This is a hard question to answer, as cost will
vary with your individual needs. First, ask yourself; "who is going
to use the pool?" For toddlers, a splash pool will most likely be
enought. Splash pools usually last a couple of years and cost under $800.00.
For school age children and their parents, consider a good quality 15'
round or larger pool. These run in the range of $1,500 to $2,000.00 after
installation. For adults and teenagers, buy a high quality pool with good
equipment. Cost for a high quality above-ground pool with installation
is usually $2500 to $5000+ depending on your options. If you want a long
lasting, easy to maintain pool, purchase the best pool you can afford with
high quality equipment. We sell many top-of-the-line pools with decks in
the $7000 to $12000 price range. Keep in mind you can add decks and additional
options later, so purchase a good quality pool first and then add on options.
NOTE: ovals cost 1/3 more than round pools as a rule. For an easy to put
up pool, look at models with fabric walls.
WHAT SIZE POOL
SHOULD I BUY?
First, measure the yard where you plan to
put your pool. Second, ask yourself "what is the pool going to be
used for?" If toddlers, a small pool is great. If teenagers, think
activities like volleyball and horsing around. For teenagers and adults,
a large round pool is best. Finally, for swimming laps a 38' or longer
oval pool is optimum.
WHAT DOES INSTALLATION
COST?
In San Antonio, Texas. it costs between $650
and $1200 to have a pool installed. If an installation warranty beyond
what the installer offers is wanted, such as the customer wants our store
to warranty labor done by the installer, we charge an additional 25% of
the labor quoted. This goes to pay for insurance (duplicate of your homeowners
liability) federal and state unemployment insurance, sales tax, and the
occasional bad job. Some pool dealers include installation in their prices.
Its your choice. Installation rates.
WHAT IS THE COST
OF MAINTAINING A POOL?
It depends on where you live, the size of
your pool, the type of water, the swimmer load, and the time of year. It
cost me $26.32 per month last year for a 17,000 gal. above-ground pool.
I ran the pool on a 1 1/2 HP pump with a timer 8 hours a day. We treated
the pool with Protean Supreme (by John Girven Co.) we used it as a water
conditioner at the beginning of the season to make it difficult for algae
to grow. Each week we tested the PH, balanced it if needed, and filled
a floating chlorine dispenser with 3" tablets. A 60% algaecide was
used at a rate of three ounces a week. We spent five minutes a day (cleaning
out traps and leaf skimming) and fifteen to twenty minutes every Sunday
(testing, cleaning, etc.). Dip strip test strips were used. Remember, it
costs less to operate a well maintained pool then to fix the problems caused
by poor maintenance. We also tested the water at our pool store's lab once
a month (it's free). We used a Polaris 65 automatic pool cleaner, its cheaper
than arguing with the kids.
CAN I BURY THE
POOL?
Yes, but check with the manufacturer about
your warranty first. Second, expect the pool's life expectancy to be shorter.
Third, consider a fence even if your town doesn't require one. Fourth,
if the equipment will be located above the water level you will need a
self priming pump. Last, it costs more for labor and dirt removal to bury
your pool in the ground.
CAN I INSTALL
THE POOL ON A SLOPING GRADE?
Yes, but the results are the same as if you
were to bury the pool, with the additional consideration of erosion . If
water washes out the dirt you back filled you will have liner and structural
problems. Spend the money on a retaining wall to help prevent these problems.
CAN I INSTALL
IT MYSELF?
Yes, rent the digging equipment (it's to
much to do by hand) and be sure and have plenty of help. Don't buy a pool
if you can't get an installation video from the supplier. If you shop at
a pool store they should be able to instruct you. Remember, it's better
to put up a good quality pool yourself than pay someone to put up a cheap
pool that doesn't last.
CAN I GET ONE
CUSTOM MADE?
We offer one custom model in our Trojan line.
The Caribbean can be ordered in any size for any terrain.
WHAT DOES IT
COST TO HEAT A POOL?
A pool heater will cost you $1250 to $2000
depending on size. Also, a plumber will be needed to run the gas line.
Solar heaters will raise the temperature a few degrees for a lot less.
HOW LONG IS THE
LINER WARRANTY?
Twenty years is the most common warranty
on liners. The manufacturer covers the liner for original leaks (it will
be obvious on the first day if your liner has holes) and against defective
manufacturing (such as seams coming un-done, etc.). Everything else is
not the manufacturers fault and most likely will not be covered by the
warranty. The most common problems are: 1) Leaving the pool without water
in it. Less than one complete day is too long for a pool without water;
the liner shrinks and tears upon refilling. 2) Using liquid chlorine. Don't.
3) Not keeping the PH balanced (this is the number one cause of liner problems)
causes liners to turn brittle, usually in less than two years. 4) Torn
liners (almost always due to swimmers). 5) Nut grass growing in pool (a
southern US problem). No one can warranty against mother nature, it's a
risk we all assume by living where we do. (try Zap zit herbicide by John
Girven Co., it's a cheap insurance against nut grass growth)
Why Aboveground?
Approximately 50% of the pools owned in
the United States are aboveground. Many are turning to aboveground pools
because they are built to last and offer a wide variety of wall and liner
options. Others turn to aboveground pools because of the relatively low
cost versus that of inground pools.
Your lifestyle and entertainment plans are important to consider when
thinking of the size and depth of the pool you'll require. Yard space
is another obvious consideration - how much do you have right now and
how much would you like to have left over when the pool is up?
An aboveground pool offers a certain flexibility and convenience that
an inground pool does not, while simultaneously offering many of the
same technically sophisticated options such as lighting and water features.
An aboveground pool is installation-friendly and low-maintenance. And,
when you're ready to recapture your backyard, an above ground pool can
easily be disassembled in a day's work.
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