With the summer months just around the corner, it’s no surprise that many of us are imagining lazing in a pool, enjoying the sun while we can. Having an above ground swimming pool in your garden used to be a thing of luxury, however, modern above ground styles have ensured that relaxing in a ‘proper’ pool doesn’t have to be relegated to your annual summer holiday! Above ground swimming pools are now accessible to anyone with the outdoor space to install one, allowing you to relax in style without leaving your own garden. To find the perfect above ground swimming pool for your home, there are a few things you need to consider…
What size above ground swimming pool can your garden accommodate?
Who will be using the above ground swimming pool?
Have you thought about the health and safety requirements for an above ground swimming pool?
We want to make finding the perfect pool as easy as possible, so we’ve put together our definitive guide to finding your ideal match.
What type of above ground swimming pool is best for me?
Depending on who will be using the pool, you can quickly narrow down the type of pool that’s best suited to your needs.
Quick Set-Up Above Ground Swimming Pools
Usually only available in smaller sizes, our fast set-up pools are ideal for children as they tend to be shallower than the larger versions. Popular because they are very easy to set up, they’re great for families with smaller gardens and can be put away just as quickly and stored compactly until the next use. The extra-strength sidewalls make this type of pool a more ‘solid’ option than an inflatable pool and they’re great value for money for those looking for a long-term garden investment.
Framed Above Ground Swimming Pools
A framed swimming pool is one of the most popular styles of garden pool. Suitable for use by both children and adults, there are various sizes and depths to choose from to meet your needs. Framed swimming pools do take longer to set up than an inflatable or ‘quick set up’ option, however, once constructed they offer fun for all the family to enjoy. These pools should always be set up on a flat, level surface to avoid collapse or injury to those inside it. The strong, rust-resistant metal frames are designed to be incredibly durable, however, it is important that you do not lean, straddle or exert pressure on the top ring of a framed pool. Easily customisable with available in a wide range of sizes, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a fantastic summer of splashing!
Steel Above Ground Swimming Pools
Although steel wall pools are typically more expensive than other options, there’s a reason for that! Not only are they the most durable, but they’re also designed to be customisable so you can add a pool heater, ladders and other extras to really get the most out of your pool. With a sturdy, steel wall construction, these pools are ideal if you’re looking to add a permanent fixture to your garden. We advise speaking to a local builder to advise on the ground condition before investing in a steel wall pool as you require a flat, compacted surface for optimum usage. If constructed properly (again, we advise speaking to a tradesperson for help with this if you’re not sure) you can guarantee that your investment will pay off, all year round!
What shape above ground swimming pool is best?
A rectangle shape above ground pool is best for larger gardens. The straight lines of this pool make it ideal for those looking to swim laps or use the pool for exercise, rather than simply recreation. Rectangle pools can range from anything from 7ft all the way to 24ft, so it’s easy to find one in this shape to suit your specific garden needs.
Oval pools still offer length, making them ideal for those wanting a pool for laps or exercise, however, the rounded edges also made them a great choice for recreation. We recommend oval pools for those that love entertaining, as their shape makes them create for lazing and enjoying a warm summer day. Just like rectangular pools, you can find oval above ground pools in a wide range of sizes, from 10ft up to 24ft.
Round above ground pools are typically the first choice for families with children as they’re perfect for playtime. They’re also designed to take up less room in the garden, making them a great choice for those looking for something more compact. Ranging all the way from 10ft to 18ft, they’re suitable for most outdoor spaces.
Where should I put my above ground swimming pool?
Perhaps one of the most important considerations of purchasing an above ground pool is where it’s going to go! Although many pools are designed for easy set-up and installation, larger models, such as steel wall above ground pools, may require professional assistance. For this section, we advise stepping outside and following these steps.
Decide where you want to pool to go
Sounds simple, right? In reality, you need to ensure that your pool will be placed on a surface that is totally flat and ideally, perfectly level. For larger pools, this may require compacting the surface before installation. Your pool should also be placed away from any trees or plants.
Measure your space
We cannot stress enough how important it is to measure your space before buying your pool. It’s a good idea to mark out the space that your chosen pool will sit in to ensure that there is enough room around it for people to get in and out. Instead of buying the biggest possible size for your space, opt for one that fits but doesn’t overwhelm the area. Some days you may wish to simply sit in the garden instead of swimming, so you want to ensure that you still have room to move around.
What else do I need to buy?
From pool maintenance to pool safety features, once you’re found the perfect above ground pool for you, it’s time to think about those added extras that keep it running smoothly. Here are just a few of the above ground pool accessories that we recommend our customers invest in.
We definitely recommend buying a pool cover to fit your chosen model. For safety reasons, covering your pool when not in use will prevent accidental drowning. It’s also helpful for conserving water as the cover will stop it from evaporating, which also reduces the amount of time you need to spend topping it up. Practically, a cover will also stop debris from falling into your pool and will also help conserve heat.
A pool heater is a great investment for those looking to use their pool all year round. Typically suitable for pools with capacities of 1,520 to 17,000 litres, a heater will warm up water to around 40 degrees. This is ideal for those looking to use the pool outside of the rummer months, simply connect it to the pool filter and wait for it to warm up. Bliss!
Keeping your pool clean is very important, which is why a filter should be on your list of essential purchases. Yes, it’s possible to keep your pool free from debris manually, however, a filter helps eradicate dead algae, debris and other bacteria inside the water of your pool.
For larger pools, we advise investing in a sturdy step ladder for people to use when entering and exiting the pool. Not only is this a lot safer than simply hopping over the edge, but it will also help avoid damage being caused to the sides of the pool as pressure is exerted by people leaning on or pushing down on the frame.
How to safely use an above ground swimming pool
Above ground swimming pools are fun for all the family, but it is important to remember to always consider safety first.
Here are our top safety tips:
Never let children use the pool unsupervised. When they are in the pool, keep flotation aids close by and ensure children under 5 are always within arm’s reach. For larger pools, we recommend investing in a buoyancy aid.
Always cover the pool when not in use.
Make sure that the pool is clean in order to provide a sanitary environment for swimmers. If the pool will be used for a long time, consider adding chlorine to help purify the water. A pool filter will help keep the pool clean alongside a pool cleaning kit to remove larger pieces of debris.
Keep any pool chemicals safely stored out of reach of children.
Do not run when coming out of a pool. Invest in a pool groundcover or protective matting to help prevent slips.
Above Ground Pools at Outside Play
With an extensive range of above ground swimming pools to choose from, we’ve made it easier than ever to find the right match for your garden. As an official supplier of the bestselling Intex and Bestway above ground swimming pool collections, you can enjoy peace of mind that you’re investing in a pool that’s built to last.
If you have any questions about any of our pools, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Outside Play team!
———–
Beginning our journey with supplying and distributing products to companies nationwide. We decided to take the leap into retail ourselves. We are fully confident in our products and their sources. This means that we will only ever provide the best quality ride on toys and outdoor play equipment for you and your children. Our background means that we are able to provide you and your family with everything you need and an extensive knowledge of the products to help you enjoy them.