Category Archives: Above Ground Swimming Pools

Above Ground Swimming Pools provide a great way for the famiy and friends to cool off and enjoy those hot summer months. Above Ground Swimming Pools are not only affordable but serve as a beautiful and refined focal point in the backyard.

The Above Ground Pool Goes Underground

What do you get when you cross an above ground pool with an in ground pool? An inexpensive, attractive, and super fun way to spend the summer months (and beyond). I just learned how much it costs to have an in ground pool installed in the back yard. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare on a luxury item like a backyard in ground swimming pool. But I do think I could swing the cost of an above ground pool, which is a fraction of the cost.

Traditionally not the most attractive piece of backyard decor, the above ground swimming pool has come a long way in terms of looks. For example, oval shaped above ground pools can now be installed without the use of buttresses, which are unattractive and take up a good deal of yard space. Additionally, the walls of above ground pools are specially coated — not only to resist corrosion, scratching, and UV rays — but to offer the consumer a variety of attractive colors and designs. When you add features like pool decks and creative landscaping, today’s backyard above ground pool feels like a luxury get away.

So, where does the underground element come into play when we talk about above ground pools? If decorative walls, pool decks, and beautiful landscaping still don’t make the addition of an above ground pool in your backyard an attractive option, then why not install the above ground pool into the ground like you would an in ground pool? Impossible? No. The superior construction and corrosion resistance of some above ground pools allow them to be installed as semi-in ground and even mostly in ground pools. By installing an above ground pool underground, so to speak, you can have the look of an in ground pool without the cost of an in ground pool. Beauty and affordability together!

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Above Ground Swimming Pools

Above Ground Swimming Pool

Above Ground Swimming Pool

 

Affordable Above Ground Swimming Pools

Many people long to spend the sizzling, humid summer afternoons lounging around a refreshing backyard swimming pool, but the charge of putting in a traditional inground swimming pool is often prohibitive. Not everyone can spend a large sum of funds for a backyard swimming pool. Luckily, a economically reachable solution is obtainable. Above ground swimming pools (also known as on ground swimming pools) cost a fraction to purchase, install, and maintain. Admittedly, the appearance of above ground swimming pools has not always appealed to homeowners, but the once lowly above ground pool has gained ground in terms of looks over the years and now serves as a appealing solution in many backyards.

Manufacturers of today’s above ground swimming pools have succeeded in producing materials that combine quality and durability with aesthetic beauty. Above ground pools, which are often constructed of industrial strength steel or aluminum and super strong resin, are specially coated with multiple layers to resist corrosion, scratching, and UV rays, but they are also available in a variety of attractive colors and patterns to suit even those with the utmost discerning preferences.

In addition to choosing an above ground pool with a decorative appearance, a homeowner can further enhance the appearance of an above ground pool by adding a pool deck and surrounding the base of the pool with brillant and varigated landscaping. River rocks, evergreen shrubs, and seasonal blooms are just a few of the landscaping options that allow an above ground pool to blend smoothly into the natural environment.

Homeowners who may still have reservations about installing an above ground pool in their backyards may find comfort in knowing that they can have their cake and eat it, too, so to speak. The first class formation and corrosion resistance of some above ground swimming pools make it possible for them to be installed as semi-inground and even mostly inground pools. Homeowners can achieve the appearance of an inground swimming pool at the undoubtedly more moderate amount of an above ground pool.

Today’s above ground swimming pools offer sturdiness and attractiveness at a practical cost. This winning combination of characteristics makes those long, hot summer days spent lounging around the backyard swimming pool even more refreshing.

Three Reasons to Consider Above Ground Pools

Above Ground Pools

Above Ground Pools

More Homeowners Take a Second Look at Today’s Above Ground Pools

The popularity of above ground pools has grown in recent years, and many homeowners who may have never before considered owning one are now taking a second look.  The reasons for this turn around are numerous, but three major contributors to the rise in popularity of above ground pools include cost, selection, and appearance.

Cost

Even before the onset of current economic problems, in ground pools were cost prohibitive for many homeowners.  In fact,  “sales of new [in ground] pools have fallen nearly 75% from their 2004 peak,” according to research conducted by P.K. Data, Inc. Comparing the cost of purchasing and installing an in ground pool with the cost of purchasing and installing an above ground pool reveals a significant difference.  Above ground pools, in most cases, cost thousands of dollars less, making them a much more affordable option for homeowners, even in today’s tough economic climate.

Selection

More than ever, today’s above ground pools are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.  Round, rectangular, and oval pools give homeowners the freedom and flexibility to choose the most suitable pool for their specific situation.  Smaller sizes can accommodate smaller yards, while much larger pools are available for homes where backyard space is not an issue.

Appearance

The most common critique of above ground pools has always focused on their traditionally unattractive appearance.  These pools have come a long way, though, in terms of how they look.  The state-of-the-art materials and protective coatings used in the construction of above ground pools prevent the appearance of unsightly rust and other damage caused by harsh weather.  Additionally, decorative elements on contemporary pools give homeowners the ability to customize the look of their pool.  Design choices can include colors that complement a home’s decor and finishes that resemble weathered stone or other decorative effects.  Also, vertical supports are made to either blend into the pool’s design or to add a sophisticated touch to the pool’s appearance.  Some pools, for example, feature vertical supports that are reminiscent of the simple and elegant style found in roman Doric columns.

Other ways that homeowners choose to enhance the appearance of above ground pools include adding attractive landscaping features, wooden pool decks, or decorative stone patios.  Some above ground pools are even constructed so that they can be installed partially or mostly in the ground, giving them the feel of in ground pools.

Enjoying the luxury of a backyard swimming pool can be a reality for many homeowners who are willing to take another look at  above ground pools.  Thanks to advanced materials, expanded selections, and attractive designs, above ground pools can finally move beyond the negative images that have plagued them in the past.  More homeowners than ever before are finding these pools to be an appealing and affordable alternative to in ground pools.

Opening Your Above Ground Pool

Opening your Above Ground Pools

Above Ground Swimming Pool

Easy Guidelines  for Opening your Above Ground Pool – Spring Start-Up

Think about opening your Above Ground Pool even before summer arrives, plan ahead and start thinking about the process of opening your above ground swimming pool.  Check your inventory of chemicals and the state of your pool equipment.  Winter or spring are the perfect time to replenish your supplies and upgrade or replace worn or damaged pool equipment.  When the time officially arrives to open your pool, you’ll be ready with everything you need.Make the opening of your swimming pool even easier by following the steps below.  You’ll be swimming in no time.

1. First, remove any leaves or debris that have settled on the winter pool cover.  Also, remove any standing water from the cover using a cover pump.  Then, remove the cover itself.

Note: If your winter cover has a hole in it and you use your cover pump to remove standing water, you may actually end up pumping water out of the pool.  This can lead to a drained pool, so be sure to watch for this.

2. After removing the winter cover, take time to clean it, let it air dry, and then store it away for the rest of the season.  The time and effort you spend caring properly for your winter cover will ensure that it stays in top shape for many seasons.

3. Re-insert drain plugs you may have removed from your pump and filter hoses, and re-attach your hoses. Then, add water to your pool until it reaches normal levels.

4. Remove freeze plugs, skimmer guards, or air pillows.

5. Plug in your pump, and make sure that the valve is turned to the backwash position (for sand filters).  Doing so will ensure that any old water left in your filter will not go into your pool.

6. Check for leaks.

7. Assess the cleanliness of the pool itself. If you used a solid winter cover and secured it well, the water will be as clear as it was when you closed the pool last year.  If not, now is the time to remove large debris from the pool with your leaf net, leaf rake, or leaf eater.

8. Vacuum any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris that cannot be cleared out with a leaf rake or net.

9.  After cleaning the pool, check the water chemistry:

  • Allow the water to circulate at least 8-12 hours so that the water that was added has time to mix with the water that was already in the pool.
  • After that time, test the water thoroughly, then add the necessary chemicals in the proper sequence to balance the water chemistry. We suggest taking a water sample to your local pool professional to have it tested for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, etc. Be sure to follow the procedure they describe to avoid damaging your pool.

10.  Install the ladder and any other deck equipment.

11.  Go swimming!

Leaky Swimming Pool? Tips for What to Do

Tips for Leaky Swimming Pools

Above Ground Swimming Pool

Leaky Swimming Pool?  Tips for What to Do

Detecting and Fixing a Leaky Swimming Pool

Have you noticed a larger than average drop in your in ground or above ground swimming pool‘s water level?  If so, your pool just might have a leak.   Determining whether that is truly the case, though, and then locating the source of the leak, can present a challenge.

If your swimming pool uses an automatic fill system that keeps the water at a constant level, you may suspect a leak if you spot any of the following situations:

  • An out-of-the-ordinary increase in your water bill
  • Cracks in the pool deck as a result of settling earth
  • Existance of water puddles outside the pool that cannot be easily explained
  • An increase in your pool chemical usage

First, turn off your pool’s automatic fill system for at least 24 hours and keep track of the water level.  If the level drops significantly within that time, your suspicions may be right, and you may have a leak in your pool.

Another sign that your pool may be leaking is if there is air in your pump that is being blown into the pool. A leak in the suction side plumbing (from skimmers and main drains to equipment), may pull air into the lines where it will show up in the pump or be blown back into the pool through the returns. This condition can also be caused by an obstruction or blockage in the suction lines. Either situation requires immediate professional attention to prevent mechanical damage to your pool equipment.

Considering Evaporation — The Bucket Test

What about evaporation?  Before investigating your potential leak further, consider the possibility that evaporation may be the cause of your drop in water level.  A pool that is not regularly covered with a pool cover loses water over time through evaporation, but the amount of evaporation depends on environmental factors and local climate.  How much water evaporates from a pool can differ greatly from season to season, and from pool to pool.  To test whether your pool’s decreased water level is a result of evaporation, perform a “bucket test.”

Fill your pool to its normal operating level.  Place a bucket filled with water on the first or second step of your swimming pool, but do not completely submerge the bucket.  The water in the bucket should be at the same level as the water in the pool. This ensures that the bucket water is exposed to the same environmental conditions as the pool water.  Mark the water level inside the bucket as well as on the side of your pool.  After 24 hours, measure the amount of water lost from the bucket and from the pool using a ruler or tape measure.  If the bucket and the pool have lost the same amount of water, the cause is most likely evaporation and not a leak.  If, however, the pool shows a greater amount of water loss than the bucket, you are probably dealing with a leak.

Looking for Leaks

Before calling a pool leak detection professional, you can follow a few easy steps to determine if you have a pool leak and narrow the possibilities for where it is located.  Here are some of the more common areas where leaks can occur:

  • In and around the pool equipment (heater, filter, pump, etc.)
  • At fittings (lights, returns, skimmers, etc.)
  • In the liner or shell of the swimming pool
  • In the pool’s underground plumbing system

Any leaks in the underground plumbing will require professional attention, but you may be able to find obvious leaks in other parts of the pool using simple visual inspection techniques.

Check for drips or other signs of moisture around the pool equipment.  Also check to make sure that your multi-port valve is not positioned to allow water loss.

Underwater leaks in the pool fittings or shell can be identified with a dye test. You can make your own dye tester by using dark food coloring and a turkey baster or a plastic syringe. If using a turkey baster, slowly depress the bulb to allow a slow, steady stream of the dye to be injected into the pool.  Place a small amount of dye near the suspected leak. Liquid follows the path of least resistance, so dye will be drawn out of the pool where a leak is present. Test areas where potential leaks may occur, such as cracks in the plaster or tile, and places where skimmers, return fittings, or stairs join to the pool shell. Much of this testing can be done from the pool deck; however, you will eventually have to get into the pool with a dive mask to completely inspect the pool’s structure.

Don’t feel discouraged if you are not able to find the leak; most leaks are not visibly obvious, or they may be in parts of the pool that are not accessible, such as in the underground plumbing system. A qualified pool leak professional uses specialized equipment to find leaks.  This process can take as little as an hour or two, but more complicated jobs may take longer.

The Professional Approach

A pool leak professional will want to know as much about your pool leak as possible.  When did you first notice the potential leak?  How much water is being lost?  Provide the professional with your results from the bucket test, and describe any measures you have taken on your own to determine the location of the leak.

Most jobs will then involve a pressure test of your plumbing lines to confirm whether the leak is in the plumbing or the shell of the pool. Based on the results of the pressure test, the pool professional may use a variety of sophisticated electronic devices and diving equipment to pinpoint the pool leak.

Once the location of the pool leak is determined, the professional will provide you with several repair options that they will perform themselves or refer to someone else.

The longer a pool leak goes unnoticed or ignored, the more complicated and expensive the fix will likely be.  Because of this, pool owners should make a point to routinely check their swimming pools and equipment for any signs of leaking.  Preventive measures always pay off in the end.