Above Ground Swimming Pools for a Fun Filled, Active Summer With the Kids

Swimming is probably at the top of the list, when it comes to summertime outdoor activities for kids.  For many, having an inground pool is not affordable, and with small children around, not even safe.  However, with older children, it is often nice to have easy access to something bigger than a kiddie pool, and if you don't live close to a public swimming pool, the options can be limiting.  An above ground swimming pool is a great option for families who are willing to invest the time in maintaining, and the vigilance necessary to keep things safe.  Following are some considerations and tips, when you look at the pros and cons of buying an above ground pool.

Over the last 5 summers, our household has found that an aboveground swimming pool has made for a great source of fun with friends and family, and it has provided welcome relief from the scorching Southern Nevada sun, particularly in the months of July and August.  We've learned a few things along the way.

There are various factors involved in considering the expense of owning and operating an above ground pool. You can purchase an above ground pool online, of course, or you can look at local swimming supply dealers, or department stores. If you want something very specialized, you are better off going through that specialty dealer. On the other hand, shopping your local department store may mean a better deal. Before you dive in and purchase, make sure you consider your surroundings, and your weather patterns. Additionally, think about the maintenance aspects, as a bigger pool means bigger responsibility to maintain.

This article looks at Intex Pools, and some of the pros and cons of inflatable, verses metal frame pools. We have had pretty good luck with metal frame pools, but have seen many houses with the inflatable versions. Pets are my deciding factor, when it comes to inflatable anything, and if you have pets whose claws have access, opt for the metal framed Intex pool, over the inflatable. Further, the gray liners are sturdier than the blue liners, as we discovered the hard way. Our first Intex pool met an untimely demise when a child ran into it with a garden tool.

The costs of these above ground pools vary. Specialty sizes and shapes run more than $1000, while the more common sizes range from 200 to 800$ in price. Compare that with a doughboy style pool running into the several thousands of dollars price range, and the Intex variety seems pretty economical.

You will have ongoing costs for chemicals, filters, and electricity to run the pump, which are important to keeping your above ground pool sanitary. If you live in a particularly harsh environment, sun damage may affect your plastic fittings, as well. Heavy winds are common in the afternoons in our corner of the desert, which means more vacuuming of the pool, and more chemicals, as there's plenty of evaporation.

Investing in a good filter, something bigger than the intex basic filter, can get pricey, but it can contribute to a cleaner pool. Also, a self operating pool vacuum is a great way to keep up with the dust, dirt, and bugs. These are extra costs, but lasting multiple years, will pay dividends in terms of time saved.

As I mentioned, high winds can be a problem in our area.  This only causes trouble with the pool if we are setting up, or cleaning it out.  The wind has destroyed a 24' pool due to the water being out of it for cleaning purposes, in spite of many blocks and paver stones being used as preventive measures to weigh it down.  If you must contend with high winds, you need to think through your timing and method for cleaning, emptying, and storing your pool over the winter. 

If you are in a mild climate, you may be able to leave the pool up through the winter.  However, if you wish to conserve electricity, or if you deal with freezing conditions, you will want to winterize your pool. 

It may be tempting, because of expense, to look into used above ground pools.  We actually did quite well this last year, finding a great deal on a doughboy style pool on Craig's List.  The time to be on the lookout for these is winter, if you are looking at an interest in significant savings.  The down side to buying a used pool is, of course, that it's used.  Pieces may be worn or dented, or even missing.  You may get the good deal because you have to do the disassembling.  Elbow grease is a great trade, if the pool is in decent shape.

I found ours quite by accident last year.  We have a community email group which enables locals to advertise items for sale, and we looked at a used doughboy style pool, with the couple not naming a price, but wanting interested parties to make offers.  In further researching used pools, in order to get an idea of a fair price to offer, we found an even bigger used pool listed in a nearby city, and at the same price we were thinking of paying for the smaller pool.  Upon seeing the pool, we decided we preferred the second one, and made arrangements to get it.  We had to do a significant amount of work to disassemble, and in the end, the liner had holes, and needed to be replaced.  However, the price paid for that pool was very low, and a new liner was not burdensome. 

If you are thinking about that used pool, start watching, and getting an idea of what the asking prices are for used pools.  Check a pool out thoroughly, and determine whether it will be possible to replace broken or missing parts.  Check for leaks, if possible.  With an intex style pool, this may be a little tougher to do, and leaks in the main liner, tougher to repair.  Use your own judgement to decide whether it's a great deal, or a bad idea.  It may work out quite well for you.

If you have the means and the space, an above ground pool can be a huge blessing, allowing for lots of family fun, and refreshment from the summer heat.  Weigh the costs and responsibilities.  If you have the space, it might just be the way to go.