22 Cheap Pool Ideas: Affordable Ways to Build Your Backyard Oasis

Everyone dreams of having a backyard pool, but the price tag can often feel like a punch to the gut. Fortunately, you don’t need to drain your bank account to take a refreshing dip in your own yard.

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a budget-friendly pool that lets you cool off without overheating your finances. Let’s dive into 22 cheap pool ideas that prove you don’t need to be rich to swim like one.

1. Stock Tank Pools

Originally designed for farm animals, stock tanks have become a trendy and affordable alternative to traditional pools. These galvanized metal tubs are durable, easy to install, and cost a fraction of an in-ground pool. Just add a filter, some chlorine, and you’re good to go.

2. Pallet Swimming Pools

Wood pallets are a DIY enthusiast’s dream. They’re free or cheap, and with some waterproofing and a pool liner, they can be transformed into a rustic above-ground pool. Secure them with screws and wrap them in a strong tarp to keep the water in place.

3. Shipping Container Pools

If you’ve ever seen a shipping container pool, you know they look sleek and modern. While buying a pre-built one can be expensive, repurposing an old shipping container and adding a liner can make for an affordable alternative to a traditional pool.

4. Natural Swimming Pools

Skip the chlorine and go for a natural swimming pool, which uses plants and bio-filtration to keep the water clean. It’s like having your own private swimming hole, minus the murky surprises.

5. Inflatable Pools

Don’t underestimate the humble inflatable pool. They come in various sizes, are cheap, and can be set up in minutes. Add a filter and some decking around it for a more polished look.

6. Kiddie Pools for Adults

Who says kiddie pools are just for kids? Opt for an extra-large one, and you’ve got an easy way to stay cool without breaking the bank. Throw in a few floating chairs, and it becomes an instant mini oasis.

7. Concrete Block Pools

Using cinder blocks and a waterproof liner, you can build a custom-shaped cheap pool that costs significantly less than a traditional in-ground pool. A DIY enthusiast with some masonry skills can pull this off for under a thousand dollars.

8. DIY Plunge Pools

If space is tight, consider a plunge pool. These small, deep pools are perfect for cooling off without taking up your entire backyard. You can use repurposed materials or build one using a wood frame and a liner.

9. Repurposed Hot Tub

An old, non-working hot tub can be transformed into a small pool with some cleaning and minor modifications. It’s a quick and easy budget pool hack.

10. Gravel Surroundings for a Luxe Look

Surrounding your cheap pool with pea gravel or river rocks can give it a high-end look without the cost of expensive tiles or concrete.

11. Build a Pool Using an Old Trampoline Frame

Got an old trampoline? Turn it into a circular pool by adding a strong waterproof liner and some reinforcement. It’s an easy, fun way to reuse what you already have.

12. Upcycled Bathtub Pool

Find an old cast iron bathtub, place it in your yard, and fill it with water. It’s small, but it’s charming, easy to maintain, and costs next to nothing.

13. DIY Tarp Pool

A strong tarp, wooden frame, and some waterproofing can create a makeshift budget pool that’s surprisingly sturdy. This is an especially good option if you want something temporary for the summer.

14. Underground Lined Pit Pool

Dig a pit, line it with a waterproof material, and you’ve got a cheap underground pool. Add a filtration system for cleaner water, and it becomes a semi-permanent solution.

15. Trash Bin or Large Barrel Pool

Oversized plastic barrels or old trash bins can make surprisingly good budget plunge pools. Just cut them in half, smooth the edges, and fill them up.

16. Rainwater Collection Pool

If you live in an area with plenty of rainfall, consider using a rainwater collection system to fill your pool. It’s eco-friendly and cost-effective.

17. Above-Ground Vinyl Pools

These prefabricated vinyl pools are one of the cheapest semi-permanent pool options. They’re easy to set up, maintain, and move if necessary.

18. Hay Bale Pools

Line up hay bales, wrap them with a pool liner, and you’ve got a rustic, DIY pool in no time. It’s quirky, fun, and costs almost nothing.

19. Concrete and Plywood Pools

Using plywood walls with a concrete floor, you can construct a sturdy, long-lasting DIY pool for far less than a traditional one. Seal it with waterproof paint or a pool liner to keep it from leaking.

20. DIY Pool with Wooden Decking

A small above-ground pool can be elevated with a wooden deck around it. Not only does it look better, but it also provides a safer, more comfortable entry and exit point.

21. Solar-Heated Pool

Save on energy costs by incorporating solar heating into your cheap pool. A few black hoses coiled under the sun can act as a natural pool heater.

22. Build a River Rock or Pebble Pool

For a natural aesthetic, use river rocks or pebbles as your base. They’re affordable and make the pool blend beautifully into your landscape.

Final Thoughts

Having a pool on a budget is not only possible but can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Whether you’re repurposing old materials or opting for low-cost DIY solutions, there are plenty of ways to stay cool without going broke. So, grab your tools, get creative, and start building your backyard escape today.