Are you dreaming of owning a swimming pool, but don’t want to spend a fortune on an inground installation? Look no further than above ground pools! These versatile and affordable options have become increasingly popular among pool enthusiasts worldwide, offering many unique features and benefits that set them apart from their inground and semi inground counterparts.
However, with so many different types and models of above ground pools available in the market, finding the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best rated above ground pools on the market and help you choose the perfect one as your backyard oasis.
What is an above ground pool?
As implied by its name, an above ground pool is a kind of swimming pool that sits entirely above ground. This means that, unlike inground pools where the pool sits inside an excavated ground, excavation is not necessary for above ground pools.
Traditionally, most swimming pools used to be of the inground type which required that you dig up the soil, usually in your backyard. But soil excavation can be a difficult, lengthy, and costly activity. Builders may have to stay on the inground pool construction site for several weeks. All these can be avoided by installing an above ground pool.
Over the years, above ground pools have been growing in popularity. Below are some reasons behind this.
Enhanced convenience
An above ground swimming pool is an easier and more affordable way to own a pool without all the stress and expenses associated with inground pools.
With inground pools, ease of access to the construction site is also a concern since the contractor and builders have to access the site on a daily basis, most times wide a variety of heavy equipment and other construction tools. The contractor may decide to charge additional fees in cases where it is difficult to gain access to the site. To avoid this access problem scenario, some folks building a brand new home often decide to build their inground pool simultaneously.
In contrast, above ground pools can easily be transported to a home and even craned over your house without any access concerns, provided accurate measurements of the pool have been taken earlier.
Moreover, depending on the design and installation of an above ground pool, it may be possible to take it with you if you choose to relocate to a new home in the future. This is not possible with an inground pool which is permanently located in an excavated ground for life. Hence, an above ground pool is by far a more convenient choice.
Appearance customization options
Although inground pools are easily customizable, especially if you are building a custom concrete pools, there also are customization options with above ground pools. For example, with our Little Pools, some of these customization possibilities include cladding, no cladding, color customization, shape customization, and more.
Relatively more affordable
Cost is a very important consideration when deciding on the kind of pool to install on your premises because swimming pools are significant investments that involve substantial funds. However, while inground swimming pools can cost a lot of money, above ground pools are far more affordable. Therefore, you can save thousands of dollars by choosing the latter over the former.
Note that having a tight budget does not always necessarily mean compromising on quality, either. For instance, The Little Pool Company builds its small above ground fiberglass pools with exactly the same technologies used for full-sized inground pools. This ensures you get world-class engineering and a gorgeous, long-lasting pool at a much-reduced cost!
What materials are used to build above ground pools?
Like in full-sized swimming pools, the following three materials are mainly used to construct above ground pools.
Vinyl liner
These are the most affordable above ground swimming pools in the market. The exterior or outside part of vinyl liner pools are usually manufactured with a durable resin which comes with a steel structure sometimes. Though vinyl liner above ground pools can be a quick and cost-effective solution, there are certain concerns to take note of before purchasing them.
First, a lot of vinyl liner pools are sold as complete kits that include the pool shell, filter, pump, and plumbing kit, implying that you may have to be a DIY plumber for a while. But it is not advised that you engage in DIY plumbing if you are not very knowledgeable or experienced in it. Plumbing and electrical projects for pools are best suited for licensed professionals.
Another concern about vinyl liners is that they lack the hard-wearing attribute of other swimming pool interiors. In other words, regular use can lead to their damage and hence extra maintenance and repairs which can be costlier than other pool options.
So you need to think cautiously about vinyl liners, especially if you’ll be using the pool with family members who love pool water games that may cause wear and tear. If you opt for vinyl liners, the cost of lining replacement should have a place in your budget.
However, one notable pro of vinyl liner pools is the convenience it offers since you can easily pack it up and transport it with you if you are relocating to a new abode.
Concrete
For many decades, concrete has always been a popular and important material for constructing swimming pools. Using concrete in your above ground pool means a solid structure that will last for many years.
The traditional disadvantage of concrete pools is the relatively high cost of building them. Even a small inground concrete pool will attract a higher construction cost than other types of inground pools.
Concrete pools now can be prefabricated which means that they can be built as above ground pools. One of their main disadvantages is the significantly higher weight compared to fiberglass pools.
Also, there are some other costs involved with concrete pools which intending owners frequently fail to factor in before they choose a pool. For example, the pool’s interior will have to be tiled or decorated with other kinds of cladding (e.g., pebbles), so that the pool will be watertight and have a pleasant appearance. The longterm cost of owning an concrete pool can be higher also due to the possible needs for resurfacing.
Also, because concrete is a notoriously cold material, you may have to incur higher heating costs if you desire a comfortable swimming experience.
But costs notwithstanding, concrete pools have some advantages when compared with other small above ground pools. For example, they are very durable.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass has emerged as a popular material for small above ground pools in recent years. This is largely because it combines the convenience and greater affordability of vinyl liner with the toughness and longevity of concrete.
Because of modern technology, building an above ground pool with fiberglass is now as easy as building with concrete. Specifically, innovation is enabling the construction of very strong pool structures above ground on which a pre-fabricated fiberglass composite pool shell can be mounted.
Once installed, the fiberglass pool will not only have enough strength to cope with all weather conditions but will also be extremely durable.
This new technology also means that fiberglass above ground pools can now be installed in a number of diverse ways. For example, some choose to purchase shipping containers that come with fiberglass pool shells. Though shipping container pools are cheaper to purchase and easier to install, they have a long and narrow shape and so may not be an ideal option for some backyards. They are also less attractive from the outside.
Others, though, are looking at new options and products that came into the U.S. market just recently, such as The Little Pool Co., offering luxury fibreglass above ground pools.
Get a free quote for of the best above ground pools available on the U.S. market
What are the best above ground pools?
Fiberglass above ground pools are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their longevity, aesthetic appeal, and relatively lower maintenance costs, among others.
Unlike the other types of above ground pools that are usually manufactured with either metal or plastic, fiberglass pools are designed with a smooth, non-porous material resistant to fading, stain, and corrosion. They are available in different sizes, shapes, and colors that can suit any backyard. Installation of fiberglass pools is easy and they do not have to be regularly resurfaced, unlike concrete pools.
Furthermore, the smooth surface of fiberglass ensures comfortable swimming while also helping to reduce algae formation and growth.
In summary, above ground fiberglass pools offer a practical, low-maintenance, and attractive solution to anyone looking to boost their outdoor living space.
What are the advantages of above ground fiberglass pools over other pool types?
Above ground fiberglass pools have numerous advantages over other types of pools. Below are some reasons to choose fiberglass.
- Easier and faster to install when compared to conventional inground pools which can take several weeks before completion
- Fiberglass pools are more long-lasting since the fiberglass raw material exhibits greater resistance to cracks, chips, and other kinds of damage
- They require minimal maintenance in comparison to vinyl liner and concrete pools that often require liner replacement and regular resurfacing
- With its non-abrasive surface that significantly minimizes the chances of skin irritation, fiberglass pools facilitate a smoother and more comfortable swimming experience
- Fiberglass pools are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making it easier to find one that meets your unique needs and aesthetic preferences
With these benefits, it’s no wonder why fiberglass above ground pools are a popular choice for homeowners.
How to choose the best above ground pool for your family
Choosing the best above ground pool for your family in 2023 can be a tricky decision that requires thinking through many questions like: What is the size of your budget? What is the maximum number of people that will be using the pool at a particular time? Will the proposed location be spacious enough? Does your municipality require you to get a permit? Are there any insurance requirements?
The Little Pool Co.
However, when you select The Little Pool Co you’ll get the convenience of a small above ground pool without compromising quality. Little Pool Co has taken the fiberglass concept one step further by creating small fiberglass above ground pools that can be sold as a complete unit that will suit a wide variety of backyards with limited space.
These above ground units come in two different shapes and were developed in conjunction with one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of fiberglass composite pools. This means you’ll get excellent engineering expertise and technology that makes your Little Pool above ground pool as strong and durable as a full-sized fiberglass pool.
The appearance of Little Pool fiberglass above ground pools has also been carefully designed. You can customize the exterior with varying styles of exterior cladding as well as a diversity of color options.
The inside of the pool has four different color options and comes with a gel coat surface that helps protect the pool’s appearance from UV and chemical damage, meaning that it will always look fresh and bright for a long time.
