Above Ground Pool Alternatives
Sick of scooping leaves out of your above ground pool skimmer while the kids are already bored and back inside? You’re not alone.
The short answer: yes, there are better ways to enjoy water at home—without the stress. From stylish semi-inground setups to quick-inflating splash zones, there’s something for every budget, garden, and weather tantrum.
Let’s dive into your best alternatives (pun very much intended).
The Best Options for Permanent Installations
Semi-Inground Pools: The best of both worlds.
Partially buried for a sleek, permanent look.
Think of semi-inground pools as the ‘smart casual’ of the garden world. Half above, half below—they strike the perfect balance between built-in beauty and above-ground practicality.
You get the neat finish of an inground pool, but without the full-on excavation chaos. Bonus: they’re easier to install than you’d expect.
More durable and customisable than standard AGPs.
These pools are tough cookies. Designed to stand their ground (literally), they handle wild UK weather far better than a flimsy pop-up pool.
And if you're the creative type? You can add decking, seating, or even a little garden bar beside it. Sorted.
On-Ground Pools: A hybrid that can be fully buried.
Heavy-duty construction, often with a wood or steel frame.
On-ground pools are built like tanks but look a lot better. They’re made with solid materials like steel or timber, which means they won’t wobble when your teens do cannonballs.
Can be installed on-ground, partially in-ground, or fully in-ground.
This one's all about flexibility. Whether your garden’s flat, sloped, or somewhere in between, you can tailor the installation to suit.
No need for a full dig—just a bit of smart planning.
Container Pools: A modern, industrial aesthetic.
Made from recycled shipping containers.
Ever looked at a shipping container and thought, “That could be a pool”? Someone did—and we’re glad they did.
These recycled giants are now being repurposed into sleek, modern swimming pools.
Highly durable and transportable, but a specialised installation.
They're tough, unique, and great for people who love a statement garden piece.
Just keep in mind: they do need professional installation. Not exactly a weekend DIY job unless you've got a crane handy.
Alternatives for Temporary and Seasonal Fun
The Best Choices for Easy Setup and Portability
Inflatable Pools: The simplest and most affordable option.
Minimal setup, ideal for small children and temporary use.
Inflatable pools are the heroes of hot weekends. Blow one up in the morning, and by lunchtime, your kids are splashing around and giggling like it’s a holiday.
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who just want to dunk themselves endlessly.
Highly portable and easy to store in the off-season.
When the weather turns (and let’s face it, it always does), just deflate it, fold it, and stash it in the shed.
No tools. No drama. No fish-sized leaves clogging your pool skimmer.
Soft-Sided Frame Pools: A step up from inflatable pools.
Features a metal frame with a vinyl liner for added durability.
These pools bring a bit more structure without going full permanent. The metal frame gives it stability, while the liner keeps the splash in.
You’ll feel like you’ve got a ‘proper’ pool—without the long-term commitment.
A balance of affordability and a more traditional pool experience.
It’s the Goldilocks of backyard pools. Not too flimsy, not too expensive—just right for families who want summer fun without permanent fixtures.
Other Fun Water Features and Spaces
Swim Spas (Combines a pool and hot tub for exercise and relaxation)
Want to swim laps in the morning and soak with a glass of fizz by night? Enter the swim spa.
These compact wonders fit even modest gardens and give you adjustable water flow for a proper swim—or a hot tub-style soak to ease tired muscles.
Some models even come with underwater lights and Bluetooth speakers. Just saying.
Portable Hot Tubs and Spas (For year-round use and therapy)
Perfect for adults needing some TLC—or for teens who just want a cool Instagram story.
Portable hot tubs give you the bubbles and warmth of a spa, without building one into your patio. Set one up for winter evenings, summer nights, or even Christmas Day (we’ve seen it done).
They’re surprisingly easy to move, too—great if you fancy switching things up or moving house.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Where Is Skimmer On Above Ground Pool?
Why Are Above Ground Pools Round?
Above Ground Pool Ladder Alternatives
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