Pool Buying Tips – Florida Coast Above Ground Pools https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com Above Ground Pool Specialists Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:48:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Palm Bay Above Ground Pools https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/palm-bay-above-ground-pools/ https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/palm-bay-above-ground-pools/#respond Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:53:24 +0000 http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/?p=3530 .avia-image-container.av-klfkakwr-6d738a21c77694a930fae074c2e46821 img.avia_image{ box-shadow:none; } .avia-image-container.av-klfkakwr-6d738a21c77694a930fae074c2e46821 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{ color:#ffffff; }
Palm Bay Above Ground Pools

Palm Bay and Above Ground Pools

I wanted to write this blog post just to give Palm Bay home owners some guidance when it comes to selecting a new swimming pool. It’s early in the swim season but the weather is changing and we’re busy already. I actually went to measure several yards and advise on which pools would fit and work best for our customer’s needs.

Palm Bay is the largest city in Brevard County and with over 100,000 residents it’s easy to see why it makes up such a large percentage of the phone calls and emails we receive each summer. We get a lot of the same concerns from Palm Bay residents so I just wanted to touch on this subject.

There is not much above ground ground pool advice for Palm Bay residents that I wouldn’t give to someone in another coastal Florida city. Even though Palm Bay is located inland slightly from the ocean, the soil and air are still quite corrosive and you should get a pool designed for that environment.

Saltwater Pools or Chlorine

Over the years I have worked extensively in Brevard County and Palm Bay specifically. I can say there are a lot of areas where the ground is high and dry, and some areas that are very wet, especially in the rainy season. Because of so many different soils and being in close proximity to the salty ocean, there is really only a few pool models I recommend.

The toughest of the bunch will be the resin models as they resist rust. Resin pools have top ledges and frame rails made from polymers so they are protected from the wet salty earth and the sun rays. In a nutshell saltwater swimming pools are just better pools and you should consider one even if you don’t use a salt system. The materials used in their construction are upgraded so they cost a little more, but the pay off is a much longer pool life.

Best Above Ground Pools for Palm Bay

If you are looking for the best above ground pool for your money, go with the Caspian from Pools Above Ground. This is an all resin pool with the stainless steel wall panel for the skimmer area. This model will do the best in this climate, it looks great and will outlast all others. I say this model in particular because I know it works well and really lasts. It’s also warrantied for saltwater and freshwater.

If you are looking to save a little money and still want all the best features, go with their Mediterranean or Regency pool. The is a mostly resin model that still has the stainless steel wall panel and saltwater warranty. It’s not quite as beefy but darn close and a few hundred dollars cheaper.

If you have more detailed question or are in interested above ground pool installation call us at (321) 662-4728 or visit our website at http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/

Mediterranean Semi-InGround Pool
]]> https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/palm-bay-above-ground-pools/feed/ 0 Saltwater Swimming Pools https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/saltwater-swimming-pools/ https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/saltwater-swimming-pools/#respond Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:11:39 +0000 http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/?p=3518
Caspian Saltwater Pool

Saltwater Swimming Pool Basics


Saltwater swimming pools have become very common in the last few years, in fact the account for nearly half of all the pools we installed last year in Central Florida. Even though many would think it just about being trendy, there are many good reasons for opting for a saltwater pool. Depending on where you live or the time you have to maintain your pool, odds are one of the select pool models we offer will be perfect for your needs.

As you probably know, salt is very corrosive and will eat unprotected metal quite quickly. Just like northern cars become rust buckets from the salt on the roads, swimming pools can suffer that same fate if not properly protected. What sets salt friendly swimming pools apart from the others is the materials the pool is constructed from. And by changing the make up of the pool’s construction you can prevent corrosion and extend pool life considerably.

You probably have heard the term resin when above ground pool shopping. Resin is a form of plastics or polymer that’s great for making pool parts from because it does not rust. By using resin in the pool’s construction you can add many years to the life of a swimming pool and enable it you use saltwater as a sanitizer. Not all resin pools are created equal and certain pool models fair much better in tough environments like Florida. Be sure to ask a local dealer or pool installer for advice on what models to purchase.


Caspian, Regency And Mediterranean Pools


Whether you use a saltwater system on these pools or not, the Caspian and Mediterranean pools are the best pools for the job. We’ve installed over one thousand of these pools throughout Florida and they are the best by far. That fit together well and stand the test of time. Top top ledges stand up to the extreme heat day after day and do not warp. Try that with cheaper substitutes. They have the stainless steel panel for the skimmer and return. This alone will add years to the pool’s life. If you are looking for a pool that will last for decades, the Caspian, Regency or Mediterranean is the answer.

Have additional questions about any of these pool models, call us at (321) 662-4728 or visit us online at http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/


]]> https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/saltwater-swimming-pools/feed/ 0 Buried Above Ground Pools In Florida https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/3492-2/ https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/3492-2/#respond Sat, 20 Feb 2021 22:45:57 +0000 http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/?p=3492

Buried Above Ground Pools


If you like the looks of the pool above then you’re in luck Florida! The buried above ground pool has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. About ten years ago we were building 250 above ground pools a year in Central Florida and about 10% of them were being buried inground partially. Nowadays we install the same pools but get this request about 40% of the time. That’s a huge jump inground buried pools so what’s going on?


Partially InGround Pools, What Are They?


The pool in the image above is simply an above ground pool that has been installed partially inground. Some of you readers have seen this before but many had no idea that this could be done. It’s not a big deal but does take more work to dig the hole and assemble the pool, so be prepared to spend an extra few hundred dollars on your installation. But before I get into that part of it I want to explain the reasons why people bury above ground pools and what the benefits are.

As you all know the economy has been tough and it’s hard for many people to justify the crazy prices inground pools now cost to build. For this reason many homeowners who were considering doing so have taken a second look at above ground pools as an affordable option for them. And if they can sink it down like the inground pools then they find it more appealing. High quality pools with stylish good looks, resin construction that are saltwater compatible certainly helps draw in a broader audience than models of years past.

It’s no doubt much easier to keep an eye on the kids swimming when you can see the water and not staring at the side of the pool wall. The only way to do this effectively before was to build a deck up high and watch from there.

Another reason for sinking the pool is that it’s much easier to enter and exit the water. Anyone with physical limitations find not having to climb up a ladder a blessing. If that’s not enough reason to sink your next pool here’s another. Everyone I spoke with finds it much easier to clean their pool when the water’s surface is lower.


How To Partially Bury Your Above Ground Pool


Not all above ground pools are meant to be buried, so I recommend starting with a steel wall American brand pool if you’re considering doing this. Imported pools from overseas are very thin and flimsy, they do not do well when buried in the ground. The same holds true for sheet aluminum pools, their nature makes them unstable when sunk into the earth. Both of these type pools are very sketchy to replace liners in or drain for service work. The thin or weak pool walls are the main problem.

Once you have a quality pool to bury you can move onto what’s possible. The good news is Central Florida soil is soft so the dig is fairly easy but how deep you can go depends on the pool and where you live. Because the water table in Florida is high, sinking a pool more than 30″ may not be always possible without hitting water. I’ve dug many pools between Orlando and Palm Bay where I could only dig about 12″ before the ground turned wet and soft. I had to stop at that depth in order to complete the job, if not we were coming back after the rainy season to do it. You can typically dig deeper in the winter months when it’s not raining everyday as the water table is lower.

If sinking a pool deeper than 30″ or if the pool pump is located higher than the surface of the pool water, an inground pool pump is required. I”m not a fan of burying a pool further than 30″ anyway so I won’t do it.


Time To Get Dirty


To bury an above ground pool you only need to dig a hole big enough to construct the pool inside of it.  This does mean the hole will need to be a few feet larger all the way around so the pool will fit and you can access all the hardware that’s required for assembly. You will also need to ensure the bottom of your hole is flat and the dirt is manageable, if not sand may be required or at least a pool floor pad.

Once you have a proper hole dug building the pool is much the same as building one on top of the ground. And after you complete the construction of the pool you can fill it up and test your equipment for leaks. If all checks out you are ready to back-fill the open space around the pool with dirt. Make sure to do this slowly and don’t pack it in, let nature and the rains help settle the earth. Once back-filled you can landscape around it, build a deck etc. and make it a great addition to your backyard.


]]> https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/3492-2/feed/ 0 How To Buy A Used Above Ground Pools https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/3481-2/ https://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/3481-2/#respond Sat, 20 Feb 2021 22:23:37 +0000 http://floridacoastabovegroundpools.com/?p=3481
Used Above Ground Pools

How To Buy A Used Above Ground Pool


So the weather is heating up and the kids are screaming for a pool, the problem is that money is tight and spending any more than needed for a new pool is a scary thought. Like many wanna be pool owners, a solution to their problem may be as close as the local Craigslist ads. For those who’ve never heard of Craigslist, it’s a free online classified ads website where local individuals and businesses list their items and services.

I’m a big fan of Craigslist and have sold and purchased many items there myself. There are good deals to be had if you know what you’re doing, and buying an above ground pool can be a good deal if you buy the right one at the right price. To help you shop for a used pool and avoid making a costly mistake, I’m going to give you some sound shopping advice.


Know What You Want


Much like shopping for a brand new above ground pool, you first need to know what size pool will fit in the space where you want to put it. Once you have settled on a pool size and shape, you should determine what brand new pools of the same size cost for some points of reference. After that, it’s time to go to the Craigslist website and start searching above ground pools for sale. Be sure to also consider looking at neighboring cities as they may offer some good deals too.


Things You’ll Need To Buy New


Buying a used pool can be a tricky proposition so you better pay close attention to avoid wasting your time and money. First thing, you need to accept the fact a new pool liner will be required for re-assembly. It doesn’t matter how new the liner is, replace it. There are many reasons why and I’ve written blogs just on this subject alone, trust me here and factor that into the total purchase price.

I’d also buy a new skimmer kit and coping strips if using an overlap liner. Don’t forget about other items like the pool ladder, maintenance tools, filter hoses and even small pieces like nuts and bolts. Account for their condition or factor in replacement costs.

Let me also mention the extra time required for installation, straightening bent rusty parts and making them fit correctly takes more time than fitting shiny new pieces together, especially when you don’t have a manual or diagram to help you. And if you’re aren’t doing the work yourself you should know many professional pool installers charge more for putting used pools up. Like any other job, time is money.


Pool Shopping


On Craigslist you may find pools that are disassembled and pools that are still up and running, each have advantages and disadvantages to them. Disassembled pools are already taken apart for you and all the parts laid out for your inspection. This is convenient but you must be sure all the pieces are there and this can be tricky if there’s no instruction manuals or parts lists available. And replacement parts for old pools can be difficult to locate, especially without part numbers. Equally important, you will also need to inspect the inside of the entire pool wall for rust. This can be a hassle but very important. Thick flaky rust or holes in the pool wall are a deal breaker every time.

Pools that are still up full of water and running have advantages too. This is the only way to really know that the pump and filter are operational and not making funny noises or squirting water out somewhere expensive. Aside from that you can account for all the pieces when you disassemble it yourself. I would do a close inspection of all visible parts, and if all check out make it clear to the pool owner that the sale hinges on the condition of the pool wall, if it’s rusty on the inside move on.


Final Thoughts


As you can imagine there are good deals to be had when purchasing a used pool from a neighbor or from a classified ad, but many times I have attempted to put up a used pool and found one or more of the problems listed above. When this happens we usually end up leaving because we can’t finish the job.

So for a gamble this big my advice is to pay as little as possible for the pool up front. Typically I wouldn’t pay more than a few hundred dollars for a used above ground pool at the most. The exception to this rule is a pool that is almost new, all the manuals and parts are there and everything is in excellent condition. Anything less can turn out to be a bad experience and cost more money and time than just buying a new pool to start with.


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