Small Above Ground Pools

They say dynamite comes in small packages. Usually, that’s not a phrase that immediately comes to mind about swimming pools, but small above ground pools can give you an enormous bang for your buck.

If you thought you don’t have enough space for a pool, you have a limited budget or you don’t want to tear up your whole back yard, a small above ground pool might be exactly what you need. Small pools have come a long way from what we used to think of when we said plunge pool! These days, they’re every bit as design forward and luxurious as their bigger relatives – just without the enormous price tag!

Let’s take a closer look at small above ground pool ideas, types of small above ground pools, what you might expect to pay for and more.

What Are Above Ground Pools?

Before we get into the specifics about small concrete above ground pools, small fiberglass above ground pools and all the other things you need to know, it’s a good idea to clarify the basic concepts related to small above ground pools, starting with the term “above ground pool.”

An above ground pool is exactly what the name says – it’s a pool that is installed on the ground, rather than in it. This means that there’s no digging or earthworks required, which usually makes the process of installing them faster and cheaper.

What Is a Small Pool?

The next thing we need to clarify is what a small pool is. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and from pool company to pool company, but generally, if you are talking about something that is 10 feet by 10 feet or smaller, it’s considered a small pool.

Some companies also categorize pool sizes by how much water they hold, but again, this will vary from one company to another.

What Are the Benefits of Small Above Ground Pools

Now that you know what small above ground pools are, the next thing we need to figure out is if these are the right kind of pool for you.

There are many reasons why people might consider this option, and the most common is that they want an above ground pool for a small backyard. We’ve all been conditioned to believe that bigger is better, but there are many reasons why smaller might very well be better.

They Transform Any Space

These days, most of us have limited space – especially if you live in a large city. Backyards are smaller than ever, and some of us only have little more than a courtyard to cram all our outdoor wish list items into.

Small above ground pools are small enough to leave you some space for other outdoor must haves like seating and lawn space, and because there’s no digging required to install them, it’s usually easier to get them permitted and approved, even in a smaller back yard.

2. Significantly Easier to Install

Big pools are great – but building them is a huge undertaking.

If you choose a large in ground pool, you can expect your backyard to be ripped to pieces for weeks or months while your pool builder creates the final product.

If you choose a larger pre-manufactured pool (above or in ground) you might have some earthworks to deal with, and probably also a crane and a few nail-biting moments as it is maneuvered into place.

A small above ground pool does not require excavation, and they’re relatively light and easy to move around, so getting them in place is a lot less difficult and costly.

Cost Less to Fill

A giant swimming pool might be fun for everyone you know, but the fact is that they also cost a small fortune to fill. With the cost of utilities what they are, that’s a big hit to anyone’s budget, and because water evaporates, splashes out and otherwise disappears, you’ll have to keep topping your enormous pool up regularly.

Small above ground pools have less volume, so they cost less to fill and top up over time.

And to Maintain

Pool maintenance is another big cost factor that many people don’t consider until they have invested in a pool and start getting monthly bills!

If you’re using a pool maintenance company, they probably charge by the hour, and the more pool there is to clean and maintain, the more it will cost you every week and month.

If you’re doing your own maintenance, you will still need to buy equipment, chemicals and consumables, and that also means spending lots of money every month.

Smaller pools still have those costs too, but they’ll be a fraction of what you would pay for a large pool.

Design Options

If you have a limited pool budget, you might still be able to afford a large swimming pool. However your budget might not stretch to cover optional extras like decks, water slides, diving boards, or tropical landscaping if that’s what floats your boat.

Downsizing the pool part of your pool budget allows you to set aside money for those optional extras that take your pool to the next level.

So instead of having a plain large pool that isn’t as exciting as you’d like it to be, choosing a smaller pool will allow you to create the dream backyard pool Oasis you’ve always wanted.

Small concrete above ground pools, small fiberglass above ground pools, and all the other options out there are available in an enormous array of design, styles, sizes, shapes, colors and more. So there really is something for absolutely every taste.

What Kind of Small Above Ground Pools Are There?

Now that you’re considering a small above ground pool for your backyard space let’s look at some smaller above ground pool ideas, and types of materials. There are so many options for this type of pool that there should be one that suits your needs.

Small Vinyl Above Ground Pools

Vinyl above ground pools vary from the type that you can buy at the closest superstore to slightly more permanent solutions. Like the name suggests however they are primarily made from vinyl that has a framework of some kind. Very cheap portable vinyl above ground pools often has PVC pipe frameworks, while others might have steel, resin and other materials.

This kind of above ground pool is usually the cheapest and quickest to install, but they don’t last as long as some of the other options. So if you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time this might not be the right choice.

Small Metal Above Ground Pools

Small metal above ground pools or another option that you might want to explore. Because metal can be molded and formed into a variety of shapes there are many different types of metal above ground pools out there.

They are also made from different materials so some metal above ground pools is made from galvanized steel, others from stainless steel, and some are made from aluminum.

Metal above ground pools is affordable and durable, but they are susceptible to corrosion, so you do need to make sure that they are properly protected.

Small Concrete Above Ground Pools

There are two types of small concrete above ground pools you can choose from. The first is the more traditional option that we usually think of when we think of swimming pool, which is a pool that’s constructed on site. This usually means building a mold or form work as it’s known and then pouring concrete into the shell.

This type of onsite construction can take more time and be considerably messier.

This is why so many people who do choose small concrete above ground pools choose precast options instead. These are concrete pools that are manufactured off site in a factory, then transported to site an installed in place. You still get all the durability and benefits of concrete but with minimally invasive installation.

Shipping Container Pools

These pools are typically fiberglass pools that use an older shipping container as their outer shell and structure. Shipping container pools can be easily transported to site and installed above ground.

Small Fiberglass Above Ground Pools

The last type of small above ground pool that we need to discuss are small fiberglass above ground pools.

Like precast concrete above ground pools, fiberglass pools are manufactured off site molding glass fiber and resin and various other coatings and products into a durable and attractive shell for your pool. This is then transported to site and installed.

Small fiberglass above ground pools come in a literal rainbow of colors and can have any number of decorative features and be manufactured in a huge variety of shapes. So this really is one of the most versatile options for an above ground pool for small backyards.

Finding the Right Small Above Ground Pool Company

If you’ve never invested in a swimming pool before you might think that you can contact any pool company in your area and get a quote for a small above ground pool.

However that’s not completely true. Many pool companies specialize in a specific type of swimming pool. Some might only do very large designer in ground pools. Others might only install a specific type of pool like precast concrete or fiberglass. The secret to getting the pool you want is finding a pool company that specializes in the type of pool you’re looking for.

So if you already know that you want a smaller pool and that you’re looking for an above ground pool, make sure you include those factors in your search. These days simply typing those terms into your search engine should bring up a list of likely candidates in your area.

Whether you’re looking for a pool company in Low Country South Carolina, or anywhere else don’t forget to read online reviews too. This will tell you a lot about what you can expect before you ever pick up the phone.

Planning Your Small Above Ground Pool

Whether you shortlisted pool companies yet or not there are a few things you can do to make planning your small above ground pool a little easier.

First consider your backyard space where you like to install your pool and what kind of size you’re looking for. Remember that everyone’s definition of small is different so you could even mark the space on your lawn before you measure it.

The next thing you want to do is ask your pool company to visit your home. This will allow them to assess the area you want to install your pool in and identify any potential problems. Sometimes your plans will need to be adjusted to accommodate existing services, building regulations, and other factors. But a good pool company will be able to walk you through the process.

It’s also a good idea to browse pool company websites, catalogs and brochures to see what shape other options you have. The pool company who is giving you a quote will help to identify options that match your style, but it’s always helpful if you know which direction you want to go in.

Finally when you’re planning your small above ground pool decide on your budget before you start contacting pool companies. This is not necessarily written in stone but giving your pool company arranged to work in will help them to offer you the right kind of pool, finishes, and optional extras.

There’s nothing worse than being quoted for your dream pool and not being able to afford it

How Much Do Small Above Ground Pools Cost?

Whenever someone is investigating small above ground pool ideas they also start wondering about the cost. Unfortunately, like most construction projects it’s almost impossible to guess what your price will be without having more information.

No matter what kind of pool you choose you’re going to be spending upwards of $15,000 to $20,000, but how much you get for that money, and how much you choose to add to your pool will vary enormously. Think of your pool as something that is as unique as a fingerprint. No two are exactly the same.

That’s especially true when it comes to something like a swimming pool. Not only does the size and shape of the pool make a difference, but there’s also the material that’s used to construct or manufacture it, the add-ons you choose, how difficult it is to install the pool in your backyard and many other factors.

You should also remember that when it comes to something like building a pool whether it’s in ground or above, price is not the only consideration. You need to make sure that you’re getting a quality result that will meet and exceed building regulations, be safe and durable for your family, and add value to your home.

It’s always tempting to look for the cheapest possible option, but when you’re talking about something that’s a long term investment like a pool cheap doesn’t always equal best. Rather look for value for money and a pool company that stands behind their product and their work.

The very best way to get an accurate cost for an above ground pool for small backyards is to contact a pool company like Pool Works, and talk to an expert.

If you are in the Low Country South Carolina area, our team will be only too happy to arrange a site visit where we can discuss all your requirements, take measurements, and make notes about your site so that we can offer you the best possible pool for your budget.

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