Above-ground pools are often restricted to a few feet of depth. Most wall materials won’t support the water if they’re too deep. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your above-ground swimming pool much deeper than the traditional four-foot depth. Many pool owners are switching to this new deep above-ground pool trend.
You can make an above-ground pool deep by partially sinking it into the ground. An above-ground pool can be four feet above the surface and four feet below it. Pool builders partially use rebar, plaster, steel, and aluminum to support above-ground pools.
In this post, we’ll explain how deep an above-ground pool can be, whether or not you can make it deeper, and if an above-ground pool can be turned into an in-ground pool.
How Deep Can an Above-Ground Swimming Pool Be?
Lowes claims above-ground pools can be up to 54 inches deep. Many other depths include 48 inches, 52 inches, and a few other variants. However, you can’t get an above-ground pool that’s too much deeper than four feet. Even a 54-inch above-ground pool only holds around four feet of water because no pool should be completely full.
The good news is that you can turn your above-ground pool into a partially in-ground pool. You must dig deep enough to reach your desired depth and find out how much rebar you need. That being said, we highly recommend hiring a professional pool-building team to handle the job. You’ll likely get a warranty, which is worth the price increase.
So, are you wondering how deep you can make your partially above-ground pool? These three factors make the difference:
- Local diving laws and regulations: Some places won’t let you own a diving board unless the pool is between 7 to 9 feet deep. If you want a diving board for your new above-ground pool setup, it’s important to ask around and find out how deep it needs to be. Consider asking a pool builder since they’ll undoubtedly know the local laws.
- Your budget: Making an above-ground pool a bit deeper requires a lot of investments. We’ll cover all of the details in the following section, but it’s important to establish a budget. If you can’t swing with the digging, replacing, extending, and other costs, it might not be worth making your above-ground pool deeper.
- Your pool’s structure: You can’t make an inflatable pool deeper. Furthermore, it’s extremely difficult to make a steel-frame above-ground pool deeper if the walls are flush and sealed with the bottom of the frame. Contact a local pool installation company to know if this conversion is possible for your pool.
Can an Above-Ground Pool Be Made Deeper?
An above-ground pool can be made deeper by putting it partially or all the way into the ground. If you have an above-ground pool, you’ll need a pool company to move it to another location while they dig a hole in the soil. Once the proper depth is achieved, they’ll lay supportive rebar to hold the pool.
Here’s a handful of things to keep in mind when making an above-ground pool deeper:
- Some pools cost more to put into the ground than others. It could depend on the size of the pool, the time of year, and various other factors. Most above-ground pools are vinyl, but some people have polymer above-ground pools. These variants often experience complications when being partially sunk into the ground.
- The pool company will have to replace the liner to accommodate the new depth. Getting a deeper pool means you’ll need more vinyl. They can’t glue or sew additional vinyl to the pool because it would create weak points. You’ll have to pay the price for a full vinyl replacement at the cost of whichever size, design, and thickness you prefer.
- Dense soil often requires higher labor costs. Companies often charge more if they have to dig through gravel, clay, and other substances that require more time and energy. They might also charge more if they have to use heavy-duty equipment. Always get a quote ahead of time so they can’t change the prices as they go.
- You can keep the same outer walls. Most above-ground pools that get put into the ground use the same outer walls for the upper portion. The above-ground walls don’t need to change, but there’s definitely a strong need to add lower walls. If you want the most support, you’ll have to pay for the full outer wall replacement.
- Your pool will undoubtedly be heavier, which means it could need additional structural support or material changes. Again, ask the pool builders for a quote to know how much they’ll charge to relocate the pool while creating the in-ground frame. It might be worth switching the pool for a brand-new one.
Above-ground pools are turned into partially in-ground pools frequently. You don’t need to remove your pool and switch to a plaster setup if you want to enjoy a greater depth. Flawless Image Pool Service recommends shopping around, especially since seasonal prices could fluctuate during the summer.
Can You Turn an Above-Ground Pool into an In-Ground Pool?
You can turn in an above-ground pool into an in-ground pool by digging a hole and completely sinking the pool walls into the ground. Make sure the outer edges are exposed since you’ll likely need to access them for liner changes.
HGTV explains you can save over $20,000 by turning an above-ground pool into an in-ground pool instead of purchasing a gunite permanent in-ground pool. Vinyl pools are cheaper than gunite pools, not to mention the fact that you already have a structure built. The conversion cost will be drastically cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Above-ground pools offer numerous benefits, including their low-cost installation, materials, and labor. However, some of us prefer deeper pools than the four-foot average above-ground pool. The good news is that you can partially sink your above-ground pool below the surface to add several feet of depth.
