It’s a common dilemma. You want a backyard pool, but you’re not sure you have the space. Sure, you could get a smaller model, but would it be worth it? And do you really want to give up a big chunk of your yard for a feature (albeit a nice feature) that is only usable for part of the year?
These are the kinds of questions many potential pool owners ask themselves, but particularly those looking at above ground swimming pools. That’s because above ground pools not only use up surface area, but also vertical space. With pool walls jutting up, an above ground pool can make a small backyard seem more cramped than a comparable inground pool.
Fortunately, there are lots of tricks for working above ground pools into small spaces. And not all of them involve settling for a tiny kiddie pool or sacrificing important features. To see what we mean, check out this list of above ground pool ideas for small yards.
1. Buy a pool that’s easy to stow away
During the summer you may not mind having your yard dominated by a pool, but at other times of year it just seems like a waste. The idea here is to get a pool that you can easily set up for the swimming season, then take down when the weather turns cold. The obvious choice would be an easy set pool, but other types of pools might work as well.
2. Connect it to your deck
At first blush, it might seem like you need more room for an above ground pool with a deck. However, if you already have a backyard deck you can connect to the pool – or are willing to replace the deck you have – this might be the most economical use of space. Rather than the pool occupying a separate spot in your yard, it functions as an add-on to your deck with no “wasted” space in-between.
3. Get creative with placement
Yes, you need level ground for an above ground swimming pool, but that might not be as big of a limitation as you think. You can level out slopes in your yard, or even build your pool into a slope (making it a semi-inground pool). When in doubt, talk to a professional pool builder to figure out what your real options are.
4. Make use of pool walls
You must be careful with this one, as anything you put against a pool wall that makes it easier to climb can constitute a safety risk. That said, if you can safely make use of the pool walls for storage units or a little tiki bar, go for it. For inspiration, check out Pinterest and other websites focused on home improvement.
5. Get more out of a smaller above ground pool
Of course, the obvious answer to the small yard conundrum is to simply get a smaller pool. The nice thing about small pools is that they’re generally cheaper to buy and install, leaving more room in your budget for other things. This could include upgraded decking and landscaping, pool games and exercise equipment, or improvements in other parts of your yard that make it a more pleasant place to spend time. Or you could always take advantage of the discount on small pools to get a high end model that you might not be able to afford otherwise.
Trying to figure out where to put an above ground pool can be a challenge if you don’t have much real estate to work with. But you can make up for a lack of space with a little ingenuity and the patience to find the right solution. If you happen to have a little extra money for upgrades, that helps too!
