The question you should ask yourself when considering putting a fiber glass pool above ground is why?
Many people assume that above ground fiber glass swimming pools will be less expensive. This is usually not the case. Any savings accrued through elevating the pool are usually offset by the more expensive decking that is required.
Others want the pool above ground because they are worried about flooding and want to keep the pool above the flood plane. In this case a slight elevation may be helpful. Many people are under the impression that in the case of a flood a fiberglass pool will pop out of the ground. As long as the pool has a cantilevered concrete patio that acts as an anchor on the pool this rarely happens.
Another common reason for wising to elevate the pool is that the homeowner wants the pool to be flush with another existing structure such as a deck. This can be costly, but it possible.
Almost one hundred percent of the time fiberglass inground swimming pools are better. However, the rule of thumb is that you can have up to but not exceeding 18 in of the pool above ground. If you want to elevate the pool by more than the 18 inches, you would need to install a retaining wall and cover the wall with backfill material.
As far as strength and soundness of structure go, nothing beats a fiberglass pool that is flush with the ground. The correct gravel backfill and the fortification of a cantilevered concrete bond beam will ensure that your pool is around for many years to come.
It is not possible to have a fiberglass pool that is completely above ground, but you can elevate the pool slightly with few ramifications if that is what ultimately meets the aesthetic needs of your home.
