Above-ground pool design can be just as tricky as creating a welcoming and safe swimming space for your inground swimming pool. With above-ground pools, you have to take into account surrounding structures, plan entrance and accessory spaces, and design a pool area that is spacious enough for use but still gives you the backyard aesthetic you want on your property. All of this needs to be balanced with the need to protect your friends, family, and pets that may visit your home, whether they plan on using your pool or not. With the right considerations, however, you can find the perfect layout for your needs.
The primary difference between in-ground pool and above-ground pool design is understanding the elevation of the pool itself above your property’s ground line. This may seem like a no-brainer, but adding this third dimension of height to your planning necessities can change your landscaping, decorating, and safety options. When considering any features, remember that while sketching out your pool area on paper you may be dealing with flat geometry, but in the real world, the 3-5 foot walls of your pool could present a challenge.
If you already have an above-ground pool in place and are just looking to make it more functional, it can be best to start back at ground zero when developing new above-ground pool ideas. While you likely have an existing above-ground pool design, take stock of what is working, what isn’t, then start developing your new idea with that in mind. While moving your pool may not be an option–at least without a lot of added stress–you can still find ways to optimize your layout to better suit your needs.
Your first step when creating an above-ground pool design is understanding the area you will be working with, especially for a new pool that is being added to your property. Examine your prospective pool area and ensure no utility lines cross it, that there is ample space for the pool and a sizable area around it, and that the ground is level. Ground with a steep slope, wildly uneven areas, or debris in the form of trunks, roots, or large rocks may need to be cleared and leveled prior to placing a pool as a standard sand wedge may not provide enough leveling and protection on its own. For existing pools, this is your chance to take a fresh look at the opportunities your land may offer around the existing structures.
One owner might use an above-ground pool for floating peacefully to relax while the next has kids that keep the splash parties going throughout the summer. The area you design needs to fit what you want to do with your pool. A simple, bare-bones above-ground pool might leave plenty of free yard area around it for sunning, while a built-up deck is perfect for high-traffic pool parties and supervising younger kids from the pool edge.
Safety considerations need to be an early part of your above-ground pool design. Aside from being able to serve as visual anchors for the rest of your build, it’s your responsibility as a pool owner to ensure a safer pool area that helps protect your loved ones. Nearly 1-in-5 accidental drownings occur in aboveground pools, so don’t let the tall walls of your pool lull you into a false sense of security. Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protecting your family, many jurisdictions, HOAs, and insurance carriers set safety requirements your pool may be subject to.
Usually, these requirements will include a physical barrier that helps prevent unsupervised or accidental access to your swimming pool, such as a removable mesh pool fence. Rip-resistant mesh material stretched between strong, well-anchored poles, and professionally installed with a self-closing, self-latching gate and minimal gaps create a perimeter around your swimming pool that deters climbing and helps keep everyone visiting your property safer. It’s easy to use for responsible adult swimmers, can be readily taken down when more space is needed for larger gatherings, and reinstalls easily to provide drowning prevention you can trust.
Other barrier options for some pools may include safety nets or swimming pool safety covers. If your above-ground pool design ideas include a strong deck built up around the pool, these can be anchored to the deck surface as additional protection from unsupervised water access. Safety nets and covers are designed to hold potential drowning victims up and out of the pool’s surface until a responsible party can help them back to safety. When combined with an ASTM-compliant pool fence, a net or cover offers maximum protection that’s custom-designed for your above-ground pool.
Plants, greenery, and landscaping are great ways to create a beautiful pool area. Instead of just a pool sitting on a lawn, plan your landscaping to add trees for shade, decorative palms, topiaries that help conceal the pool walls, and more. Make sure any landscaping features are far enough away from the pool not to endanger it with root growth and far enough away from your pool fence to not help an adventurous climber gain entry.
The next above-ground pool design consideration is the layout around your pool for those who wish to sit and visit, supervise children, or enjoy a pool-side barbecue. These spaces offer a welcoming place to strengthen bonds and a convenient place to sit while taking a break from the pool, slipping on house shoes, or just relaxing. Lounge chairs are a poolside classic, but the low design makes considering the elevated pool a must. Taller patio sets, picnic benches, and suspended furniture, such as hammocks, all work well. This builds on your other above-ground pool design ideas as seating is a flexible consideration that can be adapted to fit your needs on a case-by-case basis.
As a final consideration, make sure you have the emergency and rescue supplies you may need in your pool area, properly stocked, stored, and marked. Long poles and flotation devices should be readily available to help swimmers in distress, while a comprehensive first aid kit should be available with supplies for everything from bandaging skinned knees to shields for CPR. Lastly, anytime the pool is in use, a phone should be handy to notify EMS in the case of an emergency. Seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
Your local All-Safe Pool installer can help you design a safer above-ground pool with a custom removable mesh fence, safety net, or swimming pool safety cover. They’ll talk to you about your pool needs, take measurements, then give you a quote that lets you see how affordable peace of mind can be. Our ASTM-compliant safety systems help you prevent accidental drownings from turning your backyard into the site of a tragedy. Schedule your free estimate from a local All-Safe Pool safety expert today.
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