Why go to the community pool, when you can have your own in your backyard? Why don’t you bring a pool to your backyard and cool down every day for just a hundred bucks? There are many pools on the market, designed for different shapes and sizes, at a range of prices, and your job is to find the one that fits your backyard best. However, once you’re here, you’re probably looking for a pool for a small yard.
Therefore, to spare you from browsing the whole internet to find the info you’re looking for, we’ve put the best pools for a small yard in one place. Make sure to go through the following reviews, so you get a better understanding of their features, and find out everything you need to know to spend your money wisely.
Top 3 Pools for Small Yards in 2020
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The above listed pools for small yards are the best the market has to offer. We’ve considered several factors when creating the list:
- Size – clearly, the pool can’t be too big, otherwise it defeats the point
- Quality – it should last at least few years, and the build quality was a prime criterion
- Value for Money – we’re not looking for a premium option, but we included one. Compromises have to be made, but not ones that will affect your experience
- Maintenance – when we say maintenance, we mean the setup, cleaning the pool, and how easy it is to take care of it through the seasons.
Intex Rectangular
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Intex dominates the pools for small yards category, which is why the top list consists of its products. It’s a brand that’s successfully supplied the market with top notch, yet affordable small yard pools. They have bigger pools as well, but that’s a topic for a different occasion.
The rectangular, above ground pool for small yards by Intax is perfect for kids, dogs, and even yourself during the summer heat. It holds about 600 gallons of water, however, it’s too small for grown-ups. Except if you plan to only sit there, like in a large bathtub, then you’ll fit. The pool is so sturdy and made of heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sidewalls, that it won’t collapse or let the water out even when an adult leans against the edge. The frame is rust-proof to protect the pool from debris. It also comes with a flow control valve so you can drain it easily. This is why it gets top points for maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty PVC and polyester 3-ply sidewalls | No pump/filter |
| Rust-resistant frame | |
| Flow control valve for easy draining | |
| Sturdy | |
| Easy to set up |
The Intex Rectangular small yard pool is easy to set up, and the assembly will take approximately 30 minutes. However, since the legs aren’t adjustable, make sure to put the pool on a flat surface. It doesn’t come with any filters, but it has side ports for filter attachment. Therefore, it’s best to get one, so you keep it clean, yet not refill it every time you use it. Also, along with the filter, you can use chlorine float dispenser to keep the pool absolutely sanitized. When it comes to maintenance, it’s of the utmost importance to keep the pool protected from the elements. There is a number of frame pool covers on the market that will fit perfectly, so consider getting one.
If you decide to go for the Intex Rectangular small pool, you can be sure that you’ve invested your money wisely. You won’t have to pay a small fortune, yet you’ll get a pool that will exceed your expectations. Intex simply excels when it comes to above ground small yard pools!
Intex Prism Frame Pool
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Adding a pool in a small yard is easier than it sounds, thanks to Intex. The second small yard pool on our list is the Prism Frame Pool, which comes with higher water capacity than the previous one – that is, 1,185 gallons. This is enough even for adults, unlike what the Intex Rectangular can provide.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quality powder-coated steel frame | Some report leaking upon arrival |
| 3-ply material liner | No ladder |
| 110-120V cartridge filter pump included | |
| Easy to assemble |
This Intex Prism Frame Pool is made of a quality powder-coated steel frame, which makes the pool sturdy, and 3-ply material liner. In other words, it’s made to last. Moreover, unlike the previous pool, this one comes with a 110-120V cartridge filter pump with a pump flow rate of 330 gallons per hour, meaning you won’t have any extra costs to keep the pool clean. But, you can also get chlorine float dispenser to make sure that all the dangerous contaminants are eliminated.
The pool is easy to assemble, and it’ll take about half an hour to put the pieces together. Once assembled, you’ll have to wait for the pool to fill up, which is going to take several hours, depending on the water flow. However, the first thing to do before you install the pool in your small yard is to make sure the ground is leveled. Also, consider putting a foam layer under it, that will protect the liner from anything underneath the pool poking through, and your feet will be more comfortable at the same time.
Although this above ground pool for small yard is made of quality materials, the key to longevity is proper maintenance. It’s recommended to cover the pool with a frame pool cover when you don’t use it for a longer period of time, or when the weather turns nasty. There are many of them available on the market.
On the other hand, since some customers report leaking upon arrival, make sure the pool comes with an exchange or refund policy, or insist on inspecting the package. Also, since the sidewalls are tall, you might find it hard to get in and out without a ladder. Getting one is probably the best option you have.
Overall, this Intex small yard pool is a budget-friendly solution to provide the whole family with fun during a heatwave.
Intex Easy Set Pool
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Here comes the most expensive pool for small yard on our list, yet affordable. It’s fully equipped, so you can don’t have to worry about obtaining additional or supporting equipment. The one we feature here is slightly larger, but we felt like including it because the definition of a “small yard” is quite relative.
Also, this particular item does not have a frame, like the previous two. This makes it safer for kids who take the fun to the next level, yet water can get spilled out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a ground fault interrupter for extra safety | Not as sturdy as the pools with metal frames |
| Tough laminated PVC sidewalls | Some report that the pump dies after a short period of time |
| Krystal clear cartridge filter pump (110-120V), cover, ground cloth, and ladder included | |
| Easy to assemble |
First of all, you can find this small yard pool model in several sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your yard best. The Intex Easy Set swimming pool for small yard is made of tough laminated PVC sidewalls, which make the pool more durable, and inflatable top ring. The water capacity varies, depending on the size of the pool, from 1,485 gallons to 5,455 gallons. Specifically, the model we’re reviewing, which is 15ft X 48in, holds up to 3,736 gallons of water. The pool features a 110-120V Krystal clear cartridge filter pump with a pump flow rate of 1,000 gallons per hour. Additionally, it comes with a:
- cover, to protect the pool from debris,
- ladder, for easier getting in and out,
- ground cloth
- ground fault interrupter, which shuts the pump off if electrical current is exposed to water.
Once you’re done, you can drain the water with a garden hose. The Intex Easy Set above ground pool for small yard is easy and simple to assemble, just make sure you put it on a flat area. The pool is large enough to suit both kids and adults. However, if you’re looking for something more sturdy, the previous two areprobably a better option. On the other hand, as many customers report, the pump stops working in a very short period of time. But, the pool comes with a 30-day warranty, so you can return it if you encounter any issues.
All in all, placing the Intex Easy Set pool in small yard will be a good option to keep the entire family entertained when the summer heat hits. It’s not out of this world, but for the price, it does a good enough job.
Pools for Small Yard Buying Guide
Don’t make any rash decisions. You don’t want to end up with a pile of PVC and potentially a steel frame which you cannot use. Here are a few things you SHOULD consider before buying a small above ground pool.
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Make a Plan
To make a plan of the entire space is the best way to start with. First of all, establish a clear purpose. In other words, whether the pool will be used by you and your family, or as an architectural feature. Then, you should predetermine the space available in your backyard before you install one. Decide whether you’ll put an in-ground or above ground pool, and finally, set your budget.
Regarding installation, you can install an above ground pool by yourself. However, if you go with an in-ground, you’ll need a professional, meaning you’ll have extra costs. Also, that hole in your yard is kind of permanent unless you put extra resources in filling it up.
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Price
The pool price can range from a hundred bucks to thousands, depending on the model. Therefore, you should determine what features you would like the pool to come with, then set your budget prior to investing your money on one.
Additionally, keep in mind that you’ll have long term costs as well. You’ll need to regularly purchase chemicals to keep the water clean and safe, to plug the filter in, because of which you’ll have higher electrical bills, and so on.
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Space
Speaking of space, consider that, apart from the pool itself, the features like irrigation pipes, landscaping, and hardscape also belong to the pool area. Overall, the pool area should take approximately 25% of the whole available area. Thus, make sure there’s enough space in your backyard.
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Shape
The above ground pools are mostly round or oval. On the other hand, the in-ground ones come in a variety of shapes. Therefore, when deciding about the pool shape, consider what will be the main purpose of the pool and how would you like to look it in your backyard. It’s recommended the pool to match the shape of your yard. Consider the exterior decorations you have in your yard.
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Pool Maintenance through the Seasons
Even though you don’t use it throughout the whole year, it’s important to take care of the pool properly and keep it in good condition. As seasons change, the pool requires different maintenance. However, regardless of the season, keep any electronics away from the pool, this includes but is not limited to any bug zappers you might have in the backyard, lawn mowers, or any other object that might get damaged because of water contact.
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Winter
As winter approaches and temperatures go down, make sure you are equipped with all the necessary supplies to keep the pool well-maintained. If it’s an above ground pool you have in your backyard, maintenance is easy and straightforward. All it takes is disassembling and storing all of its parts in a dry area, or just putting a safety cover. But, when it comes to maintaining an in-ground pool, it’ll take time and effort to keep it intact. Here are a few steps to take to winterize your pool.
- Before you close it, make sure it’s as spotless as possible. In other words, make sure to skim it, brush it, vacuum it, until the pool is perfectly clean
- Check if PH and alkalinity are balanced
- Drain it a few inches below the skimmer
- Blow out the lines with an air compressor or an air blower
- Add winter chemicals to the pool
- Close the pool with a cover
- Maintain the pool cover – regularly check if there are sources of debris on the cover, such as leaves; remove if there are any
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Spring
Once the hot weather is around the corner, it’s time to open the pool and prepare it for higher temperatures.
- Before you remove the cover, make sure to clean it in the first place.
- Check if the pool has the right amount of water, whose level should reach the middle of the skimmer opening.
- Treat the water with proper seasonal chemicals, then check with a pool testing kit if they’re balanced.
- Make sure the filtration system runs at least 24 hours after the water treatment, so the water is safe and clean.[/alert]
[alert style=”info”]Note: Add the pool shock when the sun goes down, so it doesn’t burn off the chemicals. [/alert]
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Summer
When the summer comes, you’ll use the pool on a daily basis. Therefore, you should perform some weekly maintenance on it.
- First of all, test the water once a week to make sure it’s properly balanced, as well as bacteria and algae-free
- Skim on a daily basis and vacuum as necessary
- Run the filter 10-12 hours a day
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Fall
If it still feels very much like summer, you’re probably still using the pool regularly. If this is the case, the pool maintenance will remain the same as it was in the summer. Otherwise, follow these steps to keep the pool well-maintained, before you cover it:
- Skim and clean it regularly to remove the leaves
- Treat the pool with chemicals less often
- Run the filter 4-8 hours a day
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Small Yard Pool Landscaping
If it feels like the pool doesn’t belong to your small backyard, the right landscaping will make it blend in the greenery. This way, you’ll create a paradise that extends far beyond your pool. All it takes is a little creativity. Here are some landscaping ideas worth your attention.
In Touch with Nature
When there’s no deck, you can add some greenery around the above-ground pool. Just put in some ground plants like tall grass or shrubs, and cover with mulch.
You can add some palm trees on gravel instead, to get more of an oasis look. This way, you won’t have to worry about removing the leaves from the water over and over.
Right Into the Pool
Why getting a ladder, when you can jump in the water straight off the deck?
Wooden Panels
Cover the ordinary sidewalls and pool deck with wooden panels.
Light It Up
A quiet summer night in the pool, under the candle or solar landscaping lights is always a good idea.
Pools for Small Yard FAQs
Yes, you can. Not all of the pools are designed for large backyards only. There’s a wide variety of small yard pool models on the market that come in different shapes and sizes. Therefore, depending on the available space in your backyard, you have an opportunity to find a pool that fits best.
When it comes to shape, the above ground pools are round, rectangular, or oval. However, the most common are the round ones. Speaking of size, they’re mostly small-sized, but still, their diameter varies. The smallest size of an above ground pool for small yard that you’ll find on the market is 12 feet in diameter.
Once you decide to install a pool in your backyard, it’s essential to have predetermined the available space. Regardless of the pool size, it’s recommended approximately 25% of the whole available area to belong to the pool and the pool deck.
The size of the above ground pools for small yards ranges from 12 to 36 feet round, or 12′x24′ to 21′x43′ oval. The most common type of above ground pools you’ll come across in people’s backyards is round, 24 feet in diameter.
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Martha M.
I'm passionate about small DIY projects and my modest garden. I'm always up for a challenge! Soon after getting out of university, I realized I won't find many if I don't set the ground myself. Soon after, TopYardDesign.com was created.
