Soft Sided Pools

Another Above Ground Pool Alternative

Soft sided pools are said to be the quickest and easiest pools to install.  They are also, for the most part, the least expensive.

While I am not a big fan of this type of above ground pool they do have their place.

Many families will use these pools as a first pool and then move up to a steel wall pool.  These inexpensive pools give you a real feel for whether or not the pool will get used and cared for.

If things go well with the soft side pool you will have gotten your moneys worth out of it in a couple of years.  Soft sided pools tend to be a little lacking when it comes to cleaning equipment, filters and ladders.  As you replace these items with upgrades keep in mind they can be used on your next pool as well.

Soft sided pools are very similar to steel wall pools in that they need perfectly level ground for installation.  There is a lot less structure with a soft side pool to hold it upright if the ground is sloped.  It is extremely important to make sure the ground is level and firm.

These inexpensive above ground pools will require the same maintenance as any other pool.  They require daily filtration, vacuuming and chemicals.  It is much easier to keep a pool clean and sanitary than it is to drain and refill it every couple of days.

The term soft sided pools can refer to either an easy set pool like the one to the left or a metal frame pool like pictured below.

The metal frame pool is a little stronger and a little more expensive than the easy set.  With either pool you will need to plan on upgrading the filter and ladder within the first year or so.  Like I said before, that is not a bad thing, good quality filters and ladders can last for many years and work well on different kinds of pools.

Learn more about soft sided pools on the metal frame pools page or the Easy Set page.

In The Swim currently has Intex and Easy Set pools on sale.  A 24' round Intex metal frame pool is only $1,199.99 and an optional monthly payment plan is available.  An Intex Easy Set 18' pool is ready to ship for only $899.99.