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What to Know Before Buying an Above Ground Pool
Congratulations!
You and your family finally decided to buy an above ground pool. Are you overwhelmed by the entire planning process?
We totally get it and are here to help.
Our team put together an entire above ground pool buying guide with information to help you decide what kind of above ground pool is right for you and your budget.
- Planning & Location
- Size, Shape, Above Ground or Semi-Inground
- Pool Material
- Installation
- Equipment
- Accessories
- Price Point
1. Planning & Location
Close to the house or set back?
Before you buy an above ground pool you will want to do some planning. A good start would be to think about the best spot for your pool in your backyard.
Decide if you want the pool close to your house or set back. Some people enjoy walking straight onto the pool deck or like the pool close to monitor children.
Others like it to be set back on the property so they can create a backyard oasis away from the house. In the end, it comes down to personal preference.
Near trees or not?
One thing you want to be mindful of when choosing a location is maintenance.
Pools built right underneath trees require a significant amount of additional maintenance as well as chemicals due to debris and leaves falling into it. This also makes for a much more work during the closing and opening season.
Sun or shade?
Sun versus shade plays a role as more sun can help keep your pool warmer. This can also extend the swimming season. Keep in mind that warmer pools get more usage.
On the other hand, the sun will burn off chlorine faster, which means you will go through more chemicals. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Now before you spend too much time thinking about your preferred location you need to check with your local code enforcement.
Every town has rules and requirements on where a pool can be built on a property. This includes setbacks from property lines and other structures, fencing, electric, decking, etc. Your local building department should be able to provide you with these requirements so you can plan where to put your pool.
You will need to get a building permit from your town or city before you can have your pool installed. There are a lot of pros and cons to consider when choosing the right location. Ultimately it comes down to permits and preference.
2. Size, Shape, Above Ground or Semi-Inground
While above ground pools are a little more limited in their shapes, they still offer a range of options in terms of sizes, types, and custom additions.
There are three types of above ground pool shapes: round, oval, and rectangular. If you are wondering what size of above ground pool you should get, the answer depends on backyard space and how many people you want in your pool at the same time.
Round ($2,000 - $10,000)
Round above ground pools are great for big open properties with a lot of room. This pool offers more value and comes in a variety of sizes depending on the pool brand.
Oval ($3,000 - $12,000)
Oval pools are great lap pools, meaning that if you like to swim labs this type of pool is for you. They are better for narrow spaces but are also more expensive than round pools.
Rectangular ($10,000 - $25,000)
Rectangular pools take up the biggest space in your backyard but often come with a complete steel deck.
Common Above Ground Pool Sizes
| Round | Oval | Rectangular |
|---|---|---|
| 12’ | 12’ x 20’ | 12' x 20' |
| 15’ | 12’ x 24’ | 12' x 24' |
| 18’ | 15’ x 30’ | 16’ x 24’ |
| 21’ | 16’ x 28’ | 16’ x 32’ |
| 24’ | 16’ x 32’ | |
| 28’ | 18’ x 33’ | |
| 30’ |
On Ground, Above Ground, Semi-Inground, or Recessed Pool
Once you have decided on your shape and size you can also choose whether you want your pool to be completely above ground, semi-inground or completely recessed. This also depends on the pool brand you choose, not every pool can be buried. Doughboy Pools are one of the few and most versatile above ground pools that allow a complete inground pool look. However, being able to build your pool in the ground gives a significant advantage if you have a sloped backyard. Costs will go up significantly the further it is buried into the ground.
Custom additions ($2,000 - $6000)
Now let’s talk about the luxury additions you can add to your above ground pool. Just like an inground you can add a deep end either in the middle or one side to your pool.
Some above ground pool manufacturers also offer built-in stairs, which is a nice addition since you will never have to deal with putting them in and taking them out. Keep in mind that both custom features will increase your cost by $2,000 - $6,000.
Depending on the space and the landscape of your backyard you will want to choose the right size and type when buying an above ground pool. If you are unsure, you can always ask your local pool store for advice.
Pool Sanitation System
Most customers should give thought to the type of pool sanitation they want to use before buying an above ground pool. Although chlorine is the most common system, the pool industry has recognized the importance for earth friendlier alternatives. Some of them include Pristine Blue, salt water, UV, and ozone systems to name a few but there are others as well.
3. Pool Material
Another important aspect when considering buying an above ground pool is the material it is made of. There are several different materials to choose from and we will briefly go over their pros and cons.
Steel
Steel is the strongest, most solid material for above ground pools and the least expensive. The downside of steel is that it is more prone to rust (oxidation) and corrosion. To avoid this, reputable manufacturers dip their steel in zinc (galvanizing) and add a protective coating.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight but rugged material. It does not rust per say but is prone to oxidation. Aluminum above ground pools are more expensive than steel pools.
Resin Frame
Resin above ground pools, also known as hybrids, are made of resin and other materials, such as steel or aluminum. Since resin is plastic, a pool cannot be made 100% out of this material but it is often a big component.
It offers a big advantage over an all-steel or aluminum above ground pool because it is resistant to rust and corrosion. This makes it a better choice for saltwater pools. It also doesn’t get as hot to the touch. Resin frame above ground pools are slightly more expensive than steel pools.
Wooden
Above ground pools made of wood are the most durable material and structurally sound. We once had a customer, whose wooden above ground pool was hit by a tree and the result was zero damage to the structure of the pool. Above ground pools constructed from wood have the advantage of being rust and corrosion-resistant.
These pools are visually more aesthetically pleasing compared to the other above ground pools. The wooden walled pools tend to be more expensive than the other pool types as they are of greater quality.
4. Installation
Another factor adding to the price of an above ground pool is the installation. If you are not a DIYer knowing how to install an above ground pool, then it is best to leave it up to the pool professionals.
Most pool warranties are contingent on proper installation of the pool, so consult the warranty before installation to ensure you don’t void your warranty.
Tip: Be wary of pool companies that offer free installations, unless it is a special promo offer.
5. Equipment
You got your pool, now you need to figure out what equipment you want to add to run your whole system.
Pumps
There are three types of pool pumps; single speed, dual speed, and variable speed pumps.
Single Speed Pumps are the most widely used pumps in above ground pools. They are the least expensive but also the least energy efficient.
Dual Speed Pumps offer a little more flexibility as you can choose from two-speed settings; high and low.
Variable Speed Pumps are relatively new to the above ground pool industry but inground pools have been using them for several years. They allow you complete control over the speed making it the most energy-efficient pump. While it is the most expensive pool pump it will save you money in the long run.
Filters
Just like there are three types of pumps there are also three types of pool filters.
Sand Filters are budget-friendly and are the easiest to clean. They require weekly to biweekly cleaning. Sometimes this filter requires additional chemical help to remove smaller particles that cause the water to be cloudy.
Higher up in price are Cartridge Filters. They catch smaller particles and are coined the most energy-efficient pool filter because they allow more water to pass through. While cartridge filters are better than sand at clearing cloudy water, cleaning the cartridge tends to be labor intensive and time consuming. Fortunately, cartridges do not need to be cleaned as frequently as sand filters. Cartridge filters are better for smaller pools.
Last but not least are DE Filters. This type of filter is able to catch the smallest sized particles of the three. In dirty pools this filter will plug the quickest and require cleaning frequently, but you won’t need to add more chemicals to help clear the water. Every time you clean or backwash you need to add DE powder back into the filter.
All three filters perform well. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The decision comes down to price and preferences.
6. Accessories
After you have made all your important decisions you can add a variety of accessories to your pool. Some accessories might be part of different pool packages but if they aren’t you might want to think ahead.
For Maintenance
You need to regularly maintain your pool whether you hire a pool professional or not you still want to have the basics. A pool brush and leaf skimmer net to maintain clean surfaces. A vacuum to remove debris and keep your filter cleaner. There are manual and automatic cleaners.
For Closing
If you live in a cold-weather area or don’t have a heater you will want to
close your above ground pool for winter. This requires either a standard winter pool cover or a safety cover. Some people like to add a leaf net to make leaf removal in the Fall and Spring easier.
Additional
To get in and out of your pool you will need to buy a pool ladder or stairs. If you like to keep your pool water warmer you can add a solar cover that lays on top of the water. Or you could get a heater. Heated pools will almost always get more and longer usage.
7. Price Point
Now Let’s Talk Cost
The most important question every pool buyer asks: What does an above ground pool cost? The answer unfortunately depends on multiple variables. Above ground pool pricing varies based on pool brand, size, material, and equipment. When comparing them to an inground pool though, which can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $85,000 (or more), above ground pools are a much more budget friendly, ranging from $3,000 to $20,000.
Most pool distributors offer different above ground pool packages. Depending on the accessories you add those packages will increase in price. Another important factor that will impact your budgeting is a pool deck. If you are thinking about building a pool deck you should consider that a deck around the whole pool will most likely cost you more than the actual pool.
Conclusion
Buying an above ground pool is not an easy decision but once you pick the right pool for your budget, it will be the center of entertainment, creating lots of fun memories.
Interested in an above ground pool? View our above ground pool selection here.
For a FREE consultation
contact us or visit our store at 3 Newton Junction Road in Kingston, NH.
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