Who might want this pool?
This swimming pool is a good choice for people in a couple of situations. Folks with smaller yards will find that this will fit their space better than a larger circular pool. The fact that it is rectangular in shape makes it a better fit for smaller lots that are often laid out in a square or rectangular shape. As the product features mention, the shape also lends itself to lap swimmers and people who enjoy playing volleyball in the pool! A volleyball set is included with this package.

Why should you consider this pool?
Besides the benefits of shape that will help some people out, this pool also comes as a kit, complete with a saltwater filtration system which will eliminate the chore (and expense) of having to deal with using chlorine or other similar chemicals. The construction is designed to be strong, durable, and rust resistant. Probably the biggest reason for considering this pool is the low cost for a quality swimming pool. This is a value that is difficult to match or beat.

How difficult is this to install?
According to the product specifications and features, this is a relatively easy to set up swimming pool. Two or three people should be able to get the pool put together, but of course the more people you have to help you with the installation, the better. This kit even comes with easy to follow instructions on DVD.

Some other things…

This pool will require you to purchase salt for the filtering unit. This is less expensive than going with other filtration choices, but it should be noted. Also, as with any pool, you will need a bit of clearance around the sides. If your yard measures exactly the same dimensions as the pool itself, you will have issues. If you have shopped around for swimming pools at all, you know that you can easily end up spending several thousand dollars without even considering installation. This pool is offered at a price that is very difficult to beat and it comes from a name that is well known among makers of swimming pools.

Overall Rating:

 

Total Customer Reviews: (11)

Seller: Amazon

EASY ASSEMBLY AND SOLID CONSTRUCTION MAKE OUR NEW 52" INTEX ULTRA FRAME POOLS THE PERFECT CHOICE! Intex Ultra Frame Pools feature a new unique design making them stronger than traditional metal frame pools and even easier to assemble and enjoy. The heavy-duty powder coated frames resist rust and corrosion while the Super Tough 3-ply PVC liner stan[Read More]

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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.

Overall Rating:

 

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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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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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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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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Do you need Swimming Pool Financing?

Although economic times are challenging at present, obtaining swimming pool financing and installing a swimming pool can be seen as a capital investment that will pay off down the line if you decide to sell your property.  Real estate agents will recognize and promote this selling point to increase the likelihood of your seeing a premium from your investment.

The economy has affected people in different situations in different ways.  Sadly, some are feeling a serious sting right now.  Others are in businesses that are weathering the storm better.  If you can install your pool without taking out a loan that will cost you in interest, you may want to do that.  Installing a swimming pool can be an expensive proposition however and you may find that you need to apply for swimming pool financing.  Your decision to obtain swimming pool financing may change as the economy fluctuates.  We all hope that recovery will come sooner rather than later, but whenever you decide to look for swimming pool financing, you should prepare yourself beforehand by taking a few proactive steps.

• Before applying for swimming pool financing, contact several swimming pool contractors in your area to obtain written estimates or quotes on the job. Be certain that all details of the swimming pool installation are covered and are in writing. Unfortunately, some contractors are not as good as others when it comes to responding to inquiries. If they do not respond, consider yourself lucky to have found out about them before they signed on to do work for you.
• Swimming pool installation is a luxury area. Because of this prices can fluctuate depending demand for swimming pool installations in your area. This could be a good thing if you are able to build when demand is low and swimming pool contractors are looking to obtain work. They may be more willing to compete for your business. Obviously, less money that you have to spend will mean less swimming pool financing for you to apply for when you decide to build.
• Installation costs for swimming pools are also heavily dependent on material costs. Understand this and if you are so inclined, check the prices of materials the builder may need before they start giving you numbers. These material costs will be a huge part of what you are paying for if you end up searching for swimming pool financing.
• When you decide to apply for swimming pool financing, ask as many questions as you can think of that might benefit you and save you money. Just as you want to hear from numerous contractors before building your swimming pool, you should be just as diligent when looking for lenders. Assuming that you are in a position where you can honestly expect to receive a loan, ask if swimming pool financing is an area that the lenders have experience with or if they have any special programs that might help you in your particular situation.

Whatever you may decide to do, do not rush into any major money investments or loans without first doing your homework to prepare yourself.  Swimming pool financing is available but be sure that you know what you are signing up for and how much it will cost you in the long term.  Remember though that your investment in a swimming pool can be pay rewards down the line when you are looking to sell.  Thank you for your visit and for reading about swimming pool financing.

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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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Is an Easy Set Swimming Pool Right for you?

An Easy Set Swimming Pool is a very nice alternative for families that want an above ground swimming pool without the hassles of a major pool installation.  An Intex Easy Set Pool is a much less expensive option and the cost is cheaper than even the best deals you would find on discount above ground pools.  This option would fall under the category of “do it yourself swimming pools” and does not require any major preparation work as long as you have a flat area to accommodate the Easy Set Swimming Pool.

The cost of Easy Set Swimming Pools is quite reasonable.  The smaller swimming pools can be found for under one hundred dollars.  Larger swimming pools can be purchased for amounts in the low hundreds.  Swimming pool packages are available as upgrades and include a protective ground cloth, a ladder for getting in and out of the swimming pool, the pump needed to filter the pool’s water and a swimming pool cover.  Upgraded filtration kits are also available to fit the needs of buyers needing or desiring a heavier duty cleaning unit.  Easy Set Swimming Pools come with instructional videos designed to guide the new pool owner through an installation that should take approximately thirty to sixty minutes.  The filling time will depend on the rate of water flow in your area, but is generally estimated at a couple of hours.  Individual times may vary.

As with any above ground pool installation, it is vitally important to ensure that the area  where the Easy Set Swimming Pool will be resting is completely level.  Although these pools are relatively small, they still hold a lot of water which can exert tremendous amounts of pressure against the sides of the pool.  Uneven distribution of the water’s weight can lead to serious problems with the stability of any above ground pool.

Overall, the Easy Set Swimming Pool is a very reasonably priced, if smaller alternative for people who want an above ground pool.  Swimming Pool Prices will vary according to pool size and any upgrades that may be purchased.  This information is for educational purposes only.  Before any pool purchase or pool installation, be sure to consult a certified and trained professional with the details of your particular swimming pool requirements. 

Thank you for reading my Easy Set Swimming Pool summary.

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