Wooden Above Ground Pools: A UK Guide
Thinking about a wooden above ground pool? The short answer: choose the size and shape that fits your garden, put it on a level concrete base, and add a heat pump if you want to swim beyond August. You get a proper pool that looks like it belongs there.
Why Choose a Wooden Pool?
Most above ground pools look like they have just landed in the garden from somewhere else. A wooden pool looks like it grew there.
The timber walls give you a warm, natural finish that sits happily on a lawn, next to decking or surrounded by planting. It feels like a permanent part of the garden rather than a summer visitor that goes back in the shed in September.
What You Get
- Pressure treated Nordic timber walls
- A liner fitted inside the timber
- Skimmer, return and fittings
- A filtration system with pump, filter, pipework and media
- Safe Swim water testing
- A full installation guide for your installer
Sizes and Shapes
Wooden pools come in three main shapes, and each one suits a different kind of garden and a different kind of swimmer.
| Shape | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Square plunge | Medway 2.26 x 2.26m | Cooling off, small gardens |
| Octagonal | Cornwall 3.05 x 3.05m, Dorset 4.34 x 4.01m, Sussex 5.05 x 5.05m | Family splashing, softer shape on a lawn |
| Rectangular | York 3.74 x 2.37m, Durham 6.1 x 2.37m, Thames 8.34 x 4.92m | Swimming lengths, modern gardens |
Plunge Pools
Small but mighty. A wooden plunge pool is perfect for a quick cool down on a hot day or a warm soak when heated. It is also ideal if your garden is more postage stamp than parkland.
Octagonal Pools
The angled sides soften the shape, so octagonal pools sit beautifully on a lawn or framed with decking. They are great for families who mostly want to splash, float and play.
Rectangular Pools
If someone in your house talks about "getting some lengths in", a long rectangular pool is the one. Our larger rectangular pools give you room to actually swim, rather than doing three strokes and a turn.
Above Ground or In Ground?
Every wooden pool in our range can be installed above ground, partly sunk or fully in ground. Above ground keeps groundwork to a minimum. Sinking it gives a built in look with decking or paving around the edge. Our guide to burying a wooden pool explains the options.
The Base
Whichever you choose, the pool needs a level concrete base. This is the one bit you cannot skip. Water is heavy, and a pool full of it will find any soft spot in your lawn faster than a toddler finds a muddy puddle.
Bronze, Silver and Gold Packages
| Package | What is included | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Pool kit, installation materials, filtration and water testing | Summer swimming |
| Silver | Bronze plus a Thermotec Neo inverter heat pump and solar cover | A longer season, spring to autumn |
| Gold | Bronze plus a Thermotec Pro heat pump, solar cover and robotic pool cleaner | Swimming all year round |
Every package comes with free UK delivery. Want to know more about warming the water? Read how to heat a wooden pool.
Installation
Installation is carried out by our recommended installer. We can give you a rough installation estimate before you order, and we pass on the installer's contact details once your order is confirmed.
The pump, filter and heat pump each need a power supply fitted by a qualified electrician, and they should sit at least 2 metres from the pool.
Things to Plan Before You Order
- Measure the space, including room to walk around the pool and space for the equipment.
- Check access for delivery and for the installer's team.
- Think about where the concrete base will go and whether you want to sink the pool.
- Ask an electrician about getting power to the pump and heat pump.
- Check whether any planning rules apply, especially if you plan decking or a large raised structure.
Pool Safety
Any garden pool needs adult supervision when children are around. Keep a cover on when the pool is not in use and think about a fence or lockable steps if little ones play in the garden.
Wooden Pool or Steel Frame Pool?
Steel frame pools are a great way to start, and we sell plenty of them. A wooden pool is more of a long term garden feature. Our comparison of wooden and steel frame pools helps you decide.
Conclusion
A wooden above ground pool gives you a proper swimming pool with a natural look, on a simple concrete base. Pick the shape that fits your garden and the package that fits how often you want to swim.
Browse our wooden swimming pools and plunge pools, or call Warren or Leanne on 01249 588853 for friendly, honest advice.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Wooden Pool vs Steel Frame Pool: Which Is Right for You?
Thermotec Mini vs Neo vs Inverter Pro vs Inverter Edge: Which Heat Pump Is Right for Your Pool?
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