Anabove-ground swimming poolallows homeowners to have a pool without many drawbacks of an in-ground swimming pool.
Though above-ground pools cost around$50 to $75, this is for shallow children’s pools.
Rigid wall pools are more durable and are considered semi-permanent.
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Expect to pay$1,200 to $4,000for a rigid metal wall above-ground pool.
Metal-framed and resin-framed pools are more expensive than inflatables due to the extra materials.
Nearly every above-ground pool will be less expensive than an in-ground pool.
In-ground pools typically cost between $37,000 and $67,000.
Above-ground pools often include a sand filter, skimmer, ground cover, and pool cover.
Some also include a ladder.
Inflatable Above-Ground Pools
The least expensiveabove-ground poolyou can buy is an inflatable pool.
Inflatable children’s pools are priced at $50.
Tip
Inflatable pool dimensions published by manufacturers may differ from the actual inside dimensions.
Published dimensions are usually the outside of the pool.
Not only that but dimensions may refer to the base.
With larger inflatable pools, the base is wider than the top.
Metal Above-Ground Pools
Rigid steel wall pools' higher prices reflect their greater durability and permanence.
Above-ground pools tend to max out at a depth of 48 and 52 inches.
Above-ground pools are also portable.
Above-ground pools also have some disadvantages to consider.
They are also subject to maintenance issues such as leaks and are generally much less durable over time.
They will last less time than an in-ground pool.
Above-Ground Pool Installation
Most above-ground pools are intermediate-level do-it-yourself projects.
Assembly is usually not complicated, but it takes time.
So be sure to set aside a week to 10 days and have a couple of assistants to help.
It’s best to choose a fair season with no rain, snow, or wind.
Professionals can usually implement the pool in one or two days.
Many communities require you to apply for abuilding permitbefore building an above-ground swimming pool.
Check with your localpermitting officefor information about permits and applicable codes.
roll out the pool on perfectly flat ground with good drainage.
Other safety codes pertaining to fencing and electrical may also apply.
Several days before you begin the installation, carefully read the owner’s manual and installation sheet.
If you have a protected staging area, begin to lay out the materials ahead of time.
Simple problems that are ignored can quickly develop into complicated problems.
Keep the pool walls and frameclean with a mild soap solution, and never use abrasives.
Some metal parts may require a regular wax coating to prevent corrosion.
Attend to holes and slits immediately.
If they enlarge, they may become too big to repair by yourself.
As with in-ground pools, above-ground pools’water must be treated and filteredwith an electrically operated filter/skimmer system.
The walls are all metal.
Owners of rigid wall pools usually expect to own them for many years.
Rigid steel wall pools have a greater water capacity and can be filled higher than other types of pools.
Inflatable Pools
Inflatable pools dispense with the hassle of a rigid wall or frame assembly.
If your notion of inflatable pools is that of shallow pools only meant for kids, think again.
Inflatable pools have grown up and can also offer hours of enjoyment for adults.
Inflatable pools provide the best value when balancing cost, size, ease of installation, and durability.
Steel- or Resin-Frame Pools
Steel-frame and resin-frame pools are a hybrid of rigid wall and inflatable pools.
The pool basin is flexible plastic, but it is not inflated.
A lightweight exoskeleton of steel or hard, sturdy plastic holds the basin up and shapes it.
Framed pools can be as large as 16 feet by 32 feet and oval or rectangular.
A round-shaped framed pool will have a maximum diameter of 26 feet.
Adults, too, can cool off their feet while the children play in kiddie pools.
Children can drown in even very shallow pools.
Plus, above-ground pools are temporary to the property.
If you move, the pool moves with you.
But above-ground pools rarely increase a home’s value.
Also, these pools can be difficult for some users to access since they require stairs.
The pool contractor needs ample access to the yard for heavy equipment.
These pools are permanent fixtures in a yard, which can be a plus or a minus.
As a plus, a well-constructed in-ground pool adds value to a home.
As a minus, the pool requires constant maintenance.
Even if you no longer use the pool, it must be maintained or demolished.
Above-ground pools take less time to build than in-ground pools because they require no digging.
Since you could install your above-ground pool, there are no labor costs.
In-ground poolsrely on heavy equipment and a basin dug from the ground.
A metal or resin frame sometimes supports this basin.
In other cases, they are inflatable and self-supporting.
It will be easy to install, low maintenance, and affordable.
The cost of an aboveground pool liner depends on the size of your pool.
However, keeping your filters clean and installing energy-efficient equipment may lower the cost.
Together We Can Stop Drowning.Pool Safety, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
