Aboveground Swimming Pools

What greater luxury could there be on a hot summer day than a dip in your cool, refreshing aboveground swimming pool? If you’re not sure you want a permanent addition to your backyard or simply have small children who love to splash around, aboveground pools are a wonderful (and cheaper) alternative to inground pools. If you’re ready to create an aquatic oasis in your backyard, here are some tips to help you select the perfect swimming pool:

What types of materials are aboveground swimming pools made of?

Naturally you want your swimming pool to last for a while, therefore it’s important to choose a material that’s durable and strong. Your choice also depends on how you or your little ones plan to use it.
• Plastic: If you’re simply looking for a small kiddie pool for little ones to enjoy, plastic is a great way to go. While it’s not as durable as other options, it’s much cheaper. This means you won’t be spending an arm and a leg on something your child might outgrow or get tired of in a few years. Plastic swimming pools come in different styles, including your typical inflatable pool and the hard plastic kiddie pool that brings back memories of childhood.
• Resin: Resin pools usually offer a hybrid composition that includes steel or aluminum structural components. Its rust-proof qualities make it an excellent choice as well.
• Steel: The heaviest choice, steel is solid and durable. While many steel swimming pools can last 20 or more years, they will eventually rust.
• Aluminum: A lighter weight option, aluminum pools are easy to assemble and disassemble. It is, however, more expensive than steel and can have a flimsy feel. It’s rust resistant yet susceptible to oxidation.

How can I make my swimming pool area safe?

If you have small children or pets, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Some steps you can take are to purchase a certified safety cover and fencing with a childproof latch. You can also install alarms that will alert you if there’s movement in the pool area. Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to teach your child how to swim and what the safety rules are.

Other items of concern can include drains and chemicals. Many states require an anti-vortex main drain cover to keep children from becoming trapped by the suction of the drain. You could also purchase a cover that has anti-entrapment and anti-entanglement features. On a similar note, always make sure your pool cover is completely removed when your swimming pool is in use to keep children or pets from getting trapped underneath. As for chemicals, make sure you always use them only as directed and store chlorine in an area that isn’t accessible by pets or children.