Above ground pools · UK
Above ground pools
for UK gardens.
No excavation. No planning permission. A beautiful wooden above ground pool that's ready to swim in within weeks — and looks like it belongs in your garden.
What types of above ground pool are there?
Above ground pools fall into three broad categories, and the differences matter more than most buyers realise before they purchase.
Inflatable and basic frame pools — brands like Intex and Bestway — cost between £50 and £500. They're quick to set up and fine for a summer or two, but they look temporary because they are. Most last 1–3 seasons before the liner or frame gives out.
Steel or resin frame pools are more robust — typically £300–£2,000 — and will last 5–10 years with care. They're functional but rarely look like a considered garden feature.
Wooden above ground pools are in a different category entirely. Built from premium Nordic timber, they look like a permanent part of the garden, last 20+ years, and hold water beautifully. The upfront cost is higher — from £3,000 — but the cost per year of actual use is lower than cheaper alternatives that need replacing every few seasons.
We make wooden above ground pools. The three ranges below cover everything from a first pool to a statement garden feature.
How much does an above ground pool cost?
Inflatable / frame
- Cost
- £50 – £500
- Lifespan
- 1–3 seasons
- Appearance
- Temporary
Fine for occasional use. Not a garden investment.
Steel / resin frame
- Cost
- £300 – £2,000
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Appearance
- Functional
More robust, but rarely beautiful in a garden context.
Our pools
Wooden above ground
- Cost
- From £3,000
- Lifespan
- 20–25+ years
- Appearance
- Premium
Looks and performs like a permanent garden feature.
Why above ground works for UK gardens
No planning permission
Above ground pools are not classified as permanent structures under UK planning law. Most gardens qualify for permitted development — no application required.
No excavation or groundworks
Installation takes 1–3 days. No diggers, no concrete, no months of disruption. Your garden stays intact.
Ready to swim in weeks
From order to swimming, most customers wait 6–10 weeks. Compare that to 6–12 months for a traditional in-ground pool build.
Lower total cost
An in-ground pool including groundworks, liner, surround, and landscaping regularly costs £30,000–£80,000. A wooden above ground pool delivers the same swimming experience from £3,000.
Moveable if you relocate
Unlike an in-ground pool, a wooden above ground pool can be dismantled and moved to a new property. Most customers don't, but it's possible.
Looks like it belongs
Nordic timber ages beautifully in British weather. Our pools don't look like leisure equipment — they look like a considered part of the garden.
Our wooden above ground pool ranges
Or go straight to our above-ground swimming pool range for detailed specs and sizes.
Essentials
The entry point to wooden above ground pool ownership.
Available in multiple sizes and shapes — ideal for families who want a proper pool without committing to the full investment of the Premium or Signature ranges.
Above-ground · Multiple sizes · From £3,000
Browse Essentials
Premium
Our most popular above ground range.
Larger footprints, greater depth, more flexibility to choose a size that genuinely feels like a proper swimming pool. The right choice for most families.
Above-ground · Deep-water options · From £6,000
Browse Premium
Signature
The finest above ground pools we make.
Generous dimensions, premium Nordic timber, and architectural shapes that make a real statement. Above-ground — but nobody would know it.
Above-ground · Architectural shapes · From £12,000
Browse SignatureExtend your season
Swim from April to October.
A heat pump transforms how much you use an above ground pool. For every 1 kW of electricity, a modern inverter heat pump delivers up to 5 kW of heat — making a warm pool affordable from early spring through to autumn.
Common questions
What is the difference between an above ground pool and an in-ground pool?
An above-ground pool sits on the surface of your garden — no excavation required. An in-ground pool is set into a dug-out and sits flush with the garden. Above-ground pools are faster to install, lower cost, require no planning permission in most cases, and can be relocated. In-ground pools have a more integrated look and are a permanent garden feature.
How much does an above ground pool cost in the UK?
Costs vary significantly by type. Inflatable and basic frame pools cost £50–£500 but typically last only 1–3 seasons. Wooden above-ground pools — the kind we make — start from £3,000 and last 15–25 years with basic maintenance. They look far better in a garden and hold their value as a garden feature.
Do I need planning permission for an above ground pool in the UK?
In most cases, no. Above-ground pools are not considered permanent structures under UK planning law and typically fall within permitted development rights. We recommend checking with your local planning authority if you are in a conservation area or live in a listed building.
Are wooden above ground pools better than steel or inflatable?
For a UK garden, yes — in almost every way. Wooden pools look like part of the garden rather than temporary leisure equipment. They last 20+ years compared to 1–5 for inflatable or steel-frame alternatives. Nordic timber is naturally water-resistant and weathers beautifully. The upfront cost is higher, but the cost per year of use is lower than cheaper alternatives.
How quickly can I get an above ground pool installed?
Our wooden above-ground pools typically arrive 6–10 weeks from order and can be installed in 1–3 days. There is no excavation, no concrete groundworks, and no contractor delays. Most customers are swimming within a few weeks of placing their order.
Can I heat an above ground pool in the UK?
Yes. A heat pump is the most efficient way to do it — modern inverter heat pumps deliver up to 5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity used. Our Thermotec range is compatible with all our above-ground pools and will extend your swimming season from April through October. A solar cover alongside the heat pump keeps running costs low.
Ready to find your above ground pool?
Use our Pool Finder to get a shortlist of models that suit your garden, budget, and how you plan to use the pool — it takes about two minutes. Or speak to the team directly.