Cheap Backyard Above Ground Pool Ideas

Installing a pool in your backyard can seem like an expensive endeavor, but above ground pools offer a more affordable option to bring the joy of swimming right to your home. With some creative ideas and savvy choices, you can design a small, budget-friendly above ground pool that makes the most of your backyard without breaking the bank.

We'll also cover important factors to weigh when deciding if an above ground pool is the best choice for your space and lifestyle.

Determine Your Budget

The first step in planning your dream pool on a budget is defining realistic cost expectations upfront. Be sure to account not just for the initial purchase and installation, but also ongoing maintenance expenses and potential utilities like heating.

• Set realistic expectations. Above ground pools range widely in price from a few thousand dollars for very basic models up to $15,000 or more for larger high-end pools with extensive decking and accessories. Be honest about what you can afford before falling in love with options out of reach.
• Factor in installation and maintenance. The pool itself is only part of the total cost equation. Also budget for professional installation, seasonal opening/closing, regular cleaning and chemical balancing, utility bills for pumping and heating, and eventual liner replacement.
• Explore financing options. If needed, many pool companies offer payment plans to spread costs over time. Just be sure to calculate total spending with interest and pick something manageable for your budget.

Choose Pool Shape and Size

When planning your compact backyard pool, carefully consider the shape and dimensions that best suit your space and needs. Measure your yard to find sizes that fit without overwhelming the area or restricting access paths around the perimeter.

• Consider backyard dimensions. Oval and rectangular above ground pool kits come in many standard sizes, some as small as 10 x 15 feet. Compare options to your measurements to visualize the layout.
• Rectangular vs round designs. Typically rectangular pools maximize swimming area for the footprint, while round tended to take up less linear space along the edges. See which better fits your yard.
• Optimal sizes for small spaces. To save room for lounging and play areas, favorites for compact backyards include 12x24 foot rectangles or 18 foot diameter rounds.

Select Building Materials

Above ground pools are typically built with either steel, resin, or vinyl wall materials. Each option differs somewhat in durability, appearance, and cost considerations for your budget pool project.

• Sturdy steel. The strongest and most rigid option, steel above ground walls resist dents and stand up well to active kids and pets. Added corrosion treatments help defend against rust.
• Vinyl and resin. Lightweight vinyl liner pools or rigid resin pools offer sleek modern visuals. These budget-friendly options are easier to install but more prone to damage from objects or animals.
• Corrosion-resistant options. Many manufacturers offer steel walls with durable external powder coating or internal linings/treatments for enhanced defense against corrosion and rust over time.
• Attractive decorative choices. From patterns to faux tile and rock wall prints, creative liner and wrap options let you customize the pool's look without big added expense.

Pick Pool Features

It's easy to keep adding on fancy features, but staying focused on necessities helps control costs. Prioritize must-haves over unnecessary add-ons that quickly increase the spending on your compact above ground pool oasis.

• Ladders, fences, and decks. For safety and access, most above ground pools need at least an entry ladder. Fences help control access, while decks expand usability of the surrounding area.
• Filters and pumps. Required equipment to handle water flow filtration and heating add to upfront costs. But larger units allow upgrading to amenities like spas and water features down the road.
• Heating and lighting elements. Extend your pool season and evening swimming time by installing utilities like solar heat pumps or LED lighting kits during initial construction.

Compare Brands and Models

Quality construction and components directly impact the lifespan of your investment. Do some research to find brands and specific above ground pool packages providing the best value and ownership experience in your budget range.

• Leading manufacturers. Top makers like Intex, Bestway, and Coleman offer entry-level above ground pools starting under $1,000. More premium options from Jacuzzi, Latham, and Radiant Pools reach up to high-end ranges.
• Quality and price comparisons. Read reviews and evaluate details like construction materials, included pumps/filters, warranties on individual components, and projected durability when weighing budget pool options.
• Warranties and customer service. Reputable companies stand behind their pools with multi-year warranties on the structure itself and shorter coverage for parts. Check policies and support channels before purchasing.

Prepare the Installation Site

Preparing the backyard site ahead of installation prevents headaches down the road. Taking time for proper grading, soil compaction, and permitting upfront ensures your above ground pool structure has a solid and level foundation.

• Level ground and remove debris. Mark out the pool area and use a rented rototiller for loosening and evening soil, repacking it with a tamping machine.
• Proper drainage and stability. Consult local codes for whether a gravel drainage base is recommended, or materials like sand for increased stability in soft soils.
• Following regulations. Many areas require permits and adherence to setback rules for pool placement on the property. Research these in advance of planning layout.

Schedule Professional Installation

Hiring an experienced pool company simplifies installation and ensures proper assembly according to manufacturer specifications. Most towns require permitting plus inspections at multiple construction stages as well.

• Hire experienced technicians. Avoid do-it-yourself mistakes by having professionals level and prepare the site, assemble components, integrate utilities and perform finish grading/landscaping.
• Permitting and inspection. Throughout the project, third party inspections by your town verify electrical bonding, barrier code compliance, and other pivotal safety factors are correctly executed.
• Multi-day process. Depending on access and soil conditions, your backyard above ground pool install normally takes 3-5 days from initial dig to final wrap-up. Schedule accordingly.

Maintain Water Quality

Balancing chemicals and cleaning surfaces prevents algae while ensuring water purity. Establishing good maintenance habits maximizes enjoyment while extending your investment's lifespan.

• Test and treat regularly. Using residential test strips to monitor pH, chlorine/bromine and alkalinity allows proactively balancing the water before issues arise.
• Clean surfaces and filters. Following the manufacturer's schedule for cleaning the pool liner, skimmer baskets and pump filters maintains good circulation and aesthetics.
• Close properly off-season. In climates with cold winters, properly winterizing the pool with a cover, drained components and conditioner additives prevents freeze damage.

Stay Within Your Budget

Careful planning is key to affordably constructing your compact backyard swimming oasis. But staying disciplined after installation helps own it responsibly for years of enjoyment before upgrades are warranted.

• Balance features and affordability. Consider simplest options first, only adding extras later on if usage warrants it. Fancy waterfalls may look nice but carry real maintenance burdens.
• Consider operating costs. Utilities for running equipment add up monthly in season. Programmable timers and solar heat applications help control energy bills.
• Upgrade wisely over time. Improving durability or aesthetics piecemeal spreads costs out. But don't rush changes just for something new and different.

Enjoy Your Backyard Oasis

An above ground pool lets you bring resort-style luxury to your own backyard within budget constraints. Follow the guidance above for optimizing value and usability of your space for years of memories with family and friends.

• Host family and friends. Fill summer days with pool parties, barbecues, and relaxing evenings soaking in the spa under the stars. Your entertainment options expand exponentially.
• Relaxing and fun space. Unwind after stressful days by floating in the soothing water, play pool games with the kids, or simply nap poolside with feet dangling in the cool water.
• Adds value to your property. Outdoor amenities entice future buyers. Installing an above ground pool relatively affordably can pay off nicely when you eventually sell your home.

Incorporating an above ground pool into small backyards is an attainable goal for homeowners on a budget who value the benefits of aquatic access at home. Carefully weighing decisions from each step outlined here allows balancing cost considerations with optimizing usability and longevity of your customized oasis space, engineered specifically for your property conditions and family's needs. Don't let limited funds deter you from exploring compact pool options tailorable to nearly any backyard dimensions through the creative application of scale and design.