Turning an Old Above Ground Pool into a Luxury Dream Pool

The process of revitalizing an outdated pool can be time-consuming and challenging, but with careful planning, resourcefulness, and a little creativity, you can create a stunning backyard that looks and feels like a resort. In this blog, we’ll walk through every step involved in turning a second-hand above-ground pool into a beautiful, luxury pool area.

The First Step: Finding the Pool and Starting the Journey

The project began with finding a massive above-ground pool for $500 on Facebook Marketplace. The catch? We had to disassemble it ourselves and transport it. The pool came with a working pump and no leaks, making it an excellent starting point for the transformation.

The decision to buy a used pool at such a low price was tempting, but the real challenge lay in reassembling it and creating a stable foundation to support it. Even though it seemed like a great deal, we knew the road ahead would require significant work, especially when it came to preparing the site in our backyard.

Step 1: Preparing the Site for the Pool

The most important part of this project was preparing the hill in the backyard where the pool would sit. The site was on a slope, which meant that we had to create a flat and stable area for the pool to rest on. Our goal was to build a “shelf” on the hill to level out the surface, which would support the weight of the pool and water.

The first task was to excavate and move dirt from the bottom of the hill to fill in the lower areas of the yard. This would eventually give us a large enough, level flat surface to sit the pool. After working with an excavator, we had a big flat spot, but we quickly realized that the loose dirt could wash away with rain. To solve this, we covered the entire surface with rocks to help stabilize the ground. Rocks were essential to prevent erosion, especially since we were working with a large, sloped hill.

The cost for the rocks was approximately $150 per dump truck load, but to save money, we used logs and old tree stumps to cover part of the surface, reducing the need for more rocks. After this, we moved on to the next step, which was constructing a more solid foundation for the pool.

Step 2: Building the Pool Base – Compacting the Surface

Once the rocks were in place, we could focus on making the surface level and compacted enough to hold the pool. The next step was to create a rectangular frame using wood. We filled the frame with dirt and gravel, then compacted it using a tamper. The goal was to ensure the base was as flat as possible, with no holes or uneven spots that could potentially damage the pool liner.

We spent extra time ensuring that the surface was perfectly level down to the 1/4 inch to avoid any issues when setting up the pool. After the base was compacted and smoothed, we covered it with foam padding. This foam layer would protect the pool liner from sharp objects and uneven ground, ensuring the pool would sit comfortably on a soft surface.

Step 3: Cleaning and Assembling the Pool

After setting up the foundation, it was time to address the pool itself. Having been sitting outside for months, the pool was dirty and filled with algae. We used a pressure washer to clean the pool thoroughly, which was surprisingly satisfying as dirt and grime were blasted off the walls, revealing the pool's true potential.

The next challenge was reassembling the pool. Even though it was in good condition overall, we had to carefully put the pieces back together. This process included attaching the pool walls, securing the liner, and making sure everything was in place. By the end of this step, the pool was looking better, but still far from being a luxury feature in the backyard.

Step 4: Dealing with Setbacks – Structural Issues

Once the pool was assembled and filled with water, things took an unexpected turn. The back wall of the pool collapsed overnight. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that the metal legs supporting the pool had corroded, likely from previous exposure to saltwater. This damage was significant enough to cause the pool structure to buckle under the weight of the water.

To fix this, we found another used pool on Facebook that wasn’t a saltwater pool. We bought replacement legs and replaced the damaged ones. In addition, we added extra support to the pool structure by placing more blocks under the legs to ensure better stability.

This setback, while frustrating, didn’t derail the project. Instead, it showed the importance of checking the pool's structural integrity before filling it with water. The total cost of the replacement legs was $250, bringing the overall pool cost closer to $1,600 for everything, including the original $500 pool purchase and the materials for the base and deck.

Step 5: Building the Deck – The Most Expensive Part

A deck was essential for turning the pool area into a true luxury space. While an inground pool might be ideal for some, an above-ground pool with a custom deck can be just as impressive with the right touches. However, building a deck is no small task, and it comes with its own set of expenses.

To start, we needed framing lumber and decking boards. Purchasing new framing lumber for the deck would have cost around $2,500, but we managed to find used 16-foot boards for just $1,300 by searching online marketplaces. This was a huge cost-saving move.

The deck design was simple but effective, with posts placed around the pool to support the structure. Landscaping timbers were used for posts, saving us money, as 30 timbers cost $150, whereas 4x4 posts would have cost $360. Once the frame was complete, we added the decking boards. The deck would span nearly 60 feet, wrapping around the pool to create a spacious outdoor area.

Step 6: Adding the Pergola and Outdoor Kitchen

A pergola was the next addition to elevate the pool area. A pergola adds visual appeal and provides shade for the space, making it a comfortable place to relax even on hot summer days. We used beams and rafters to build the structure, and while the cost for the materials varied, the overall cost for the pergola was $400.

Along with the pergola, we designed and built an outdoor kitchen area. This involved creating cabinets and countertops for a functional space to cook and entertain by the pool. We used treated plywood for the cabinet bases and coated them with a layer of cement board for durability. For the countertops, we opted for tile instead of heavy granite or concrete, which would have been significantly more expensive. The total cost for the outdoor kitchen, including the countertops, came to $300.

Step 7: Installing the Finishing Touches

With the structure in place, the final steps involved installing some of the finer details. This included a large sink, refrigerator, and outdoor furniture, all purchased second-hand. The sink cost $130, the refrigerator was $250, and a new outdoor couch was purchased for $400.

Lighting was another important feature to add. To make the area feel like a true resort, we added lights around the pergola and deck. The total cost for lighting and additional decor was $150.

Finally, we installed a robot pool cleaner, the Aper Surfer S2, which helped keep the pool clean by collecting leaves and debris. This robot was essential in maintaining the pool’s cleanliness, especially considering the amount of debris falling from nearby trees. The Aper Surfer S2 cost $1,000, but it proved to be a worthwhile investment for keeping the pool in pristine condition.

Step 8: The Final Reveal – A Luxury Pool on a Budget

After several months of hard work, the transformation from an old, tired above-ground pool to a luxury pool area was complete. The total cost of the entire project was approximately $3,600, which is a fraction of what an inground pool or new luxury pool installation would cost.

The result was nothing short of amazing—a pool surrounded by a beautiful deck, pergola, outdoor kitchen, and seating area. The project showcased how creativity, hard work, and resourcefulness can turn a basic above-ground pool into a luxurious backyard retreat.

Conclusion: Budget-Friendly Pool Transformation

Turning an old above-ground pool into a luxury pool area is not only possible but can be done on a budget. By sourcing materials second-hand, doing much of the work ourselves, and focusing on the key elements like the pool base, deck, and outdoor kitchen, we were able to create a stunning backyard without breaking the bank.

The final result is a space that feels luxurious, looks impressive, and is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Whether you’re considering a similar project or just looking for inspiration, this transformation proves that with the right vision and a little effort, you can create a beautiful pool area that will enhance your outdoor living space for years to come.