You may be looking at putting an above ground pool in. Or maybe you have an above ground pool and you’re just plain sick of looking at how high it is out of the ground. Can you put an above ground pool in the ground?
Can You Put An Above Ground Pool In The Ground?
We’ll first start by saying, proceed with caution. Although, there’s an surprising answer to asking can you put an above ground pool in the ground? Yes, but you have to do it the proper way.
Key Differences Between Above Ground And Vinyl Liner Pools
First off you need to know the difference between an above ground pool and a vinyl liner pool. Both have vinyl liners as the waterproof layer. Although, a vinyl liner pool is engineered to be inground, whereas an above ground pool is not.
The difference is a vinyl liner pool has an engineered wall system to hold the earth back from the pool itself. These can be polymer walls, metal walls, even wood walls. The top end of vinyl liners use concrete walls. An above ground pool is engineered to have air on the outside of the pool wall. As in, no force whatsoever pushing on the outside of the pool and pool liner itself.
How To Prepare An Above Ground Pool For Going Into The Ground
Does that mean you can’t put an above ground pool in the ground? No, it certainly doesn’t. However, there will be some extra work ahead if you plan on putting an above ground pool in the ground. Before anything else, you may want to consider a vinyl liner pool instead. Although, what you can do if your dead set on putting an above ground into the ground is plan on building retaining walls.
How To Build Retaining Walls For An Above Ground Pool Conversion
The process of building a retaining wall for your above ground pool to go into the ground is as follows. First, you’ll need to excavate. You will also need to consider how the area under the pool will drain. Next, level the ground. Finally, you’ll build retaining walls all the way around what will be the perimeter of the pool.
Typically, you’ll then build a deck at the top of the retaining wall that fills in the space between the retaining wall and the pool. That can create an area to sunbathe as well. By covering the gap between the pool and the retaining wall you will prevent hands and feet from going where they don’t belong.
Keep in mind when you have an above ground pool built into the ground you will need to accommodate your pool equipment set. Maybe you’ll build a vault that’s accessible for maintenance through the surrounding deck, or if your pool is on a slope, maybe you have the equipment on the downhill side of the pool installation open to the air. Whatever you do be sure to hire a licensed electrician to handle the electrical work around your pool. Working around water is not the time to “try out” some electrical skills.
Don’t Forget Inground Pools Need A Pool Fence
Now that you have your pool surrounded by retaining walls and a deck built on top which overhangs the pool, you’ll need to make sure you have a proper pool fence around the pool. Now that the pool is no longer above ground, the pool itself no longer meets barrier code so you’ll have to put up a fence.
Be sure to follow all state, county, and local codes even when doing the work yourself. If there is no pool / spa barrier code where you live, it’s still a good idea to follow the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) at a minimum.
Once you have your above ground pool built into the ground, the deck done and the fence up it’s time to fill and enjoy the pool. Now go for a swim in your inground pool.
Finals Advice For Can You Put An Above Ground Pool In The Ground
There you have it, it’s entirely possible to perform this project. However, putting an above ground pool in the ground may not be worth it. You’ll still need to do most of the work entailed when getting an inground vinyl liner pool anyway. This should not be viewed as a money saving opportunity. However, if you have your heart set on this idea, as long as you follow the steps above, you can execute putting an above ground pool into the ground in your backyard.
