Overground Pool Ideas

Above-ground pools are generally shallower, and thus safer, than in-ground pools when it comes to children.young boy at swimming pool image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com

Overground, or above-ground, pools are a less-expensive option, in terms of both parts and installation, compared to their in-ground counterparts. In addition, they require no significant digging or earth-moving and generally take up less space in your yard. If you are thinking of purchasing an above-ground pool, there are several ideas that can help you maximize its appearance and functionality and help you get the most value for your money.

Deciding on a Style

Above-ground pools generally consist of synthetic resin, aluminum or steel sidings. Synthetic resins, such as vinyl, are a good choice because they are low-maintenance and resistant to the corrosive forces of water and chlorine. Alternatively, metal above-ground pools will generally be more durable and provide more structural support, which is important if people climb in and out over the pool's sides. According to Swimming Pools 101, above-ground pools come in a variety of shapes, including circular, oval and rectangular, and a variety of colors, most commonly blue, white and gray. Consider a shape that imitates the contours of your home or a nearby outdoor structure, and use a color that complements these same features.

Adding a deck to your above-ground pool is a great way to enhance the aesthetic value of your pool and its surrounding landscape. In addition, the deck provides a fun and functional space in your yard that you can use for sunbathing, drying off, relaxing and other activities. According to Swimming Pool Ideas, one of the most popular above-ground pool deck options is to use wood, such as cedar, as your construction material. In addition to being warm and inviting, the wood will provide a sturdy structure, which you can build all the way up to the edge of the pool so that the flat deck surface is at water-level. Another option is to use composite decking, which consists of compressed, recycled plastics and wood particles. While requiring less maintenance than wood, composite materials are considerably more expensive. Yet another option is to use resin as your deck material. Regardless of the material you choose, consider wrapping your deck around all of the edges of the above-ground pool to hide the siding, which some people consider unattractive.

While installing an in-ground pool almost always requires professional assistance, installing an above-ground pool is much easier, and you may be able to do it yourself. According to Repair-Home, many above-ground pools come in kits, which include prefabricated sections. You simply need to level the ground where you are putting the pool, lay down some sand, put up and attach the sides and cover the inside with a liner. You can then fill the pool and hook up the pump and filter, and assembly is complete.