Pool Buying Tips

Pool Buying Tips

Above Ground Pools

The above ground pool is a less expensive pool to purchase for your property. You will not need to hire a backhoe to dig out an area for the pool, there'll be no concrete to pour and no in-ground water system will be installed. Eliminating these aspects will significantly cut the costs of installing this type of pool.

What you will need to do is the following:

• Select the size, shape and model of the pool you would like
• Decide if you will be building a deck for this pool
• Consider whether you want a heated pool
• Decide whether you want a hard or soft-sided pool
• In some areas you will need to apply for a permit for the pool and deck and they will need to be inspected at completion before you can use them

The costs vary, depending on the above options. For example, building a deck will add to the cost of an above ground pool by several hundred dollars or more. There are also significant differences in cost between the hard and soft-sided pools.

An additional problem that will need to be addressed in rural areas is the water supply. If you have a well, filling your pool may drain your well. Many fire departments will transport water to your pool for a small donation, but it is best to check to see if your local fire department will do this for you before you purchase one of these pools.

Hard vs. Soft-sided Pools

A hard-sided pool will need to be installed by professionals. Depending upon the size and shape of the pool, the costs will vary from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. A small, round, above ground hard-sided pool may only cost $2,000 plus installation costs. A large rectangle-shaped pool may cost a few thousand more.

Soft-sided pools have become very popular in the last few years because of their ease of installation and cost. The pool models come in many different sizes to suit just about any size backyard. A soft-sided pool is usually put together using PVC plastic pipes, a pool liner with sand and a tarp placed beneath the pool before installation.

Some smaller models are inflatable and do not use the PVC plastic pipes for support. The usual cost for these do-it-yourself soft-sided pool ranges from $350 to $800 and they can be bought at most gardening centers found in popular retail stores, such as Wal-Mart.

The soft-sided pools usually come with the pump, pool cleaning kit and ladder. These pools can last several years or more with proper care. In cold climate areas, these pools may degrade faster due to exposure to ice and snow.

In-Ground Pools

In-ground pools are a great solution for people who live in mild climates and have large backyards. They are perfect for individuals or families that enjoy swimming during the warm weather seasons and entertain outdoors. The costs for installing these pools are considerably higher due to the many different aspects of installing an in-ground pool. Before you entertain the idea of an in-ground pool, be sure that you have secured the necessary permits for installing one of these pools.

Design Considerations

An in-ground pool can be as elaborate or as simple as you desire. Once you have decided on the size and shape of the pool, you can decide whether you want a tile or a simple concrete pool. Professional tile installation is more expensive because of the skilled workers needed for this. The costs for an in-ground pool usually average about $5,000 for a small pool to $20,000 or more, depending upon the amenities desired.

Another popular way to decorate an in-ground pool is with neon lighting installed in the pool. This makes it fun to swim at night and is enjoyable to look at poolside. The costs for a neon-light installation can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending upon the size of the pool and the type of lighting desired. Neon lighting usually needs to be installed in the pool at the beginning of the installation, not after the pool has been completed.

For some, the most important aspect of an in-ground pool is heated water, making for a soothing swimming experience. An alternative option is adding a hot tub as part of the overall size of the pool or adjacent to the pool.

Almost anyone with a little bit of property can have a pool to enjoy. The most important pool buying tips are:

• Considering the number of amenities desired
• The area you have to work with to determine the size and shape of your pool
• Permit concerns
• Your budget

An above ground pool can be purchased for several hundred dollars and last for several years, or you can opt to go for a permanent in-ground pool to enjoy for many years to come.

Lastly, be sure to notify your insurance company of your intent to add a pool to your property. A pool is a liability and may increase the cost of your homeowner's insurance.