Above-ground pools have been a fixture in American backyards for decades. From their inception in the 1950s to their widespread popularity with the generations to follow, these pools offer families a convenient and affordable way to enjoy summer fun. Over the years, the design and features of above-ground pools evolved, reflecting broader trends in American culture and lifestyle.
In the 1950s, above-ground pools began to gain popularity as suburban living expanded. Post-World War II economic prosperity meant more families could afford leisure amenities. Early above-ground pools were typically made of metal frames and vinyl liners, providing an accessible alternative to in-ground pools.
These quickly became a symbol of middle-class leisure, offering a private oasis for families to escape the summer heat without the expense and permanence of traditional pools.
The 1960s and 1970s saw significant advancements in the design and materials of above-ground pools. During this era, manufacturers started using more durable materials like aluminum and resin, which improved the longevity and appearance of the pools. Additionally, pool sizes increased, and accessories such as ladders, filtration systems, and pool covers became standard features. The aesthetic appeal of these temporary pools also improved, with more stylish designs and a greater variety of shapes and sizes available to consumers.
By the 1980s and 90s, above ground pools had become a staple in American backyards. The increasing popularity of these pools was fueled by advancements in technology and manufacturing, which made them even more affordable and easier to maintain. During this decade, above ground pools began to feature more sophisticated filtration systems, better-quality liners, and improved safety features like secure fencing and covers. This period also saw the rise of poolside accessories like decks and slides, enhancing the overall swimming experience for families.
Above ground pools were often sold as kits (and still are!), so a handy do-it-yourselfer could set up most of them in a weekend. Below, we’ve collected vintage photos and articles that capture the charm and evolution of above ground pools during this era. Dive back in time to see a few!
A look back at Doughboy-style pools (1954)
Ever dream of having your own family swimming pool but switch to another thought because of the anticipated cost? Get hep, brother. It’s not as expensive as you may think.
In fact, for $175, you can purchase a giant inflatable plastic pool with a capacity of 5,500 gallons of water that a half-dozen adults can comfortably enjoy at one time: double that number of youngsters can swim and splash to their hearts’ content without a kick in the eye.
BONUS: See our inflation calculator to find out how much this pool would cost you in today’s dollars
This backyard pool has been created by Doughboy Industries Inc. of New Richmond, Wisconsin, and it measures 57 feet around, 18 feet in diameter, and is nearly 3 feet deep. It is supported by a decorative galvanized steel mesh wall, and the pool itself is made of strong laminated Krene plastic film, with the seams heat-sealed with the firm’s exclusive heat sealers.
The firm — which also turns out a $50 pool which is 8-1/2 feet in diameter and a $100 pool 12 feet in diameter, both supported by rigid, ribbed walls of thin slats of wood — decided to engineer family pools after surveys and reports showed the trend was toward homes with more yard space and the need for pools in new residential districts.
It joined with well-known landscape artists and engineers to work out plans that permit families to make their own luxury setting for the pool, using sod, slabs of stone, and rock.
Of course, this pool is just one of the many types now being manufactured. It’s singled out merely to show what sizes are available and how cheaply they may be obtained.
Vintage Doughboy above-ground swimming pools: Giant 22-foot pool
Low cost fun for the whole family… Big enough to swim in…built to last for years!
A real full-size swimming pool you can enjoy all summer long … for season-after-season of wholesome family fun!
This new 22-foot Doughboy Family Pool is a full 42 inches deep — BIG enough for the biggest adult; gives youngsters plenty of room to practice their swimming where you can keep an eye on them.
And you can put it up yourself in an hour or less on any level ground — no digging; no expensive installation; no costly servicing or maintenance. At summer’s end, just fold it up and store in the convenient shipping carton. Steel-mesh sides and Dough-boy’s exclusive Forti-Plyed construction with heat-sealed seams guarantee year after year of the toughest use.
See this new Doughboy 22-foot Family Pool at your dealer’s now! (Doughboy rigid-side pools also available in 18-ft., 12-ft., and 8-1/2 -ft. sizes; prices begin at $50.00.)
MORE: Huge old outdoor public swimming pools like these made summertime cool for everyone 100 years ago
DIY above-ground pool with retro flower design (1969)
Vintage above-ground pools from Coleco in the ’70s
A variety of pools to fit every taste, every yard, every pocketbook
“We love our Coleco pool!”
“I work out every day. Our Coleco pool really keeps me in shape.”
“I just bought the only vacation you can keep — a Coleco pool. Would you believe it cost me less than taking the family away for two weeks?”
“I’ve got my new bikini. I’ve got my pool. I’ve got the kids coming ’round. Like WOW… I’ve got the whole world right here in my own backyard.”
MORE: Retro pool toys: Inflatable animals, rafts & more vintage water fun from the 60s
- EASY SUMMER FUN – Ready for water in just 45 minutes; spread out on level ground preferably on top of the ground cloth, setting the metal frame with our innovative composite T-Joint design makes...
- SUPER-TOUGH – Made with puncture-resistant 3-Ply PVC material, this pool is built to resist the wear and tear of summer fun; in case of any damage, a patch is included for easy fixes
- INNOVATIVE T-JOINT DESIGN – The new innovative T-Joint design makes assembly quick with no tools required so you can have more time to enjoy the pool
- Durable frame is made of high-quality, galvanized steel with precision-engineered locking system
- Quick set up means it's ready for water in 90 minutes
- Gray outer liner and blue tile-print inner liner for a classic, clean look
- Splash the day away in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard with this above-ground frame pool
- Round pool measures 12 feet in diameter and 2.75 feet deep with a 1,600-gallon water capacity
- Includes Model SFX600 filter pump that combines the functions of a skimmer and filter pump and attaches to sidewalls for easy maintenance to prevent tripping
Luxury swimming at costs so low! Redwood round Coleco pools
24-FT DIAMETER — 4-Feet Deep — Beautifully finished with the natural look of redwood, these pools are elegant and luxurious in every way. With rugged 6″ top deck ledges, Redwood pools are designed for families who look for luxury at a popular price.
Complete with these features:
- Rugged 6″ Lock-Frame construction
- Handsome vinyl-laminated steel wall with wood grain decor
- Heavier 20 gauge winterized liner with registered warranty and
- 10-year factory service agreement
- Custom Hydro-Skim in-wall skimmer for cleaner water
Coleco’s decks, patios and fencing are designed with one thought in mind to give you more. More pleasure, more convenience, more comfort and more safety.
The genuine California Redwood decks are wide enough to permit swimmers to walk around the pool. And the patios (all designed with self-latching safety gates) provide happy hours of sunning and chatting a leisurely afternoon away.
Coleco has taken the lead in meeting the most stringent fencing codes by offering a simple, inexpensive aluminum fencing that prevents unauthorized entry into your pool.
There’s a wide selection of decks, patios and fencing from which to choose. These optional accessories can be added at any time.
Vintage small above-ground pools from 1979
Retro ’80s DIY swimming pools for kids
Giant 12′ x 36″ pool package! Famous telescoping frame construction, complete with rugged steel top and bottom rails. Pool ladder, foot bath and heavy-duty 1200 gallon filter. Multi-color wall. Summer fun for the whole family.
MORE: Vintage pool floats & air mattresses from the ’60s delivered fun in the sun
Large backyard kiddie pools from the eighties
Vintage above-ground pools from the 1990s
MORE: Vintage kiddie swimming pools & inflatable backyard wading pools for children
