Above ground pools , complements that are an excellent alternative to inground pools : they are green , respect the environment and are certainly much more versatile than classic outdoor pools. They can be rigid, coated, made of fiberglass and of various shapes, from rectangular to circular ones. In recent years, thanks to the above ground pools , more and more families can enjoy their private relaxation corner in the summer. The success of the above ground pool is certainly the affordable price, which makes it a more feasible purchase for many. Secondly, what makes it attractive is the ease of installation: we will not need excavations but a slight leveling of the ground.
If you have limited outdoor space and a limited budget , this type of pool is certainly the most suitable for you. Moreover, it is easy to disassemble once the summer season is over and you do not risk damaging it, as happens with inflatable pools . Once purchased, this model of swimming pool is not subject to taxes and does not require building permits. You can choose the shape you prefer: oval, circular, rectangular . Also in terms of maintenance and cost, the investment is reduced.
Let’s find out more about above ground pools, where to buy them, which are the best brands on the market and prices.
Soft above ground pools
Soft above ground pools mainly use flexible membranes to contain water, which are resistant but not rigid. These membranes are supported, in some cases by air pressure, while in other cases by tubular steel structures.
Soft above ground outdoor pools are a functional and innovative choice, very easy to install.
Here are the models we can buy:
- soft PVC pools: they are certainly the cheapest and therefore within everyone’s reach. They have a soft structure, which is reinforced with sturdy metal plates welded to the base. It takes just a few minutes to assemble and install it and fill it with water in your garden. You will not have to deal with neither screws nor bolts, but only with some metal pipes that fit together. To make it durable over time and against atmospheric agents, the tank is painted with protective anti-UV and anti-algae paints both inside and outside. A bridge ladder and cleaning kit are usually supplied with the pool.
- inflatable PVC pools : the advantage is certainly in the economic cost and in the ease of assembly and disassembly. These are soft and self-supporting pools. Just pick it in place in the garden , inflate the top ring and fill it with water. The push of the water allows the pool to rise. To disassemble it, just empty it through the valves and that’s it. The only flaw is the material with which it is made, often of poor quality and easy to wear quickly.
- inflatable dinghy pools: it is the most famous soft above ground pool on the market, the classic one to be clear. It is not provided with any metal reinforcement and is based only on the water and air balance. It must be considered that it deteriorates easily due to atmospheric agents and therefore pay attention to where to place it in the garden. It has a modern design and rounded shapes that make it super loved by consumers.
Rigid above ground pools
Unlike inflatable models, rigid above ground pools are more resistant but also complicated to move to different areas of the garden. They do not require any excavation of the ground, but at most a leveling to allow the water to remain level. Among these, the wooden pools are elegant and give class to the garden: they will pleasantly surprise guests!
These models are equipped with a sheet steel bottom mat and can also be installed on spacious terraces. The fundamental disadvantage is the wood , which requires higher maintenance costs, to protect it from parasites and bad weather. The model is supplied with: internal steel staircase, external combined wooden staircase, maintenance kit and felt floor mat. Wooden pools can be: oval, round, rectangular and square.
The GRE wooden pools , for example, are made with a Scots pine wood produced in France and subjected to an anti-parasite treatment in an autoclave. Precisely for this reason, they have a 10-year guarantee. Those in pvc covered in wood , on the other hand, are characterized by a structure in steel sheets, then covered with wooden panels to make the model classy. This model also features an internal stainless steel staircase and an external wooden staircase, the fixed skimmer and the cleaning and maintenance kit. Excellent quality / price ratio and can be easily assembled by the private individual. Safe and reliable.
Above ground pools covered
The above ground pools covered are pool models with an external structure, made to measure and in different materials. The interior is made of PVC, in most cases, while the panels visible on the outside can be customized according to the model and our needs.
In addition to deciding the shape and depth of the pool, we can also choose the type of coating. Wood, pvc and rattan are just some of the materials suitable for creating a noteworthy external structure. In this way, our above ground pool will be one of a kind.
Above ground pools in rattan and wood
Refined and elegant, the above ground pools lined with wood are a must. In addition to turning to industry professionals, you need to consider periodic handling of the material to keep it alive and protected. The advice is to rely on PEFC certified coatings , buying wood from European forests, managed in an eco-sustainable way. In this way, we can also do good for the environment.
Easy to assemble and handle, an option is also that of rattan (pictured above). What is it about? An extremely durable and resistant material, made of woven and waterproofed synthetic fiber panels. Perfect for outdoor swimming pools, continuously subjected to the action of atmospheric agents, it is practical and of high quality. Widely used for garden accessories, it is also ideal to combine with garden umbrellas .
Fiberglass swimming pools
These above ground pools are generally not recommended due to the high running costs, the price of the pool itself and because the fiberglass discolours over time. Its surface layer, called gelcoat , easily degrades under sunlight, loses its luster and becomes discolored after a very short time. Another disadvantage is that it does not last over time : the pool is subject to swelling and distortions. The result is not only unsightly, but the thrust tends to break it and cannot remain empty. We do not recommend such a choice, therefore.
Above ground pools covered in stone
The stone cladding of an above ground pool is perfect for a rustic garden decor, as it is a choice that is as classic as it is innovative.
Stone is an extremely resistant and long-lasting material over time, even if fake stone panels are often used for swimming pool coverings . The choice falls between two main variants, namely the stone one and the brick – brick effect one.
As we can see in the photo on the side, it is also possible to decide to create a real path in the garden, for example, by adding stone slabs and pebbles around it as well. Unlike wood, stone is very easy to dry and does not tend to overheat too much.
Above ground pools: Prices and Brands
Leroy Merlin , Intex and Bestway are two brands of above ground pools with a good quality – price ratio. If we prefer to turn to professionals in the sector, instead, it is better to opt for Piscine Castiglione , Piscine Solaris and Egoe .
Furthermore, on the San Marco website we can find a wide choice of above ground pools and compare the various prices. This brand specializes in the sale of both above ground and inground pools of the best brands and with the best prices such as Intex, Gre, Bestway, Zodiac, but also sells accessories for pool maintenance. You will surely find the right one for you! We can thus create a real relaxation corner, to be protected also with a garden fence .
In general, the higher the quality of the material, the higher the price . Starting from a simple inflatable pool or a PVC pool, the average price is around € 500, depending on the size and type of material. By building an above ground pool in steel, the starting cost is around € 1000 while, among the most expensive, we find wood, starting from € 1750 up to a ceiling of € 15,000 for the largest pools.
