An 8x12 Above Ground Pool Brings the Resort Home

After a long, stressful workweek, there's nothing quite like coming home and taking a refreshing dip in your very own backyard pool. With an 8x12 above ground pool, you can bring the experience of a tropical resort right to your home.

An 8x12 above ground pool provides enough room for small families or couples to swim, splash, and lounge comfortably. At 8 feet wide by 12 feet long, it can accommodate approximately 2-4 people at once. While more petite than large in-ground options, an 8x12 foot print is sufficient for basic swimming and backyard fun while fitting nicely into compact yards.

Size and Dimensions

As the name implies, an 8x12 above ground pool has dimensions of 8 feet in width by 12 feet in length. This equates to a total surface area of 96 square feet.

Compared to other common sizes, an 8x12 is smaller than a 12x24 or 15x30 oval above ground pool but larger than a 10-foot round option. The 8x12 offers a happy medium for modest spaces that still want a pool with some length for swimming laps.

It's important to map out the 8x12 footprint plus an additional 3-4 feet perimeter for filter systems, ladders, and walking space. This means you'll need at least an 11x15 foot cleared area to accommodate an 8x12 above ground pool and accessories.

Shape Options

• Oval - Most common shape for 8x12 above ground pools, ideal for limited space while providing some length for swimming.
• Rectangle - Maximizes the 8x12 dimensions for straight swimming laps.
• Round - A 12-foot diameter round pool offers similar overall size.

Popular Heights

• 48 inches - Allows moderate swimming and is safer for young kids.
• 52 inches - Standard height suitable for casual swimming and exercise.
• 54 inches - Provides full submersion for swimming laps.

Setup and Installation

Installing an 8x12 above ground pool is a project you can DIY, especially with an oval model. But rectangular and some metal frame pools may benefit from pro installation. Here's an overview of the process:

Site Preparation

• Mark out the 8x12 space plus a perimeter using spray paint or stakes.
• Remove any grass or vegetation and level the ground using sand or dirt fill.
• Optional: Install patio pavers or a pool deck around the perimeter.

Pool Assembly

• Assemble the 8x12 pool frame per manufacturer instructions.
• For metal frame models, install all uprights, curved braces, and horizontal top ledgers.
• With resin above ground pools, connect all side walls and vertical supports.

Liner and Finishing Touches

• Install pool liner, smoothing out wrinkles and sealing edges.
• Add top rails, skimmer, filter pump, chlorinator, ladder, and any accessories.
• Fill the pool, balancing chemicals as needed.

Expect installation of a basic 8x12 above ground pool to take 1-3 days with 2+ people. Have electrical and plumbing access nearby for systems like filters.

Features and Options

While less customized than in-ground models, today's above ground pools offer features for an enhanced backyard oasis. Popular options for 8x12 models include:

Materials

• Steel - Most durable frames but prone to rusting.
• Resin - Lightweight plastic frames, corrosion-resistant.
• Aluminum - Strong but more expensive, low maintenance.
• Hybrid - Steel frames with resin components.

Pool Walls

• Steel - High strength but may dent and rust over time.
• Resin/Plastic - Durable, fade resistant panels.
• Aluminum - Lightweight but expensive, long lasting.

Liners

• Vinyl - Most affordable option, available in prints.
• Fiberglass - More rigid feel but very durable.
• Stainless Steel - Uncommon but long lasting.

Shapes

• Oval - Most popular for maximizing space.
• Round/Circle - Efficient use of 8x12 diameter.
• Rectangle - Offers straight swimming lanes.

Accessories

• Pool filter and pump
• Ladder or entry steps
• Skimmer and chlorinator
• Cover
• LED lighting
• Fountains
• Slide

Costs and Budgeting for an 8x12 Pool

With proper maintenance, an 8x12 above ground pool can provide decades of backyard fun. But how much does it cost to install one? Here are typical price points to budget for:

Pool Kit - $1,500-$4,000

The pool shell itself ranges from economy steel models around $1,500 up to $4,000 for premium resin or hybrid options with thicker steel. Factor in costs for:

• Pool frame and supports
• Wall panels
• Liner
• Skimmer and return fittings

Filters/Pumps - $500-$1,500

An appropriately sized filter and pump system typically runs $500-$1,500 depending on quality. Purchase them new or salvage from an existing pool.

Accessories - $300-$1,000

Ladders, covers, lights and other accessories add $300-$1,000 or more to the total price tag.

Installation - $1,000-$3,000

Hiring a pro installer averages $1,000-$3,000 depending on labor rates and complexity. Rectangular or raised models often require professional installation.

In total, expect to invest $3,000-$7,000+ for a quality 8x12 above ground pool installed. DIY with basic features saves on labor costs.

Maintenance and Care for an 8x12 Pool

While less demanding than in-ground options, above ground pools still require regular maintenance and care. Plan to invest 15-30 minutes daily and 2-3 hours weekly for tasks like:

Daily

• Test water chemistry
• Remove debris with skimmer
• Check pump and filters
• Remove any larger debris by hand

Weekly

• Vacuum pool walls and floor
• Brush pool walls to prevent algae
• Clean pump filter basket and inspect filter
• Shock treat chemicals 1x week or as needed
• Check water balance and add chemicals like chlorine

Monthly

• Deep clean filters per manufacturer instructions
• Inspect equipment for leaks, damage, etc.
• Clean water line tile and wash down deck

Seasonally

• Drain, clean and store for winter in cold climates
• Cover pool when not in use
• Repair cracks, touch up spots, etc.

Test kits and professional maintenance can simplify care. And an 8x12 size is easier to manage than larger custom pools.

Getting the Most Enjoyment from an 8x12 Pool

Fun Accessories

• Pool slide for thrilling splashes.
• Diving board for cannonballs.
• Rock waterfall or bubblers provide ambiance.
• Gazebo for shade.
• Poolside furniture.

Soothing Landscaping

• Trees or shrubs for natural privacy.
• Planter boxes with flowers.
• Wind chimes, lanterns, and garden art.
• Outdoor speakers.

Safety Additions

• Fence with lockable gate.
• Warning signs.
• Pool alarm.
• Emergency equipment like life ring.

Fun for All Ages

• Pool toys like noodles, balls, rafts.
• Inflatable animals, water guns.
• Basketball hoop, volleyball net.
• Super soakers for pool fights.

Entertaining Made Easy

• Outdoor kitchen with grill nearby.
• Tiki torches, string lights for ambiance.
• Table and chairs for dining poolside.
• Floating dispensers for poolside drinks/snacks.

Tailor your 8x12 oasis with personalized touches for backyard fun all summer long.

Pros and Cons of an 8x12 Above Ground Pool

The right size pool maximizes enjoyment while fitting your space and budget. An 8x12 has unique advantages but also drawbacks to weigh.

Pros

• Fits modest yards well.
• Less expensive than custom in-ground options.
• Easier to install than larger oval or rectangle pools.
• Provides some length for swimming laps.
• Low maintenance compared to very large pools.
• More affordable to operate with smaller water volume.
• Can disassemble or relocate above ground pools easier than in-ground.

Cons

• Limited space for swimming, lounging and playing compared to larger options.
• Visible above ground, unless disguised with decking/landscaping.
• Slope from shallow to deep end limits lap swimming.
• Rectangular 8x12 pools often require professional installation.
• More chemicals and heating costs per square foot than bigger pools.
• Pump must run more frequently to filter a smaller volume.

The 8x12 footprint fits modest spaces well, but does limit the number of simultaneous swimmers. Ensure it meets your needs before installing.

Alternate Pool Options to Consider

While versatile for small yards, an 8x12 above ground pool isn't the only choice. Consider these alternate aquatic options as well:

Smaller Above Ground Pools

• 10-12 foot round.
• 8x8 square.
• 6-8 foot diameters for wading.

Perfect for tight spaces but less room for swimming laps or multiple people.

Larger Above Ground Pools

• 15x30 oval.
• 18x33 oval.
• 18x36 rectangle.

Allow more people and swimming area but require larger installation spaces.

Custom In-ground Pools

• Fiberglass.
• Concrete/gunite.
• Vinyl liner.

Tailor size and features to your space but cost more in installation.

Temporary or Portable Pools

• Inflatable models.
• Plastic or tub options.
• Portable metal frames.

Quick, affordable setup but less durable and more limited in size.

FAQs

Is professional installation required for an 8x12 above ground pool?

Oval 8x12 pools can often be self-installed, but rectangular models frequently benefit from pro installation. Consider layout complexity and your DIY comfort level when deciding.

How deep is an 8x12 above ground pool?

Typical 8x12 above ground pool depths range from 48 to 54 inches deep on the deep end. Average gradual slope depth toward the shallow end is around 36 inches.

Can you put a deck around an 8x12 above ground pool?

Yes, installing a patio or deck around an 8x12 above ground pool adds aesthetic appeal while disguising the pool walls. Just be sure to leave access room for cleaning and repairs.

How many gallons of water does an 8x12 above ground pool hold?

An average 8x12 above ground pool with a depth up to 54 inches holds approximately 5,000 to 6,000 gallons when filled.

What size filter pump is needed for an 8x12 above ground pool?

An appropriately sized filter pump for an 8x12 above ground pool is around 1 to 1.5 HP. Choose an Energy Efficient, correctly sized pump to properly turn over water volume.

An 8x12 above ground pool delivers resort-like features without the massive investment of custom inground options. With the right accessories and landscaping, an 8x12 pool becomes a private oasis for swimming, lounging, and backyard entertaining through hot summer months.

Just be sure an 8x12 footprint meets your space needs and backyard vision before installing. Larger sizes accommodate more simultaneous swimmers, while smaller scales simplify maintenance. But for modest spaces craving a backyard pool, an 8x12 above ground option just may be the perfect fit.