ABOVE GROUND POOLS: BUYER’S GUIDE & FAQ

First and foremost, you want to pick the right size and shape for your backyard. Planning out the area you want to place your pool is important, measure the space you have while keeping in mind the shape you want to purchase. Consider the costs of electrical contributions of your future pool and what your budget is overall.

You may prefer the look of an oval pool, although round pools tend to hold more water than comparably sized oval pools. Ovals are also more expensive because they require more support. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and price.

Knowing where you want to place your pool and the size it’ll be, you also need to consider the depth. Above ground pools come with wall heights of 48", 52" and 54". The depth of the water will be 6” less than the wall height. As you decide, think about who will be using the pool and for what. For example, if small children will be using it, you might want to go with 48” walls. [Shop All Above Ground Pools]

Having those factors narrowed down will make your search easier and allow you to move onto thinking about the frame material. At PoolSupplies.com, we carry pools with steel walls with resin or steel rails and uprights. There are also framing options using both resin and steel.

Steel framing is the cheapest and heaviest material available. It’s also rust-resistant, but it may oxidize and corrode at a quicker pace than resin when exposed to sun and salt water.

Although resin is more expensive than steel framing it will not rust, corrode or oxidize. Getting a pool that’s only partially resin is a way to experience the benefits of this material while saving some money. [Shop All Above Ground Pools]

Material is always important to keep in mind, but for others aesthetic may be higher up on the checklist. You'll want to pick a pattern for the walls that fit your needs and your backyards. Most of the wall patterns are on the subtle side, but overall you want to be happy with the end result. Patterns do vary by quality but there are several options at each level to choose from. [Shop All Above Ground Pools]

Not only does the vinyl liner protect your pool’s floor and walls, extends the pool’s life and keep the water in, it does a lot for your pool’s and yard’s look. Liners come in a variety of colors and patterns, designed with rippling water, wave-smooth pebbles, tile mosaics and more, offering you the perfect look for your outdoor oasis.

As you pick your liner, you want to make sure the liner connection is compatible with your pool. Most of our pools come with an overlap liner. In some cases, you may be required to purchase a liner separately, and you’ll want to ensure your connection style is accurate or compatible (for more information about liner connection styles, visit our buyer’s guide about above ground liners).

You’ll also want to consider the thickness — or gauge. While all liners are made of vinyl, they have different thicknesses. The higher the gauge, the thicker it will be. Durability also depends on the gauge as well; you may want to go with the thickest liner, however it will be much more expensive. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]