In our minds eye we can all see it clearly. A vision of this great new pool nestled in our back yard. The sound of laughter as your kids frolic in the crystal clear water. Later in the evening, after the kids are off to bed, the two of you slip off to the pool for some relaxation and alone time. Dazed from the thought of such nirvana, you pay the man at the pool store and schedule it’s delivery. The pool is now installed and you are giddy with excitement and anticipation, anxious to jump in and enjoy those refreshing waters.

A few days have gone by and now your excitement has become enlightenment. You are now realizing all the stuff you need to do now to keep that dream alive. So, here are some things to think about and plan on when you are installing a backyard above ground pool.

A hard surface “shoe pad” is highly recommended. Using bricks, paving stones or concrete, create a 3 ft by 4 ft pad. If you have a deck by the pool, put the pad at the base of the first step. If you use a ladder, install the pad at the base of the ladder. A clean place to leave shoes will help in reducing dirt and mud getting into your pool from peoples feet.

I also recommend you have a tub or tray, filled with water, at the base of the entrance. This is used for people to dip their feet into and will remove any debris before entering the pool.

If you have a deck next to your pool, ensure it is fenced in. Typically the danger of children accidentally falling into a pool is minimal with an above ground pool. However and unfenced above ground pool deck provides the same environment as an in-ground pool, making it very dangerous.

Consider installing a small watertight container near the pool. This is a place to store pool chemicals as well as pool toys, floaties and such. I built a wood box 4 ft long, 3 ft tall and 2 ft deep with a hinged lid. An old cooler inside keeps chemicals dry. The rest was storage. A flagpole holder attached to the side makes a good holder for the pool net.

Landscaping will inevitably become a concern. The look of metal walls becomes boring. When you are selecting plants for landscaping around an above ground pool, there are a few things to consider. Plants you plan on locating next to the pool should be hearty and able to take a beating. Splash over from a pool can dump several gallons of water on the plants in seconds. A delicate plant won’t have a chance. Make sure the plants roots are fairly shallow so as not to grown under the pool. And never plant a large shrub or tree next to the pool. The roots will cause you problems later and the leaves and sticks will wreak havoc on your pools chemicals.

Walkways and paths are popular with back yard pools. If you decide to put one in, be careful of the material you use. People will likely be bare foot and you want something comfortable to walk on, so no gravel. You also want to make sure it is a surface that doesn’t become slippery when wet, otherwise trips to the emergency room may become common.

Lighting is essential for any backyard above ground pool. I suggest installing two separate lighting systems. One is for “normal play” and one is mood lighting. Normal play lighting needs to consist of enough fixtures and wattage to illuminate the entire pool. These lights should be set a few feet from the pool and mounted on poles at least 15 feet high. You want them close enough to provide plenty of light but not so close as to interfere with pool play.

Mood lighting can take many forms. Low wattage fixtures on poles near the pool and set on a dimmer can provide the perfect mood lighting. There are also battery operated and solar powered floating lights. And for a truly romantic evening, plastic lids with lit votive candles floating on the water are a beautiful sight to behold.

WARNING: When installing electrical, such as lighting, around the pool area, ensure that it is located so as not to pose an electrical shock hazard.

One last thing. When you have a pool, friends will come out of the woodwork. They will come to your house to share in the refreshing waters of your crystal clear oasis. But they will never bring towels. Keep a good supply of pool towels available for your absent minded guests.