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What to look for when buying an Above Ground Pool

What to look for when buying an Above Ground Pool
By Pools Above Ground
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What to look for when buying an Above Ground Pool

Above Ground Pools

An above ground pool is an investment, and you will want to make sure that you are getting the best pool for your budget and needs. A good quality average sized above ground pool package will generally start at around $2,000. Of course, this price will vary depending on how large the pool is, what it is made of, and what is included in the pool kit. To ensure that you buy the best product, there are many things to look for when you are buying an above ground pool.

Narrowing Down Your Options

At first, the thought of buying an above ground pool can seem overwhelming. With so many different products to choose from, you may have trouble focusing on the key factors in the search.

A helpful hint is to break down your options by considering each model’s:

  • Strength
  • Materials
  • Place of origin
  • Warranty
  • Cost
  • Safety

Strength

Whether you are using the pool for a few months out of the year or much more, you will want a product that is strong enough to hold up to demands such as weather and high volume. There are two main types of above ground pools: ring pools and frame pools. Ring pools are constructed of a heavy duty vinyl material and are crafted in a ring shape. When it is full, the pool has a flask shape and is wider at the bottom than at the top, which allows for greater stability. Although ring pools are quite durable, frame pools have an astonishing amount of strength. This is because the pools are made with a sturdy metal frame that can hold up to years of use (and abuse).

Materials

Above ground pools are made of three unique materials: aluminum, steel, and hybrid/resin. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, trademarks of steel are its weight and price. Of the three materials, steel is the heaviest. In addition, it is a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. Although a steel pool is very heavy and solid, it is also prone to rust after a certain amount of time. In general, many manufacturers build steel pools that can last for at least 20 years. One of the advantages of aluminum over steel is that aluminum does not rust. However, it does oxidize and weaken over time. During this process, pinholes may develop in the pool’s liner. This material weighs about half as much as steel, but its lightweight construction may make it feel a bit flimsy at times. If you want a pool that is easy to disassemble and transport, however, steel is a good choice. Resin is a relatively new material that is used for above ground pool construction. There are not many 100 percent resin pools available, as most are actually hybrids. What this means is that most of the structural components are crafted from resin then matched up with a steel or aluminum wall. One big advantage of resin is that it does not rust or oxidize. Although the 100 percent resin pools are quite expensive, hybrids are not.

Place of Origin

Many above ground pools are made in America. Such pools offer high quality materials that can withstand the test of time for years to come. Many American-made pools are also backed by an extended warranty. This is useful because parts and service will be available if the need arises during the time you own the pool.

Warranty

Even if you are only planning on using the pool for a few months out of the year, it is helpful to have warranty coverage. This is because above ground pools require routine maintenance and occasional repairs, as is the case with in ground pools. An example of working parts that your above ground pool may require is automatic pool cleaners and filters. You may also opt to place a heater in your pool, in which case you will want to have warranty if the heater breaks and needs to be repaired or even replaced. There are many different kinds of warranty available, each of which caters to various needs. One example is the Royal Series, which offers a 60 year limited warranty. Included in this warranty package is full warranty in the first three years, which covers defective or corroded metal parts along with resin parts that break or are inoperable due to poor workmanship. Another possibility is the Pro Series, a warranty package that will cover your pool for 20 years. This package also covers metal parts and broken or inoperable resin parts. You should know that although these parts are covered completely during the first year, you will need to pay a fee to have them replaced after the one year time period is up. There are several different types of warranty packages. When you are ready to pick out your pool, take a close look at the packages and ask for assistance or suggestions if you need it.

Cost

An above ground pool is an investment, but just how much money you spend depends on a few factors. If you are shopping on a budget and just want a temporary pool to beat the summer heat, you can probably go with a base model. Keep in mind that the materials used to construct the pool will affect how much you spend. Other factors, such as a larger size and extra features, such as a ladder or a heater, can increase the price.

December 9, 2013
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