Buttress vs. Buttress Free Oval Swimming Pools

Since the weight of the water in an oval above ground pool is not evenly distributed, a support system is needed to keep the pool standing upright. There are two types of support systems available:

• Buttress Oval Swimming Pool (A-Brace)
• Buttress Free Oval Swimming Pool (Buttress-less)

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Buttress vs. Buttress-Free Oval Pools: What Homeowners Need to Know

When choosing an oval above ground pool, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they should choose a buttress or buttress-free design. Understanding how these support systems work and how they differ from round pools can help you choose the right model for your yard. 

Why Round Pools Don’t Need Support Systems?

Round above-ground pools are naturally strong because the water pressure pushes outward evenly in all directions. This creates a perfect balance around the entire frame and wall, so no additional side supports are needed. The circular shape handles the pressure on its own, which is why round pools have a simpler design and require less structural engineering.

Why Oval Pools Need Support on the Sides?

Unlike round pools, oval pools do not distribute water pressure evenly. The curved ends of an oval pool behave much like a round pool, so the ends of an oval pool do not need any extra support. However, only the sides of an oval pool experience greater outward force, which means they need a reinforcement system that can counteract the pressure of thousands of gallons of water pushing outward. This extra pressure is only in the middle section (straight side) of an oval pool; there is no extra support needed on the round ends of an oval above ground pool.

Why Oval Pools Don’t Need Supports on the Ends?

The circular shape on each end of an oval pool is very strong and handles the pressure on its own similar to a round pool. For this reason, above ground swimming pool manufacturers do not make end supports for oval pools as they are not needed.

This is where buttress and buttress-free systems come in.

Traditional Buttress Oval Pools

Older oval pool designs used what is known as buttresses, or A-brace supports, that stick out from the straight sides of the pool. These supports brace the wall and absorb the outward pressure coming from the water. However, no end supports are needed.

Pros of Buttress Systems

• Very strong and proven over time
• Often cost less than buttress-free models

Cons of Buttress Systems

• Take up extra yard space (supports may extend 2–3 feet from each side)
• Harder to landscape or build a deck around
• Less visually streamlined

Modern Buttress-Free Oval Pools

Today’s engineering has made buttress-free oval pools the preferred choice for many homeowners. Instead of using large external braces, these pools use a reinforced sub-structure beneath the pool usually heavy-duty pressure plates and structurally engineered support beams to control outward pressure on the straight sides, and no end supports are needed.

Benefits of Buttress-Free Designs

• Much slimmer footprint only about 1 foot of clearance needed
• Easier to install decking around
• Cleaner, streamlined look
• No large supports in your yard
• Same strength as traditional buttress designs when properly installed

These pools are engineered by the manufacturer to support an oval shape safely and reliably without large external braces, and the curved end sections still require no extra support just like a round pool.

In Summary

• Round pools naturally balance water pressure, so no support systems are needed
• Oval pools need reinforcement on the straight sides, not on the curved oval ends
• Traditional buttress ovals use large external braces for support
• Buttress-free ovals use internal engineering to maintain strength with a slimmer footprint

Whether you choose a buttress or buttress-free design, both styles are built to safely contain the water pressure of an oval shape. The right choice depends on your yard, budget, and desired look.

About The Pool Factory

America’s Above Ground Pool Experts – is the best place to find everything you need to make owning a swimming pool or spa fun and easy, at the best prices today. With a combined 50+ years of experience The Pool Factory employs a highly trained staff of above ground and semi inground pool specialists. The Pool Factory can provide unique solutions for all pool supplies and swimming pool needs.