6 Above Ground Pool Ideas On A Budget


When you are fond of swimming but don’t have the budget for a built-in swimming pool, it’s time to get creative with your above-ground pools.

According to Forbes Advisor, the average cost of above-ground pools is $2,8500; the highest can be $11,200, while the lowest is up to $750. 

If the above-ground pool in your house looks plain and dull, it’s time to spice it up and add an element of style, elegance, entertainment, and fun.

Let’s find out how.

#1. A Hawaiin Theme Near The Pool Area 

Photo by Phùng Nhựt from Pexels

Go back in time when you were in Hawaii for your honeymoon. It was the best time of your life, and the Waikiki beach in Honolulubecame a source of inspiration for you at that time! Today, you can bring a touch of Hawaii to your home.

Use decorative items that imitate the beach settings. For example, use Palm trees for decoration and place the wooden beach chairs for fun near the pool. You can also add a portable beach umbrella to relive the days of glory and youth! Of course, if there is a deck near the pool, it’s even better! 

#2. Add More Lights In The Pool Area

Photo by Tom Fisk from Pexels

If you are not fond of cloudy days, it’s time to add sun-like brightness to your pool area. You can add more lights and make the above-ground pool shine like fireflies! It’ll be exciting to use the floating pool lights

More lights mean you can enjoy swimming at night too! You can take off the pressure of a hard and tiring day by relaxing in your above-ground pool. Life is easy when you let go of your troubles by exercising and swimming! Or sit by your pool area with some coffee in your hand and enjoy the view. The moon looks back at you and smiles at your blessed life. 

#3. Give It Appearance of An In-Built Pool

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

If you are fond of the built-in swimming pools and didn’t get one for your house, it’s time to raise the deck. Yes, you heard that right! 

All you can do is construct a deck around the above-ground pool. An architect friend, a builder, a constructor can give you some ideas. However, this idea would work best on the budget if you have some experience in construction and can do the major hard work! 

It can feel different when you raise the deck, but it depends on your skills and creativity. 

#4. Build A Forest Around The Above-Ground Pool 

Photo by Milada Vigerova from Pexels

It’ll be interesting to turn the surroundings of your above-ground pool into a forest. Then, you can mimic the characteristics of a typical forest. The idea is to have the pool in the middle!

So, there would be many palm trees and different kinds of flowers and plants. For example, check out the plants available at Amazon. 

You can get many plants and make your little forest! Every time you want a little escape, your little forest with a pool would feel like heaven. 

#5. Use Outdoor Rugs, Pillows, And Fairy Lights 

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

You don’t have to be Alice to be in wonderland. You can bring wonderland home! You need to place a nice outdoor rug, throw pillows, and add fairy lights near the pool.

Of course, it will depend on how your backyard is like! But, you can try your best and see what fits. 

Ask your kids and spouse to guide you. It’s the most affordable option, but it depends on your choice. If there is a deck, this idea would sound amazing to you. 

#6. Make It Summer Friendly 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

If summer is your favorite season of the year, you would like to tan yourself and swim all day. So, sprinkle the magic of summer by adding stylish shade sails. 

Put a lemonade stand nearby when friends visit, or maybe bring your BBQ grill out to get some chicken and beef. 

Little tweaks here and there or small accessories can add details to your boring above-ground pool. The goal here is to enjoy life to the fullest while still can. Life goes fast, you’ll blink, and it’s too many years! So now, invite your friends and family over the summer. Entertain your guests and make some memories. 

Why Consider An Above Ground Pool? 

You may wonder what’s the need for an above-ground pool. It’s fun and makes you feel special. There are different above-ground pools, such as rectangular, circle in shape, so you can decide what’s the most viable option based on your preferences.

Keep the following points in mind for the above-ground pools:

  • The lifespan and durability of the above-ground pools would be different than the built-in pools. It can last up to 15 years or a minimum of 7 years. 
  • You need to maintain the above-ground pools. 
  • Kids can have so much fun with this kind of pool, but it’s best to be careful. 
  • The depth of an above-ground pool is likely to be different than the built-in pool. 
  • It’s better to hire a professional if you are unsure how to install and decorate the above-ground pool in your backyard. 
  • There are inflatable and other versions. It depends on your choice and preference. If you want to have fun only during summer, you can see what fits your budget. 
  • If an idea sounds costly, then it’s not for you! 
  • You can get accessories and other decorative items from Amazon. You can also try the thrift stores and Facebook marketplace to score a good deal for plants. 

If you find it hard to decorate the above-ground pool, you can see many images online for inspiration. You never know what may click, and you’ll be creating the next masterpiece in your backyard. It’s doable if you are up for it. 

Wrapping It Up 

When considering the above-ground pool, always make a plan, especially if you can’t spend the fortune. Then, crunch the numbers and see what fits best under your budget. Finally, remember to live your life to the fullest, and have some fun! 

The following references were helpful:

https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/above-ground-pool-ideas
https://www.hgtv.com/design/design-blog/outdoors/ways-to-design-around-an-above-ground-pool