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Not every pool has to sit in a hole in the ground
When most people imagine a garden pool, they picture water level with the lawn. That’s the classic look, and it works beautifully in many gardens. But it isn’t the only option.
A raised pool sits partly or fully above the surrounding ground. The walls rise out of the garden, sometimes just a little and sometimes to seat height or more. It’s a design choice that can solve practical problems, save on digging and create a striking focal point.
In this guide we’ll explain what these pools are, when they make sense, how they differ from temporary above ground pools and what you’ll need to plan for. We’ll keep it plain and practical, and we’ll be honest about the trade offs.
Who this guide is for
It’s for anyone with a sloping garden, tricky ground conditions or simply a liking for a more architectural look. It’s also useful if you’ve been comparing inground and above ground options and aren’t sure where the middle ground lies.
What a raised pool actually is
In simple terms, it’s a permanent pool where the water level sits higher than the garden around it. The walls are finished to look attractive, often with stone, render, timber or cladding, so they become a feature rather than something to hide.
There are a few common variations:
- Fully raised. The pool sits almost entirely above the ground, with walls around every side.
- Semi inground. The pool is partly sunk into the ground, with the upper section rising above the surface.
- Stepped into a slope. On a sloping site, one side may be level with the ground while the other rises well above it.
- Raised with a deck. A platform or deck is built around the pool so you step onto a level surface to get in.
How it differs from an above ground pool
The phrase “above ground pool” often brings to mind a temporary or seasonal pool, perhaps inflatable or framed, that goes up in summer and comes down in autumn. A permanent raised design is a very different thing. It’s installed properly, finished to a high standard and intended to last for many years. Our guide to the above ground pool explains the differences between the two approaches in more detail.
Why choose a raised pool
There are some very good reasons to lift a pool out of the ground. Here are the ones we hear most often.
Sloping gardens
This is the big one. Many British gardens slope, sometimes gently and sometimes steeply. Digging a fully sunken pool into a slope can mean a great deal of excavation and major groundwork. Letting the pool rise out of the lower side of the slope can be a much neater solution. Our guide to a pool on a sloping garden looks at this in depth.
Less excavation
Less digging usually means less soil to remove, fewer lorry movements and less disruption. On sites with a high water table, rock close to the surface, or tree roots and services to avoid, a shallower dig can make a project far simpler.
Safety and access
Raised walls create a natural barrier. A small child can’t simply wander in the way they could with a flush pool edge. That said, a raised wall is not a safety barrier on its own, and supervision, covers and secure fencing still matter.
Built in seating
A wall at around seat height is a lovely place to perch, dangle your feet or chat with swimmers. Many owners say the edge becomes the most used seat in the garden.
A striking look
Raised designs have a crisp, architectural feel. With good finishes and lighting, they can become the centrepiece of a garden.
Things to plan for with a raised pool
Every pool needs careful planning, and lifting one out of the ground brings a few extra considerations.
Structural design
Water is extremely heavy. The walls of a pool that sits above ground have to resist the outward pressure of the water on their own, without soil pushing back. That’s why these pools must be properly engineered and installed by professionals. Where a pool is set into a slope, a retaining wall may be needed to hold back the ground on the uphill side. This is specialist work, and it should always be designed by qualified people.
Wall finishes
The exposed sides are part of the look, so it’s worth thinking carefully about finishes. Popular choices include:
- Natural stone for a traditional feel
- Smooth render for a modern, clean look
- Timber or composite cladding for warmth
- Porcelain or stone tiles for a sleek finish
- Planting beds built against the walls to soften the edges
Getting in and out
With a raised design, you need a comfortable way to reach the water. Steps up to the edge, a surrounding deck or a platform on one side are common solutions. Inside the pool, well designed steps or a ledge make entry easy for everyone.
Heat and insulation
Exposed walls can lose more heat than walls surrounded by soil. Good insulation helps keep the water comfortable and reduces how hard the heating has to work. A well fitted cover makes a big difference too.
Planning and building control
A raised structure in the garden may need planning permission, depending on its height, its position and your property. Where a retaining wall or significant groundworks are involved, building regulations may also apply. Rules differ between areas, so it’s always wise to check with your local council and building control early.
When a raised pool may not be the best fit
We always want you to end up with the right pool, so it’s worth being honest about the situations where lifting a pool out of the ground isn’t ideal.
Small or overlooked gardens
In a compact garden, tall walls can dominate the space and make it feel smaller. If neighbours overlook you, a pool that sits higher may also feel less private, and in some cases may raise concerns with the council. A lower, semi sunken position often strikes a better balance. Our guide to semi inground pools explains this middle option.
A very contemporary flush look
If your heart is set on water that seems to melt into a perfectly level lawn or terrace, a fully sunken design is the only way to get that effect.
Budget priorities
Less digging can help, but the walls, finishes and structural design of a raised pool all take time and skill. On some sites, the overall picture works out similar to a conventional pool. The only way to know is to look at your garden properly.
Access and mobility
Climbing steps up to the edge isn’t ideal for everyone. If older relatives or anyone with limited mobility will swim, think about how they’ll get in. A gentle ramp, a deck at edge level or wide, shallow steps can all help.
None of these rule the idea out. They’re simply things to weigh up with your installer before you decide.
How one-piece pools can work above ground level
A one-piece pool is manufactured off site as a single shell, then delivered and set in place. Many one-piece pools can be installed in a semi inground position, where the top section sits above the ground and is finished with a surround.
The benefits can include:
- Speed. The shell arrives ready made, so installation is much quicker than building a pool from scratch.
- Quality. A factory made shell is built to consistent standards.
- Smooth finish. The interior is easy to clean and kind to skin.
- Flexibility. A raised or semi raised position can suit gardens where full excavation would be difficult.
Whether this approach suits your garden depends on the site, the pool model and the ground conditions. It’s something we’d assess carefully at the survey stage. You can explore our full range of pools to see the shapes and sizes available.
Swim spas and spas
Swim spas and spas are often installed partly or fully above ground by design. They can look fantastic set into a raised deck or surrounded by a low wall. If a full pool isn’t practical, they’re well worth considering.
Designing the space around a raised pool
The walls and surroundings of a raised design shape how the whole garden feels. A little thought goes a long way.
Levels and flow
Think about how you’ll move from the house to the pool. Steps, paths and terraces should feel natural and safe. On a sloping site, the pool can become part of a series of levels, with the retaining wall doubling as a planting bed or seating ledge.
Shade and shelter
A raised position can feel more exposed to wind and sun. Sail shades, pergolas and planting can make the space more comfortable. Poolside loungers under a shade sail are a great way to enjoy the area on hot days.
Lighting
Lights set into the walls or steps look beautiful at night and make the area safer. Underwater lighting adds real atmosphere.
Planting
Planting softens hard walls and helps the pool settle into the garden. Low hedges, ornamental grasses and trailing plants in beds against the walls all work well. Choose plants that don’t drop lots of leaves or berries, and keep them far enough back that roots and debris won’t cause problems. Evergreens give structure through winter, while scented plants make summer evenings by the pool even nicer. A garden designer can help you pick species that cope with splashes and full sun.
Water features
A raised edge is perfect for water features. Spouts or sheet falls pouring from the wall into the pool add movement and a soothing sound.
Looking after a raised pool
Day to day care is much the same as any other pool. Keep the water balanced, the filter clean and debris out.
A few extra points:
- Check the walls. Look for cracks, damp patches or damage to finishes, especially after winter.
- Keep drainage clear. Water should drain away from the base of the walls.
- Clean the coping. The top edge gets a lot of use and can collect dirt and algae.
- Look after the cover. It protects the water and helps keep heat in.
When using pool chemicals, always follow the label, wear gloves and eye protection, never mix products, and add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Keep swimmers out until the water is balanced, and store chemicals away from children and pets.
We offer aftercare, servicing and repairs, so help is only a phone call away.
Questions we get asked a lot about pools above ground
Is it cheaper than an inground pool?
It can reduce excavation, but walls, finishes and structural work add their own costs. We’ll give you a tailored quote based on your garden.
Do I need planning permission?
It depends on height, position and your property. Check with your local council before you commit.
Are pools with raised walls safe for children?
Raised walls help, but they aren’t a barrier on their own. Supervision, a secure cover and fencing are still important.
Does a pool above ground lose more heat?
Exposed walls can lose more heat, so good insulation and a cover are important.
Can a one-piece pool sit above ground?
Many can be installed in a semi inground position. It depends on the model and the site.
Can you help with a sloping garden?
Yes. We’re happy to visit, look at the site and talk through the options.
Is a raised pool right for your garden
If your garden slopes, digging is difficult or you simply love the look, this style of pool could be a brilliant choice. It offers built in seating, a natural edge and a strong design statement. The key is careful planning, proper engineering and quality finishes.
We’d be delighted to look at your garden and talk through what’s possible. There’s no pressure, just honest advice.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
