The Benefits of a Hard Sided Above Ground Pool Complete Guide

If you’re looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat, you’ll want to consider a hard sided above ground pool. With its affordability and convenience, it’s easy to see why so many people are opting for this backyard oasis.

This guide will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs!

For those who have limited space or budget, an above ground pool provides a pleasant and enjoyable way to cool off and spend time outdoors. Whether you install a hard sided or inflatable pool, there are benefits each option provides. In this guide, we will focus on the advantages of hard sided above ground pools and the different types of pools to consider before making your purchase.

By reading through this comprehensive guide, you will gain a better understanding of the types of materials used for hard sided above ground pools, how to best maintain your pool for longevity, and additional features that come with different styles of swimming pools. Armed with this information in mind, you can make an informed decision when choosing the type and size of pool that’s right for your home.

Definition of a Hard Sided Above Ground Pool

A hard sided above ground pool is an enclosed swimming pool unit that is designed to be used above ground or partially sunken in the ground to create a more natural appearance. The sides of the pool are constructed with durable materials usually similar to a wooden frame and covered with vinyl. Some of these pools also have features like steps or a built-in seating area inside the swimming area.

Most models come with an integrated filtration system and lighting for night swimming, as well as covers for additional safety and convenience. This type of pool offers many advantages over traditional in-ground pools, such as an affordable price tag, easy installation, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to take it down when it’s no longer needed.

In addition, they provide homeowners with a great way to enjoy their outdoor living spaces all year round.

Explanation of the popularity of above ground pools

Above ground pools have a number of advantages over in-ground pools, including greater flexibility of placement, lower cost and shorter installation times. This has made them increasingly popular in recent years, as people look for ways to enjoy the benefits of pool ownership without the larger investments usually associated with installation and maintenance.

Above ground pools also tend to require less maintenance than in-ground pools – an important factor for many time-poor households. The plastic walls are easily scrubbed and retain their shape for years. Further, the pool is usually only filled with water during active use so there is less chance of evaporation or water loss than in an in-ground pool.

Many families also appreciate that above ground models are easy to set up and pack away when necessary. This means it’s simple to move your pool from one part of your yard to another or even take it on vacation with you! For this reason, they’re becoming particularly popular among homeowners without a lot of outdoor space who want to set up a watering hole in the summer months while having everything put away neatly when it’s not being used.

Purpose of the guide

This guide has been designed to assist potential pool purchasers in selecting the right hard sided above ground pool for their individual needs. It provides information on the types of pools and features available, highlights practical considerations such as size, location and installation, as well as giving an overview of the benefits associated with having a hard sided above ground pool.

In addition to this, it outlines some essential maintenance tips which will ensure you get many years of enjoyment from your new pool. With this knowledge in hand, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether this type of pool is the right choice for you and your family.

Benefits of a Hard Sided Above Ground Pool

A hard sided above ground pool is constructed out of sturdy materials such as metal, vinyl or even plastic. Not only does this make them more durable than a soft sided above ground pool, but it also helps to deter wildlife from making their home in and around the pool. This makes them the ideal choice for rural and suburban homes alike.

When it comes to celebrating summertime with friends and family, a hard sided above ground pool offers several advantages over traditional swimming pools and natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Some of the most obvious benefits include:

Lower cost – Hard sided aboveground pools are more affordable than inground pools, and often come with easy installation kits that make setup quick and stress-free.
Increased safety – Studies show that properly installed hard sided pools provide improved safety compared to traditional underwater swimming pools or natural bodies of water. This is due to the sturdiness of their construction and an increased use of safety features such as ladders or gates.
Customizable design – Hard sided pools offer a variety of customizable options depending on the model you purchase, meaning you’ll be able to design exactly the look you want for your backyard oasis! This allows for personalization that can not be accomplished with softer edged models or natural body’s of water.

Durability

Hard-sided above-ground pools offer many benefits, especially when it comes to durability. The most popular and widely available type of hard-sided pool is the reinforced polyester pool. This type of pool is made from heavy-duty vinyl plastic, which makes it much more durable than an inflatable or soft-sided pool. Vinyl pools are also more resistant to wear and tear and generally require less maintenance than other types of pools.

In addition, they tend to be less expensive than their counterparts on the market. Furthermore, vinyl pools can last 10 or even 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

Materials used in construction

When researching the appropriate materials for an above ground pool, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each kind. Hard sided pools are usually constructed using either a steel wall or an aluminum wall.

Steel walls are by far the most popular choice and they provide superior strength and stability to a pool. Steel walls are finished with a galvanized coating which helps with anti rusting in salt water conditions. Steel pools can range from very light gauge up to heavy gauge steel panels that provide superior strength in windy conditions. As with any investment, there is a price associated with quality – higher quality steel walls will cost more than less durable materials.

Aluminum walls are another option for hard sided above ground pools, but they come at a much higher price point than their steel counterparts. While aluminum has its advantages of being lightweight and corrosion resistant, it does not provide the same strength or protection as steel walls, resulting in more regular repairs and replacements over time. This can counteract any potential savings when it comes to choosing an aluminum option instead of a superior grade of steel for your pool construction needs.

Resistance to weather and wear

An above ground pool that is made with a hard sided wall is highly resistant to weather and wear. The walls are made of durable material like galvanized steel, which makes them strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain.

This also means that you don’t have to worry about replacing the pool walls every few years. The sturdy construction of a hard sided above ground pool ensures that it won’t collapse or become damaged during severe conditions.

Furthermore, since the walls are thicker than an inflatable or soft-sided model, they can be used as a barrier against children or pets playing in or around the pool area. This will help keep your family safe and prevent any accidents from occurring.

Easy Maintenance

One of the most attractive aspects of a hard sided above ground pool is the low maintenance compared to an in-ground pool. Since all of the systems are self-contained, the only regular maintenance needed is weekly cleaning and some periodic service checks. Most manufacturers recommend manual vacuuming and brushing out any debris at least once a week, with more frequent cleanings if there’s been heavy use or if it hasn’t been used for a while.

If you have a sand filter, you may need to backwash it a few times over the course of a year and add additional filter media occasionally. For larger pools, automatic cleaners may be necessary in order to keep them relatively free from debris on a regular basis. Saltwater pools require less maintenance than chlorine pools since there is no need for manual chemical testing or adjustment—– an electronic device does this automatically.

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning a hard sided above ground pool, the process is generally simpler than that of an in-ground pool due to its size and configuration. To ensure the water remains clean and clear, common maintenance tasks need to be performed on a regular basis. These include:

Skimming: Removing floating debris with a skimmer on a daily basis prevents dirt and debris from clogging the filtration system.
Vacuuming: Vacuuming the floor of the pool helps remove any smaller particles that have settled there so they don’t get sucked into the filter. This should be done at least once per week or more depending on how much use the pool gets.
Cleaning filters: Filters should be cleaned regularly by backwashing or replacing cartridges depending on your filter type.
Adding chemicals as needed: Keeping chlorine and pH levels balanced will help prevent algae growth as well as help purify the water.

In addition, it is important to check for any wear and tear periodically such as cracks or gaps in seams along walls in order to make any necessary repairs promptly so they do not worsen over time. With regular maintenance, you can enjoy your hard sided above ground pool for years to come!

Chemical balance

Maintaining a balanced chemical level in your above ground pool is essential for the safety of both your water and the swimmers, as well as the longevity of the pool and its components. If you want to keep your hard sided above ground pool in its best condition, it’s important to test and treat your water often. Here are some tips:

Test the pH balance of your pool at least twice a week using a quality test kit. Aim for a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6—anything higher or lower can cause irritation to eyes and skin, scaling on walls and pipes, or cloudiness of water with extended exposure.
Shock your pool regularly with an oxidizing agent like chlorine or bromine to keep bacteria content low and to kill any living organisms that have managed to get past other layers of filtration/treatment.
Regularly add an algaecide product to prevent algae from colonizing in your water; if left unchecked, algae can make for unclean swimming conditions, cause staining on surfaces, or even corrode some components inside the pool itself.
If you notice calcium buildup on surfaces around where water is high—commonly called “scale”—add a specialty product developed exclusively for scale removal regularly throughout the season to eliminate buildup without having to drain portions of your pool while avoiding disaster!

Versatility

Above ground pools offer a great deal of versatility over in-ground swimming pools. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, the need for seasonal use, limited space, or simply a desire for more freedom of shape and size stratifications than traditional in-ground pool designs provide, an above ground pool can provide the perfect answer early on in any homeowner’s journey toward a backyard oasis.

Above ground pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your available space best. But more than just size considerations; an above ground pool – with its foam or air cushion base – provides cushioning where needed. A hard sided above ground pool offers a solid foundation which permits the use of chairs and other furniture so you can enjoy time in or around your pool with friends and family for years to come.

Installation options

There are several options for installing a hard-sided above ground pool. The most common installation method is to either partially or fully excavate and bury the pool into the existing landscape. This requires a significant amount of manual labour and specialized tools, as well as an efficient drainage system to ensure the area remains dry throughout the season.

If this is not possible, some pools come available on skids which can be moved by several people with ease and they take up much less space than a permanent installation. Alternatively, many owners opt to place their pool on an elevated deck or platform built specifically for it. This option allows them to control the height of the sidewalls and avoid any drainage problems.

Regardless of what style you choose, professional assistance is highly recommended when installing a hard-sided above ground pool since incorrect placement can lead to serious safety hazards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an above ground pool can provide an easy and hassle-free way to enjoy summer in your very own backyard. With many styles and sizes available, you can find one that is perfect for your home and provides the perfect retreat when the temperatures rise.

While still needing basic upkeep such as cleaning, skimming debris, and regular maintenance, a hard sided above ground pool is much easier to maintain than an inground pool. Furthermore, they are usually relatively inexpensive, quick to set up, and low-maintenance.

Whether you are looking for a permanent swimming option or just something to have fun with on hot summer days, an above ground pool provides great value for both enjoyment and investment.

FAQ’s

How long do hard sided above ground pools last?

Hard sided above ground pools can last for 15-20 years with proper maintenance and care.

What type of above ground pools are the best?

Steel and aluminum above ground pools are considered the best due to their durability, strength, and long-lasting qualities.

What are the advantages of an above ground pool?

Above ground pools are less expensive than in-ground pools, easier to install, require less maintenance, and are removable.

Can you put a hard sided pool in the ground?

Hard sided above ground pools are not designed to be installed in the ground, as they lack the structural support necessary for such an installation.

Can you walk on a hard pool cover?

It is not recommended to walk on a hard pool cover, as it can cause damage or breakage.

What is the disadvantage of above ground pool?

Above ground pools can be less visually appealing than in-ground pools and may not add value to a home in the same way as in-ground pools.

How do you maintain a hard water pool?

To maintain a hard water pool, regular testing and balancing of the pH and calcium levels, as well as adding the necessary chemicals, are important.

What is the most durable above ground pool?

Steel and aluminum above ground pools are considered the most durable due to their strength and resistance to rust and corrosion.

What pool is best for longevity?

Fiberglass pools are considered the most durable and longest-lasting type of pool due to their resistance to cracks, leaks, and other types of damage.

Why do above ground pools fail?

Above ground pools can fail due to a variety of reasons, including poor installation, lack of maintenance, structural damage, and normal wear and tear over time.

The Benefits of a Hard Sided Above Ground Pool