Above Ground Swimming Pools - A Buyers Guide

Firstly I don't sell swimming pools! This guide is written based on my experience and a review of what's currently available to buy in terms of above ground swimming pools. Most above ground pools are very simple to build and cheap to buy, but there are many variants and so here's a review of all the main ones, with more detail on all of the following above ground swimming pools if you need it.

Easy Set Pools - These pools are as their name suggests very easy to set up. Indeed all you do is unpack them connect up the water filter pump inlet and outlet hoses and then inflate the top rubber ring with a footpump. Then place a hosepipe in the pool and fill it with water. The tube then floats up on top of the water and pulls the sides of the pool up with it as it rises up. Once filled you can then turn on the water filter pump and your easy set pool is ready to use. For more details on model types and sizes visit my page on easy set pools to find out about installation, sizes and running one.

Metal Frame Round Pools - As the name suggest these types of above ground swimming pools are made up of a metal frame (For added strength) which means they can put up with more boisterous activity. The frame clips together simply and needs no tools. The pool liner then hangs inside it. This does away with the need for the inflatable tube like at the top of the easy set models. Find out more details about metal frame round pools and what sizes are available and how to install them.

Rectangular Pools - These are as the name says rectangular in shape, they actually come with a metal frame that the pool liner hangs from much like a metal frame round pool. These offer a traditional pool shape and the larger ones allow you to swim laps in properly. Indeed the biggest ones are 16ft x 32 ft in size! And that size you can buy for under $2400 or £1500. Read more on Rectangular Pools

Splasher Pools - These are round pools that are available in similar sizes to easy set ones but they have a system of semi rigid panels that clip together to form a round pool. A liner then clips inside these and the pool is then filled with water. These solutions can provide a semi permanent pool when half buried in the ground. They are available in sizes up to 18ft in diameter, and you can also buy oval shaped models which are big enough to do laps in. Read my guide to splasher pools to find out what you get for your money.

Steel Pools - Classic steel pools look much like splasher pools but those built by people such as doughboy are so much more, and can be built above ground or partially in ground or totally in-ground! This means they are one of the most versatile pools on the market today. You could start off with one above ground and then spend the summer digging a large hole and make your doughboy pool in to an in-ground next season. Read up on Steel Pools to see the benefits of them.

Wooden Pools - Yes you can actually buy above ground swimming pools with wooden sides, and these provide a fantastic natural look for your pool. They are ultra rigid and will with stand up to the most vigorous of pool parties imaginable. They aren't cheap but you get what you pay for so find out what you do get for your money with a Wooden Pool

Zodiac Pools - They are made by the people who brought you the original zodiac rigid inflatible boats, and are made of just the same material. They are availabel in a range of sizes and are basically a giant inflatible tube filled with water. They are very hard wearing, virtually indestructible but can be tricky to get out of without a ladder. Nor are they as cheap as you would think, but they are easy to install and provide a simple above ground swimming pool solution as a result. Get more details here on Zodiac Pools

By Richard Allen -