also is a good idea to choose a spot where rainwater will drain away from the pool. Go as close to the house as possible, which lends convenience to entertaining—or just plain relaxing.

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