8 Above Ground Pool Upgrades to Consider Before The Summer

If you have an above ground pool, then the chances are that you haven’t been using it too much in recent months. While it’s possible to use a pool during the winter months, the expense required to do so usually means that homeowners are happy to keep their pool covered during the chillier period of the year.

But with summer not too far away, that above ground pool will soon be seeing a lot of action. As such, now’s the perfect time to begin thinking about some upgrades to your pool, which will allow you to make the most of all that having a pool brings. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the best upgrades to keep in mind. Let’s take a look. 

Add Lighting

Adding lighting to your pool can be a game-changer for both its nighttime aesthetics and how you use the pool. Most above ground pool owners get plenty of use out of their pools during the bright and sunny daytime, but virtually no use once the sun goes down. Even though it stays lighter later in the summer months, it’s still dark around 8:30 – 9 pm — and with the temperatures still warm, that leaves plenty of time to spend in the pool, if you have pool lighting. There are plenty of above ground swimming pool options available, including multi-colored LED lighting, solar-powered lighting, and remote control lighting. 

Install a Relaxing Area

An above ground swimming pool is terrific for maintaining fitness and keeping cool during the summer months, but when you break it down, you’ll spend most of the time in your backyard just next to the pool, rather than in it. That’s one of the few areas in which in-ground pools have the advantage, since you can easily lie right next to the water.

But actually, you can also have this experience if you have an above ground pool. Adding a partial deck to your swimming pool can transform how you use the pool, making it feel a lot more resort-worthy. If you’re good at DIY, then you can even make it yourself — there are plenty of plans online that you can use. 

Upgrade Your Pool Liner 

The primary job of a swimming pool liner is to prevent leaks and protect the pool’s structure, but that doesn’t mean that its purpose is entirely functional. It can also add aesthetic quality to your pool if you pick the right one. There are stylish, trending pool liners available that are affordable, easy to install, and look great. Add one to your pool, and not only will you have the peace of mind that comes from having a fresh pool liner in place, but you’ll also be giving your pool — and your backyard in general — a significant visual boost. 

Bring the Heat

We tend to think of the summer months as being filled with wonderfully hot, sunny days, but that’s not always the case. The real hot period of the season usually only lasts for a few weeks in some areas; around those periods, especially in early and late summer, it’s warm without being excessively hot. 

Those slightly cooler days can make spending time in the swimming pool less appealing, so why not give your pool the infrastructure it needs to deliver warmer water? Above ground heat pumps and solar pool covers can have a noticeable impact on your pool’s temperature, allowing you to spend time in your swimming pool even on those slightly chillier summer evenings. This investment can also just more broadly extend your pool season, too, since it’s not unrealistic that you can still be swimming well into October with a good heat pump in place. 

Consider a Pool Canopy

With that said, while summer months can bring slightly chilly days, there can also be heatwave periods in which the sun’s rays are fierce. During those times, having a swimming pool in your backyard can be a game-changer, allowing you and your family to quickly cool off and stay at a comfortable temperature.

However, while being in the pool can be great from a temperature perspective, it can be risky from a sun exposure perspective. Many people get burned while swimming because, since their bodies feel cool, they’re unaware of the damage that the sun is doing.

Adding a pool canopy to your above ground pool is an excellent way to ensure that you and your family can safely swim even during the hottest periods of the day. 

Consider a Water Feature

Adding a water feature to your above ground pool is surprisingly affordable and easy to install, and offers plenty of benefits. Did you know that the sound of running water has a calming, soothing effect on humans? With this simple addition, you’ll be giving your backyard a space with an additional dose of serenity, which can help to make those lovely summer mornings all the more enjoyable. 

Look at Landscaping

Above ground pools have come a long way in recent years, and today often feature stylish designs. With that said, it can still be worthwhile to landscape the area immediately around the pool, which can help to give your backyard more visual appeal. One cost-effective way to elevate the appearance of your above ground pool is to plant some shrubs and bushes around the perimeter, which can help make your pool look like it’s sitting in the middle of a lovely garden. That, plus the partial deck that we mentioned above, can transform how your pool looks. 

Make It Social Ready

A good above ground pool can function as a hangout spot not just for your family, but also for your extended friends and family. One way to increase the comfort levels of your pool is to add a pool bar, which is surprisingly easy to do. With little more than a few pool chairs and a wooden attached bar, you can spend long days in your pool sipping on cocktails, just like you were on vacation.