Selecting Your Above Ground Pools

Selecting Your Pool

First Things First – Sizing Your Pool

Placement
The first thing that you should really take into consideration is placement. Where is the pool going to be installed? Even though it is installed above the ground, it is still going to be a permanent installation – unless it is a portable soft-sided pool, (which we’ll talk more about later) so choose carefully. Many pools carry a 20 year warranty, so consider that it may last about that long. Deciding where to put the pool should be based on the size and area of the space you have available, accessibility, and obstacles.

Accessibility
By accessibility, we mean somewhere logically positioned from the back or side door of your home which will allow you to easily get in and out without obstruction. You probably won’t want to have to walk through hedges and squeeze between your shed and the fence to access your pool ladder, so think about where the ladder will be placed and what it might be like to get in and out of the pool prior to purchasing.

Obstacles
Obstacles are things like gardens, fences, trees, and sheds. It is important to allow adequate space between your pool and anything else you have permanently installed in your yard, (usually at least 3 feet). Digging up the ground and displacing the earth could cause your nearby structure to lean, sink, or even collapse, so adequate spacing is a must. Building near trees should be avoided. Their roots can sometimes span the length of hundreds of feet and have the ability to move or grow right through your liner. This is an extremely unpleasant experience so avoid it all costs. It is usually best to move any trees that may be a threat to your new pool and your family’s summer fun.

Measuring
Once you have decided where the pool is going to be placed, you will need to measure the area to determine what size pool will be needed. When measuring, allow an extra 3 feet if you are buying a pool that uses buttresses.

Note: A buttress is an angled support beam that extends from the wall of the pool to the surface of the ground. Its purpose is to keep the pool stable. Many modern pools now have upright support systems that do not require buttresses.

Keep in mind that you might not be able to get a pool that is the exact size you want, so you will have to settle for the next closest size. Above ground pools come in three shapes: round, oval, and rectangular. Once you have decided on length and width or radius, you will need to decide on the height. Above ground pools usually come in two heights: 4' (48”) and 4'4" (52”). This measurement references the height of the pool wall from the ground. Why choose one over the other? Well, many people like the deeper 52” pool better because more water usually offers better swimming. However, some prefer the smaller height of the 48” pools because they have a tendency to be more affordable and are believed to be safer for young children.

Steel vs. Resin
Another identifying characteristic of an above ground pool is the material that it is made from. Some are steel while others are made of resin, which is something like a heavy-duty plastic. Both are usually corrosion proof. In other words, they will notrust. The difference is usually just a personal choice. Some like the look of one, or the feel of another. It’s like comparing a steel car (like a Hyundai), to a plastic car (like a Saturn). There are arguably advantages and disadvantages of both, but it really comes down to preference. If manufactured well, both should last for years of enjoyment.

After you know where it’s going and what size you want, the next step is to select the actual pool.

Selecting a Manufacturer
Try to buy a pool that is made by a reputable manufacturer, such as all of the pools offered by Inyo. Since the above ground pool industry is such a competitive one, many pool makers come and go through the years making it difficult to get parts. Try to buy from someone who has a stable track record, and this is likely to be less of an issue down the road. Cantar (the maker of Jacuzzi products) is a notable pool maker worth considering. They make a quality product and as a manufacturer, have withstood the test of time. In short, they are probably not going anywhere.

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