Owning a pool can be a lot of fun, but pool cleaning can be real chore if you are using sub-standard equipment to do the job. Dealing with clogs and jams can make things even worse. The Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Pool Cleaner is one of the most popular options for in-ground pools today. First off, it is an automatic cleaner, which in itself makes pool maintenance much less of an ordeal. Second, its very design is resistant to jamming as it does its job cleaning up all of the debris that may have fallen into your swimming pool.

This is one of those items for which the user comments are probably the best thing you can read. Scroll down to see the pros and cons, but you will probably notice that there are mostly good things written about the Great White Pool Cleaner. It seems that it has earned its reputation as one of the better pool cleaning products available today.

The price for this unit is not cheap, but compared to similar products that do not get reviews nearly as good, it looks like a pretty good deal. This pool cleaner is made for in-ground swimming pools.

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Total Customer Reviews: (7)

Seller: Amazon

The unique bristle drive and oscillating vortex design effectively scrubs and vacuums away large and small debris. Well suited for flat, dish-incline and hopper-bottom pools.

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Once you have your pool set up, it is a good idea to keep it as clean as possible. This cover is meant to go with Intex eight foot swimming pools. If you did not purchase your pool and get this as part of a kit, or if you cover has just gone missing or has been damaged, you can purchase this cover independently.

Even though a pool cover is not the most exciting of swimming pool accessories, it sure can be one of the most functional. Keeping the pool covered allows you to avoid the hassle of constantly cleaning out debris if you live in an area that is dusty or has falling debris from surrounding trees.

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Total Customer Reviews: (29)

Seller: Amazon

Protect your pool with this Intex(tm) Easy Set 8' pool cover. It is designed with a 12" overhang and drain holes to prevent water accumulation.

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When you’re a kid, most of your fun in the pool comes from splashing around and acting goofy. Sometimes adults like a little bit of relaxation time though.

A foam pool lounge is a great way to enjoy the pool. You can float gently across the top of your pool, soaking up the sun, and then gently roll off into the water whenever you feel like cooling off.

This is a foam lounge made by Ocean Blue Water Products. You can enjoy it in the water, or on the deck as a comfy spot to catch some rays.

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Total Customer Reviews: (0)

Seller: Amazon

Enjoy your pool this summer! Ocean Blue Water Products is well known for quality products for your pool or Spa. We have a large selection of pool cleaners, filters, pool chemicals, pool filters, covers and so much more. You are choosing quality at a value price when you go with Ocean Blue. Features Teal foam Pool Lounge 74" long x 26" wide x 1.5" t[Read More]

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Personally, I never used swimming pool toys much when I was a kid.  Most of my swimming was done in a public swimming pool and they had some pretty strict rules about what you could take into the pool.  Now that I’m older and it seems that many more people have their own pools, I’m noticing that kid’s pool toys are a pretty big deal.  Of course it helps that my wife and I usually have the kids with us when we head out shopping.  The bright colors and fun displays used for showing off all of the fun pool toys are pretty hard to miss and often the prices are low enough that we’ll end up going for the impulse purchase.

I think we actually only went out shopping with the intention of looking for and buying swimming pool toys once or twice.  Most of the stuff we ended up with was either bought on an impulse (with some begging from the kids) or at yard sales.  I just happen to be big on hitting those.  If you do go that route, always check things out very carefully before buying.  There is no real savings if you accidentally end up buying someone else’s junk.

Honestly, I’ve decided that next year, I’m probably going to search online for swimming pool toys (and chemicals) before I go out and buy locally.  Places like Amazon often have really good prices on cool pool toys and pool accessories.  I’ve never personally had the need to return anything and I’ve often found that the savings is more than enough to offset shipping costs.  Discount pool toys can often be found during special savings offers at the beginning, middle and end of the swimming pool season.  In fact, there are sometimes deals offered which get the shipping price knocked way down or eliminated if you buy over a certain amount.  Looking online for swimming pool supplies can save you some money if you hit the right deals.  I still go to my local pool shop for things I need immediately, but I do cringe when I pay some of those seriously inflated prices.

There are all kinds of cool pool toys available today.  Swimming pool noodles and inflatable pool tools are pretty much standard it seems in any home pool.  They are inexpensive and kids still seem to have plenty of fun with them, so if your goal is to find cheap pool toys, you might want to check those out first. 

The prime concern with choosing pool toys is always going to be the safety of the kids or anyone swimming.  Another important thing to keep in mind when taking any kind of toy into the swimming pool though is whether the toy is safe for the pool itself.  Kids sometimes get the idea that taking a favorite non-pool toy in for a swim would be great fun.  While that may be true, you need to be sure that whatever toy they choose doesn’t have any kind of sharp edges that could cut the liner.  Each toy should be inspected for safety.  You don’t want to allow anything that would be a major mess to clean up to get in to the pool.  Squishy balls come to mind.  I wouldn’t have thought of that except that I’ve experienced one of them breaking on the living room carpet and the stench of whatever it was on the inside was pretty bad.  I wouldn’t want that spreading through my swimming pool.

Swimming pool toys can be a fun addition to the swimming experience for kids and adults.  Just make sure that the toys are safe and that swimmers know how to play safely with any toy they use.  Most toys are marked with big stickers saying that they are not intended to be safety/flotation devices, but you might also want to point that out to the kids.  Look around online and maybe at bigger local retail outlets and you can find some decent deals when the beginning, middle and end of season sales start up.  Have fun!

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In this article I’m going to focus on swimming pool solar covers, which get used during the summer and swimming pool winter covers.  These latter ones obviously are designed for use during the cold winter months.  There are other types of swimming pool covers that I will write about in separate articles.  The would include dome covers, retractable covers, automatic covers (for larger pools) and entire swimming pool enclosures to name a few.  You can generally find pretty much any swimming pool cover that you need for sale online at pretty good prices.

When you talk about swimming pool covers, there are a couple of different types that usually come to mind.  Swimming pool solar covers are used during the swimming season.  Their purpose is to keep light debris out of the pool and store heat.  Swimming pool winter covers are heavier duty items and they are meant to be left on over the entire non-swimming season.

During the warmer months, a solar swimming pool cover can be used to help hold in the heat stored by the water during the day.  You simply spread the solar cover over the surface of the swimming pool when you are done swimming for the day and then remove it when you are ready to swim again the next day.  These covers look like giant, blue pieces of bubble wrap.  Some people swear by them and use them faithfully.  For me, the one thing I did not like about these was the fact that they were cumbersome to get on and off by myself.  I always ended up soaked.  If you have a helper available, that could make a big difference.  There are also special wind up devices available that are designed to make the whole process easier.

As the summer season ends, pool owners must go about the task of closing their swimming pools for the season.  Although it is not necessarily the most enjoyable chore, it must be done if you are going to get the longest possible life out of your swimming pool.  Winter swimming pool covers are an essential item if you live in an area that gets weather cold enough for you to close down the swimming pool.

These heavy duty swimming pool covers do just what you would expect.  They cover the pool during the cold winter months and they keep out debris.  It is amazing how many fall leaves can blow in to a swimming pool in just one day.  Take it from one who knows, getting them out with the vacuum is no fun.  It requires a lot more patience and time than a standard cleaning.  I have found in the past that leaves do not like to go into the vacuum head unless the suction is applied directly on top of them.  When you are talking about hundreds of leaves, this can take a while!

When you are purchasing your winter cover, be sure that you get the right size.  Depending on the cover you purchase, these may or may not include a heavy wire that laces through the outer circumference of the cover.  This wire is then fed into a ratcheting end piece that can be used to tighten down the cover.  Some people prefer to hang milk jugs filled with water from the edges of the cover as a way to hold things in place.  I personally have never tried that method since I’ve always had the wire and it worked fine.

I would recommend getting the best winter cover that you can afford.  The wind can really whip up during the winter and covers sometimes end up flapping like flags in the breeze.  This can put some wear and tear on the cover quickly.  I ended up replacing covers in two consecutive seasons because of this.  The plastic fiber simply wore through.  I think that finding a heavier duty cover from the beginning would have been the smart thing to do.

The specific costs involved in buying above ground swimming pool covers or in ground swimming pool covers will depend on the size of your pool, the quality of the cover and some other individual differences that may or may not be important to you.  As with many things, if you choose the lowest quality that you can find to save a few bucks, you may end up paying more in the end. 

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The following is a review of the Intex Saltwater System that was submitted to me when I asked about people’s personal experiences with various swimming pool filtering and chemical systems.  I cannot vouch for it, but I thought it might be of interest to some folks.  Always do your research and use your best judgment.:

If you are looking to purchase an above ground swimming pool, you might want to consider the purchase an Intex Saltwater System for your above ground pool. You can purchase the saltwater system for under $200.00. It will honestly pay for itself in one season. You will no longer have to buy chlorine, or any other harsh chemical for you pool again.

The saltwater system will keep your pool sparkling clear, with little work on your part. The saltwater system works with your pump that comes with the pool. Depending on what size pool you have, the amount of salt you have to put into your saltwater system will vary. The salt is made up of sodium and chloride, and the saline water goes through plates that give the salt cell and chlorine a positive charge, after which, it goes into the pool water as free chlorine. There are many benefits of using the salt water system, since there are no harsh chemicals in your pool and no chlorine, it is less irritating to your eyes, and it does not affect people with breathing problems. It also will not fade your bathing suit. It is a wise investment to do this, you will save money and time. You and your family will be glad that you switched to a saltwater system.

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Total Customer Reviews: (0)

Seller: Amazon

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If you are considering the purchase of a swimming pool heater, there is a good chance that either you or someone important to you (a spouse maybe?) has already decided that a pool heater would be a nice addition.  The things to consider now would be the pros and cons along with the expense.

The positive side of getting a swimming pool heater is easy.  Not many people enjoy jumping into freezing cold water.  Most people want to be refreshed, not chilled to the bone.  Actually, what is very nice about getting your pool equipped with a heater is the fact that you can extend your swimming season considerably beyond the traditional end of the season on Labor Day.  You probably won’t have your outdoor pool open on Thanksgiving in most places, but you can definitely buy yourself some time when the evenings begin to get chilly.

A swimming pool heater can be run on natural gas, propane, or most commonly, electricity in most locations.  Heat pumps for swimming pools are also an option to consider.  Electric and propane are the most common heating methods.   For those most interested in staying “green”, there are solar heating systems available as well.  One drawback of solar heating is that you must have the necessary sunlight to power the system.  There is a great variation in available sunlight as you move from place to place in the United States, and I’m sure this applies for most of the world as well.  If you can’t depend on a lot of sunny days, you can’t depend on solar heating for your pool either.

As far as the practicality of owning a swimming pool heater, it depends a lot on the area in which you live.  Keeping a pool warm in Maine through the fall is going to take more energy and power (and more money) than heating the same pool in Houston.  That is sort of a no brainer.  Because of this simple fact, the requirements for a swimming pool heater will also vary depending on where you live.  You are going to need a swimming pool heater that can take a heavier load in cooler climates.  By the same token, a larger pool, will hold much more water and will require a more robust heating system as well.

photo credit: tombothetominator

Running a swimming pool heater can get expensive, so if you do decide to install one, you should look for the most energy efficient model you can lay your hands on.  It may cost more up front, but you should take a few minutes to figure out if you will get your money back in energy savings over  the longer term.  Most appliances of this type will have some type of documentation that will tell you this exact information.  Regardless of whether you go for the heater or not, you should also consider getting a solar cover for your pool.  These are relatively inexpensive and can also help to keep your pool’s water warm by acting like an insulating blanket.  Here are a few popular swimming pool heaters available right now…

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Aquabot Turbo T-Jet

The Aquabot Turbo T-Jet is one of the newest products put out by Aqua Products, Incorporated.  One of the biggest hassles of pool ownership can be keeping your swimming pool clean.  The Turbo T-Jet has been designed to help eliminate much of what people dread about this time consuming chore.  By using a design that features a built in pump, Aquaproducts has eliminated many moving parts that are prone to breaking.  The T-Jet design also works more efficiently than many other robotic pool cleaners.  The Aquabot Turbo has been designed for use on the hard surfaces found in concrete and gunite swimming pools.  One of this products main selling points is its reliability.  The makers stress that you can significantly cut down repair bills that you may have grown accustomed to as part of your pool costs.   This pool cleaner stands out for its pump motor which is actually built in to the unit itself.

The built in pump design of the Aquabot Turbo eliminates the need for cumbersome hoses running to the filter.  It also greatly increases the efficiency of this unit compared with other pool cleaners.  The Turbo T-Jet has a suction flow of nearly five thousand gallons per hour.  Compared to other pool cleaners, this is nearly 10 times as much suction flow.

Some additional features include:

• The Aquabot Turbo can clean a fifty foot pool from floor to waterline in approximately one hour.
• Large capacity 34 quart filter bag.
• Not limited by pool configuration.
• Wheel tubes and brushes have been eliminated on the Aquabot Turbo by the use of “Power Washing Jet Technology.”
• Adjustable timer
• ETL listed cleaner,cable and power supply.
• Filter bags are constructed of fine mesh.
• Because the Aquabot Turbo uses a Jet Drive Propulsion System, many movable (and breakable) parts have been eliminated.  You don’t have to replace gears, belts, drive motors and pulleys if they are never part of the system!

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Above ground swimming pools are a great alternative for people looking to get a swimming pool without going broke.  As swimming pools go, an above ground swimming pool is a much less expensive alternative to in ground models.  The difference in cost can literally be in the tens of thousands of dollars. 

For those looking to work within an even tighter budget, you can sometimes find above ground swimming pools for sale in lightly used condition.  Discount above ground swimming pools can also be found if you’re smart shopper, and this can save even more money.  Used swimming pools can sometimes be purchased through local classified ads for as little as a couple of hundred dollars.  In fact, if you watch closely and act quickly, these pools are sometimes even given away if you are willing to take the pool down for the previous owner.  Usually this happens when the kids or grandchildren are no longer around to make use of the swimming pool and the owner doesn’t want to deal with maintenance anymore.  Often when you pick up a used swimming pool, you will need to purchase a new swimming pool liner as well.  You can usually find above ground swimming pool liners for under $200 if you shop around, and your savings over buying a new pool will still be dramatic. If you choose to skip the used pool option, you will need to locate above ground swimming pool dealers in your area to compare pool prices or look right here, online.  

Prices in my area recently ran from around $1800 up to about $4000.  Of course, you can end up spending a lot more depending on what kind of pool and swimming pool accessories you decide to purchase. There are also small above ground swimming pools that are smaller and cheaper than traditional models.  Occasionally, you’ll find these with solid sidewalls, but these are not very common anymore.   A lot of people today are purchasing inflatable above ground swimming pools.  These above the ground swimming pools are relatively easy to set up and can be found on sale for under $1000.  They are generally designed for easy setup.  One person can set one up in a single day with a help of a couple of friends.  If your area is anything like mine, you have probably seen at least one or two of these already.  The price of these is so low that they can sometimes be an impulse purchase during a streak of hot weather.  Possibly the most popular pool to fall into this category is the Easy Set swimming pool.  These are manufactured by Intex above ground swimming pools and they offer complete swimming pool kits for prices in the low hundreds of dollars.  These are some of the most reasonably priced pools going today.  Even other inflatable pools can have prices that top $1000, so the Easy Set is definitely worth a look for people working within a tight budget.  The Easy Set is also a very nice option for people who are looking for portable above ground swimming pools that can be taken with them when they travel. If you decide to go with an above ground swimming pool, you will need to consider the amount of space you have available before making your purchase.  Allow for some room around the pool and do not place it in an area prone to getting debris blown toward it.  Cleaning out pine needles and leaves can be a major pain and you can’t just let dirt sit in your pool.  You should also take into account how people will be able to access the pool.  If you are just going to have a basic above ground pool ladder, you will not need nearly as much space as you would if you go with a deck  or patio surrounding the swimming pool area. 

Above ground swimming pool decks are a wonderful addition to the swimming pool area, but they do take up a lot of space and they can have quite a bit to your swimming pool costs.  If you have put in a lot of time and effort searching for above ground swimming pools cheap, adding on a deck can blow your costs right through the roof.  I don’t say that to put anyone off of a nice deck, it is just a fact that swimming pool decks can be quite expensive. Another consideration is getting electricity to your pool’s filtering system.  If you decide to purchase and above ground swimming pool kit, the swimming pool filter itself may be included in your package.  You will still need to have access to electricity though to run the filter and you should note that there are codes and ordinances related to how this power is supplied.  Be sure to check out your local requirements before proceeding with any pool installations.  Running electricity to your pool may be something that you’re able to do yourself if you are a qualified electrician.  I, personally, would never attempt it on my own.  Electrical work is definitely something best left to professionals.

One more thing how would like to touch on in this article is installing above ground swimming pools.  Unless you are setting up one of the models designed to be very simple to set up, it would be wise to either have the pool installed professionally, or to get yourself some qualified helpers who have experience in setting up swimming pools.  Doing things right the first time on this kind of project really makes things easier.

Here are some pools for sale right now at very competitive prices. I have done my best to find the best value before including these listings. At the time of my listing these pools, only new pools are showing but you should still read all listings to confirm what your package includes. Many of these come as complete kits which can be a major savings when you’re looking at above ground swimming pool prices. Check the individual listings regarding shipping times and charges. Some of these include free shipping as well.  Finding the best above ground swimming pools available at prices that fit your budget may take a little bit of research, but it is time well spent.  Your new pool will provide you and your family with fun and entertainment for several years if properly maintained.  When you compare the cost to taking your family on even a one week vacation, but prices can end up looking pretty good!

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Fiberglass Swimming Pools (in-ground)

Fiberglass swimming pools are a popular choice among people considering new swimming pool installations.  Depending on the individual pool, fiberglass swimming pools are moved about to their new location either in large sections (three or four usually) or as on large piece.  This is obviously not a swimming pool you can throw in the back of your pick up truck for transporting.  These generally need to be moved to the installation site on large trucks after being pre-fabricated at the swimming pool factory.

There is significant preparation required before installing a fiberglass swimming pool.  Excavation must be completed to the specifications of the pool.  The hole must be dug to exacting standards so that the installed fiberglass shell will fit correctly.  The one piece shell will be placed into the excavated swimming pool hole in one piece while the sectional option will have to be inserted in sections and then joined together.

Advantages of a fiberglass swimming pool system include the fact that the pool installation itself can take less than a week from start to finish.  Additionally, the fiberglass swimming pool’s finish is smooth, so there is no need to paint it.  After the swimming pool has been permanently set into place and assembled, an edge will have to be installed to meet the lip of the pool.  A common choice for this is concrete. Once you have your fiberglass swimming pool properly installed, it is relatively low maintenance.

The price of a fiberglass pool, as with other swimming pools you might be considering purchasing, can vary quite a bit depending on your location, the specific pool location, installation costs and pre-installation work required, and various other factors.  Because a fiberglass pool is an in-ground installation, it will be more expensive than above ground pool options.  Actually, quite a bit more expensive.  You should remember though that an in-ground swimming pool is often considered a home improvement and could work to increase the re-sale value of your home.  Of course in today’s economy, nothing is really certain, but it is a consideration.  You can look around at your online options as far as installations go.  Many swimming pool dealers/contractors put a lot of their advertising efforts into getting seen online nowadays.  Don’t limit yourself though.  Look for every possible number you can get your hands on before committing to any one pool company.  Don’t forget the “low tech” avenue that has been around for years…the Yellow Pages.

photo credit: 416style

Open it up and call for several estimates from established companies in your area with experience in the installation of fiberglass swimming pools.

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I thought it might be helpful to some people to see an above ground pool installation.  I was clicking around and found this neat little time lapse video.  Granted, it isn’t very detailed, but it was a neat idea.

This was posted on You Tube originally by katkami.

Swimming Pools Home

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Swimming Pool Cost

If you have been considering the installation of a swimming pool on your property, you have certainly considered swimming pool cost at some point.  There is a huge gap between the least and most expensive options available when you decide to install a swimming pool.

At the low end of the swimming pool cost spectrum would be purchasing a used above ground pool or a much smaller Easy Set type of pool.  This latter type is designed for low cost and easy installation.  I have written about them previously in the post  on Easy Set Pools.  At the other extreme are the in ground swimming pools that can vary in price considerably depending on your individual situation.  Expect these to cost several thousand dollars.  The cost will involve factors like pool size, accessibility to the area, material costs, labor, individual contractors and even the economy.  I will write more about in ground pools later.  This particular article will focus mainly on the lower cost, above ground swimming pools as and option.

Assuming that you want a pool for mainly family recreation and possibly some entertaining, the above ground swimming pool best suits the needs of people with budget concerns.  I personally have bought a  twenty-four foot pool in excellent used condition for $150 through local classified advertisements.  The used swimming pool had previously been owned by a woman who bought it for her grandchildren to swim in when they visited.  The pool was hardly used and only needed a new swimming pool liner that ran me another $150.  She even threw in the earth filter for the swimming pool!  The most expensive part of the entire operation was updating our old fuse box and running electricity to the pool area (about $500), and paying for an excavator to level things off (around $300 at the time).  Still not a bad deal considering that the local pool shops were charging about $1200 for a comparable pool that summer and I still would have had to deal with the electricity and excavation issues.

Our swimming pool cost was cut considerably as well by the fact that I had family members knew how to install swimming pools.  It was a two day project for us, but my cost was only food and drinks for the helpers.  As I said, my helpers knew what they were doing.  If you are not fortunate enough to know people with experience, you should build the cost of the actual swimming pool installation in to the total swimming pool cost.  This expense could vary quite a bit depending on where you are located and how much work is involved, so I would recommend calling for several estimates before going ahead with the swimming pool installation.

photo credit: HH Studio

*** NOTE ***  Don’t wait for each contractor to call back before calling the next one.  It has been my experience that many of these independent contractors are very bad about returning calls.  When I called for a deck estimate, only one of the seven people I called actually responded and showed up to give an estimate for a rather large swimming pool deck that would have been a nice chunk of change for someone motivated enough to show up and do the job.  This isn’t meant as a slam against anyone, just my personal experience.  I’ve also experienced the same thing when calling to have work done on a roof and when getting large trees removed.  If you are reading this and you are a contractor who actually returns calls and shows up, I commend you and wish you worked in my area.  You could own the market.

If you are interested in a NEW above ground swimming pool, your swimming pool cost can be cut down a bit if you can wait for sales on swimming pools in your area.  These could be at the start of the season around Memorial Day or, more likely, at the end of the season (Labor Day) when pool shops want to clear out the swimming pool inventory.  Swimming pool costs can be cut considerably at these times and you may even luck in to installation specials from time to time, but be careful as these usually do not include performing any leveling to the ground unless you pay extra (at least not in my experience).  Some pool installers will not do this or will crush you on this cost.  You might consider calling someone with a Bobcat who knows what they are doing and then get the area checked for levelness.

Other factors to consider when adding up swimming pool cost are things like swimming pool chemicals, swimming pool filters, fencing and gates for around your swimming pool and the accessories necessary for regular maintenance.  A swimming pool can be a wonderfully fun addition to your property but you should go in to the project with your eyes open to what the total swimming pool cost could end up being.  Be sure to shop around and look for off season swimming pool deals.  If you are willing to consider second hand swimming pools, start watching your local classified ads around the beginning of Spring when people get the itch to clean and clear things out.  Also, if you consider a second hand pool, go over it with a fine toothed comb and ask questions of the owner.  Don’t be shy, as any hidden problems will also get added in to your swimming pool cost when you have to pay additional money to correct them.  Here is a link to another post with examples of new above ground swimming pools and their costs.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you have enjoyed this post on above ground swimming pool costs.

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Vinyl swimming pools can be a cheaper alternative to in ground concrete pools for some people depending upon the particulars of the installation.  Advantages of in ground vinyl swimming pools include a wide range of available shapes and designs that offer flexibility to fit your needs and particular landscape / poolscape.

Some things to consider when choosing vinyl swimming pools:

• If you live in an area that experiences extremes of temperature, you should make sure that whatever you are having installed can withstand the rigors of the freeze / thaw cycle that will occur when temperatures drop and then rise again.  The frozen ground can exert some extreme forces and if your vinyl swimming pool is not built to withstand those forces, you could be asking for trouble.
• Will there be settling after your vinyl swimming pool is installed?  Before building any type of add on accessories to your pool, ask your pool professional about settling that might occur after your vinyl swimming pool has been installed.  Remember that trapped water or air can cause problems later.  Be sure that these are handled before they become problems.
• What kind of warranty is included with your vinyl swimming pool purchase, preparation and installation?  Be sure of this and get it in writing before proceeding.  Always protect yourself if you are going to invest considerable money in your vinyl swimming pool’s installation.
• Before you proceed with the installation of your vinyl swimming pool, check with your local building authority to ensure that you have any permits or licenses that are required for your area.  Also check to see if any special zoning laws apply to your property or community.
• When you are considering the costs of your vinyl swimming pool, do not forget to add in money you will need to spend on things like landscaping the area around your new swimming pool.  These costs can mount quickly.
• Most areas have laws related to what you must do to keep your swimming pool a safe place.  An example is fencing.  Find out if you must have fencing installed around your vinyl swimming pool and be sure that the fence you install meets the legal requirements for your particular area.  You would not want to pay for a fence installation only to find that it was not tall enough to meet local ordinances.
• Tell your pool installer what your needs are as far as add on items go.  This might include swimming pool ladders and lighting.
• Ask your installer if it is possible to see an example of their work.  Seeing an example of a vinyl swimming pool that has already been installed by the company can help set your mind at ease and might raise some questions for you to ask before installation begins.
• Finally, if this is a family purchase, ask for your family’s input for ideas.  They may have some great ideas that you never though of on your own.

This article is for educational purposes only.  The owner of this website will not be responsible for any actions taken after reading articles located here.  Before making any purchases or installations, you should consult with a pool professional in your area to find the options that best fit your needs and budget.  Thank you for reading my article on vinyl swimming pools.

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Swimming Pool Liners

One of the first things I learned about when I became a swimming pool owner was the importance of swimming pool liners.  It may be silly, but for all of the swimming I had done in my life, I never gave a second thought to what was actually keeping the water in the pool!  Swimming pool liners are what actually keep the water where it is supposed to be, inside the pool’s frame and no where else.

The second thing I learned about swimming pool liners was the fact that the price and quality can vary quite a bit depending on things like the material the swimming pool liner is made of and how large of a swimming pool you are maintaining.  In my case, the pool was twenty-four feet in diameter, so the liner was rather large.  I was actually pleasantly surprised to find that we were able to get a decent swimming pool liner for less than $200.  I believe the cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $160.

Vinyl swimming pool liners are probably the most common type of pool liner in use today.  It is said that these can last up to fifteen years if properly maintained.  Considering the effort involved in replacing a liner on your own, it is probably wise to get the longest lasting liner you can afford and then do your very best to maintain it.

There are different types of pool liners available for purchase as well.  Beaded pool liners are the more expensive option.  These swimming pool liners are designed for an exact fit and the installation requirements are rather exacting.  Beaded pool liners offer a great variety in designs and patterns for those who place an emphasis on such things.  Overlap swimming pool liners are a lower cost alternative for above ground pools.  This type of liner hangs over the top lip of the pool and in my experience is the most common to see in my area.  This may be due to its lower cost or its less stringent requirements for precision at the time of installation.  Depending on where you live, you may find less selection on the patterns and styles available if you are looking for overlap liners.  J-hook Pool liners can sometimes be an option for both beaded style swimming pool liners and overlap swimming pool liners.

Beyond look and style, you should also consider what types of warranties are available for the swimming pool liners you are researching.  As I’ve looked online, I’ve seen some with warranties of fifteen years.  I would consider that pretty good myself for a liner.  Also to be considered is the liner’s durability when exposed to harsh swimming pool chemicals and the intense UV rays of the summer sun.

Another thing to remember is that regardless of what cover you purchase, you should always to your best to protect it.  It may seem like common sense, but sharp objects should never be taken into the swimming pool.   This includes not letting your four legged friends with sharp claws near the liner.  My yellow lab would love to take a dip and circles the pool endlessly during the summer months, but I know that one wrong swipe of a foot on the way out could make for a real mess.  I’d rather not risk that.

This information is for educational purposes only.  You should always consult a pool expert regarding your own particular swimming pool needs.  Thank you for reading my summary of above ground swimming pool liners!

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