Get matched with top above ground pool installation pros in Manton, MI

Small backyards are not a reason to write off fun upgrades like an above ground pool. You can find both soft and hard-sided above ground pools as small as 8 feet in diameter as well as 9-by-18-feet rectangles or 10-by-16-feet ovals. You will need at least 2 to 3 feet around the outside of your pool for additional support and for placing pool equipment, but a professional pool installer can help you find a model that's right for your tiny outdoor space.

A fiberglass pool lasts up to 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance. For the longest possible lifespan, keep your pool water pH as close to seven as possible. Test your water levels regularly, run your pool filter daily, and avoid draining the pool. Once your pool is 20 to 30 years old, you can prolong the lifespan by refinishing the shell.

Infinity pools do require slightly more maintenance than other pools because you’ll need to constantly monitor the water level. If the water level is out of whack, it won’t correctly flow over the edge, which gives the pool its infinity look. 

That said, the rest of the maintenance is largely dependent on the type of material you choose. Concrete needs a little extra care to prevent algae growth, and you will eventually need to resurface it. Fiberglass and vinyl liners are algae-resistant but they’re not as durable.

Pools and pool equipment tend to go on sale in the fall to make room for the next year’s inventory. That means if you’re looking for the lowest cost to install a pool in your outdoor space, you should start looking in the fall rather than the summer. You’ll save money and be ready to dive in during the warm months next year.