How to Choose an Above-Ground Pool

An above-ground pool comes with a variety of benefits that can provide the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and incredible entertainment. If you’re considering investing in one, you’ll want to know how best to strike that balance by choosing the perfect above-ground pool for you.

To ensure you make an informed purchase, take a look at this easy guide for all you need to know about choosing an above-ground pool.

Setting a Budget

Setting a budget will simplify your search. By doing this, you can eliminate any options that don’t fit within it. Any above-ground pool will represent a considerable upfront investment, as well as ongoing costs that are important to consider. However, you will find that some options will require a far larger investment than others.

While the average above-ground pool will cost you somewhere between $5,000 and $15,000, higher end models can cost $20,000 or more. If you choose to have your pool installed by a professional installer, the additional cost can be between $2,000 and $8,000. Determine where your budget stands and your realistic options will become a lot clearer.

Determining Where Your Pool Will Go

Before you consider anything else about your above-ground pool, you’ll first want to know where you will place it. This is important because the area where your pool is set will be integral to determining the size of the pool and the extra work you may need to do in order to install it.

Your pool is going to need easy access to both a water source and electrical power, and you’ll need to place it on a strong and level surface. You’ll also want to brush up on your area’s zoning regulations and safety requirements regarding swimming pools so you can remain compliant and headache-free.

There are also the matters of visibility and shade. Your pool will be much safer if it can be easily seen from your home, so try to provide great visibility when determining its location.

Shade around your pool can be nice when the weather is hot, but it can also mean clearing your pool of debris more often. Meanwhile, sun exposure can help keep the water warm and comfortable but might be overwhelming on extra hot days.

Choosing Your Pool’s Size and Shape

Once you know how much room you have to accommodate your pool, you can then determine the pool size and shape that you like best and that works in your space. There are two major options as far as shapes go — round and oval. There are also rectangular above-ground pools, but they’re far less common.

Your size options will vary depending on the shape you choose. You can get anything from a 12’ diameter round pool to oval pools that are 20’x40’ or even larger. The best size and shape for you will be centered around your budget, placement limitations, and personal preference.

Choosing Pool Materials

Most above-ground pools are made of either resin, steel, or a hybrid of the two. Each material offers its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks.

Steel is strong and more affordable but can be susceptible to rusting, especially if exposed to salt water. Resin is resistant to corrosion and still quite strong, but it’s more expensive. The hybrid option offers the best of both worlds, but it comes at a premium price.

Deciding on a Pool Height

Your above-ground pool’s height can be a big factor when choosing the perfect one for you.

Generally, you can expect three height options — 48”, 52”, and 54”. Keep in mind that these heights do not indicate the precise depth of the pool’s water when it’s filled since you will want to leave some space and not fill it all the way to the edge. To determine the water depth, subtract about 4”-6” from the height of the pool.

This factor is important because choosing the right pool height will revolve mostly around how deep you want your pool to be. If you have small children, you may prefer a more shallow pool, but if not, maybe you’d like more depth for greater comfort.

Above Ground Pools from WCI Pools & Spas

Need help finding the perfect above-ground pool for you? Contact WCI Pools & Spas today, and we’ll be happy to lend a hand. We are the experts when it comes to above-ground pool brands like Backyard Leisure Pools, Optimum Pools, and Garden Leisure® Pools.