The standard depth for an above-ground pool is 42 inches, but some pools are shallow enough for wading or have a sloped area that gradually gets deeper. The deepest an above-ground pool can be is typically about 8 feet. This allows people of all heights to enjoy the pool without having to worry about the water being too deep. Some above-ground pools also have diving boards, which usually have a height requirement of at least 5 feet. The deeper the pool, the more enjoyable it will be for everyone who wants to use it.