A Buyer's Guide to Above Ground Pools

Backyard Ocean ™ wants to make it as easy as possible to splash into the summer fun. Just follow our simple steps to choose your perfect above ground pool solution.

1. First, decide if an above ground pool is best for you

Above ground pools have several benefits over their expensive in-ground cousins:

Affordability: With today’s housing market and rising energy costs, it might not be a good investment to build an in-ground pool in your backyard. Not only do in-ground pools cost upwards of $20,000 to install, but they also require more energy and money to maintain. Compare these costs with an above ground frame or ring pool which will give you all the fun of your own swimming pool but cost significantly less and are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Easy maintenance: Above ground pools are much easier and less expensive to maintain than in-ground pools.

Not permanent: There's no need to dedicate your whole backyard to a pool. With an above ground pool, you can swim & splash around in the pool while also enjoying the rest of your backyard. Above ground pools can also be taken down when not in use or at the end of the swimming season.

2. Determine the right size

If you've decided an above ground pool is right for you, then the next step is to decide what size will fit your needs. Look at how much space you have in your backyard and think about who will use the pool.

Do you want to take a dip with the kids?

A larger "family-sized" kiddie pool which is large enough for parents to sit or wade in would be a great choice.

Will the pool be used by only a few adults and/or a smaller family?

A medium-size frame or ring pool might be just right for smaller backyards and families.

Do you have a large family or plan to host pool parties?

A large-size frame or ring pool is an excellent choice for larger gatherings.

3. Decide between a frame or ring pool

Backyard Ocean carries a variety of above ground pools. To help you figure out which type is perfect for you and your family, we have created this handy chart!

	Frame Pools	Ring Pools
Support/Frame	Sturdy steel frame	Inflatable top ring – rises when you add water
Pool Sides	Straight sides allow more swimming surface	Sides curve inward
Pump	Pump attaches to side of pool - special skimmer pump skims debris from water surface	Pump sits on the ground
Pool Sizes	12 foot to 30 foot	8 foot to 18 foot
Pool Shapes	Round & Rectangular	Round & Oval
Setup Time	45 min setup + 2 to 10 hrs to fill	15 min setup + 2 to 10 hrs to fill
	Shop Frame Pools Now >	Shop Ring Pools Now >

4. Enjoy your new pool!

Keep cool and have fun this summer with the perfect above ground swimming pool to fit your needs!