Put An Above Ground Pool Under the Tree

Okay, I get it. A pool won’t fit under the tree, but you get the idea. Every year Eastgate Pools & Spas sells quite a few above ground pools to people that want to surprise the family with a great present. Most shoppers have never bought a pool before, so here are some tips to make the decision-making process easier.

Understand your local setback requirements.

Many communities have requirements about where you can build on your property. Most are centered on how far you must stay from property lines. You can find this out from your local zoning board. If you are in a homeowners’ association (HOA) you need to check on whether you can have a pool or if there are additional rules you must follow.

Setbacks may also apply to distances from sewer systems and leach lines, other on-site buildings, and streets. And if you have a corner lot, make sure you can have a pool. Communities often prohibit a pool in a location classified as a side yard, but a zoning appeal frequently results in a variance being granted.

Size matters.

Now that you understand where a pool can be or can’t go, it’s time to pick out a model and a size. There are many sizes of pools in both round and oval shapes. Round pools are the most popular as they are generally less expensive than oval pools and easier to map out in your yard. All you need is a wind-up tape measure and a screwdriver. Simply locate where you want the center of the pool and stake the tape’s beginning loop there. Then stretch it out to half the pool’s diameter. For example, if you are considering a 24-foot diameter pool, stretch it out to twelve feet. Then walk a circle with the tape. This would give you the outer limit of where the pool would be.

Analyze where you think the pool should go.

In short, flat areas are better than sloped areas. Usually. Flat means less dirt must be removed. Installers don’t remove the dirt they excavate so the flatter the site the less work for you once they are finished. But there are exceptions. If the flat area you are considering is far from the house, the convenience factor must be part of the process in planning. You also need to avoid swales or areas affected by natural drainage. Building here could involve the pool frame and base gradually washing out.

If there is no choice but to put the pool in a mid-to-heavily-sloped area, don’t worry. It can be done. However, digging into the hill will require an extended excavation to give installers room to work. More importantly, if you need a retaining wall to hold the hillside back, it will give you or a contractor needed workspace.

If you think you’ll need a retaining wall you may want to consider one of our hybrid Sensation pools. While more expensive than traditional above ground pools, they are often the perfect solution to yards with steeper slopes. If you think your yard might have a problematic slope, check them out on our web site to learn more, then stop in and see the real deal. Their unique construction allows the actual wall to become its own retaining wall. Dirt can be placed against it all the way to the top of the wall, eliminating the need for a separate retaining wall. But even if you have a pool-table-like flat yard, you should be considering Sensation pools due to their unique and beautiful design. They can sit on top of the ground, go all the way in the ground, or anywhere in between.

Electric.

No matter what pool you select, you’ll need electric service for the filtration system. The shorter the run, the less expensive it will be. In general, you will need a dedicated GFCI circuit, 120V with a 20-amp breaker. The latest National Electric Code update states that the outlet must be between 6 and 10 feet from the pool itself and if there are overhead wires in the area, they must be at least 10-foot horizontally from pool wall edges. There are also bonding requirements so consult with a licensed electrician for guidance on all service specifics and Code updates.

We always get a few customers that choose to run their filter system on an extension cord. In no situation is this permissible, even if it is an outdoor-rated extension cord. Using an extension cord can and will ultimately damage the motor, but much more importantly, it is dangerous. A frayed or damaged cord can send current throughout the yard and to the pool. Don’t do it.

Perceived negatives aside…

A swimming pool is a fantastic addition to almost any backyard. Most installations go off without a hitch and every year we have new pool owners stop in and tell us how much they love their new pool.

As for putting one under the tree this coming holiday season, I know it’s not possible. But as the old cliché goes, a picture paints a thousand words.