8 Best Above-Ground Backyard Pool Ideas On A Budget
Many homeowners dream of having their private oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, to escape the summer heat and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
However, the perception that pool installation and maintenance can be expensive often keeps them from realizing this dream.
Fortunately, you don’t have to drain your bank account to create a stunning backyard pool. Here are some budget-friendly ideas and strategies to help you design, construct, and maintain a beautiful pool area without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re ready to turn your backyard into a budget-friendly paradise, check out these ideas
1. Inflatable Pool
Inflatable pools are an excellent option for anyone looking for a cheap way to stay cool on a hot summer day.
An inflatable swimming pool is a portable, collapsible pool composed of synthetic materials, particularly vinyl.
Inflatable pools are a terrific space saver if you have a small house and yard and only want something you’ll use occasionally.
The best thing about inflatable pools is they can be set up during the warmer months and deflated and packed away for cold or rainy months.
Because they are not permanent installations, you can move them to a different area of your house or backyard. Inflatable pools can be set up in limited spaces and are easy to care for. They can be put in quickly and are far less expensive than inground pools.
In addition, storing inflatable pools is considerably easy — just let the pool dry, deflate it, then store it in your storage area.
In addition, you can select the ideal inflatable pool for your yard because they come in a range of sizes. Inflatable pools offer several water features; kids love them because they can use them as kiddie pools or water slides. Of course, an inflatable pool can also be fun and relaxing for adults.
2. Stock Tank Pool
If you’re on a tight budget and are looking for cheap and small backyard pool ideas, a stock tank pool is a great choice. Stock tanks are large metal buckets initially used to store water for horses, cattle, and other livestock.
However, you can turn a stock tank into a DIY pool with creativity, resourcefulness, and plumbing materials. A stock tank pool is affordable and one of the most practical above-ground pool ideas if you want to install your pool yourself.
Like an inflatable pool, you can build up stock tank pools during hot summers and take them down anytime for storage.
A stock tank pool is an affordable way to beat the summer heat. Stock tank pools are very durable and can last throughout the hot season.
Even better, you can choose various sizes or your stock tank pool — you can have a perfect pool area even in a small backyard. Most stock tanks are made from lightweight materials and are simple to install; all you have to do is find the perfect place for a pool, set up your stock tank there, and add water.
Finally, use a chlorine dispenser packed with pool-grade chlorine water for disinfection.
3. Shipping Container Pool
A shipping container pool can be an easy way to have an above-ground or in-ground pool — the rectangular shape of a shipping container can be a creative way to have an infinity pool or rectangular pool that can match the beauty of the surrounding area in your backyard.
Whether you have severely sloped land or a small area or want a pool directly to your leisure area, a shipping container pool may fit any situation and give you easy access to your pool deck.
Shipping containers are steel-based, sturdy constructions — making them an excellent option for a long-lasting container pool that is durable and affordable.
You may experiment and use greater imagination while designing your shipping container pool; you can use these containers to build a narrow pool or even a lap pool.
Although affordable, turning a shipping container into a swimming pool may take much work. However, many people find it rewarding!
You may add other elements like steps, glass cut-outs, pool lights, or a pool deck to fit your tastes and give it a sophisticated appearance.
4. Vinyl Liner Pool
Vinyl liner pools are one of the most well-liked pool designs since they have magnificent characteristics suitable for any environment or way of life.
They are attractive, inexpensive, and quick to build. Vinyl liner pools feature a specially constructed sheet of vinyl between the chlorine pool water and the walls and pool floor.
The pool design provides the highest level of quality and adaptability to fit within the majority of pool budgets and small yards.
In addition, vinyl liner swimming pools are budget-friendly investments that your family and visitors can enjoy for many years.
Above-ground pools with vinyl liners are created to order and made of strong, long-lasting materials. They are constructed to withstand sunlight, water, and chemicals that may wear out a pool.
Plus, they can be established more quickly than other kinds of pools. If you choose a vinyl liner pool, you can choose from various patterns, shapes, and sizes due to the modularity of the liners.
You can also incorporate additional features like pool steps to make your backyard pool ideas into reality.
5. Cocktail Pool
A cocktail pool is a good idea if you’re searching for a great addition to give your house and backyard a modern design. A cocktail pool is a kind of pool that is considered a small pool — much smaller than a conventional full-sized pool.
Cocktail pools are ideal for houses with smaller backyards since they may provide all the features of a full-sized pool in a smaller space.
Cocktail pools are frequently called compact pools due to their small size. Sometimes, they are referred to as “spools” because of their spa and pool combo feature — allowing you to have hot tub partitions.
Most simply, cocktail pools resemble smaller swimming pools. However, they are a great way to have the full backyard pool experience.
You can add other water elements to your cocktail pool to add excitement, like lounge chairs, a wooden deck, and fire features for extra relaxation and aesthetics. You may still relax with ease and enjoyment as in an endless or large pool.
6. Plunge Pool
Plunge pools are smaller pools made more for relaxing than swimming — similar to inflatable pools. However, plunge pools are concrete.
The idea of a plunge pool came from the natural pools at the base of waterfalls, which people have used for thousands of years to cool off. Plunge pools’ small square footage makes them incredibly affordable and convenient.
Because of this, they are especially common in places with frequently insufficient room for a full-sized swimming pool.
Plunge pools provide a relaxing lounging area below the water and are the ideal backyard setting for unwinding, relaxing, and engaging in light activities to improve health and well-being.
Plunge pools are smaller, with much room for improvement; you may add a seating area, a tanning ledge, a fire pit, and other elements to make a plunge pool more suited to relaxing and unwinding in your backyard.
However, a plunge pool may also be a suitable underground swimming pool — despite its small size and focus on relaxation; it has more than enough length to allow for soothing exercise.
7. Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is one of the best backyard pool ideas on a budget — it is an underground pool composed of a strengthened fiberglass shell coated in a protective gel coat.
The fiberglass shell is created off-site and assembled during installation. Unlike vinyl pools and other typical subterranean pools, you can fit fiberglass pools with a one-piece fiberglass shell, so they don’t have a liner that has to be changed every few years.
They also differ from concrete pools since they are made by pouring concrete over steel rods to form the pool’s shell, which they complete with other materials like plaster.
Fiberglass pools are among the market’s longest-lasting and most resilient swimming pools. You can even use them as saltwater pools.
You may also add several features to enhance the pool’s functionality and attractiveness if your budget and backyard allow you to. There are options for numerous water features, fountains, seating areas, slides, and other elements.
Natural stone flooring is ideal for improving the overall appearance of the fiberglass pool. Although fiberglass pools often cost more to construct initially, they are less expensive to maintain throughout ownership, making them a worthwhile investment.
8. Steel Pools
Steel pools are the best way to turn your cheap above-ground pool ideas into a reality. Steel pools are similar to stock tank pools, but steel pools need to be designed and allow you to choose the size and shape of the pool to match the surrounding landscape.
The tiny size of the pool makes it flexible, and you can improve your small space into a next-level outdoor space.
To improve your small pool, you can add pool furniture and surround it with a deck to turn it into a small deck pool.
With a steel pool, you and your family may have a full pool experience comparable to having a larger pool — making you a proud pool owner.
Final Thoughts On Best Above-Ground Backyard Pool Ideas On A Budget
In conclusion, creating a beautiful and inviting backyard pool doesn’t have to break the bank. You can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis without compromising style or functionality by implementing a few budget-friendly ideas and getting creative.