How Much Do Above Ground Pools Cost?
One of the first questions every above ground pool shopper wants to know is: How much does an above ground pool cost? Such a question is certainly understandable but is very difficult to answer.
I will do my best here to break down the cost of different types of pools so you have a realistic idea as to what to expect when you start the shopping process.
'Wal-mart' Style Pools: These 'set and fill' units usually cost $100-$500, and typically last 1-2 years.
Although these simple above ground structures(or 'blobs' as some might say) are extremely popular and affordable across the United States, in many ways they've hurt the image of the swimming pool industry because of their poor quality/longevity and the fact that they are very, very hard to keep clean and maintain.
This stems from their very low-grade pump and filters which, simply stated, just aren't adequate enough to keep the water pretty, clear, and clean.
Metal: Although the quality of the metal used in traditional above ground pools can be a major price driver, most will cost $2000-$10,000 installed, depending on the size and number of options.
Keep in mind that aluminum is always better than regular metal in terms of its longevity.
Also, because pool walls are generally made of metal, it's an excellent idea to have a stainless-steel panel as part of the wall where the skimmer and return are located.
This prevents oxidation in that area and can greatly extend the life of the pool's structure.
Metal pools generally last 3-15 years.
Resin/Polymer: Although all traditional above ground pools have metal walls, resin and polymer structures (uprights and top rails) have entered the market over the past 15 years or so and have had a huge impact on aesthetics as well as longevity.
This is due to the fact that resin does not rust like metal will.
In most cases, resin above ground pools cost $4000-$12,000 installed.
Polymer/Resin pools generally will last 8-20 years.
** Note: Pricing an above ground pool has two components: The cost of the pool kit and then the cost of the installation.
Depending on the installer, most charge anywhere from $1000-$3500 for a basic installation of a traditional above ground pool.
Also, price ranges above do not include any pool decking.
**
I will do my best here to break down the cost of different types of pools so you have a realistic idea as to what to expect when you start the shopping process.
'Wal-mart' Style Pools: These 'set and fill' units usually cost $100-$500, and typically last 1-2 years.
Although these simple above ground structures(or 'blobs' as some might say) are extremely popular and affordable across the United States, in many ways they've hurt the image of the swimming pool industry because of their poor quality/longevity and the fact that they are very, very hard to keep clean and maintain.
This stems from their very low-grade pump and filters which, simply stated, just aren't adequate enough to keep the water pretty, clear, and clean.
Metal: Although the quality of the metal used in traditional above ground pools can be a major price driver, most will cost $2000-$10,000 installed, depending on the size and number of options.
Keep in mind that aluminum is always better than regular metal in terms of its longevity.
Also, because pool walls are generally made of metal, it's an excellent idea to have a stainless-steel panel as part of the wall where the skimmer and return are located.
This prevents oxidation in that area and can greatly extend the life of the pool's structure.
Metal pools generally last 3-15 years.
Resin/Polymer: Although all traditional above ground pools have metal walls, resin and polymer structures (uprights and top rails) have entered the market over the past 15 years or so and have had a huge impact on aesthetics as well as longevity.
This is due to the fact that resin does not rust like metal will.
In most cases, resin above ground pools cost $4000-$12,000 installed.
Polymer/Resin pools generally will last 8-20 years.
** Note: Pricing an above ground pool has two components: The cost of the pool kit and then the cost of the installation.
Depending on the installer, most charge anywhere from $1000-$3500 for a basic installation of a traditional above ground pool.
Also, price ranges above do not include any pool decking.
**
