Discover Above Ground Pools - What Is a Frame Pool?
Are you dreaming of a backyard swimming pool but are afraid of the high cost and complex legal requirements? No worries! Above ground pools are something for you. It's a perfect alternative for traditional solutions. All you need is some space - and you can enjoy the absolute comfort of water activities during summer heatwaves. Check the features of above ground pools, learn how to assemble them and discover the price of such an investment. We're answering all those questions.
What is an above ground pool?
Above ground pools differ in construction. The most important distinction is the material they are made of. Metal frame pools, for instance, are composed of plastic materials - unlike hard sided pools, which are based on steel walls.
Above ground pool elements are installed on a special frame. Thanks to this, they are very easy and quick to assemble. It’s also useful in case you want to move the pool somewhere else.
As for hard sided pools, the construction made of steel bars and panels is highly durable and can last for over a dozen years. Special foil lining is attached inside so that the pool can hold water. Note that the lining should be replaced once in a while, as it wears down in time.
Above ground pools are not only very durable or capacious, but also very elegant - which is a big plus. Hard sided pools can be also painted to make them look completely different. A manufacturer can make a steel wall look like wood or rocks. It’s particularly effective if the pool is exposed.
What are the types of above ground pools?
Depending on the effect you wish to achieve, you can decide on a particular type of an above ground pool. Manufacturers offer two possible solutions, namely:
- a free-standing above ground pool,
- a semi inground pool.
Free standing above ground pools involve two of the mentioned types - a metal frame pool and a hard sided pool. They look nearly identical and differ only in durability, materials and aesthetics.
A semi inground pool resembles a hard sided pool. Its construction is slightly different, and typically there are no prints on the steel walls - as they aren’t visible anyway.
You can also distinguish above ground pools by their shape. Round models are the most popular. Additionally, manufacturers offer rectangular and oval variants as well. But they are not a common choice.
What are the advantages of a hard sided above ground pool?
Those who have decided on a hard sided above ground pool and use it, note that this solution has far more positives than negatives. They list the following most common aspects:
- a relatively short assembly and disassembly time,
- the possibility to move it in another place,
- resistance to atmospheric conditions,
- resistance to mechanical damage,
- attractive price,
- interesting aesthetics,
- the option to pick the right variant for your needs.
Because of those features, hard sided pools replace the once popular frame pools.
Are there any disadvantages of an above ground pool?
Are you wondering if an above ground pool is for you and are looking for any possible drawbacks of this solution? The best option, a hard sided pool, might require replacing the vinyl lining - and that’s the only disadvantage, in this case.
But keep in mind that the construction is very durable and can be used for at least a dozen years. Because of this, an occasional lining reapplication is not such a big deal.
How to assemble an above ground pool?
A freestanding swimming pool installation method mostly depends on the type you pick. In any case, you have to choose the right spot for it. Make sure there is enough space in your backyard for the model you decide on.
If you pick a hard sided pool, you have to level the surface it’s going to stand on. This way, you don’t have to worry about any humps or slopes which might result in water overflow when more people get in the pool. After you assemble the construction, you just have to fill it with water and connect the necessary swimming pool accessories like pumps, filters and other elements.
Semi inground pools are a little more complicated. One has to dig a deep enough hole in the ground where the construction is going to be placed. The depth of such a site is very important - the pool has to stick out above the surface.
Although semi inground pools typically don’t require any special permit, you should probably notify your local administrative unit of the planned works. If the officials don’t send any objections, you can begin the construction. Make sure to know how much time you have for finishing the project - some countries limit the permission period, after which one has to make another submission.
Is a backyard swimming pool suitable for any garden?
Above ground pools are perfect for any backyard - provided the size is right. Even the smallest frame pools are quite big.
Space organization is a very important issue if you want to install an above ground pool. Make sure the construction is located away from various ornamental shrubs. This way, you don’t have to worry about the pool getting dirty. If you insist on having some plants nearby, we suggest picking shade-loving plants, as they don’t require any special care.
How to keep a backyard swimming pool clean?
Keeping an above ground pool clean is very similar to taking care of any other water reservoir. A pump, special filters and chemical products are essential. This way, the water is clean for a very long time.
We recommend investing in a special screen so that you can cover the above ground pool when it’s not used. Thanks to it, leaves, branches and other objects won’t fall into the water. If they happen to end up inside, you can remove them using a special pool skimmer. It’s not an expensive tool, and it guarantees a much more pleasant bath.
Can you leave an above ground pool over winter?
Have you decided on an above ground pool and are wondering what to do with it in winter? If it’s a free-standing model, you can easily disassemble it, secure all the elements and hide them - in a garage, a gazebo or a shed. Everything depends on where you find enough space for it.
If the pool is buried in the ground, you can leave it for winter. Just remove water from all the elements and conceal the reservoir using a special canvas cover. Make sure it’s large enough so that the endings cover the edges of the pool and the middle sticks to the bottom. To be sure, you can place something heavy in the middle.
What is the cost of an above ground pool?
Many people worry that an above ground pool is something they cannot afford. But everything depends on the model and the size of the product. Small variants without any decorative elements are the cheapest ones. The larger the pool, the higher its price. The cost also depends on the functions and additional equipment offered along with the pool. For this reason, some models might be quite expensive.
📍 What is an above ground pool?
Above ground pools are small reservoirs based on a special construction and fabric or metal panels. The inside can be layered with vinyl coating. Depending on the needs, you can also pick two types of the pool - a free-standing option or a model semi-buried in the ground. Particular models vary in size as well.
📍 How to bury an above ground pool?
If you want to bury an above ground pool, you have to pick the right type. But such works should be conducted by specialists, as the construction is easy to damage. Make sure to inform the local administration about the planned project, if the law requires it.
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