Setting up an above-ground pool can be an exciting time for some families. After all, the children can splash around in the cold water whenever they feel hot, which will cost them a fraction of what they are going to spend with an inground type.
With this said, ample preparations should be made before you can spend the season happily splashing around. Some of the things to consider are the following:
- Existing Local Codes in your Area. Before buying a pool above ground, it’s essential to check your area’s current rules and ordinances about water supply and size. Some communities have standards or restrictions, and it’s vital to know the parameters before you shop.
- Current Condition or your Yard and its Size. These above ground additions vary in shapes and sizes. Measure your yard and decide the area where you will install them. Take care to add a few extra spaces so you can move around the perimeter and clean the water during maintenance days.
- Location. This location should be an ideal oasis free from trees and protected from the wind. This will significantly reduce the number of debris you have to clean afterwards.
Shapes and Sizes
Measure the available space and think about the right shape that will perfectly fit into your backyard. The freestanding ones are typically available in rectangular or round shapes. Others are available in an oval shape, and if you have a narrow backyard, you might want to have the rectangular shape for a better fit. Square enclosures will work well with the round shapes. The radiant types come in various forms to make them look like the in-ground variety.
Depth
The depths are going to be dependent on the walls. The range is usually from 42 to 54 inches in height. Higher ones will hold more water, which is ideal for families with many members. However, this can affect the chemicals needed to keep it balanced, fresh, and clean. Another thing is that the more water you need to fill it in, the higher your water bill expenses will be at the end of the month.
Liners
The frames located at the outer side are not enough to hold the swimmers and the water. Before you know it, all the water will be seeped out from the joints, and the frames and the whole backyard can become a mess. This is where the liner comes in.
Liners don’t only function as water holders. This will further prevent rust, corrosion, and discoloration, especially if you choose the steel frame varieties. It will also protect the frames from getting in contact with the chemicals commonly used to clean the pools.
A good tip is if you’re assembling the above ground pool for the first time, it’s essential to remove the wrinkles at the bottom and in the corners. Once the pool is filled with water, it can be nearly impossible to adjust and manipulate these wrinkles from the liners. Another thing is that a puckered vinyl liner will often cause discomfort if you walk on it. Here are some options that you may want to know about:
- J-Hooks: These are located at the top of the liners, and they have curves that look like the letter J. The hooks go to the top of the walls, which goes by the name of a universal liner.
- Beaded Ones. Thicker vinyl beads on the liners will snap into the track along the top rails.
- Overlaps: This gets its name from the way it overlaps along the top edge. It’s secured using coping strips.
- Expandable Types: As its name suggests, the expandable type can be lengthened according to the depth of the pool regardless of its size and shape.
Equipment to Know About
While the above-ground types are more similar to the inground pools, the equipment used is slightly different. It’s crucial because the soft vinyl liners are used around the pool, and there’s no permanent plumbing around it. Other pieces of equipment you should consider are:
- Heaters. Heaters can be installed to your above ground pool for a more relaxing bath and comfortable jets. They can be ideal during wintertime if you need to splash around your pool for an hour or two. More about how the heat pump works in this url: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters.
- Pumps. The pump is different for the above ground variety because they are smaller. They are not as powerful, but you may want to get the ones with at least 1.5 horsepower.
- Filters. The volume of water in an above-ground pool is smaller than most inground ones, so that you will want a smaller filter.
- Ladder. If the pool is not located on a deck, you need a ladder that lets you quickly access the pool. Climbing over the walls will be dangerous as this could cause injuries. Ladders will be handy when you want to enter and exit your pool.
