In order to end up with the above-ground pool best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of above-ground swimming pools are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a pool.
Research the market: Above-Ground Swimming Pool essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the above-ground swimming pool market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Size and Shape: The most common shapes for above ground pools are round or oval. Depth is usually around 4 feet (1.2 meters), although there are specialty pools that will provide depths of as much as 7 feet (2.1 meters). Round pools range from 12 feet to 30 feet in diameter (3.7 to 9.1 meters) and oval pools range from 12 feet wide by 20 feet long (3.7 x 6.1 meters) to 21 feet wide by 41 feet long (6.4 x 12.5 meters).
Top Rail: The top rail of an above-ground swimming pool is a railing that holds the liner in place and decoratively tops the wall. Standing, sitting or jumping from the top rail should be avoided at all cost, as it can result in serious damage to the above-ground swimming pool.
Ladder: Primary access to your pool is usually by an A-frame ladder that is included in the installation kit. You can upgrade or add ladders or install a deck for easier access.
Deck: You can purchase an elevated deck specifically designed to nestle around an above-ground swimming pool. This type of deck is usually made of vinyl or aluminum that does not require staining or painting, and steps and fencing are often incorporated. A deck provides convenient access to your pool, a nice spot for sunbathing, gives kids a fun place to jump in and enhances your landscape as well.
Skimmer: A pump called a skimmer attaches to the outside of the pool or hangs over its side. The skimmer circulates water through the pool, removing debris and helping keep the water clean. The skimmer basket needs to be cleaned regularly.
Water balance: Daily monitoring and periodic chemical adjustments will be necessary to keep your water chemically balanced. To keep your water running crystal clear and prevent infections, any bacteria must be killed with hypochlorous acid, commonly known as chlorine. The pH level, alkalinity and calcium levels must also me monitored.
Filtration: It's an unfortunate reality that dirt and debris will end up in your swimming pool, but a filtration system will help remove it. Sand filters, canister filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters offer varying levels of maintenance, efficiency and cost.
Heater: You can extend the swimming season well beyond your climate's conditions with a pool heater. Choose from natural gas or electric heaters that heat the water as it's pumped through the unit, heat pumps that transfer the heat from the ambient air into the water, or solar heaters that pump the water through solar heated panels usually placed on a rooftop. A cover also helps create and retain heat.
Cover: The primary purpose of a pool cover is to keep dirt and debris out and water and heat in when the pool is not in use. Safety is a secondary consideration and does not replace adult supervision.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in an above-ground swimming pool. For example, will you use the pool only for your morning laps, or is for your children to use on weekends?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used an above-ground swimming pool before? |
| | If you have, work out what you did or didn't like it. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| Will an above-ground swimming pool work on my property? |
| | The ideal spot for an above-ground swimming pool should be level and free from underground and overhead obstructions. Also look for a spot that gets plenty of sun, with few trees to cover the pool with shade (and leafy debris). State and local zoning may place limits on the size and placement of your pool, so check out these regulations before you make a final decision. |
| Will an above-ground swimming pool be an eyesore in my yard? |
| | Above-ground swimming pools have a reputation for detracting from the visual appeal of some homes, but it doesn't have to be that way. Include decks and landscaping in your plan, and make sure your fence provides privacy as well as security. Some above-ground pools can be designed or installed to appear to be in-ground. |
| Why should I opt for above-ground instead of in-ground for my swimming pool? |
| | The investment required for an in-ground pool may not be worth it in a cold climate with a short swimming season. Additionally, an above-ground swimming pool may last longer than an in-ground in colder climates where the ground freezes and heaves. Compared to in-ground, above-ground swimming pools are much more affordable. They are also faster and easier to install. |
| Will an above-ground swimming pool detract from my home's value? |
| | Probably a little, but you may decide it's worth it. If you're planning on staying in your home long enough to get plenty of use and pleasure out of an above-ground swimming pool, don't worry about property values. One of the benefits of an above-ground swimming pool is that you can move it to another home or dispose of it entirely if necessary. |
| Can I install an above-ground swimming pool myself? |
| | Maybe! Installation of an above-ground swimming pool isn't complicated and it doesn't require any special skills or equipment. Look for installation DVDs that show you each step in detail. Invite a couple of friends to help, and promise them a free pass to your new pool when it's done! |
| How much maintenance will I have to do for an in-ground swimming pool? |
| | Routine maintenance is essential if you want to enjoy your outdoor pool experience for years to come. There are also continuing costs and responsibilities for adding chemicals, changing filters and scrubbing and cleaning the pool that should be considered. Also the water balance, pool structure and components all require routine service. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of above-ground swimming pools and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
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