Have you ever wanted to have a pool in your backyard but thought it was too expensive and complicated to install an inground pool? If so, you may be surprised to learn that it is possible to install an inground pool above ground.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the benefits, types, design considerations, and cost savings of installing an inground pool above ground.
Plus, you’ll find out what maintenance is required for an above ground pool and the pros and cons of choosing this option.
Read on to discover if installing an inground pool above ground is the right choice for you.
Short Answer
Yes, an inground pool can be installed above ground.
This is known as a semi-inground pool.
It is installed at least partially in the ground, but is not completely buried.
Semi-inground pools are a great option for those who want the look of an inground pool without the extra cost and effort of excavation.
They also typically require less maintenance.
Overview of Inground Pool Installation
Installing an inground pool can be a difficult and time consuming process, but it can also be a great addition to your backyard.
The process typically starts with excavating the area where the pool will be placed, then laying the foundation and walls.
Once that is done, the pool is filled with water and the necessary plumbing and electrical connections are made.
The pool is then typically covered with a liner or a concrete deck, and the surrounding area is landscaped.
Depending on the size and type of pool, the installation process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
However, with an above-ground pool installation, many of the steps involved in a traditional inground pool installation can be bypassed.
Above-ground pools are typically installed with a pre-made pool shell, which is then placed on a raised platform to make it appear as if it is installed in the ground.
This type of installation offers a number of benefits, including cost savings, ease of installation, and the ability to customize the look of the pool.
Above ground pools are also much easier to maintain, making them a great choice for those looking to install a pool without the hassle of a traditional inground installation.
Benefits of Installing an Inground Pool Above Ground
An inground pool installed above ground offers a number of advantages over a traditional inground pool installation.
One of the main benefits is cost savings.
By opting for an above ground pool, you can save money on the installation costs, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs.
Above ground pools are also much easier to install than traditional inground pools.
You dont need to dig a large hole in order to install the pool, which saves a lot of time and energy.
This also makes it easier to customize the look of the pool, as you can choose the type of pool shell and the type of platform you want to use.
Finally, above ground pools are much easier to maintain than in-ground pools.
They require less cleaning and are much easier to access for repairs and maintenance.
This makes them a great choice for those who want to install a pool without the hassle of a traditional inground installation.
Overall, an inground pool installed above ground offers a number of advantages over a traditional inground pool installation.
Its a great way to save money and still get the look and feel of an inground pool.
Plus, its much easier to maintain, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a pool without the hassle of a traditional inground installation.
Different Types of Pool Shells
When it comes to installing an inground pool above ground, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of pool shell that will be used.
Pool shells come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so its important to do your research and find the best option for your needs.
The most common pool shells are made of either steel, resin, or fiberglass.
Steel pool shells are the most affordable option and are also the most durable, making them a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective solution.
Resin shells are lightweight and easy to install, while fiberglass shells are the most expensive but offer the most customization options.
When installing a pool shell above ground, its important to make sure that the shell is securely mounted to the platform its sitting on.
This is especially important for steel and resin shells, as these materials are not as strong as fiberglass.
Its also important to make sure that the platform is level and free of debris so that the pool shell is properly supported.
Finally, its important to make sure that the pool shell is properly sealed.
This will help ensure that the pool is watertight and that no water is leaking out.
Depending on the type of pool shell you choose, you may need to use a special sealant to ensure a watertight fit.
By choosing the right pool shell and ensuring that it is properly installed, you can rest assured that your pool will be safe and secure for years to come.
Design Considerations for Above Ground Installations
When it comes to installing an inground pool above ground, there are a few design considerations to keep in mind.
First and foremost, the pool shell must be properly installed on a raised platform.
This is done by either using a pre-made structure, such as a deck, or building a custom platform out of wood or stone.
By raising the pool shell off the ground, it creates the illusion that the pool is actually installed in the ground.
In addition to the platform, the pool shell should also be properly secured with anchors.
This ensures the pool is stable and won’t shift or move in the event of strong winds or heavy rain.
It is also important to consider the drainage around the pool, as water can easily accumulate and cause damage if not properly managed.
Finally, many opt to add additional features to their above ground pool installation, such as landscaping, fencing, and lighting.
These features not only add to the aesthetic of the pool, but also increase its safety and security.
Since above ground pools are often installed on a raised platform, they are often more visible from the street and surrounding area.
Adding features like fencing and lighting can help you feel more secure in your backyard.
Overall, an above ground pool installation can be a great option for those looking to save money and time on their pool installation.
With the right design considerations, you can create a beautiful pool that looks like it was installed in the ground.
Cost Savings of Above Ground Installations
When it comes to installing an inground pool, cost savings is one of the biggest benefits of going the above ground route.
Since the pool shell is pre-made and the platform is much simpler to construct than a traditional inground installation, the overall cost of the installation is drastically reduced.
Additionally, the materials used to build the platform are usually more affordable than those used for a typical inground installation.
This means that the cost savings from an above ground installation can be considerable.
Another cost-saving factor with an above ground installation is the fact that it can be done with fewer materials.
While an inground installation requires more excavation and materials such as concrete, an above ground installation does not require as much of these materials, making it a more cost-effective option.
Finally, an above ground installation is much easier to maintain than a traditional inground installation.
While a traditional inground installation requires regular maintenance and cleaning, an above ground installation requires much less.
This means less money spent on maintenance and repairs, resulting in even more cost savings.
Overall, an above ground installation can provide significant cost savings when compared to a traditional inground installation.
With the right materials and proper maintenance, you can enjoy the same benefits of an inground pool without spending nearly as much.
Maintenance Requirements for Above Ground Pools
Above ground pools are generally much easier to maintain than traditional inground pools, since they dont require as much time and effort to clean and maintain.
Above ground pools dont need to be drained and refilled as often as inground pools, and the walls of an above ground pool are much easier to access for cleaning and maintenance.
Additionally, since the pool is installed on a raised platform, it often requires less frequent cleaning and filtering.
However, its important to note that above ground pools still require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly.
Regularly checking the water chemistry, skimming the surface of the pool, and cleaning the filter are all necessary tasks to keep an above ground pool in good condition.
Its also important to regularly check the walls and floor of the pool for cracks and other signs of wear and tear.
Its also important to remember that above ground pools are not immune to algae growth, so its important to use a proper algicide to keep algae growth at bay.
Additionally, regular vacuuming is essential to keep the pool clean, and a pool cover should be used to protect the pool from dirt and debris when not in use.
Overall, an above ground pool may require less maintenance than a traditional inground pool, but its still important to follow the necessary steps to keep it clean and functioning properly.
With the right maintenance routine, an above ground pool can be a great addition to any backyard.
Pros and Cons of Above Ground Installations
When it comes to installing an inground pool, one of the most popular options is to install it above ground.
This type of installation has many advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into consideration before making a decision.
The pros of an above ground installation include cost savings, ease of installation, and the ability to customize the look of the pool.
Above ground pools are generally less expensive than inground pools, since they require less materials and less labor.
They are also easier to install, as they come as one pre-made structure, as opposed to having to excavate the ground and build a pool from scratch.
Additionally, there is more flexibility when it comes to the aesthetic of the pool, since you can choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
On the other hand, the cons of an above ground installation include the fact that it is not as strong or durable as an inground pool, as the walls and supports are not as strong due to the lack of soil and concrete.
Additionally, it is more difficult to maintain, as the pool must be cleaned more often and there are more safety concerns due to the fact that the pool is not securely attached to the ground.
Lastly, it can be more difficult to install special features and accessories, such as lights and waterfalls, due to the lack of space.
Overall, an above ground installation can be a great option for those looking to install a pool without the hassle and expense of a traditional inground installation.
However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, as each type of installation has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Final Thoughts
Installing an inground pool above ground is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying the benefits of a beautiful, customized pool.
With the right pool shell, design considerations and maintenance requirements, you can easily install an above ground pool and have a hassle-free backyard oasis in no time.
So if youre looking for a quicker, more affordable way to install a pool, why not consider an inground pool installed above ground?