What Is An Above Ground Pool

What Are The Parts Of An Above Ground Swimming Pool

While the components that make up an above-ground pool wall vary by pool design, material, and manufacturer, walls are generally constructed using bottom rails and plates, bolts and covers, wall panels, top rails, and fasteners. Above ground pools are usually made of resin, steel or aluminum wall panels.

Features To Look For:

• Rust-proof frames The pool that you choose must have rust-proof or corrosive-proof frames that ensure durability. Otherwise, after a season or two of use, they will rust, requiring replacement.
• Tough sidewalls Although most manufacturers strive for durability, some sidewalls are better than others. Look for lining with 3-ply layers for added strength.
• Drain plug Pools hold a lot of water, and when its time to drain them can quickly flood your yard. A drain plug that hooks up to your garden hose allows for easy draining and leading the water away from your home and pool to a more appropriate area.
• Outlet/Inlet holes Even if your pool doesnt come with a pump, it is highly recommended you find one that already has an outlet and inlet holes for adding a pump. For proper pool maintenance, a filtration pump is essential to ensure safe water levels.
• Added accessories If you are a first-time buyer, you may want to consider purchasing a pool that has all the necessities included. This will save you time deciding what is necessary, looking for it, and buying it. Though not all included accessories are ideal, they are a great start and give you an idea of what you like and need.

If your pool doesnt come with a pool pump or you are looking to replace the one that the pool comes with, take a look at our reviews on the highest-rated above ground pool pumps.

What is needed for your above ground pool:

Choose The Size And Shape Of Above

The size and shape of the pool are important since these factors affect the cost of the pool and its maintenance, as well as its ability to fit well within your yard.

The size of the available space helps to determine the eventual size of the pool. The cost of water should be figured in, too, since treated water comes at a cost for all municipal users.

Above-ground swimming pools range from small wading pools to large round, oval, or rectangular pools.

Based on 2021 findings from Home Guide.

You May Like: Is The Mandalay Bay Pool Open

Will An Above Ground Pool Affect My Insurance

Talk with your insurance provider to be sure you comply with your policy and are covered for any issues that might arise associated with owning a pool. Typically, you will need to install protective fencing for a pool to be covered on insurance. However, in most cases guests are covered for any injuries that may occur while in the pool.

Above Ground Pool Or Inground Pool: Which One Should You Buy

Part of deciding what type of pool to install involves thinking about how you plan to use it. Do you want to swim laps as a form of exercise in the evening? Is the pool a fun way to entertain the kids and help them get out some energy?

The answers to these questions will have a big impact on the design and depth of your pool. If you arent sure how you want to use your pool just yet, here are a few pros and cons of both styles to help you decide.

Don’t Miss: How Many Btu’s Do I Need For Pool Heater

Choose The Type Of Above

Above-ground swimming pools come in three major types: inflatable, metal or resin frame, and rigid wall.

• Inflatable Pools: Inflatable pools are the least expensive and fastest type of pool you can install. Most are limited at 42 inches high. Inflatable pools are less durable than framed or rigid wall pools.
• Metal or Resin Frame Pools: Metal or resin frame above-ground pools rely on an outer framework to hold the pool liner in place. These pools are moderately expensive and can last for years longer than inflatable pools.
• Rigid Wall Pools: Rigid wall above-ground pools’ sturdy metal walls form the basin of the pool. A waterproof liner within the basin holds the water. Rigid wall pools are the most expensive above-ground pool but the most durable, too.

Semi Buried Or Fully Buried Above Ground Pool

These pools are similar to the traditional above ground pools discussed above, however, they willhave fully insulated wall panels that are significantly stronger to combat the ground forces pushingin on the walls. These pools will come in a variety of sizes, even the more free form look.

Pros: More of the inground look and feel with a relatively quick install about 3-5 days depending on size and site location, long term solution, warranty.

Cons: Cannot be easily re-located if you move, price point for this option is fairly high due to installation, not conducive to a DIY install.

Also Check: How To Raise Free Chlorine

Prepare The Pool’s Base

The location for your above-ground swimming pool should be level. Leveling the base for your pool is critical since variations may cause the pool to collapse.

Even if you decide on do-it-yourself above-ground pool installation, you may want to have the base prepared by professionals. A general building contractor can do this. In some areas, professional leveling services can help grade and prepare the base for the pool.

The 4 Most Common Above Ground Pool Types

You’ve decided it’s time – no more suffering through Oklahoma summers. You are ready to invest in an above ground pool!

As you start doing your Google research, as any good consumer does, you realize it may not be quite that simple. Above ground pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points and you quickly realize you aren’t exactly sure which type of above ground pool will fit your needs best.

Lucky you – we are going to introduce you to the primary types of above ground pools and give you our thoughts on their pros / cons so you spend your money wisely!

Easy Set / Inflatable Above Ground Pool

First up – we are going to look at the pools you see everywhere – all the big box retailers carry them – Intex Easy Set / Inflatable Blow Up Pools. I’m not going to go into a whole lot of detail on these – you’ve seen them… You inflate the top ring and then begin filling the pool. As you add water, the top ring begins to float allowing the walls to expand into the size you purchased. You can get this type of pool as large as 18′ round and 48″ depth.

Cons – generally the equipment that comes with these pools is not adequately sized for the water volume, so they can be challenging to keep clean, often requiring you to drain and refill them. Additionally, the pool ‘wall’ can tear easily and begin leaking, and they generally only last 1, maybe 2 summers.

Steel Frame Above Ground Pool

Traditional Above Ground Pool

Semi-Inground Pool

Also Check: Is The Mandalay Bay Pool Open

Pump And Filter Systems

A pump and filter system is essential for keeping your pool clean and free of debris, algae or other harmful substances. The pump keeps the water circulating and the filter gets rid of the debris.

There are 3 types of pump/filter systems:

• Sand filters This popular method uses sand in the pump to push the water through the filter. The water goes into the filter and then out via tubes at the bottom of the tank .
• Cartridge filters This type has a cartridge inside the filter, which captures debris as it passes through. They are designed to run on lower pressure than sand.
• D.E. filter This type of filter uses fossilized exoskeletons of diatoms. The D.E. powder catches the debris, including very small particles that sand might miss.

Here are some suggestions for the best filters for above ground pools.

That Experience Was Nothing But Positive & Professional

We starting dealing with Dale from Pioneer last fall. Every experience was so positive. Sadly, we ended up having to cancel our pool before it was installed. I will be honest, I fully expected to be given a hard time however that experience was nothing but positive and professional. Thank you Dale. We will recommend

Starr Doleman

You May Like: Is The Mandalay Bay Pool Open

Dreamy Pool Design Ideas

Materials

Most in-ground pools are made of either concrete , vinyl or fiberglass with concrete being the most popular, according to The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals . The gunite, which is applied via a hose on-site, is covered with a layer of textured plaster made from the same material as the gunite, but this layer is often colored with pigments to give the pool a blue, white or gray color, depending on what look you want. The plaster is often topped with a few rows of ceramic tiles for a decorative effect. A gunite pool takes several weeks to build, but the advantage over other types of materials is that you have more options as to the shape you want.

A vinyl pool refers to the liner of the pool. These are generally prepackaged pool kits and are often ready to use in about a week. The vinyl liner hangs from the wall panels which can be made from aluminum, galvanized steel, plastic or pressure-treated plywood, depending on the manufacturer of the kit. Vinyl pools do not generally offer as many options for the shape of the pool, but they do offer many options in the patterns and colors available. For example, vinyl liners can be imprinted with tile patterns that you would otherwise have to pay a premium for if you were to have a fully tiled pool. Vinyl liner pools also tend to be less expensive than a concrete pool.

What Our Customers Are Saying

At Pool Supplies Canada, we offer the widest selection of Canadian made pools in the industry. That’s because Canadian made products not only support our local economy, which is important to our team, they are also made of high quality materials that can withstand our harsh Canadian climate. Our products meet Canadian certifications and safety standards and come backed with Canadian manufacturer warranties for use in Canada. Some products even have exclusive extended warranties that are only available through Pool Supplies Canada.

At Pool Supplies Canada, we take our customers feedback very seriously, and pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service – from the moment you first place your order, to after your pool is installed. Below are just a few of the kind words we’ve received from our thousands of above ground pool customers over the years – to see more, visit our or Customer Reviews page. It’s no coincidence that we are Canada’s number one above ground pool supplier!

You May Like: How Deep Are Intex Pools

Is Foam Base The Best

I’m replacing my existing 24′ X 48″ pool with a new one. This one has been in place for over 20 years and has an existing sand base and a center bottom drain along with a regular skimmer. I’m probably going to use 1 1/2″ tongue and groove foam with duct taped joints on top of the existing sand unless you can recommend something better. I’ll also use the preformed cove.

Since I’ll be using a 48″ beaded liner will that extra rise in the floor of 1 1/2″ cause me any height problems with the liner?

Is it possible to install the bottom rails directly on top of the foam with the foam extending beyond the 24′ perimeter of the pool?

Thanks for all of your help.

Hi Hugh.

My first choice would be to use the beaded liner with the understanding it will probably be to big on the sides and will get pulled over the wall and attached like an overlap liner. I do this a lot with beaded liners because I hate the wrinkles caused by to much vinyl on the sides of the pool. I would much prefer installing an overlap liner and not have to worry about an exact wall height.

Beaded liners are nice if you plan to deck over the pool top rails in a way that makes then non removable. Otherwise you are better off going with an overlap.

Thanks

Hi Ron

Stone dust is my preference but either would be fine, as long as you don’t feel it was your soil that may have corroded your old pool. If so a combination of raising the pool area and using stone dust would be a good solution.

How Do You Install An Above

The proper way to install an above-ground pool depends on the type. However, there’s a general process to follow when setting up standard pools with PVC walls and steel frames. After clearing an area and making sure the ground is level, start by laying down the ground cloth and placing the bottom plate on top.

Next, connect the metal rails to the bottom plate and around the perimeter. Then connect the vertical side rails to the bottom portion of the frame. Be sure to read the directions carefully, as the different metal rods can look similar but won’t line up or connect properly if you use the wrong ones.

After that, install the lining onto the bottom plate and up the walls. When finished, your pool should have a balanced shape, and the walls should all be the same height.

Recommended Reading: Vegas Hotels With Private Pools

How To Take Care Of Your Pool

Whether buying the best above ground pool, fiberglass pool, or hot tub on the market, there are is one thing to keep in mind in order to maintain a healthy pool environment you need to take care of the water! The two most obvious things to think about is water circulation, and of course, cleaning the sides and bottom of the pool itself.

Firstly, lets take a look at the importance of water circulation in a pool.

Summer Waves Pool Set

This lovely pool makes our list because users were delighted with the way it looks in their yard and is made very durable. Though more expensive than the others on our list, the Summer Waves Pool Set is worth every penny. It is a 12 foot round pool at 33 inches in depth and has 1,900 gallons capacity, suitable for both children and adults.

This pool set includes a SFX600 filter pump that combines the functions of a skimmer and filter for better results. It directly attaches to the sidewalls of the pool that allows for easier maintenance and to prevent tripping. The pool is constructed with a galvanized steel frame that is durable and rust-resistant.

What sets this pool apart from the rest is its attractive dark herringbone wicker pattern exterior. It is also available in a lighter wicker design. The unit isnt only beautiful but durable as well. A triple-layer heavy gauge PVC and polyester mesh are used to build this pool to withstand weather and human activity.

Pros

Don’t Miss: How To Build A Gunite Pool Yourself

Intex Ultra Xtr Pool Set

The Intex Ultra XTR Pool Set has everything needed to get you swimming faster. This is an 18 foot round pool at 52 inches deep. It has a water capacity of 6,981, making it ideal for children and adults alike. The pool set includes a sand filter pump, ground cloth, cover, and ladder.

The frame of the pool is top-quality galvanized steel. It features a precision-engineered loading system that boosts stability, durability, and overall quality. It features inner and outer powder coating making it rust-resistant and extending the pool life.

Included with the pool you receive a 110-120V sand filter pump. The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump features a 12-inch in diameter corrosion-resistant tank. It has a system flow rate of 1,600 GPH and features a timer with 1-12 hour preset cycles. You also receive a quality pool cover and a large ground cloth to provide added protection and comfort for your pool.

The ladder that comes with the pool has slip-resistant and hi-impact steps and has a corrosion-resistant frame. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs., making it one of the most durable on the market.

Pros

• Very easy to assemble when instructions are carefully followed
• Attractive exterior that suits any backyard
• Comes with a Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

Cons

Safe For The Whole Family

Parents, this one’s for you. It’s all depending on your setup, but typically it is much harder for your loved ones, children, and fur babies to fall into an Above Ground Pool Model. If you have a deck built around your swimming pool, or, a fence with a latched gate as added protection, you will feel much more at ease turning your back for a few seconds. Bonus, Above Ground Pools are constantly revered as the perfect pool to teach children how to swim in. Adults can easily stand and support their children as they begin to explore the water.

Don’t Miss: Inground Pool Syracuse Ny

What Are The Components Of An Above Ground Pool

Pool Walls

Typically made of steel, pool walls are built to last for years. They come with unique designs on the outside, depending on the model you choose. The standard height of Above Ground Pool Walls are 48, 52 and 54.

Coping / Top Rails

The Top Rails are what seal your pool liner to sit snug against the pool wall. We recommend shopping for a pool with top rails that look comfortable to you. Some Top Rails are constructed of resin material, instead of steel, for those that may plan to convert there pool to salt water.

Pump & Pool Filter

Your pool pump and filter are most-likely connected as one unit. These above ground pool filter systems circulate the water to avoid stagnant water or algae-blooms. Circulation also distributes pool chemicals for an even spread across the entire pool. The pool pump pushes water through your pool, while the pool filter removes dirt and debris before returning the water to your pool. A clean pool is a happy pool!

Wall Skimmer

The Wall Skimmer pulls water into the filtration system, when the pump and filter are running. Wall Skimmers typically have a removable skimmer basket, which helps remove big debris before entering the filtration system.

Vinyl Liner

The three main types of above ground pool liners are: Overlap, Unibead and Beaded. Each type features a unique way of connecting the liner to your pool wall.

Liner Protection

Cove Protection

Pool Ladder