Above Ground Swimming Pools Guide

If you’re purchasing a new swimming pool, it will most likely come with its own liner. If you already own an above ground swimming pool, or if you have picked one up used, you may find yourself in a position where you need to look at what is available in above ground swimming pool liners. Even if you do your very best to maintain your swimming pool in the best condition, eventually you’ll probably need to replace your pool’s liner. As you shop around for above ground swimming pool liners, check to see what the life expectancy is of each one and ask if there is any kind of guarantee that comes with it.

You’ll need to know what kind of swimming pool liner is required for the job before you can do anything else. Without the proper liner your pool is useless. Overlap pool liners do just what their name implies. The far edges of the liner overlap the side of the pool and hang down along the outside wall. Some people are fine with the way this looks, but if it bothers you you can simply trim some of the excess away to make it look a little bit neater. It might be advisable to leave a bit showing however in case any adjustments ever need to be made.

Beaded swimming pool liners are designed to fit into a track that holds them in place. If you’re not sure what you have, looking under the top rail should answer your question. If you still cannot figure it out take some photos of what you see underneath the top rail, so that you can show them to someone at an above ground swimming pool dealer near you. You do not necessarily have to buy anything from this person, but they will be able to tell you more about your pools requirements and even give you a quoted price that you can compare later.

This may seem obvious, but before you go to talk to anyone, you should know as much about you’re swimming pool as possible. This would include both the size and shape of your above ground swimming pool. An oval above ground swimming pool, we’ll have different requirements than the traditional round pool. There are also different sizes of swimming pool and this is very important when you are purchasing a liner. The measurement you’ll need for a round swimming pool is the diameter of the pool itself. For those who do not remember their high school geometry, this is the distance across the center of a circle. In this case the distance across the center of your pool.

Just as when you’re buying almost anything else, you will generally get what you pay for in an above ground swimming pool liner. Heavier gauge liners that are designed to handle more wear and to last longer, are going to cost you more money. The amount you spend will be determined by the quality of the liner you decide to go for in your purchase.

Finally you’ll want to think about what your swimming pool liner actually looks like. You may or may not have a preference as two patterns, colors, and the like. Most above ground swimming pool dealers will have a variety of patterns for you to choose from. Even if you decide to look for your swimming pool liner online, you most likely will be able to find many patterns available.

Considering Above Ground Swimming Pool Decks

A deck around your pool can really add to the overall atmosphere of the poolscape.  Some decks are so huge and extensive that you can hardly even tell that  you are in an above ground pool.

One thing to consider when you’re purchasing an above ground swimming pool is what you’ll do with the area around your new pool.  This is sometimes referred to as the poolscape.  For some people this will just be whatever happens to surround the pool after it is installed.  Other people will have very elaborate plans.  Building on above ground swimming pool decks can be a bit of an expensive chore, but the results can be very nice.  I suppose a lot of this has to do with whether you prefer to focus on form or simply functionality.  Any properly installed swimming pool will cool you off when it is hot.  If you intend to do a lot of entertaining, you may have to put in a little bit of thought and money though. I think that most people would like to have a deck installed around their swimming pool if it was part of a package.  This does not happen too often though.  As I mentioned in a previous post, you can sometimes find some very nice stuff been given away for free if you look in your local classified ads.  This even includes above ground swimming pool decks.  It’s an individual choice whether or not you’re interested in looking for used decking material, but it can save you a bundle. If you do not even want to consider a used swimming pool deck, you may want to think about checking the costs of a prefabricated pool deck.  These can be purchased in a variety of materials and each has its own particular benefits and drawbacks, including cost and what the finished product will look like.

Many people decide that they do not want to have anything at all to do with the actual labor of installing their swimming pool deck.  In this case you should probably start looking for a reputable swimming pool contractor or other carpentry expert.  Word of mouth is often the best advertising for projects like this.  If you know somebody who has already had a swimming pool deck installed, ask them to share what they have learned.  Get as many bids as reasonably possible.  Do not wait for each person to come and give an estimate before calling the next person.  Contractors sometimes get busy and it can be difficult to pin one down to a time for an estimate.  You should also call several contractors because there can be a huge difference in the quotes given for completing the work.  You should also always check your local codes to be sure that you are following the letter of the law before installing anything that could get you fined for not following local rules.

I found this video that shows the construction of an AMAZING deck (and a few other things).  I think it is safe to say this project will not qualify as a discount anything!

Above ground swimming pool prices can vary tremendously depending on what you are looking to purchase.  The ultimate discount for a patient pool shopper is to watch local classified ads like a hawk and then swoop in when someone puts in a listing for a free above ground swimming pool.  I cannot speak for all areas of the country or the world, but I see at least a few of these in our local “Pennysaver” every year during spring and early summer.  Most times, the deal includes the “buyer” taking the pool apart and hauling it away but they do not stay available for very long.  Depending on the individual swimming pool, this can be a great bargain if you have some helpers that you can line up.  You should also make sure that at least one of the helpers has some kind of experience working with pools so that you don’t accidentally damage anything while your are taking the pool apart.  Of course, you should thoroughly examine the pool’s condition before agreeing to take the pool.  That said, there are some who would take even a damaged pool for free looking for scrap value (they are relatively light though).

photo credit: Photos8.com
You can also find very low prices on used pools that are not quite free.  These sometimes will also include the stipulation that you must take the pool down, but many times it has already been done before the ad was placed.  Once again, this can be a way to grab an amazing deal.  Chances are, if you get one of these very cheap or free swimming pools, you will have to buy a new swimming pool liner before installing it, but they are not really all that expensive.

A lot of people don’t want to deal with used merchandise.  No problem there at all.  There are tons of people and places willing to sell you a brand new swimming pool.  Depending on your location, you may or may not be near a retail pool outlet.  If you aren’t, there are quite a few places online selling swimming pools.  If you are going to look online or visit retailers in person, it is a good idea to check several sources before making your final decision.

Swimming pool prices will depend a lot on the size of the above ground swimming pools you are considering as well as what is included in the swimming pool package.  Many places sell their swimming pools with everything you need to get started.  This is a nice set up for some people because you will know that the filter you receive will be the appropriate size (double check though) and it might even come with some type of deal on swimming pool chemicals to get you started in your first season.  You can usually find prices starting between $1500 and $2000 for a standard above ground swimming pool (round and probably fifteen or 18 feet in diameter).  As you go up in size or look for oval or rectangular above ground pools, the prices usually increase.  Keep track of everything you find out as you research swimming pool prices.  Later, you will be able to compare and figure out what the best deal is for you and your swimming pool needs.

photo credit: tom.arthur