How Much Does a Swimming Pool Weigh? (With Examples)

Written by Above Ground Pool Builder in Above Ground Pool Installation

100-Tons-or-200000lbs

Having a swimming pool comes in handy for many reasons in the summertime. As you consider adding a swimming pool to your backyard, there are some factors to address. One of them is the swimming pool weight. 

The weight of a filled above-ground swimming pool depends on pool dimensions and the amount of water. An inflatable six-foot-round swimming pool weighs approximately 5,500 lbs (2494 kg), while a fifteen-foot-round filled above-ground pool of steel/resin hybrid weighs almost 43,000 lbs (19504 kg).

Does it surprise you how much a filled pool weighs? Keep reading to learn the various weights of inflatable and above-ground swimming pools, factors to consider when choosing a pool type, and the merits of inflatable and above-ground swimming pools.

Swimming Pool Weight Examples

Filled swimming pools are very heavy. For instance, an eighteen-foot (5.4 meters) swimming pool filled with water can weigh up to sixty-thousand pounds (27,215 kg). When you think about that amount of mass, it is easy to understand that you cannot place an above-ground pool just anywhere in the yard. 

Inflatable Swimming Pool Weights

The weight of an inflatable pool varies according to size. For example, an inflatable pool that contains 1125 gallons of water will weigh around 9,383 lbs (4,256 kg). On the other end of the spectrum, an inflatable pool with around 3,336 gallons of water will weigh considerably more, sitting around 27,822 lbs (12,619 kg). 

Of course, since water is actually significantly heavier than you might expect, above-ground pools can get immensely heavy. 

Above Ground Swimming Pool Weights

pool install

Above-ground swimming pools weigh more than inflatable because the pool materials are heavier than vinyl and hold more water. Here are some examples. 

  • A 48” high x 15’ round pool weighs 4,150 pounds (1882 kg)
  • A 54” high x 24’ round filled pool weighs 112,459 pounds (51,010 kg) 
  • A 54” high x 33’ round filled pool weighs 190,000 pounds (86,182 kg)

Factors To Address Before Choosing an Above-Ground Pool

Before committing to one, every above-ground pool has issues you need to think through. Here are some details to investigate that will influence the above-ground pool selection. 

Above-Ground Pool Placement

The size of the pool needs to fit the available space in the back or side yard. A general rule is that an above-ground pool needs at least three feet of clearance around the sides. All above-ground pools need space for the pool pump and ladder and any decking or other details you want to include as part of the design. 

  • Pool privacy is another element you want to consider. When you have close neighbors, you don’t want them to invade your swimming time, so you should choose your placement wisely and for privacy.
  • Proximity to your home will make using the pool more convenient. Most above-ground pool companies will tell you that the farther the pool is from your house, the less likely you will use it. 

Above-ground Pool Shapes

shape-of-yard

Above-ground pools come in oval and round shapes. Within the shapes are various sizes that accommodate more water. While an oval pool might seem larger, this is not always true. Here are a few elements that influence the amount and depth of water:

  • The wall height is a critical part of the pool design. There are three wall heights of above-ground pools: 54 inches [137 cm] tall (and holds the most water), 52 inches [132 cm] tall (the most popular size), and 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
  • The pool frame ensures your pool holds water reliably. Above-ground pool frames are resin, steel, or a combination of both. 

The Number of People Swimming in an Above-Ground Pool

Decide how many people will realistically be swimming in the pool. Will your pool swimmers be mainly adults, adults, and children, or primarily children? How tall are the adults who will be using the pool? What is the general weight of the adults and children swimming there? 

Above-Ground Pool Types To Investigate Before Buying

Finding the right above-ground pool for your backyard space and outdoor needs is a significant decision. Knowing the pros and cons of each pool type will help you make an informed choice. 

The Inflatable Above-Ground Pool

Inflatable pools are gaining in popularity for their affordable cost and easy setup. When buying an inflatable pool, the primary consideration is that you must place it on level ground. This means sometimes significant excavation must happen.

This pool is a grown-up version of the inflatable kiddie pool, made of heavy-duty vinyl. You will need a filter pump to keep insects and leaves out of the water, and you might need a fence around the pool in some municipalities. 

When the swimming season is done, you will need to prepare the inflatable pool for storage by emptying the water and letting the pool dry completely. Some manufacturers recommend sprinkling talcum powder over the vinyl for more protection when you roll it up.

The Above-Ground Pool

With steel, resin, or a hybrid of both materials for walls, the above-ground pool is permanent and requires professional installation. The walls are steel, resin, or a hybrid of both materials. Your above-ground pool will need a vinyl liner as well as a filter and pump system. Most above-ground pools last between ten and fifteen years when maintained according to manufacturer directions. 

This above-ground pool will need winterizing like an inground pool to weather the winter season. You will also need a durable pool cover. 

Here is a YouTube video on correctly winterizing an above-ground pool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuEsMaXPz-k

Conclusion 

It might surprise you how much an above-ground swimming pool weighs when full of water. In addition to the weight, many municipalities have regulations to follow when installing an above-ground pool on your property. Often, you must have a gate for safety and at least three feet of clearance around the perimeter.

Since a pool is so heavy when it is full of water, this makes moving it almost impossible. Therefore, be confident you have the swimming pool in the right place from the start because its location is likely permanent. 

Sources 

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