Guides
Wooden Pool Installation Guide
Everything you need to know before installing a wooden or above-ground pool in your garden — from choosing the right spot to water chemistry and winterising.
The Wooden Pool Store supplies wooden pools and heating equipment — we do not carry out installation.
We strongly recommend a professional installer. Contact us and we will point you towards experienced local installers.
Above-Ground or In-Ground?
Wooden pools are available in both above-ground and in-ground configurations. The choice affects how much groundwork is needed, the overall cost, and how the pool sits in your garden. Both use the same premium Nordic timber construction and liner system — the difference is whether the walls are fully visible above ground or set into an excavation.
Above-Ground
- ✓Faster and lower-cost installation
- ✓No excavation required — suitable for most garden types
- ✓Can be installed on a concrete slab or reinforced paving
- ✓Timber walls visible above ground level
- ✓Requires ladder or steps for entry; decking is a popular addition
- ✓Easier to relocate if you move house
In-Ground
- ✓Flush with garden level — neater, more integrated appearance
- ✓Walk-in access from pool surround
- ✓More stable long-term; ground provides lateral support
- ✓Requires excavation — ground conditions must be surveyed
- ✓Higher installation cost and longer programme
- ✓Suits most garden sizes; ideal for permanent, statement installs
Not sure which option suits your garden and budget? Use our Pool Finder or ask our team — we're happy to talk through the options for your specific garden.
Step 1
Choosing the Right Location
Where you place your wooden pool or above-ground pool will affect how much you use it, how much it costs to run, and how long the structure lasts. Take time to choose carefully before any groundwork begins.
Sunlight
A sunny spot helps warm the water naturally. Avoid heavily shaded areas where possible — an above-ground pool in shade costs significantly more to heat.
Level ground
The site must be level. Uneven ground causes structural stress and liner distortion over time, leading to leaks and premature failure.
Drainage
Avoid low-lying areas. Standing water around the structure accelerates timber deterioration and can destabilise the base.
Trees
Nearby trees cause leaf debris and root movement over time. Allow as much distance as your garden permits.
Wind exposure
A sheltered position reduces heat loss and keeps running costs down across the swimming season.
Step 2
How Much Space Do You Need?
Your wooden pool needs more room than just the pool footprint. Make sure you have adequate clearance for access, equipment, and safety — particularly important for above-ground pools where the equipment sits alongside the structure.
| Space requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Around the pool walls | Minimum 600mm on all sides for access and drainage |
| Pump and filter | Allow roughly 1m × 1m on a hard, level surface close to the pool |
| Heat pump | Horizontal fan: 300mm behind, 2m in front. Vertical fan: 600mm all sides, clear above |
| Ladder or steps | Allow 0.5 to 1m extra on the entry side |
Step 3
The Base
The base is one of the most critical parts of any wooden pool installation. An inadequate base causes uneven settling, liner distortion, and leaks. We recommend a concrete base as the most reliable option, but the right solution varies by site — ground conditions, drainage, and pool size all play a role.
For above-ground pools on level, well-draining ground a concrete slab is typically sufficient. For in-ground or semi-buried installations a shuttered and reinforced concrete base is usually required, and a ground survey may be needed where clay, fill, or soft conditions are suspected.
Important
We will confirm the appropriate base specification as part of our response to your enquiry. Do not proceed with groundwork until this has been agreed with us and your installer.
Step 4
Plumbing, Filtration, and Heating
The pump draws water from the pool through the skimmer and main drain, passes it through a sand filter, and returns it to the pool. Position the pump and filter as close to the pool as possible to minimise pipe runs and flow resistance.
If adding a heat pump, it sits in the pipework between the filter and the pool return. A bypass valve arrangement around the heat pump is strongly recommended so it can be isolated for maintenance without shutting down filtration.
💡 Heating efficiency
A heat pump is the most efficient way to heat a wooden pool or above-ground pool — delivering five or more units of heat for every unit of electricity used. Contact us with your pool dimensions, location, and planned swimming season and we will recommend the right model.
A solar cover is essential. An uncovered pool loses two to three times more heat than a covered one. Keep the cover on whenever the pool is not in use.
Step 5
Electrical Supply
All electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician and comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Use armoured cable buried in the ground — never run pool equipment from an extension lead.
The heat pump needs its own dedicated circuit and a rotary isolator switch fitted within one metre of the unit. Your installer should be able to refer you to a registered electrician if you do not already have one.
Step 6
Water Chemistry
Test the water at least twice a week during the season. Getting the chemistry right matters as much in a wooden pool or above-ground pool as it does in any other — poor water balance shortens liner life and can irritate skin.
pH
7.2 – 7.6
Chlorine
Per dosing guide
Total alkalinity
Per dosing guide
Calcium hardness
Per dosing guide
Testing kits and dosing systems are available from our sister site HeatPumps4Pools.
Questions to Ask Your Installer
Wooden pools differ from concrete or fibreglass — make sure your installer has specific experience. These questions are worth asking before you commit.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you have experience with wooden pool installation specifically? | Wooden pools differ from concrete or fibreglass |
| Can you provide references or photos of previous work? | Gives confidence in quality |
| What base do you recommend for my site, and why? | Must be matched to ground conditions |
| How much excavation is required? | Affects cost and garden disruption |
| Who fits the liner and what is their experience? | Liner fitting is a skilled job |
| What drainage provision will be made? | Poor drainage shortens timber life |
| Who handles plumbing and electrical work? | Confirm the electrician is registered |
| What warranty do you offer on workmanship? | Separate from the pool manufacturer warranty |
| How long will installation take and what access is needed? | Diggers may be required |
| What aftercare do you offer? | Important in the first season |
Maintenance and Winterising
Good maintenance keeps your above-ground pool or wooden pool performing well for decades. The basics are straightforward once you are in a routine.
Run the pump and filter for at least 8 hours a day during the season.
Backwash the filter every one to two weeks.
At the end of the season, reduce the water level, add winter chemicals, store frost-sensitive components, and fit a winter cover.
Drain the heat pump to prevent the heat exchanger from cracking in frost.
Keep drainage clear around the pool base throughout the year to protect the timber.
Need an installer?
We can point you in the right direction.
We work with experienced wooden pool and above-ground pool installers across the UK. Send us an enquiry with your location and pool size and we will put you in touch with someone who knows the job inside out.