The idea that you need a large budget and a big yard to have a pool in Rhode Island isn’t accurate. Above ground pools have evolved significantly over the past decade, and today’s options are a far cry from the flimsy temporary setups of years past. Modern above ground pools are structurally solid, visually appealing, and built to last a decade or more with proper care.
For Rhode Island homeowners who want to get in the water this summer without a five-figure construction project, above ground pools are a legitimate and increasingly popular path. Here’s what you need to know about the options, the costs, and what to expect from installation.
What Has Changed About Above Ground Pools
The stigma that once attached to above ground pools — that they looked cheap, came apart after a few seasons, or were simply a lesser option — is increasingly outdated. Today’s best above ground pools use galvanized steel or high-grade resin construction that resists rust and corrosion, sophisticated frame engineering that provides real structural integrity, and attractive profiles that work well in a finished backyard setting.
When paired with a thoughtfully designed deck or patio surround, a quality above ground pool can genuinely enhance a backyard rather than just occupying it.
Pools Plus carries above ground pool models including resin-framed options like the Nakoma, which features a Synflex high-impact resin frame and a patented snap-together construction that makes it one of the more durable and attractive above ground options on the market. Browse the Pools Plus above ground pool lineup here.
Understanding Your Options
Above ground pools in Rhode Island generally fall into two categories:
Permanent above ground pools are installed with a solid frame structure, often set on a level pad or deck, and are designed to stay in place year after year. These are the higher-end above ground option — well-built, visually attractive, and capable of lasting many years with proper maintenance. This is what most homeowners buying through a pool company like Pools Plus are selecting.
Portable or seasonal pools are the less expensive, fully temporary options — typically soft-sided or basic round metal frame pools that are set up each summer and taken down in fall. These are inexpensive entry points and work fine for families who want minimal investment and don’t mind annual setup and teardown. They’re not what Pools Plus specializes in, but they’re worth understanding as a category.
For most Rhode Island homeowners who want a pool that looks good and lasts, a permanent above ground pool from a quality manufacturer is the right choice.
Cost Comparison: Above Ground vs. Inground
This is the most frequently asked question, and the difference is substantial. A quality permanent above ground pool installed by a professional team typically costs a fraction of a comparable inground installation. When you factor in that above ground pools also require less excavation, simpler permitting in most Rhode Island municipalities, and lower ongoing maintenance costs in many cases, the value proposition is clear.
That said, above ground pools don’t add the same home value as inground pools, and they are not the right choice if your long-term goal is a pool that integrates fully into your backyard landscape. They’re the right choice if getting in the water this summer at a reasonable cost is the priority.
Installation: What to Expect
A quality above ground pool installation through Pools Plus involves site assessment, leveling preparation, frame assembly, liner installation, and equipment setup including pump, filter, and ladder. The process is significantly faster than an inground installation — in many cases completed within a day or two once site prep is done.
Before installation, check your local municipality’s requirements. Some Rhode Island towns require permits for above ground pools above a certain size or depth, and HOA rules vary. Pools Plus can advise on what’s required for your specific situation.
Pairing Your Above Ground Pool With a Deck
One of the best investments you can make alongside an above ground pool is a deck that integrates with it cleanly. A properly built deck around an above ground pool brings it visually in line with inground aesthetics, provides safe and comfortable pool access, and creates the lounging space that makes the pool area genuinely usable.
The Pools Plus Hardscapes Division builds custom patios and decking that can be designed to work seamlessly with an above ground pool installation. Doing both at once — pool and surround — gives the most cohesive finished result.
Maintenance Is Straightforward With the Right Routine
Above ground pools use the same basic chemistry and filtration principles as inground pools. Chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer all apply. The smaller water volume of most above ground pools means chemistry can shift a little faster, so consistent testing and adjustment are important.
Equipment maintenance — keeping the pump and filter clean and functioning, checking connections seasonally — is also important for pool longevity. If you ever need help with troubleshooting, chemical balancing, or equipment issues, Pools Plus pool services are available to above ground pool owners as well as inground.
Ready to Get in the Water This Summer?
For Rhode Island families who want to enjoy a backyard pool without waiting years or spending inground money, a quality above ground pool is a smart and satisfying choice. Contact Pools Plus to discuss options, get a quote, and find out how quickly you could be swimming.
