1) Intex 16ft X 8ft X 42in Prism Frame Rectangular Pool Set with Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover

This prism frame pools feature strong powder coated metal frames combined with the strong 3-Ply material liner & a beautiful design, offering a premium pool experience at an affordable price. Enhanced Floor thickness for more durability. Includes 110-120V cartridge filter pump with a pump flow rate of 1, 000 GPH, pool ladder, ground cloth & pool cover. Ready for water in 60 Min. Water capacity (90%): 2, 873 gallon.

 

2) Intex Metal Frame Pool Set, 10-Feet x 30-Inch

At 10 feet x 30 inches this above ground pool from Intex is the perfect size for all family members.  It is a metal frame pool set that includs a 330 gallon filter pump, 110-120 voltage DFCI, DVD instructions for ease of assembly. It is well designed and durable for years of fun for  family and neighbors. Ready for water in 30 minutes. Water capacity (90 percent full): 1,185 gallons.

 

3) Bestway 118 x 79 x 26 Inches 871 Gallon Deluxe Splash Frame Kids Swimming Pool

This Bestway 118″ Rectangular Splash Frame Pool is a great size for families with young children and small spaces. With a  depth of just 26 inches its an ideal pool for adults and kids who are becoming more adept at paddling.  The frame of this family swimming pool is made by joining steel poles.  Every step of the construction process has been carefully thought out to make set up it as simple and hassle-free as possible.  The Bestway 118″ rectangular Splash Frame Pool also has a built-in flow control drain valve, which can be attached to a garden hose to fill the pool or drain it of water. Great for summertime outdoor fun.

4)Intex 15ft X 48in Easy Set Pool Set with Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover

Make a splash all summer long with the Intex easy set, one of the most easy to assemble pools on the market. This pool will make your backyard the place to be all summer as your family can relax & play. Connect the Krystal clear cartridge filter pump to enjoy clean, refreshing water. Equipped with the ground fault interrupter, which is an added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water. Ready for water in 15 Min, – simply spread out on level ground, inflate the top ring, fill the pool with water, & enjoy the fun! water capacity: (80%) 3, 736 gallon. Includes: Krystal clear cartridge filter pump, 1, 000 GPH (110-120V). ladder. Ground cloth. Debris cover. Pool Height 36 inches to 48 inches

5) Summer Waves Elite Wicker Print 16′ x 48″ Above Ground Frame Pool Set w/ Pump

Stay cool this summer in the refreshing water of your Summer Waves Active Frame Pool. Both durable and easy to set up, this above ground pool comes with a helpful filtration system and stylish exterior wicker print that blends seamlessly with your outdoor furniture and décor. Just fill with water, and enjoy hours of splashing fun in this pool of unbeatable value.

6) Intex 18ft X 9ft X 52in Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump, Ladder, Ground Cloth & Pool Cover

Have an amazing time with family & friends with the spacious Intex rectangular ultra frame pool set. Engineered for strength, the ultra frame pool is supported by strong, durable steel frames which are powder coated for rust resistance & beauty. Your backyard will be the place to be all summer as your family can relax & float or splash & play. Connect the Krystal clear sand filter pump to enjoy clear, sparkling water. Equipped with the ground fault circuit interrupter, which is an added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water. Ready for water in 60 Min, – follow the instructional DVD for easy set up, & enjoy the fun! water capacity: (90%) 4, 545 gallon. Includes: Krystal clear sand filter pump 1, 200 GPH (110 – 120V. Ladder. Ground cloth. Debris cover. Set-up & maintenance DVD. Super-tough laminated PVC sidewalls. Convenient drain plug that connects to a garden hose so water can be drained away from pool or house area.

Different Types of Pool Options for Different Backyard Sizes

Many people are hesitant in moving forward with their ideas and wishes of getting a pool built/installed in their homes due to space issues. However, you don’t have to worry as now, many designs of perfectly working and aesthetically pleasing pools can be housed in a backyard of almost any size! So, regardless of the space available, you and your builder’s innovation, ideas and commitment can help you own a relaxing, beautiful swimming pool and enjoy the luxurious vibes that come with it. Below are some of the best pool options hand-picked by us for your small or large backyards.

Small backyards

Spools

This extremely small pool can be tailor-made to fit in your backyard and serves you both as a plunge pool and a spa! What a delightful combination, isn’t it? A spool is designed to save quite a lot of space which makes its transition to a spa extremely economical for you-the water heats up quicker. It often comes with seats and jets installed in it by default.

Plunge

These pools are known for their cost effectiveness and their ability to fit quite very easily in small areas. They may not allow owners to actually take a ‘swim’ like other longer and wider pool designs, but are equally efficient and effective in delivering a relaxing experience.

Petite Infinity Pool

Best suited for backyards near hillsides or cliffs in mountainous, beautiful areas. It can easily utilize the small space available in your backyard and if designed by a skilled builder, it can surely live up to its name (infinity pool) and make your small pool look bigger than its actual size.

Lap Pool (parallel to the house)

Lap pools are generally long and wide and allow several swimmers to take on long swims simultaneously. This does not limit people facing space restrictions from having their very own lap pool. The best and the most functional lap pool solution is to have a longer but narrower one installed along your fence-line or the walls of your house.

Free-form Pool

As the name clearly suggests, this type of in-ground pool takes a free form, conforming itself to the space available in your small backyard. Your pool builder will design it carefully and skillfully to allow it to perfectly fit in there, giving it an artistic shape as well.

Hidden-pool Technology

Although, this option is a somewhat pricey one due to the advanced technology and maintenance involved, it surely is worth the cost. This pool can exist in your lawn and be visible when you want it to, with a simple use of a button. The hidden technology surely has its perks for individuals and families looking for the benefits that come with it.

Large Backyards

Large yards provide homeowners with the freedom of installing any type of swimming pools there and their options aren’t limited like those available to small backyard owners. Except for some pool designs that have been specifically crafted for small yards, such as the plunge pools, all kinds of swimming pool options are wide open to personalize and pick from. However, the cost being incurred serves as the deciding factor for most people out there as big, modern pools usually require large investments.

Above-Ground Swimming Pools vs In-Ground Swimming Pools

Choosing between these two pool categories entirely depends on your personal preference and choice. Here we’ll be carrying out a comparative analysis, discussing some factors which may help you in making a more informed final decision.

Appearance and Size 

In-ground pools have a wider variety available in terms of added features, shapes and sizes. They can be built and constructed according to your needs and requirements. The shape and size possibilities are almost endless-narrow, wide, long, rectangular, round, free-form etcetera-as these are actually ‘constructed’ at the site chosen by you. You also have complete say in the depth of your pool, however, residential pools usually have a maximum depth of 11 feet. The only limiting factor here is the concerned homeowner’s available budget.

On the other hand, above-ground pools have restrictions related to the size and depth offered. This is so because of the fact that these pools are manufactured elsewhere and delivered to the customer’s house, usually in the form of a kit. They also come in smaller sizes to aid portability and mobility, making handling easier for families and individuals. These pools are often 46-53 inches deep, 13-32 feet in diameter and typically take an oval or round shape.

Both pools can be featured in different colors of your choice, but it is to be noted that color options are dependent on the material being utilized.

Pool Features 

Above-ground kit-based pools have some basic, limited features including: heaters, in-pool lighting, automatic cleaners and salt/chlorine systems. However, in case you wish to add on to these features, you will need to get a customized, concrete above-ground pool built to meet your additional requirements.

On the other hand, features associated with in-ground pools are unlimited as these pools are initially constructed and designed to meet your personal specifications. Attached spas, waterfalls, fire features, automatic and safe pool covers, swim-up bars-you name it and your pool designer can integrate it with your in-ground pool!

Pool Installation 

The process of installing an above-ground pool is quite easy and doesn’t require to be a pool expert or builder. It can take you (a crew of 2 people) a maximum of 3-4 days to install your above-ground pool; erecting it, filling it water, setting up an exit/entry step system, carrying out basic landscaping and any other tasks on top of this. Many DIY kits can be ordered online or bought from retail outlets. These kits come with comprehensive DIY instructions; you just have to plan the process thoroughly and commit to it. Few expert pool companies might allow you to sit back and relax while their team installs one for you in your backyard, provided that you buy the pool from them.

When it comes to in-ground pool installation, it should be kept in mind that this project must be handled by professionals. On average, it can take about 3-4 weeks or more for your in-ground pool to be completely functional and ready for you to take a dip in. This figures is provided after accounting for a margin in case of unexpected events, such as unfavorable working conditions due to bad weather and delays caused due to your builder having several other contracts on hand. The installation time and complexity is also affected by the type (materials used) of in-ground pool being built. Vinyl liner and Fiberglass pools take significantly lesser to be installed as compared to Gunite pools because these just have to be placed directly into the hole dug by the building team. The latter involves a longer and complex procedure-a gunite layer must be poured into the space dug which is later to be covered using a plaster surface. In addition, finishing touches are provided using glass or ceramic tiles picked out by the homeowner.

Costs

It is crucial to keep in mind that there are many other over-the-top costs involved when setting up your pool in your backyard-filters, plumbing, accessories, electrical hookups, etcetera. Hence, you should plan your budget according to your desired pool’s requirement or your pool’s size and structure according to your available budget.

After going through the installation requirements, you must have had a vague idea about an in-ground pool costing more than an above-ground one. The average cost calculated nationally of an in-ground pool, concreted, vinyl covered, aproned and fenced, of dimensions 12 by 24 ft, sits at $30,000. This includes the above mentioned as well as material costs. A vinyl liner will cost you about $25,500 while a fiberglass pool will cost you $31,500. Labor costs will most probably be charged at $14/hour or $5.25/sq ft.

In comparison, an above-ground pool will cost you WAY lesser, below $9,000. Even lesser if you decide to go about the DIY way. The calculated average for a kit, including equipment, can cost you around $13/sq ft. Additional costs include: vinyl cover; $620, privacy fence; $1,350, sidewalk; $130. In case you plan on hiring professional help, be prepared to pay about $9/hour to your installation team.

Maintenance 

Ease of cleaning and maintaining either of the two pools will depend on the quality of pool water and the filtration system being used. Moreover, both pools will require automatic or manual pool cleaners to swipe away on the sides and the bottom area. Because of its smaller size, an above-ground pool is much easier to clean than an in-ground pool.

The durability of your pool will be determined by the quality and type of materials it is made of. Materials used in construction of in-ground pools are usually more robust and damage resistant than the exposed above-ground pools.

Resale Value 

It may be assumed by many that having an in-ground pool will certainly increase the resale value of your property/house. However, that’s not the case and cannot be considered to be so as not all buyers would be willing to take the responsibility of maintaining a luxuriously built in-ground pool. The value added or the value hurt by the existence of this pool will be determined solely by the buying party.

On the other hand, above-ground pools are portable, small and if in good condition, can be sold out to informal buyers for some cash along with all the accessories.

How to Prepare Space for Your Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Above-ground swimming pools are gaining popularity due to the convenience and portability they offer. Once you have decided to get one of these installed in your yard, you should get to work and prepare the chosen site for installation. Don’t worry about the limited space available in your yard as small above-ground pools for small backyards do exist and are being used by many people today.

When picking out the site for your pool, make that you choose the ground that’s naturally the most equally leveled. This will save you time and effort as little modification will be needed to flatten uneven land.

The next step is to draw out an outline of your future pool. For this procedure, you will need a stick, a spray paint and a piece of string. Place the stick somewhat deep into your “pool’s” midpoint and tie one end the string on top of it. Tie the other end of your string around the can of spray paint. Now, slowly move away from the stick and then around it, encircling it to gauge the suitable size of your above-ground pool.

Walk around in that circle again, making sure that no water/gas pipes, vegetation fall into the diameter of your pool. Once you have found the spot and are positive about it, walk again around the intended circle’s perimeter, this time using the spray paint to outline your pool’s border. After that, observe the ground closely and carefully, dig at any protruding areas and use a wooden plank to level out the resultant land. You can use different techniques to use the plank effectively, pick out the one that works best for you.

Then, use limestone to treat the land by digging it 1 or two inches deep in the ground. Use the wooden plank again to flatten your pool space, one last time to make sure you haven’t missed out any uneven areas. Your pool space is now prepared for installation!

Safety Measures for Above Ground Pools

Although, above-ground pools are considered to be safer than in-ground pools and have faced fewer pool incidents, taking necessary precautionary and safety measures is still important.

Signs

The presence of depth markets and pool signs is extremely vital in your pool area, whether it is an in-ground or above-ground pool. Depth markers can easily be applied to all pool types. Common and important above-ground pool signs include: ‘No Diving’, ‘No Jumping’, ‘Slippery’ etcetera. You can put up a range of different signs you think to be suitable for your residential pool.

Fencing

Fencing your above-ground pool will not only serve safety purposes but will also add to the beauty of your pool. These pools should have a robust barrier covering the top edges and barriers along stairways that lead up to the swimming platform. Moreover, these stairs should be gated if not retractable.

Pool Alarms

New and latest pool alarms with top-notch sensors are available in the market today. These sensors work well and detect a body of a certain mass entering the pool-this feature can allow you to be alerted in case the pool is entered by a child or a pet. When the alarm sets of, a pulsating and loud noise can be heard both indoors and outdoors to ensure that the nearest person can get to the pool ASAP in times of emergencies.

Ladders & Steps

In case you opt for fenced ladders and steps, you need to make sure on a regular basis that these stay intact. Go for equipping your above-ground pool with robust ladders which have hand-rails attached to them to help in case of slipping.

Winter Preparation for Above-ground Pools

• Before covering your pool for the winter season, make sure that the pool water is at an optimal chemical level. The chemical balance will allow your pool to stay protected from scale buildup or corrosion while the pool sits unused. Also, clean the skimmer, pump basket and the filter. All the unused and remaining chlorine products should be removed completely from the chlorinator. It is recommended to add any winterizing chemicals into your pool water to maintain its quality during the off season.
• Make sure you remove the deck equipment-ladders, fences, etcetera. After their removal, brush gently over the sides and bottom of your pool to get rid of any dirt particles or debris resting on its floor.
• The most important measure is to never ever drain your above-ground pool of completely as doing so will result in its gradual, yet eventual collapse. You wouldn’t want that to happen!
• Finally, place your desired cover-a safety or a winter cover-over your pool. Make sure that it stays in place throughout the season by checking it frequently. Moreover, save yourself from the unnecessary effort in case your cover drips into the pool or slides off by placing a cover pump in the middle. This will prevent water from accumulating, creating a mess out of your pool cover and some in your backyard as well.

Having a beautiful pool in your very own backyard, regardless of its size, has been made easy and feasible with the invention of small above-ground pools. The ease and convenience that comes with their installation, maintenance and funding is an attractive feature for most pool-lovers out there. So, don’t miss out and purchase an above-ground swimming pool kit for your small backyard today!