You’ve been thinking about it. Maybe even Googling it in the evening while staring out at that unused patch of lawn.
A pool sounds great. But you’re not ready to dig up the yard or spend months on a construction site. An above ground swimming pool installation seems like the easier path. But how easy is it?
Let’s break it down. Not as a sales pitch, but like a neighbor explaining what they learned after putting one in last summer.
What Looks Easy… It isn’t Always Simple
You’ve probably seen those time-lapse videos. A few friends unpack a box, snap together the frame, fill it with water, and suddenly it’s the perfect pool day.
Here’s what they don’t show:
- The slope in the backyard made one side lean.
- The grass that killed the liner.
- The pump that wouldn’t sit level.
Installing an above-ground pool means prepping the ground properly, not just close enough. That alone can take hours. Or days.
The Ground Makes or Breaks It
Let’s talk surface. Your backyard might look flat. It’s probably not.
One or two inches off can tilt thousands of gallons of water. That’s weight, pressure, and risk.
This is why leveling comes first. With sand, crushed stone, or whatever base the pool requires. And no, eyeballing it doesn’t work.
Assembly Isn’t Hard, But It’s Not Fun Either
Yes, you can do it yourself. People do all the time.
But it’s fiddly. You’ll sweat. You’ll question your choices when a metal rail won’t snap into place. The liner might wrinkle. The filter might hum like it’s annoyed.
If that sounds like a weekend you’d rather skip, hiring someone isn’t a bad idea. Local swimming pool installers do this weekly. They’re fast, clean, and they don’t learn on your property.
What Happens After Installation? Don’t Forget Maintenance
Installing the pool is just the beginning. To keep it clean, safe, and lasting through multiple seasons, you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance.
1. Water Chemistry Isn’t Optional
Even above ground pools need regular testing for chlorine, pH levels, and alkalinity. Unbalanced water can damage the liner and make swimming uncomfortable.
2. Filtration Systems Need Attention
Check your pump and filter weekly. Remove debris, backwash when needed, and make sure everything runs smoothly. A clogged filter can turn your water cloudy fast.
3. Cover It When You’re Not Using It
Pool covers aren’t just for in-ground models. A quality cover keeps leaves, bugs, and dirt out, and also helps retain heat and reduce evaporation.
So, Is It Worth It?
If you want to swim without digging up your garden, yes. If you want summer without breaking the bank. Just go in with both eyes open.
It’s not about just buying a pool. It’s about setting it up right so it doesn’t ruin your yard or your mood.
So take a walk outside. Imagine it. Then ask: Are you doing it alone, or are you calling someone who’s done it a hundred times before?
Either way, you’re closer than you think.
Read More : Family Swimming Pool Size: Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Home
