Above Ground Swimming Pools Guide

Finding Discount Above Ground Swimming Pools

If you are looking for discount above ground swimming pools, it is probably safe to assume that you would like a quality swimming pool but you do not want to spend a lot of cash.  Rather than try to point you toward one particular retailer or outlet, I think it would be more useful to show you some of your options as you search for a discount above ground swimming pool.

You can find above ground swimming pools cheap if you are willing to do a little bit of research and not rush into anything too quickly.  It really does not take that long to check out the options that are available to you.  You can learn a lot from looking on the computer and picking up the telephone.  You should also hang on to any circulars or advertisements you get in the mail related to swimming pools and swimming pool accessories.

Of course you realize that the best above ground swimming pools are going to cost more than the less extravagant models that you will be considering in your search for discount above ground swimming pools.  This does not mean that the pools you will consider are junk, just that you may not be looking at the biggest and the best  swimming pools unless you’re willing to adjust your budget a bit.

One major consideration that will play a role in how much you’re swimming pool will cost, is the size of the pool itself.  Generally, small above ground swimming pools are going to cost less than larger models.  Similarly, if you are willing to consider inflatable above ground swimming pools that are on the small side, you can save even more money.  An example of this would be the Easy Set swimming pool.  These are made by Intex above ground swimming pools and generally come in the form of a swimming pool kit.  If this is something that would interest you you’re looking at swimming pool costs starting in the low hundreds of dollars instead of thousands.  This company also makes larger pools but obviously, as the size increases so does the cost of your swimming pool.

For most people, purchasing a new swimming pool is a major investment.  Realistically, a brand new above ground swimming pool of 18 feet or larger in diameter is probably going to cost you at least $1500 just for the pool itself.  That may sound like a lot, but to keep it in perspective, in ground swimming pool systems can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.  You should also realize that you’re swimming pool will be serving you for several seasons if you maintain it correctly.

There is also another option that I have mentioned in other articles, which you may want to consider.  You can sometimes find used above ground swimming pools for sale at very low prices by highly motivated sellers in your local classified ads.  Once somebody has lost interest in maintaining a swimming pool, they generally just want to get it off of their property.  This sometimes happens when kids or grand-kids grow up and move away and no one is left with an interest in the swimming pool.  If the homeowners do not enjoy swimming themselves, keeping the pool up becomes another chore that they would rather not be bothered with anymore.  Taking a couple of weeks to scan your local classified ads could save you thousands of dollars if you are willing to move the swimming pool from somebody else’s property to your own.  If you choose this option you should know something about installing above ground swimming pools yourself or know somebody who does and is willing to help you.  Or, you can do a search for people in your area who will install the swimming pool for you.  Just be sure that the people you choose know what they are doing and are insured before signing them up for the job.

While you are keeping an eye on the classified ads, continue contacting above ground swimming pool dealers in your area and watch for specials that might be advertised on television or in print.  Some of the best times to find discount above ground swimming pools are at the beginning of the swimming season, the end of the season and around the 4th of July.

One more thing, if you do find free above ground swimming pools or used above ground swimming pools being sold for a good price, keep in mind that you may still need to buy swimming pool accessories to go with your new purchase.  This could include things like a swimming pool filter, swimming pool equipment for keeping the pool clean, and pricing above ground swimming pool liners to install in a used pool.

In conclusion, you can find good deals on above ground swimming pools if you do just a little bit of homework.  Realize that different swimming pool designs and sizes will bring different costs along with their own advantages and disadvantages.   Between motivated buyers trying to sell used swimming pools and above ground swimming pool dealers eager to move inventory, you should be able to find a well priced swimming pool that suits your needs without too much effort.

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!

Exploring Hidden Pool Costs

In today’s uncertain economy, most people are not looking for ways to spend extra money.  Investing in a swimming pool is one of the last things that many people are thinking about.  Above ground swimming pool costs are much more reasonable than many people realize however.

Compared to the cost of taking your family on a vacation, installing an above ground swimming pool can actually be a bargain.  You must remember that you will have your pool for many years to come.  When you spread the cost of installing the pool out over several years, the investment really begins to look like quite a deal.

Some homeowners can afford the luxury of an in ground pool, but investing tens of thousands of dollars into a home improvement is not something that most people want to do if they can avoid it.  Above ground swimming pools are a much more reasonably priced alternative.  There are many above ground swimming pool options available.  Rather than spending thousands of dollars, a homeowner can invest hundreds and still have the luxury of being able to swim on their own property.  Above ground swimming pools come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes designed to meet the needs of almost any homeowner.

There are some hidden costs that must be taken into consideration when installing your swimming pool.  These are the little things that you may not think of when you are planning for your new pool.  The total of these costs will still not be anywhere near the cost of installing an in ground pool, but they do have to be taken into consideration.

photo credit: renfield
Here is a short list of things to remember:

• Your land and must be level.  If your property is not level, you may have to pay for excavating and leveling the area where you intend to place your above ground swimming pool.  The cost of this will vary greatly depending on the work involved and who you get to do the work.
• You must have access to electricity at your pool site.  Check your local codes to see what requirements there are for running electricity to your pool.
• If you intend to install a deck, realize that it will not be cheap.  If you’re able to do the work yourself, that will save you a considerable amount of money.  My jaw must have hit the ground when we got one estimate for a pool deck.  I had grand plans of a deck going about half way around our pool that included steps and a gate.  I also had the contractor figure the cost for using Trex to avoid splinters.  Total estimate for the deck: $8000.  It didn’t happen.  The following year my father-in-law and I converted some wooden steps we got out hands on to a mini-deck that works just fine.  It is only about six feet square, but our total cost was about fifty bucks.  That worked for me, because most of our time near the swimming pool is spent in the pool, not next to it.
• If you’re going to have somebody install your pool, It will cost an additional money.  Everyone wants to get paid and honestly, if you don’t know what you are doing, it is a wise investment.  If you do have the skilled labor available, putting the pool up yourself will save a nice chunk of change.

Even with these additional costs, an above ground swimming pool is still a great investment that you’ll have for years to come.  The convenience of not having to travel to get to a pool and the savings compared to paying for season passes is a real plus.  In fact, I would dare say that once you have your own pool, you probably won’t want to think about going to a crowded public pool again. Figure out who you might know that is qualified to help you as far as doing skilled work goes. If you have people in your family skilled in carpentry or electrical work, ask them for an estimate. Every little bit of money that you can save is a bonus. Once you start looking at the swimming pool options available to you, you might be surprised at how nice of a pool you can get (even with the hidden costs).

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