5 Things to Consider Before Buying an Above Ground Pool
If you are looking to give your family a new way to play this summer, a swimming pool is a great thing to have. However, this does not mean you should just run out and buy the first one you see. There are several things you need to consider before you purchase if you want to make sure you are getting the best pool for your family. To help, here are 5 things to think about before buying an above ground pool:
1. Above Ground Pool Sizes
Pools take up a lot of space with or without a deck on it. Therefore, you need to look at your lawn, the area where you plan to put a swimming pool. If you have a small space available, you need to measure the area. Make sure to consider the above ground pool deck, if you hope to have one. If you want an 18ft round above ground pool and a deck that is 7ft wide all the way around it, you need at least 25ft inside that area. Add in a few extra feet and you need a space that is at least 30ft square for an 18ft swimming pool.
2. Is the Ground Level for Installation?
If you have a yard that is not level , you will have to build up the area for your swimming pool. In order for you to install an above ground pool, it is critical for your land to be level. Otherwise, you will have one side that has a lot of water and the other will not have what it should. This puts more pressure on one side and may mess up the swimming pool’s support system which can lead to disastrous situations.
3. Do You Want a DIY Above Ground Pool?
When you set up your swimming pool, you need to know ahead of time whether you want to leave it up year round or if you prefer to avoid having to maintain it through the winter months. For many, having an inflatable pool that can be drained, deflated, and stored away in the garage is an easier solution and often times you can install these yourself. Others enjoy having their swimming pool set up in its designated area, especially if they plan to have a deck around it. Which one do you prefer? A year round swimming pool is often more complicated to install and you may have to hire someone. It also requires year-round maintenance and you’ll have to know how to winterize the pool. One that you put away simply requires you to set it up again next year.
4. How Much Does An Above Ground Pool Cost?
This varies significantly depending on which type of pool you decide to go with. Going back to the point prior, a permanent set up, like the Blue Wave Belize, is going to be more costly. However, the Intex Easy Set that can be set up and taken down without much hassle is much more easy on the wallet. That being said, many people only take into consideration the price of the pool. However, purchasing the swimming pool is not the extent of what you will spend. A larger above ground swimming pool requires chemicals to keep the water clear and algae free. The chemicals are not cheap and there is a good chance you will be adding chemicals weekly to the pool all through the summer months. It’s important to keep this in mind when budgeting for a pool.
5. Is There A Pool Warranty?
It seems that each pool comes with its own warranty and they can vary by quite a bit, especially if you choose to go with a more expensive or permanent above ground swimming pool. Therefore, you should read the reviews for pools that you are considering and check the manufacturer’s website to ensure that you are getting the warranty that you want to have.