Above Ground Pool Steps: Taking a Step in the Right Direction

An Essential Item for Any Above Ground Swimming Pool

Above ground pool steps are essential for accessing your pool as well as for safety. Steps are designed for durability and provide materials that are corrosion-resistant for many summers of use.

Pool Service Plans

In Lieu of a Deck

If you don’t have a deck for your above ground pool, then above ground pool steps with a ladder for entry are an ideal way to access your swimming pool. Therefore, these types of steps furnish a low-cost way to enter and exit an above ground pool safely. A ladder for this type of entry and exit system is affixed to the steps and can generally hold a swimmer over 300 pounds. Made of dependable polyethylene, the step and ladder combination features simple and quick installation and can be sized to fit pools as deep as 54 inches.

A More Expansive Design – Features and Benefits

Other above ground pool steps offer wide stairs and a platform for pool entry. Above ground pool steps are not only resistant to corrosion but pool chemicals too. With non-skid surfaces and a handrail for added support, above ground pool steps offer security and convenience. In addition, these types of above ground pool steps can be attached to your swimming pool, thereby providing a solid installation. Installed quickly with a screwdriver, some come with an exterior staircase for security and to prevent trespassing.

What to Look for When Buying an Entry System for your Pool

While resin is a superior material to use for above ground pool steps, so is PVC. Both materials can take on the outside elements superbly without any undue effects. Above ground pool steps made of these materials are singularly easier to maintain as they don’t require any special solvents in order to be cleaned. When choosing above ground pool steps then, you’ll want to find some that are relatively easy to install and ideally feature slip-resistant, corrosion-resistant stairs with handrails for extra mobility, safety and stability. Some steps also can be adjusted to a variety of pool depths.

Above Ground Pool Steps with Gated Entry

Some above ground pool steps add even more safety by including an entry system with a gate that comes with a lock and key. Typically, most of these systems can fit 48” and 54” deep round, above ground pools.  Most conform to local building codes as well. Such a system is usually made of vinyl and provides a sturdy and secure way to enter and exit your pool.

A 3-Year Guarantee

Most of the above ground pool steps sold on the Internet offer a 3-year warranty with respect to defects and workmanship. Whether you choose adjustable above ground pool steps or can find an entry system that can be configured with above ground pools, be sure that the steps are solid and can simply be removed for storage purposes. Thereafter, safety, ease and convenience are features you want to look for when deciding on the right above ground pool steps for your swimming pool.

photo credit: Michelle Schantz (Schantzilla)

The Quickest Ways to Ruin Your Pool Accessories

You have a great above ground swimming pool and you take care of it. But what about your pool accessories?  You pay good money to get a typical swimming pool accessory. If you want to find out what the quickest ways to ruin them are, then you’ll want to read this article. Specifically we’ll discuss how not to care for them, improper storage methods and negative effects of dirty pool accessories on your pool.

After reading this article, you should be able to see why you should take care of your accessories.

How Not to Care for Above Ground Pool Accessories
One of the worst things that you can do to your accessories is to leave them floating in the pool when you’re done swimming. This leaves them exposed to the negative effects of both your pool chemicals, while also leaving them unprotected from the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun. Only slightly better is to remove them from the pool but still leaving them out. This at least gets them out of the active effects of the pool chemicals.

What Not to Do When You Store Your Pool Accessory

When you do go to putting your pool accessories away, whether at the end of the day or the end of the season, if you haven’t cleaned them off with clean water, and then dried them off, you’re simply asking for mold and mildew to form on them. This is especially true at the end of the season. They’ll stay wet longer which gives mildew that much more opportunity to grow.

What Dirty Swimming Pool Accessories Do to Your Pool

If you didn’t take the time to clean your accessories at the end of the season, and then the next season rolls around, imagine what will be going into your pool if you don’t take the time to clean them. All the mold and mildew that built up over the cold season will go straight into the pool. Obviously the pool chemicals will handle this, but it will use them up faster. This will cost more money to replace the chemicals sooner.

Conclusion

Take the time to look at your pool accessories’ manufacturers recommended cleaning methods. By not taking the time to properly care for your pool accessories, you’ll shorten their useful time, and cost yourself more money replacing them sooner.

photo credit: jessicafm

Take the Solar Pool Cover Quiz

Overview

Are you thinking about getting a solar pool cover for your above ground swimming pool? If so take a few moments to take this quiz about above ground pool solar covers to see if one might be right for you.

When should I use my solar pool cover?

1. I only need to use my cover when it’s cold out.
2. I only need to use it on cloudy days.
3. I should use it all the time.
4. I live in a warm climate and don’t have any use for pool solar covers.

Answer: 3 – use your cover all the time. Swimming pool solar covers help to reduce heating needs at all times, and also help to keep the pool cleaner by keeping debris out.

Why do I need a solar pool cover reel?

1. Reels help to keep your pool cover stored safely when not covering the pool.
2. Reels help you be able to manage a cover by yourself.
3. A solar pool cover reel extends the life of the cover.
4. All of the above.

Answer: 4 – all of the above. Pool covers should be stored safely so that they are less likely to be damaged when not in use, and can be awkward to manage with only one person. Safe storage helps to extend the life of the cover.

How can I store pool solar covers during the day?

1. Just pull the cover off and put it on the ground.
2. Use a solar pool cover reel to safely store it when not in use.
3. Place the cover in a solar saddle on the side of the pool while swimming.
4. Both 2 and 3.

Answer: 4 – Use a reel or a solar saddle to safely store the cover when you’re swimming in the pool.

How do swimming pool solar covers save me money?

1. My heating bill will be lower since the cover will heat the pool up to 10 degrees warmer.
2. I’ll need fewer pool chemicals to keep the pool clean if I use my solar cover for pool regularly.
3. Both 1 and 2.
4. None of the above.

Answer: 3 – Using a solar cover will lower your pool heating costs and keep the pool cleaner.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve taken this little quiz, you should have a good idea on the benefits of adding a solar cover for pool to above ground swimming pools. You know how swimming pool solar covers will save you money and the different ways of taking care of it. So take the next step and add one to your pool.

photo credit: jasminejennyjen

How to Maintain Your Swimming Pool Accessories

Overview
If you are looking for a good way to keep your swimming pool accessories maintained, then this article should help you. The best way to keep your swimming pools accessories in good shape is to have an effective way to clean and store them when they’re not in use.

Cleaning your Swimming Pool Accessory
When you’re not using your swimming pool accessories, it’s important to keep them clean. Cleaning them will have several important benefits. First and foremost is that this will help to extend their useful lifetime so that you will be able to get the most enjoyment from them.

Just as your above ground swimming pool has a liner that has been treated to withstand the effects of pool chemicals, your pool accessories will also be affected by those chemicals. So when you know that they won’t be in use for an extended period, be sure to rinse them off and make sure that they’re dry before being put away.

Cleaning them off before storage for the night or the week or the off season will also benefit you and your pool. When you go to use then the next time, they will still be clean, and so should introduce the minimum of foreign particles and bacteria to your pool, which will help keep the pool clean as well.

Storing Your Swimming Pool Accessory
The next best thing to do to help maintain your swimming pool accessories is to make sure that you have a covered storage area for them. When you’re not using them, if they’re not baking out in the sun, they will last much longer if they are not exposed unnecessarily to extra UV rays.

Plus as mentioned above, if you store them in a cabinet or locker, they will have less dirt and dust collecting on them when they are not in use. And having a place to keep your swimming pool accessories will help to keep the pool area looking clean and inviting, so that when you come home after a hard day at work, you will know where your favorite pool accessory is and you can jump right in.

Reaping the Benefits
Keeping your swimming pool accessories clean takes a bit of effort, but the benefits are definitely worth it. You keep your accessories in good shape longer. Your pool stays cleaner. And your pool area is more inviting.  Doing the maintenance regularly will keep your enjoyment level of your above ground swimming pool high.

photo credit: Stig Nygaard

The Top Three Pool Accessories That Everyone Needs

Overview
Now that you have your above ground swimming pool, it’s time to think about the swimming pool accessories that you need to complete the package and make your pool into the center of relaxation and enjoyment that you dreamed about.

This article will review the top three pool accessories that everyone should have, and will also take a look at a number of additional accessories that are very nice to have.

Top Three Pool Accessories
There are several categories that the top three pool accessories come from – cleaning products, swimming pool floats and toys, and safety devices.

The most important of all pool accessories that everyone should have is a pool alarm system. These alarms vary, but all will tell you when your pool has been accessed when you weren’t expecting it to be. Even if you aren’t a parent and don’t have any pets, it still makes sense to have one in case of neighbor kids or rodents.

The second important cleaning accessory that you will add to your above ground pool accessories list is an accessory that removes leaves and debris that land in your pool. The best type of debris removers run off the suction of your pool pump so that the water is filtered through them. They range in style from ones that sit in the pool to ones that attach to the filter line before the water reaches the filter.

The third swimming pool accessory that you should make part of your set is some favorite pool floats. Whether it is a lounger for one for you to lounge on after work, or a bar set for four adults to hold a cold beverage, or a nice inflatable animal for the kids to play on, you should have a selection of pool floats to choose from for any occasion.

Other Accessories That Are Useful Too
There are a number of additional pool accessories that are very nice to have as well. These include a variety of intex pool accessories such as outdoor solar showers and safety rings, to
and floating lights.

Conclusion
Now that you’ve taken the time to investigate the particular pool accessories that you need to add to your list, you should be prepared when you find the right ones for you when you go looking for them next time online or at your local pool store.

photo credit: twoshortplanks

How Fiberglass Pools Compare to Above Ground Swimming Pools

Overview
If you’re thinking about getting an above ground swimming pool, it would be a good idea to know about the other kinds of pools that are available as a comparison. This article will focus on fiberglass pools and how they compare to above ground pools.

Inground fiberglass pools are one type of inground pool that is currently available in the market. They have a number of attractive features, but are substantially more expensive than above ground swimming pools.

How Fiberglass pools are manufactured
Fiberglass pools are typically manufactured for a specific customer, especially if the particular shape that is ordered is not a stock shape, but rather a custom shape. Most brands of fiberglass swimming pools have a variety of predetermined shapes to choose from. Once the particular shape has been selected, the order is sent to the manufacturing facility of the company. The pool is then built to order and shipped to the customer.

Costs of Fiberglass Pools
There are several things to consider about fiberglass pool prices vs. the price of above-ground swimming pools. First and foremost is the up-front cost of the pool itself. Typical fiberglass pools cost from $20-30K for a small pool up to $40-50K for a large one. The variation in costs come from several factors including the types of pool accessories that are added on at the time of the order, ordering a custom shape vs. a standard shape, and the shipping distance.

While this is a substantial expense in the beginning, one of the things that fiberglass pools have an advantage over other pool types is that the ongoing cost of ownership is lower than other pool types. Typically, they require less time to maintain during the swimming season, require less cleaning and fewer chemicals due to the nature of fiberglass as a material. They don’t require replacement of the vinyl liner, since they don’t have one, and they don’t require remarciting as do cement inground pools. Most fiberglass pool manufacturers say that over a period of ten years, the cost of maintaining other pool types makes fiberglass pools prices more competitive.

Installation times
While still requiring more time to install than an above ground swimming pool, fiberglass pools can be installed much more quickly than other inground pools. This is because the excavation of the pool site can be timed with the delivery of the fiberglass pool to the site so that there is very little waiting in between.

Conclusion
So the biggest factors to take into consideration when comparing these two types of pools are upfront costs vs. cost of ownership over time, creating a permanent fixture vs. having a pool that can be disassembled and taken with to a new location, time of installation.

Once you know what your answer is to these issues, you’ll be able to make your decision about whether to go with a fiberglass swimming pool or an above ground swimming pool.

photo credit: Lostinawave

Pool Filters for Your Above Ground Swimming Pool

Overview

The main purpose of your above-ground swimming pool is to remove debris that gets into it. This debris could be stuff that has fallen in from the outside of the pool. (Don’t forget to use your swimming pool cover!) But it is also an important part of the process of cleaning your pool along with your swimming pool chemicals.

When the chemicals have done their job and bonded with an organic molecule such as a virus or bacteria, the filter then removes the results.

Types of filters

There are three basic types of pool filters available today – Sand, Cartridge, or DE filters. They all work on the same basic principle of running the water of the pool in through the filtering medium, and then returning the filtered water back to the pool.

Sand filters use sand to sift particles out of the water as the water passes through the sand. This type of filter has been around the longest. It also happens to be the least effective at removing very small particles. It can only filter down to about 20-40 microns.

Cartridge filters can filter out much smaller particles than Sand filters. Besides being able to clean out more particles from your above-ground swimming pool, these pool filters require less cleaning on an annual basis. And let’s face it, if you don’t have to spend time cleaning the swimming pool filter every 1-2 weeks, the greater cost of the Cartridge system starts to be more appealing.

DE filters use diatomaceous earth for the filtering process. DE is the fossilized remains of algae. DE makes the best material for pool cleaning because it is able to filter out debris down to 3-5 microns.

Costs of Filters

As you might expect, the relative costs of the filters ranges in the same order as listed above, with sand filter systems being the least expensive, and Cartridge and DE filters being in the same general price range. Don’t forget that you will likely need to look at your pool pump to make sure that it will be able to work with the filter type you are thinking about using.

Conclusion

Take the time to think about what level of cleaning you’re likely to need, what kinds of costs will fit your budget, and how much time of your pool cleaning time you will need to spend on your pool filter system and you will be able to decide which system will be right for you.

photo credit: billjacobus1

Important Features of Pool Liners for Above Ground Swimming Pools

Overview
There are a number of things to think about for your pool liner if you’re getting a new above-ground swimming pool, or if you’ve gotten to the point where your current swimming pool needs a new pool liner.

The things that you’ll want to consider are whether or not you’re going to install it yourself, what features you want it to have, and what accessories you might want to get to extend the life of the pool liner.

Types of Pool Liners
Above ground swimming pool liners are typically made of vinyl. The biggest question to answer is the type of connector the liner has for attaching to the top of the pool, and the features that you want the pool liner to have.

There are four basic types of liners – Overlap, Beaded, Unibead and Expandable. The Overlap liner is so named because the edge of the liner comes up and over the edge of the pool. It then needs to be fastened with a coping strip. These strips may need to be replaced periodically. But this style of liner is less expensive than the beaded or unibead types.

Beaded liners have an attachment at the top of the liner that clicks into place at the top of the pool into the bead receiver. This is a very elegant looking connection, and can be made to look very decorative.

Unibead liners can be used as either a beaded liner or an overlap liner as needed. These liners are also very decorative.

Expandable liners are designed primarily to work in oval pools, and can be used to expand into ‘deep end or areas’ of such pools. Expandable liners usually end up with wrinkles in them when you install them yourself.

Features of Pool Liners
Some of the most important things to think about as you establish your budget for your new pool liner is the list of features that will affect your price:

• The thickness of the vinyl that your liner is made from – 20 or 25 guage
• UV and swimming pool chemical protection – these are usually ‘baked’ in to the vinyl and will determine the overall life time of your liner
• What kind of connector you want your liner to have. This will potentially depend on the type of pool you have.
• What kind of pattern/decoration you want your pool to have.

Make your checklist
Taking a little time to think about what you really want will help to make the right choice about your next pool liner.

photo credit: audreyjm529

Swimming Pool Chemicals

Once you’ve gotten your above ground swimming pool picked out, another important thing to think about is the swimming pool chemicals that you are going to use to keep your pool clean and safe to use. And there are many choices to make about what kind of cleaning system you should use.

One of the first things to think about is who is going to be using the pool on a regular basis. Do they have sensitive skin or other health issues to consider with regard to your pool cleaning system. Many people are sensitive to the old style chloride and bromide chemicals. These days there are tons of alternatives. You can use products that replace those swimming pool chemicals completely such as an Ionizer or Ozonator system. Or you can combine a cholrine system with a mineral purifyier such as Nature2.

The old style pool chemicals work by inhibiting bacterial growth in the pool. The chlorine is used up in the process of neutralizing these bacteria. This is why it is important to recharge the chemicals on a regular basis. But as everyone knows who has gone to a pool, these chemicals tend to dry out the skin and hair, and irritate the eyes and nose of swimmers.

The newer methods such as the Ionizer and the Ozonator are a great way to reduce the need for chlorine pool chemicals. Ionizers release silver and/or copper into the water. These two metals typically don’t cause any irritation to people, but are very tough on bacteria. Ozonators usually create ozone by using UV light, or Corona discharge. Ozone is very reactive and bacteria are not able to withstand coming into contact with the Ozone. With both of these methods, you will still likely want to continue to use chlorine as part of your pool cleaner system. However, you will be able to greatly reduce the amount. And this will allow your sensitive pool users to be much more comfortable.

All these methods mentioned require one final step to complete the process. This is the process of adding pool shock to your pool. When your swimming pool chemical has done its duty and reacted with some bacteria, the resulting material is still in the pool. The pool shock removes the spent chemicals from the pool. And these pool cleaners have both a chlorine and chlorine free option to them as well.
Hopefully, this information will help you to make the right decisions about what kind of swimming pool chemicals to use to help you maximize the enjoyment for all your pool users. (And remember to keep the ducks out of the pool.)

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…

Pros and Cons of Above Ground Swimming Pools vs. Inground Pools

Have you thought that you might like to have a swimming pool to beat the summer heat or to relax in after a hard day’s work? Have you thought that it’s great to dream about having a swimming pool, but the cost or the maintenance or a multitude of other factors keeps you from really looking into getting a pool?

It’s easy to come up with a list of why you might want to have a pool. You might like to be able to come home after a long hot day at work, slip on your bathing suit and start relaxing in the pool. It’s a stress reliever. It can also be a great way to get some regular exercise. And it can be a great way to have a social event such as a kid’s birthday party, or after work get-together.

Here is a list of some reasons to choose to get an above-ground swimming pool.

• Cost – Generally speaking, the cost of above ground swimming pools is much less than that of inground pools. And this cost difference can often apply  to the cost of pool accessories as well such as automatic pool cleaners and pool heaters. Sometimes if you watch sales you can even find a discount above ground swimming pool.

• Less maintenance – Maintenance is a fairly easy process at the end of the season. Simply drain the pool and cover it. You also don’t have to worry as much about your pool cracking and leaking.

• Space –  If space is an issues, and it often is in urban and suburban areas, one of the nice features about above-ground swimming pools is that that they can take up much less space than an in ground pool.

• Quick installation – Installation doesn’t require the work of a lengthy excavation. You’re up and running quickly, and with the lower costs it’s easier to think about getting a larger variety of swimming pool accessories like above ground pool decks and pool slides.

Here are some drawbacks of above ground swimming pools to consider that might make you lean towards an inground pool:

• Depth of pool – These pools generally are not as deep and are always the same depth.  There won’t be a deep end to jump into.

• Size issues – Part of what keeps the costs of an above-ground swimming pool down is that the size is generally smaller. This means that there won’t be as many people in the pool at the same time. If you’re planning on entertaining a lot with your pool, then this would be something to take into consideration.If you’re hoping to have a lap pool, definitely remember that this is a limitation for these pools.

• Easier to damage – Since they are above ground, you’ll want to make sure to minimize the likelihood of running into the outside of the pool. You’ll want to consider pool designs that include swimming pool decks that wrap around and guard the outside of your pool.

Whichever way you go, just remember to brainstorm your list of likely uses, and I hope that this list helps to get you started!

Welcome to Above Ground Swimming Pools

Welcome to the site about above-ground swimming pools. This site contains everything you need to know, or might like to learn about above ground swimming pools, from pool accessories and maintenance

products such as cleaning supplies and pool chemicals, to comparisons between above ground pools and inground pools. If you have questions about pool floats, pool filters, pool liners, etc., this is the place to find the answers.

Whether you’re trying to decide if you should have your old above ground pool repaired, or if you’re looking into getting a new one installed, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find the information you’re looking for to make a decision about issues of safety regarding pool slides and other pool toys for your kids, what kind of swimming pool chemicals are right for you, and whether the above ground pool ladders you’ve been looking for will go with the pool you’re thinking of getting.

To use this site, all you have to do is click on a link under Categories on the right hand side. That will take you to the article on that particular topic. After you’ve reviewed the article or post, if you have any comments that you might want to add, just click on the comment link at the bottom of the article and you’ll be able to enter in your comments.

Every page will have the Category list of articles so that you can easily browse around to find the information you’re looking for. If you’re not sure what article might cover the topic you’re interested in, just enter the key word for that topic in the search field. A list of related topics will come up for you to choose from. So, for example, if you wanted to find articles on solar pool covers, you would just type that into the search field and click the search button. The list of articles and posts that talked about them would come up.

We will be growing our site over the next few months, so check back with us often. We plan on adding features such as the history of pools, and future tech corner talking on what to expect in terms of innovations in the field of above ground swimming pools. If there’s a feature that you’d like to see discussed on our site, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to look into adding it to the site.

Thanks for visiting!

photo credit: plasticrevolver