Goodbye Digging, Hello Above Ground Pools!

Why dig when you can build from the ground up?

Above ground pools are becoming a trend in recent years (read more). The idea is to use level ground as the base of a swimming pool and build walls upwards as compared to the traditional way of building them, which is to dig a hole underground, reinforce the sides with concrete, and fill the pool up to ground level.

Of course, there’s a lot more involved in the process of building pools, such as installing filtration systems, incorporating safety measures, making sure there is a stable water supply, and more.

But apart from these foundational requirements for pool-building, the traditional way of building pools entails a more tedious and physically laborious process. So just by opting for an above ground setup, you can already cut the work by half. No wonder people are more drawn towards this modern option!

Let’s explore the pros of above ground pools in more detail below:

Save On Material & Labor Costs

Building infrastructure underground is harder than it seems. A lot of the work goes into the backbreaking labor of digging up a hole in the ground. If the soil is tough and hard, then this could entail even more work for the laborers which would consequently lead to higher costs.

Another thing that can increase the building costs drastically is making sure the walls and the flooring of the pool are reinforced so it’s safe and crack resistant, especially to natural disturbances such as earthquakes. Add filtration and drainage systems, cleaning, maintenance, and other pool essentials into the mix and you’re left with a big, whopping list of things to pay for.

Opting for an above ground setup can cut your expenses by almost half by not having to pay contractors to dig underground. Reinforcing the structure is also easier when the walls are visible from the outside.

Shorter Construction Time

Because no digging is required – which, frankly, is the most time-consuming part of building a pool – you can materialize the project much quicker. The construction time is expedited, and you can look forward to soaking and relaxing under the sun much sooner.

Less Hazardous Risks

Ground level pools pose more potential hazards than above ground setups. Apart from being more prone to damage, especially due to natural disasters, you can also expect common accidents like slipping and falling to happen more frequently. Since the pool is on ground level, it tends to make the surrounding area wet when the pool is in use. This can pose a lot of danger to unsuspecting people and can lead to unfortunate injuries.

When the pool is above ground, people have to intentionally ascend to the pool’s platform in order to swim and if they have no intention of going anywhere near the water, the pool is safely out of the way. Above ground pools also tend to be much shallower and are meant for dipping more than “swimming.” This means fewer drowning incidents and less worry for the parents when their children are off for a swim.

Easy Maintenance

They are undoubtedly easier to maintain as well, even if you opt for large above ground pools. As they are typically shallower than standard, ground level pools, fishing out debris that have fallen in is much easier. It’s also easier to drain in the case of needing to replace the water. Lastly, because the walls are visible on both sides, interior and exterior, maintaining the safeness of the facility is much simpler as well.

More Design Options

Aside from the shape, color, and size of the pool, there really isn’t much you can do in terms of designing a traditional swimming pool. You can also add water slides, lights, and other fixtures to add more distinct qualities to the facility, but it is still quite limited and pales in comparison if you think about all the design possibilities that you can have with an above ground pool.

With an above ground pool setup, you can get creative however you want. You can follow a theme, add more design elements, use other materials apart from stone and tile for the exterior, and basically just create something that is more personalized for its users. Because you also get to save a lot from the construction process, you can repurpose the funds to incorporate more features to your above ground pool and make it the perfect hangout spot for the family. Check out some ideas here: https://stylesatlife.com/articles/large-and-small-above-ground-swimming-pool-ideas/.

The Verdict

While ground level or traditional pools will never go out of style, especially because their uses go beyond just recreational purposes (i.e. sports competitions), it’s still good to know that there is an increasing demand for above ground pools. Opting for an above ground pool is a more practical and cost-effective choice for most homeowners who want to have a place to unwind and cool down during summer months or add a nice addition to their residential property.