The best above ground pool really comes down to what kind of backyard you have. That’s not say that your choices are necessarily limited.
If you want to make sure you’re purchasing the best above ground pool, that it will last long, and it’ll be easy to use and maintain, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a pool that fits your yard.
When choosing an above ground pool that’s best for your yard, you’ll need to consider:
- The slope of your land.
- Places in your yard that can easily be leveled.
- The size of level-able areas.
- The location of water/hoses and drainage areas.
- Amount of direct sunlight.
- Wind protection.
- Sight lines from house.
Additionally, you should factor in the climate in your area. If you live in a place that’s prone to particularly harsh winters, you may want to consider an above ground pool that can easily be taken down and stored rather than a pool that will need to stay up all winter.
Best Pool Shapes & Yard Shapes
Given the three main types of above ground pool shapes: round, oval, and rectangular – it’s pretty easy to decide which shape will be best for your yard.
Round above ground pools typically offer the biggest size options. A small round pool can fit almost any yard, while a larger round pool will require a large, square shaped backyard.
Oval and rectangular pools are great for narrow areas or yards that back up to a slope. Obviously, the bigger the pool, the larger the space you need.
Remember, the space you’ll need is going to need to be a little bigger than the dimensions of the pool itself. Frame supports, pump equipment, and ladders extend past the pool liner, effectively lengthening its dimensions.
Find a Level Spot to Install Your Pool
Installing an above ground pool is usually a little more involved than picking a spot on the lawn and turning on the hose.
Even if you have a huge yard, it’s going to be hard to set up and keep up an above ground pool unless you’re able to either find a level spot or level a place out.
An above ground pool requires level ground so that the water stays level inside the liner. This will ensure that the liner and frame supports are supporting even pressure and will avoid structural and maintenance issues down the line.
It’s not impossible to level uneven ground – in fact, it’s pretty simple. Our guide on leveling the ground for an above ground pool will help you get started.
Easy Access to Your Above Ground Pool
Next, you’ll want to find a place in your yard that gives you good, easy access to your above ground pool. Access meaning physical access and sight lines.
Physical access to you pool is important for both safety and maintenance reasons. You’ll need:
- A place for the pump and filter that’s out of the way, yet easy to get to for cleaning.
- To be able to move around the pool so that you can skim the surface, vacuum the bottom, and brush the sides.
- A good spot for the ladder that makes entering and exiting the pool safe and simple.
Additionally, it’s important to place the pool in a spot that’s easy to watch from the house. This is especially important if you have children that aren’t supposed to be near the pool unsupervised. You’ll want to be able to do a quick check of the pool to prevent any potential emergency situations.
Sunlight & Wind Protection
Finding a place for your above ground pool that gets direct sunlight will help keep the water warm and make it much more enjoyable to swim in.
Additionally, you’ll want to find a spot that’s protected from the wind. This slows down evaporation and also helps keep water temperatures up. A wind-protected area will also be safer from falling leaves, branches, and debris. You may be able to plan some landscaping around your pool to help with wind protection.
Winter Conditions
You’ll also want to think about the types of winter conditions your area is subject to.
Almost all above ground pools can be left up year-round, however, doing so in a location with particularly cold winters will surely shorten your pools life. You may want to select a pool that is easy to set up and take down so you can store it safely in the winter.
Otherwise, if you live in an area with mild winters, you may choose to simply winterize your pool to protect it from the elements. In this case, you’ll be able to select above ground pools that are a bit more difficult to take apart.
Intended Use of the Above Ground Pool
Finally, and maybe most importantly, you should consider how you and your family intent to use your new above ground pool.
For families with babies , small children, or even dogs, a smaller 30″ deep pool may be perfect for you. This will allow everyone to enjoy the water safely. It comes with the added bonus of simple set up, take down, and maintenance. Pools of this size are typically in the cheaper price bracket, which makes an upgrade to a larger pool in a few seasons really easy.
If you’re planning to use your pool for swimming around or entertaining lots of guests, you’ll definitely want something larger.
If you want your above ground pool to be the centerpiece of your backyard, plan to build a deck around it, or want to do some permanent landscaping, a sturdy, high-end, solid-wall above ground pool is probably the best for you.
Hopefully this guide has helped to narrow your search a bit more. When you’re ready and have and idea of a shape and size in mind, check out our Size Comparison page to find the best above ground pool for your yard.