What swimming pool should i buy

Parents will also be happy to know that this pool is super easy to set up: it takes just under 10 minutes to inflate, deflate, and store, so you can easily schedule playtime, anytime. What's more, the 3-ply Tritech liner is puncture-resistant and it also comes with a repair patch, just in case , making this a pool that will last you for seasons to come. Intex is a reliable brand, and this reasonably priced round pool is the perfect medium size.

Plus, it comes with a sand filter pump, ladder, ground cloth, and debris cover. The pool is 52 inches deep, comes in various sizes, and has a puncture-resistant, triple-ply liner, and a powder-coated steel frame. When buying an above-ground pool, one of the most important considerations is size.

While this should go without saying, you'll need to make sure it not only fits in your yard but that you'll have at least a few feet of space on all sides. We recommend measuring your outdoor area a couple of times before buying an above-ground pool. Though it depends on the model, rectangular and oval pools tend to be the largest, with water capacities of up to 20, gallons.

If you're short on square footage, a smaller round pool might be your best bet. There are also a few different types of above-ground pools. You've got standard pools, which typically have either steel walls or tear-resistant PVC walls supported by steel frames.

There are also inflatable options, which are usually made of the same PVC material but without a steel frame. Inflatable pools tend to be the most portable and affordable. You can also get a saltwater-ready pool.

This type of above-ground pool comes with a saltwater system also known as a salt chlorinator for achieving the right salinity, though you'll need to add your own salt. A lot of above-ground pools come in sets, meaning they have all the necessary components for setting up, using, and maintaining your pool.

This often includes a filter pump, a pool liner, a ground cloth, and a debris cover. Some larger pools also come with slip-resistant ladders. Additionally, you can find above-ground pools with dual-suction outlets for easier cleaning. Others have built-in chemical dispensers, eliminating the need for free-floating cleaners. The proper way to install an above-ground pool depends on the type. However, there's a general process to follow when setting up standard pools with PVC walls and steel frames.

After clearing an area and making sure the ground is level, start by laying down the ground cloth and placing the bottom plate on top. Next, connect the metal rails to the bottom plate and around the perimeter. Then connect the vertical side rails to the bottom portion of the frame. Be sure to read the directions carefully, as the different metal rods can look similar but won't line up or connect properly if you use the wrong ones.

After that, install the lining onto the bottom plate and up the walls. When finished, your pool should have a balanced shape, and the walls should all be the same height. Generally speaking, above-ground pools can be cleaned using the same tools and methods as in-ground pools. You can use a pool skimmer, which draws water from the pool's surface and sucks it through the filter.

Another option is a pool hose, which attaches to your filter or pool vacuum and sucks out debris. You can also use a pool net to manually fish out leaves, bugs, dirt, and other debris.

Start by unrolling the pump's intake hose, reaching it as close as possible to the center of your above-ground pool. Then point the hose outlet toward an area that will drain the water away from the pool without flooding your property. Next, plug the pump into a nearby outlet and turn it on. Allow the pump to run until your pool is completely empty.

This might take several hours or more, depending on the size of your pool. Turn off the pump, and you should be all set. This roundup was researched and written by Theresa Holland , a professional writer, and a homeowner who is always on the lookout for products that enhance the at-home experience.

To make this list, Theresa considered each pool's size, type, and if it includes additional features, like filter pumps, pool liners, ground cloths, and debris covers. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. They are rectangular in shape and very long: Typically 30 to 70 feet. They do not generally have a shallow end; they are deep throughout so that turns can be made on either end. An architectural pool is one of the most expensive types of swimming pools. As its name suggests, this type of pool is designed by an architect.

They require a lot of sophistication and planning prior to installation, and typically incorporate unique and complicated design elements that also require significant installation costs and time. Architectural pools are meant to complement the design of the home and overall landscaping, and are often designed at the same time as the house. They incorporate the same building materials and aesthetic to create a symmetrical and cohesive look.

Because of this elaborate process, they can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars , depending on their scale. They are also called vanishing edge pools, zero edge, negative edge or infinity edge pools because they create the illusion that one edge of the pool drops off as if into a waterfall—even though the pool is fully contained. Not to be confused with a pond, a natural pool is a greener alternative to a typical chlorinated swimming pool; It uses plants to filter the water instead of chemicals.

Natural pools can be a great option, but they do take up a lot of space: They require one area for swimming and one similar-sized area for regeneration. The regeneration zone is shallow, filled with water, crushed gravel and aquatic plants; pumps and tubing circulate the water for the swimming area through the regeneration zone, where it is cleaned naturally. In addition to this size requirement, most natural pools include other landscaping, such as boulders and waterfalls.

Because of the complicated system and added landscaping, this type of pool can take a few months to install. While a natural pool requires specific design elements, a saltwater pool is not a structural type of swimming pool. Saltwater can also be more gentle on the skin than chlorinated water.

They are generally used as a way to cool down and relieve stiffness after athletic activity. Meredith is a writer and brand strategist with expertise in trends forecasting and Gen Z and Millennial culture.

In addition to producing lifestyle content, she uses data-driven storytelling and actionable insights to help brands learn how to engage consumers. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.

Select Region. United States. Once considered a luxury only the wealthiest could afford, private swimming pool ownership has exploded since the s and s as a result of higher incomes, improved technology, and new pool financing sources.

Today, approximately Should your home be one of them? Here are the questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether to install a swimming pool or purchase a home with a pool installed. Children and teenagers tend to use swimming pools more than other age groups, spending more time swimming than doing other recreational activities, according to the Census Bureau.

I built a pool when my children ranged from two to seven years of age. They were in it almost every day in the spring, summer, and early fall until they left for college. However, having neither the time nor inclination to swim, my wife and I rarely used the pool after that until our first grandchild arrived.

Those who live in a fairly dry, warm-weather state such as Arizona, California, Florida, or Texas will obviously get more use out of a pool than those living in states with lengthy cold seasons or a large number of rainy days. Many potential pool owners elect to use public or semi-private pools, such as those found in residential communities, rather than own a private pool.

One in eight pools had severe problems that forced their closure. However, you may opt instead to install a pool of your own or buy a home with an existing pool. Few people want a backyard dominated by a swimming pool. For example, a yard with a 40 x foot pool should have at least square feet of walkways, decks, patios, and grass. If you plan on using it primarily for recreation, the size is less important than if you plan on using it for exercise.

Building an in-ground pool in the yard of an established neighborhood is more expensive than constructing a pool in a vacant space with open access. In an established neighborhood, fences, gates, and temporary structures must be removed and stored during the construction and installation period. A concrete pool typically takes four to six weeks to build, excluding the time necessary to get permits, conduct an inspection, and contractor and subcontractor delays. During this time, you will have a construction zone in your backyard and all the problems that go with it, including noise, loss of parking space, possible neighbor complaints, and loss of privacy.

Most states and communities have laws regarding pool signs and fences, some requiring a fence around any pool inside a fenced backyard. Other requirements could include how to dispose of pool water when draining a pool or conditions for removing a pool.

For example, the City of Los Angeles allows pool owners to drain pools into storm drains or sanitary sewer systems. Before draining a pool, contact your local municipality to find out the rules and prohibitions for your community.

A swimming pool requires constant maintenance, including removing debris such as leaves and grass, testing the water for proper balance, adding chemicals, and pump and filter upkeep. Depending on conditions, owners can easily spend five to 10 hours a week keeping their pools in shape. The need for maintenance continues even when the pool is not in use.

You can opt to use a pool maintenance company, but that will result in an added expense. Unless you have significant disposable income and a good credit rating , the cost of a private swimming pool may be out of reach for you. If you have a pool on your property, you are liable to anyone who uses it, whether or not they have permission to do so. Many carriers will exclude pools with diving boards or slides due to the high incidence of injuries and medical expenses as a result of these features.

Remodeling surveys and real estate agents seem to agree that a swimming pool is probably a wash when it comes to cost versus value. However, this can depend on your area. Homeowners who live in neighborhoods where private in-ground pools are common often face market pressure to have a pool. Those that do not are likely to sell for less. You can try to deduct the costs of a private swimming pool as a medical expense, but the likelihood of successfully receiving such a deduction is very low.

To determine whether a deduction is available and worthwhile for you, consider the following:. On the bright side, if you can obtain the medical deduction for a swimming pool, you can also deduct the cost of operation — such as electricity, chemicals, and cleaning services — and repairs as long the medical reason for the pool exists.