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.
Visit our Above
Ground Pools store
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Your Pool
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