--- title: "10 Reasons to Reconsider the Above-Ground Pool" date: "2014-07-17" modified: "2022-05-04" authors: - name: "Debra Immergut" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/debra-immergut/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-reasons-to-reconsider-the-above-ground-pool-47781/" categories: - "Exterior" - "Pools & Water Features" tags: - "water features" --- # 10 Reasons to Reconsider the Above-Ground Pool ![]() ### Sleek Chic On a sloped property, it's possible to position an above-ground pool so that it looks like an in-ground one. A [modern wood deck]() and high-end furniture add to the classy illusion. ### Deluxe Hangout An above-ground pool with a stained or painted wood surround looks appealing from all angles. Shown here, a pool house drives home the feeling of luxurious comfort. ### Organic Elegance Natural materials thoughtfully positioned on a sloped site make this above-ground pool appear right at home in the yard. The lesson? To seamlessly blend your pool into the environment, opt for a surround made of local stone or wood. ### Lap of Luxury A lap pool is an excellent tool for staying fit, but as this design demonstrates, it can also be a [stunning water feature](). This custom job is made from concrete but incorporates a hardwood deck, which adds such warmth richness to the overall installation. ### Window Box Pools with glass inserts are perfect for small courtyards. And though they must be custom-made (and cost a small fortune), there's no denying their jaw-dropping visual impact. ### The Right Finishing Touches Just as the right accessories can make an outfit, the right outdoor furniture and hardscaping can upgrade the look of an above-ground pool. Here, the pool's wooden surround is visually of a piece with the ladder and patio chairs. And to ease the transition from the grassy yard, the edges of the simple wood deck are fringed by low plants. ### A Step Up Its freeform shape and custom [bluestone steps]() transform this above-ground pool into something quite extraordinary. The steps do triple duty: While covering the surround, they allow entry from any point along the perimeter and provide generous space for bathers to sit near the water. ### Decked Out ![]() *poolandpatio.abou t.com* Multi-level wooden decks smooth the transition between the yard and pool in this smartly devised layout. An above-ground spa is a welcome extra, and containers of [flowering plants]() deliver a nice decorative touch. ### On the Fence ![]() *deepnot.com* Thoughtfully installed decking around the back half of this pool allows it to function like an in-ground design. The focal point of the landscaping is a dramatic rock retaining wall planted with palms, and a wood-plank surround that matches the deck yields a cohesive look. ### Poolside Seating ![]() *lostwest.com* An above-ground "endless" lap pool, functioning like a treadmill but for swimming, enables the homeowners to get plenty of exercise, even in their relatively [small yard](). The pool's edge is lined with stained wooden boards for lounging after a workout, and checkerboard-pattern pavers add to the design's pleasing geometric style. ## Author Formerly the Editor in Chief of [Parents.com](), Debra Immergut writes about homes and design for [The Wall Street Journal](), [The Boston Globe](), and other leading publications. Ms. Immergut holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan as well as Master's of Fine Arts degree from the Iowa's Writer's Workshop at the University of Iowa. Her first novel, [Captives](), was published in 2018 by Harper Collins. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [LinkedIn]()