Above The Ground Pools

Does Your Yard Need One?

Are you looking to add one of the many above the ground pools to your backyard?  Just can't decide which one is right for you?  Shade Builder is fortunate to have a resident pool pro who can walk you through all of your options.

Even better, he can help you after your purchase with installation problems, or any other pool related problem, you might have.

The most important part of pool ownership is choosing the right pool.  If you are looking for the cheapest above ground pool made, just something to get you through the summer, one of the Easy Set above the ground pools would probably be you best choice.

A step above that would be one the Intex soft sided pools.  these are usually inexpensive and should last you several years.  If you are looking for more than a few years use out of a pool I strongly recommend one or the many steel wall above ground pools.

There are pools on the market now with twenty, thirty and even fifty year warranties.  These pools are an investment that can be enjoyed for many years, just like an in ground pool, but for a fraction of the price.

When shopping for an Easy Set, or an Intex pool, your choices are pretty simple.  You have a Wal-Mart in just about every town with plenty of cheap pools.  There are also place online like In The Swim where these cheaper above the ground pools can be ordered.  I would not, however, buy one of these used.  This type of pool is a short term swimming fix, and I have nothing against them, but I would not buy a used one.  When a person is finished with one of these pools they should be thrown away or, maybe, given away, not sold.

With steel wall above the ground pools you have more options.  If you are a bargain hunter, and don't mind going used, try Craigslist or you local newspaper.  There are usually many pools being sold, or even better, being given away.  It is very possible to find a perfectly good above ground pool for free.  Yes, Free, you just need to get it out of a backyard.  More often people will be trying to sell their pools, and that's fine too.  Just don't get taken and pay to much.  A used pool will seldom cost you more than a few hundred dollars, maybe a thousand at most.  Read carefully our page about used above the ground pools before beginning you hunt.

There are those that don't want any of the surprises that come with used stuff, and that's fine also.  Shopping the new pool market has it's own set of challenges and you best study up before you get taken for a ton of money you did not have to spend.

The first question that usually comes up is should you buy the pool online or from a local dealer?  Local dealers have some advantages over online pool stores, if they are good local dealers, that is.  If they care about their customers and sell quality merchandise, and back it up with outstanding service, they would certainly be worth some extra money.

A good method of shopping would be to visit several pool stores and get prices.  Most pool stores should have their above the ground pools set up and on display.  This gives you a chance to put your hands on the pool and get a feel for the quality of construction.  You can then come back to your computer and comparison shop.

You may find just the pool you want at a local store, and then come back home and find it online for several hundred less.  This is not at all uncommon.  Here are some things to consider before you push the buy button.

• Who will be installing the pool?
• What is included in the package?
• What is the shipping time, and exact cost?
• How long would you have to wait if parts are missing?

Installation is an important factor to consider.  If you plan to install the pool yourself, it would not make any difference.  But if you plan to hire an installer check with them before you order the pool.  Make sure they know exactly what you are getting and you know exactly what they will charge you to install it.  Installation can be one of the major advantages of a local store, so make sure you have this one under control before buying online.

The package is another important consideration.  Some online stores provide less than what you need, and some give you more.  A deal may look great considering all you get, but not so much if you don't need it all.  If you are having the pool installed, discuss the entire package with them, before ordering.  Will there be extra charges to hook up some of the stuff, will they even use some items, and have they even heard of others?  These are questions to ask your installer, or, if doing it yourself, do your homework.

Compare the online shipping cost with the local dealer delivery cost.  Some stores work this into the cost of the pool, others charge extra.  Make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

The last question is an important one, if possible, and it's usually not, get it in writing.  How long will it take to get replacement parts if anything is missing.  There was a time when pools stores stocked a summers worth of pools in their warehouse.  If a part were missing they would open a box and give it to you.  Now, many stores order their pools one at a time and have no extra parts on hand.  There is, however, such a thing as overnight shipping.  Make sure, where ever you buy the pool from, that they can overnight any missing parts to you, as opposed to making you wait weeks, as has been to often the case in years gone by.

We could go on and on about above the ground pools, well actually we do, just not on this page.  Be sure to see our pool sitemap, our pool pro section and the AGP Help Center.  Everything you would ever want to know about above ground pools is on this site, and then some.