With so many different kinds of swimming pools in the marketplace, it can often be overwhelming for new customers to narrow down the right choice for their backyard and their family. In this article, you’ll find what we hope is a neutral and unbiased look at picking out the right pool for you.
The 3 main things to consider are size, style and longevity.
When it comes to size, how many people are going to be using the pool most of the time? If it’s two people, you might not need more than a 15’ round. 3-5 person families often end up with an 18’ or a 21’ pool. If you have a larger family or if you entertain often, you might want to consider a 24’, 27’ or 28’.
If you have a long and narrow yard and you don’t mind spending a bit more than their round counterparts of the same gallonage, ovals, kidney-shapes and rectangular pools are also an option. There are more components to support these shapes and they’re more labor-intensive for installers.
As far as the quality of the pool, how long would you realistically like to have the pool for? Most aboveground pool walls are made out of corrugated steel with some zinc to protect against corrosion. There are pools designed for 5-10 years, 15-20 years, or 30 years and beyond. If you plan on moving to another house in a few years, you might not need much more than an industry standard swimming pool. If you’re shopping for your grandchildren, you might want a sturdier pool with a stronger warranty.
The size of the frames (the top rails and side posts) is also something to consider. The frame system for an aboveground provides support and protection and they range from 6” frames to 12” frames. If you want a larger size, or if you have a large or windy yard, you might want a larger frame system for your pool to support the amount of water inside of it or to protect from the elements over the winter. Frames are manufactured in steel, resin or polymer. Steel is often coated with baked enamel (paint) or dipped in resin to protect from corrosion. While steel holds up very well through all seasons, polymer and resin rails can be shaped with a unique look and profile that some find more appealing.
It might help to break down aboveground swimming pools by their components. The most common pool walls are made of corrugated steel with zinc, but there are also polymer walls, steel walls fused with polymer and aluminum walls. Aluminum will last the longest, but it’s also a higher cost. Aluminum is often used with semi-inground pools because it can withstand the pressure of the soil up against it. For most families, a steel wall will last from 10-30 years depending on the amount of zinc used and how well the pool is opened, maintained and closed by the owner.
The top caps of a pool are decorative and also structural. They attach to the top rail and side post and they often get larger with higher cost pools with longer warranties. If a swimming pool has a bottom boot near the ground, it’s typically ornamental, or for appearance only.
And finally, every aboveground pool has a liner inside to hold the water. Vinyl liners are separated by pattern and thickness, or mill. A plain blue liner is the least expensive, and also the thinner of the two grades at 20 mill. Patterned liners are a higher cost and thicker at 25 mill thickness. If you’re meticulous, you might want a solid blue liner so that you can spot dirt easier while cleaning. Many families pick patterned liners because a pattern is more appealing or they want a more durable liner. A reasonable expectation for a liner is 10 years. Mileage varies depending on the family & usage as the liner gets older.
Ultimately, your perfect pool comes down to which pattern you find most appealing, which budget you’re comfortable with and how long you’d realistically like to take care of it and have it in your backyard. Our job is to find the right pool for you and your project. Please reach out when you’re ready to start your journey!
