Criteria for choosing an above-ground pool

Above-ground pool: its particularities and available models

Above-ground pool: what is it?

As its name implies, the above-ground pool is an above-ground model installed on the ground. Semi-underground models can be found but with an additional installation cost. Its installation on the ground, on a stable and flat surface, contributes to its balance and durability. This pool model can also be disassembled despite the wooden models that are designed to remain assembled. The installation of this above-ground wooden pool does not require any authorisation, provided that it measures less than 10m2 and that it will not be used for more than 3 months/year. Choosing an above-ground pool means enjoying the advantages of an in-ground pool but with optimal economy and without the often complicated administrative steps. For the price, you should know that it varies between 25 and 15000 euros, depending on the model.

The different models of above-ground pools

Discover these models of above ground pools from the lowest to the highest prices: Inflatable pools are low cost, regularly chosen for households with young children. They consist of 1 to 3 inflatable tubes and a liner bottom. No filtration system is necessary because of its small size not exceeding 5m3 and its low price at less than 100 euros. Its disadvantage? It is not suitable for toddlers of water play age because it is too small. After the inflatables, you have the self-supporting pools with a boudin, equipped with an inflatable boudin and a liner. When they are assembled, you have to fill them with water to inflate the inflatable and spread the liner. More details in the following article. Then there are the tubular pools equipped with a liner and a skeleton made of steel or aluminium tubes. In addition to their beautiful design, they are available in various sizes from round to square and rectangular. Details are presented later. Other above-ground pools: the steel pools are more expensive and more solid than the previous models thanks to their structure in cold rolled steel, cold treated by galvanisation, phosphating, and their primer and lacquering. The price is also interesting because these pools are offered between 800 and 2000 euros including the various equipment such as the filtration system, the folding ladder, the posts and the steel edges. Their steel structure provides a variety of colours or effects, in wood for example.

Latest models of above-ground pools: the wooden pools, of high quality and available in semi-underground models to fit a deck or terrace. They are an excellent choice for those who have a budget between 3500 to 15000 euros and a limited garden not suitable for an in-ground pool. The wood material gives a more rustic look to your pool and combines harmoniously with the materials used.

Factors to respect before buying an above ground pool

It is important to study the following criteria before choosing an above ground pool:

The size of the pool and the available installation space:The size must fit the outdoor space that will accommodate it. Don't forget the space around the pool, which is useful for proper circulation. The above-ground pool in round format is the one that requires less space and is therefore ideal for a small area. For those who have a fragile outdoor floor, the most suitable model should be chosen so as not to complicate the installation.

The use and the user: the choice of the model of above ground pool varies according to the use and the user: a wide and rectangular pool if it is for swimming, and a round format if it is for fun and getting wet only. If the user is children, it is necessary to opt for a pool with a size adapted to their height, so that they can have their feet on the bottom to stand up. The recommended models are those measuring between 30cm and 1.50m.

The budget: The size and the model to be chosen will determine the budget to be spent, both at the time of purchase and during its use and maintenance. The larger the size, the more expensive the maintenance will be in terms of water, products and materials.

What are the differences between a tubular above-ground pool and a freestanding above-ground pool?

The above ground tubular above ground swimming pool, commonly called a freestanding pool.This pool model is a variant of the inflatable pool but with an inflatable ring that will balloon when you fill it with water. The liner will also stretch out when you fill it.

Simple to install, less than an hour, the freestanding above ground pool is also the most economical. It requires a flat surface that will accommodate the liner and on which you will mount your pool. When inflating, pay attention to the fold on the ground. A filtration system is integrated for those with a diameter of more than 3m. This system works with the help of hoses and an electric wire connected to a socket. Note that the cover and hoses are delivered with the pool. The swimming pool is very stable with the weight of the water on the walls and under the blown-up pool liner. When summer ends, you can store it properly, first emptying it, then cleaning it, deflating it and finally drying it in the open air.

The tubular above-ground pool

Very easy to assemble, the tubular above ground pool has a pvc liner and a steel tube structure depending on the model

No skill is required for assembly as all you need is a flat surface to install the tarpaulin and pvc cover. A manual is supplied to explain how to assemble the steel bars. If we compare it with a freestanding pool, we can say that it offers optimal strength and durability with its solid metal skeleton. It provides a wide bathing space thanks to its straight walls. The steel bar assembly offers a variety of sizes to suit all needs: round, square, rectangular or octagonal.

Best tips with the right materials and products

The best tips

You have to have the reflex to choose the right location for your above-ground pool. A flat surface is mandatory to guarantee the stability of the pool. If your ground is not very flat, it must be shaped a little by applying a layer of sand. This will bring more stability and prevents you from being affected by stones and reliefs that often destroy the liner. The liner will easily be placed on the sand layer to accommodate the pool. It is preferable to place it in a place exposed to the sun to heat the water naturally. Wooded areas and areas full of plants should be avoided so as not to "dirty" the water with pollens, foliage and thorns. It is essential to have an electrical outlet near the pool to activate the filtration system and ensure the water supply to the pool. The other trick concerns the safety of the users. In most cases, a pool that is 1m larger comes with a folding ladder that you should remove after each swim. This is important to prevent children from inadvertently entering the pool. Parental supervision is also mandatory to ensure the safety of the children and to prevent accidents while swimming.

What are the essential materials and products?

Like all pools, the above-ground model also requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the water clean. The materials required are :

• The net to collect the debris left by mother nature...
• The thermometer
• The floating product diffuser (in the case of a pool without a skimmer)
• Conventional treatment product or shock treatment (chlorine, bromine, active oxygen)
• The cleaning product (chlorine, bromine, active oxygen)
• pH minus and pH plus to regulate the right pH level
• The flocculant or clarifying to have a crystalline water
• The pH and product test kit

We invite you to read the articles on the controls to be done before starting the season, and especially the table of products according to the treatment to be done. The above-ground swimming pool is a quality equipment allowing you to enjoy the summer but also to relax with your family without breaking the bank. Whatever its shape: self-supporting, tubular or other, the assembly remains easy and fast to achieve without the intervention of a pro. It's up to you to choose the model adapted to your preference! On that note, I send you my sincere thanks and enjoy your summer with your feet in the water.

Jade