You might already have a plan for where to put your new pool. But, if you haven't done your research yet, you might find that you'll have to put it someplace else – whether it's shifted a few feet or moved to a completely different part of the yard.
What's Underground?
You'll want to stay away from septic systems, gas lines, power lines, water or sewer service, and any other utilities or underground surprises.
Before installation, you'll want to contact DigSafe and they will coordinate with utility companies to come out and mark the location of underground pipes and wires. If you don't have an idea of where those things are and think there's a possibility that they might be near your planned pool location, you'll want to contact them sooner rather than later.
Irrigation Systems
If you have irrigation lines in the area, you may want to have to have your landscaper/irrigation company move them.
If you're not sure, but you're interested in having us install your pool, let me know and ask about options for dealing with your irrigation system.
What's Above Ground?
I always suggest putting the pool away from trees, in the sunniest part of the yard. This will help keep the pool cleaner and warmer!
Besides that, each year I get dozens of calls from people who've had a tree limb fall on their pool during a storm. Fortunately, storm damage is covered (in part) by many homeowners' insurance policies.
Flat vs. Sloped
Some people who contact me instinctively want to put the pool in the flattest part of the yard, even if it's less than ideal in other ways.
Although it might cost a little more to dig into a slope, it's usually better to invest an extra couple hundred dollars than to spend the next ten years with your pool in the wrong place.
If you're lucky, you'll have an area that is wide-open, sunny, AND flat!
Now that you have thought about where you'd like to put your pool, it's time to start gathering information about your city or town's rules and requirements.
Every town has its own set of rules related to clearances, access, and safety. Some towns might let you place your pool within 5 feet of a property line, others might require 15 feet.
Some towns might require a fence around your pool area, others might be OK with just a fence around the top of the pool, and still others might not need a fence at all, as long as the ladder is properly safe and secure.
Permits
While you're there, you might want to grab the application for a building permit and ask the inspector for any advice he can offer about your pool installation.
You'll need a permit for the pool itself. You'll likely need a separate permit for electrical work related to the filter system and other equipment. Other work related to the pool project – a wood deck, for example – might also require its own permit.
Note: We don't get the building permit for you. Learn more about what we do, and don't do, on the What to Expect page.
Above ground pools are commonly available in a range of round and oval sizes.
Round Pools
Round pools offer the most basic and economical type of construction. Most consist of a one-piece wall supported by a frame of top-rails, bottom-rails, and vertical "uprights" all the way around.
Round pools come in sizes from about 12-foot to about 33-foot diameter
Almost 50% of all the pools we install are 24-foot round.
Oval Pools
Oval pools are a bit more complex and therefore a bit more expensive, both for the pool and the installation.
With an oval pool, the straight sides are the weak point, and require extra support. Different manufacturers provide the needed support in different ways – braces, buttresses, straps, and more. Sometimes even buttresses that require concrete footings.
Quality vs. Price
Whether you buy a cheap, "bargain" pool, or a top-of-the-line piece of art, the installation price is going to be the same.
Sometimes pools can last a surprisingly long time. But, often, lower quality pools end up lasting a surprisingly short time. And then homeowners are left staring at a rusting hulk with an expensive deck and beautiful landscaping all around it.
The price of the pool is only one part of the overall investment. Do your research, know your needs, seek advice, and err on the side of something a little better than you might need.
Unless you know 100% that you will be done with the pool in a short time, spend a little extra for something a little better.
Bigger is Better
All else being equal, wider frame pieces make a stronger pool. Generally, an 8-inch wide top-rail is stronger than a 6-inch wide top-rail.
Don't just rely on published specifications – try to see a samples of pools. Some pools are obviously cheap and you can tell by the way the frame will flex and twist when you touch it. Some more expensive pools will feel really solid.
Two-Piece Walls
While most above ground pool walls are a single piece, shipped in a roll like paper towels, some manufacturers offer two piece wall options. They found that rust or corrosion often starts at the holes for the through-wall skimmer and return. By making this small section a separate piece, it is more easily replaceable, and can extend the life of your pool.
More is More
Some pools use more frame sections and some less. For example, common 24' round pools use 16 top-rails and uprights. Some better quality 24' round pools use 18 top-rails and uprights.
More top-rails means each one is shorter and more rigid. More uprights means there is less space between each.
Doughboy Oval Pools
Doughboy has a unique way of constructing their oval pools. Most oval pools use a combination of buttresses along the sides and metal straps under the pool to support the long side walls.
Doughboy doesn't use straps. Instead, they require concrete footings at each buttress. Because of this, there is an additional installation cost of $125 per buttress. So, a Doughboy pool with 8 buttresses (4 on each side) will require 8 concrete footings and an additional $1,000 installation charge.