Find the Pool That Fits Your Needs
What Is the Best Above Ground Pool for Your Yard and Budget?
An above ground pool is one of the most affordable and quickest options for enjoying the summer in your backyard. With round or oval shapes, a variety of sizes and materials available (steel, resin or hybrid), there is a model to suit every type of yard and budget.
Main Materials
- Steel: The most popular choice thanks to its excellent value for money. Strong and affordable, it is more susceptible to scratches and dents, however, and is compatible only with a chlorine sanitation system.
- Resin: Increasingly popular, resin stands out for its durability, corrosion resistance and low risk of deformation. Its purchase price is slightly higher, but it is compatible with both saltwater and chlorine sanitation systems and is particularly well suited to Quebec's climate and winters.
- Hybrid: Combines the benefits of steel and resin with steel uprights and resin top rails. This type of pool offers excellent value for money, while providing more comfortable top rails that are less hot to the touch than those of an all-steel pool.
Please note that the pool wall is generally made of galvanized steel regardless of the material. The main difference in materials is found in the uprights and top rails.
Selection Criteria
- Space: Above ground pools are available in round or oval shapes, with dimensions generally ranging from 12 to 30 feet. Small round pools are ideal for limited spaces, while oval models help maximize space in narrower yards. Larger round or oval pools are better suited to more spacious properties. Check out our blog article to learn more about choosing the ideal size.
- Budget: An above ground pool is one of the most affordable options, with starting prices generally ranging from $3,900 to $8,000. This price typically includes the structure, liner, plumbing, skimmer, pump and filter. Resin models are generally more expensive than steel models. Additional costs may include installation, site preparation, additional equipment and, depending on the municipality, a permit. To estimate your project budget, check out our article on the cost of an above ground pool in Quebec.
- Aesthetics and durability : Above ground pools now offer a much more modern design than in the past. Steel models provide excellent value for money, while resin models stand out for their more elegant finish. The average lifespan of an above ground pool is approximately 15 to 20 years, with resin models potentially lasting even longer with proper maintenance.
Comparison: Resin vs. Steel
- Resistance: Although steel is strong, it is more susceptible to scratches, dents and corrosion over time, especially with repeated contact or exposure to the elements. Resin, on the other hand, offers greater resistance to impacts and deformation while maintaining its shape and structural integrity over the long term.
- Maintenance: Steel is generally recommended with a chlorine sanitation system, which helps limit the risk of corrosion associated with salt. Resin, on the other hand, is specifically designed to withstand saltwater corrosion, making it ideal for saltwater systems, which are increasingly popular for being gentler on the skin and eyes.
- Longevity: Both materials have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. Resin can, however, exceed this range thanks to its natural resistance to rust, UV rays and temperature fluctuations, making it an interesting choice for a long-term investment.
How Do You Maintain an Above Ground Pool on a Daily Basis?
Clear, clean water starts with a few good habits. Maintaining an above ground pool does not necessarily require a lot of time, but certain tasks should be performed regularly to keep the water clean and healthy throughout the season. Maintenance frequency may vary depending on the weather, season and pool usage.
Essential Tasks for Regular Maintenance
Water Testing
Test the water at least once a week, and more frequently after heavy rain, periods of extreme heat or intensive pool use. Test strips or smart water analysers make it easy to quickly check the water's main parameters.
Filter Cleaning
Depending on the type of filter, perform a backwash or clean the cartridge approximately every 2 to 3 weeks during the summer.
Adjusting Chlorine, pH and Alkalinity
It is strongly recommended to test the water before adding chemicals to determine its actual condition. Adjustments may be required every week, or even more frequently, depending on weather conditions and pool usage.
- Ideal pH: between 7.2 and 7.8
- Ideal chlorine level: between 1 and 3 ppm
- Ideal total alkalinity: between 80 and 120 ppm. It helps stabilize pH and limit rapid fluctuations.
Filtration
Run the pump and filter daily to help keep the water clean and clear. During peak season, filtration for approximately 8 to 12 hours per day is generally recommended, depending on the pool size, water temperature and weather conditions.
Essentials for Healthy Pool Water
To make pool maintenance easier, certain products and accessories are essential:
- Test strips: to regularly check the water's main parameters.
- Chlorine: to keep the water clean, healthy and clear.
- Algaecide: to prevent and treat algae growth, particularly after winter or during periods of extreme heat.
- Shock treatment: to quickly restore water balance when it has been disrupted.
To make pool cleaning easier, certain accessories can make a real difference. A pool brush helps clean the walls and bottom of the pool, while a leaf skimmer quickly removes debris floating on the surface. For dirt that accumulates on the bottom, a pool cleaner makes it easier to remove.
Tips to Simplify Your Pool Maintenance Routine
- Use a smart water analyser to easily monitor the water's main parameters.
- Install a chemical dispenser to make adding and distributing maintenance products easier.
- Choose a robotic pool cleaner to automate part of the pool cleaning process.
- Add a leaf net if your pool is located near trees to limit the accumulation of debris in the water.
- Regularly check the water level and skimmer basket to promote effective filtration and ensure the system operates properly.
How Do You Prepare an Above Ground Pool for Winter?
A proper above ground pool closing starts in early fall. A few weeks before winterizing, installing a leaf net can help limit the accumulation of debris in the pool.
Pool Closing Steps
- Final deep cleaning : brush the walls and bottom of the pool one last time, then vacuum as needed. The goal is to close the pool with the water as clean and clear as possible.
- Water treatment : test the water parameters one last time and adjust the pH and chlorine level as needed.
- Lowering the water level: lower the water level below the skimmer openings and return lines to reduce the risk of damage caused by freezing.
- Add the recommended winterizing chemicals, including a pool closing kit and antifreeze.
- Installing the cover: remove the leaf net and install a properly fitted winter pool cover. It helps protect the pool from debris and limit exposure to light, which also helps reduce algae growth in the spring.
Precautions to Protect Your Pool
- Drain the filtration system and plumbing: completely drain the pump, filter, heater, if applicable, as well as hoses and other lines to prevent freezing water from damaging the equipment.
- Install winterizing plugs: place winterizing plugs in the skimmer openings and return lines, in addition to lowering the water level, to provide extra protection against freezing.
- Leave enough space under the skimmer : generally leave between 18 and 20 inches of space to allow ice to expand without putting excessive pressure on the pool walls.
- Store accessories: remove the ladder, games and other accessories, then store them in a dry, sheltered location. This will help extend their lifespan and protect them from damage caused by freezing temperatures, snow and severe weather.
Check out our guide to learn how to properly close your above ground pool.
How Do You Open an Above Ground Pool in the Spring?
The warmer weather is back, the snow is melting and it's time to get your above ground pool running again. A well-planned spring pool opening helps you get back to clean, healthy water more quickly and limit problems that can occur at the start of the season.
Steps for a Successful Pool Opening
- Remove the cover and inspect the pool : remove the winter cover while avoiding letting accumulated debris fall into the pool. Take this opportunity to inspect the structure, skimmer, liner and other components for any potential damage caused by winter.
- Reinstall the plumbing and equipment: remove the winterizing plugs, then reinstall the hoses, pump, filter and other equipment that was removed for the winter.
- Raise the water level and start the filtration system: bring the water level back to its normal level, then start the filtration system. It may be helpful to run the filtration system continuously for the first few days to promote water circulation and speed up the clarification process.
- Initial treatments: add the recommended products from an opening kit to treat the water after winter and help prevent algae growth.
- Clean the pool: brush the walls and bottom of the pool, vacuum the water and restart other equipment, such as the heater or robotic pool cleaner.
- Test and rebalance the water: test the water's main parameters and adjust the pH, chlorine and alkalinity as needed. For an initial water analysis after winter, a visit to a store can be helpful to get a complete assessment of your water quality.
A Few Tips to Make Opening Your Pool Easier
- A good fall closing makes all the difference: a pool that has been properly prepared for winter will generally be easier to reopen in the spring.
- Avoid waiting too long to open your pool: as temperatures begin to rise, algae can grow quickly, even under a winter cover.
- Brush the walls regularly during the first few days to loosen deposits and limit algae growth, particularly in areas where water circulation is lower.
- Plan for a shock treatment if needed: if the water is cloudy or has a greenish tint when you open the pool, a shock treatment can help quickly restore clarity before making more precise adjustments.
To learn more about opening your above ground pool, check out our guide.
How Long Does an Above Ground Pool Last?
The lifespan of an above ground pool depends on several factors, including the material, installation quality and maintenance over the years.
In general, most models can last from 10 to 20 years, while some can reach 25 years or more when properly maintained.
Lifespan by Material
- Steel: generally 10 to 15 years
- Resin : generally 15 to 20 years
- Hybrid: up to 25 years in some cases, thanks to the combination of steel and resin components
These estimates are indicative and may vary depending on the manufacturing quality and the conditions in which the pool is installed and maintained. Regular maintenance and proper winterization can help significantly extend its lifespan.
Factors That Affect Your Pool's Lifespan
- Installation quality : a pool installed on a properly prepared surface is less likely to shift or experience stresses that could weaken its structure over time.
- Equipment quality: a pump, filter and treatment system suited to the pool's dimensions promote efficient operation and help limit premature equipment wear.
- Maintenance : monitoring water quality, regular cleaning and a proper opening and closing routine all play an important role in the pool's longevity. Proper winterization is particularly important for protecting components from freezing temperatures and winter conditions.
- Location: prolonged sun exposure, debris from trees and certain environmental conditions can also accelerate wear on the liner and other pool components.
What Are the Essential Accessories for an Above Ground Pool?
To get the most out of your pool, the right accessories can make a big difference. Whether you want to make it easier to access the pool, improve comfort, add a layer of safety or simply create a more enjoyable atmosphere, there are many options to customize your pool to your needs.
Accessories for Comfort and Safety
- Safety steps and ladders: make it easier to access the pool with wide, non-slip steps. Some models include a platform or removable deck.
- Heat pumps and pool heaters: maintain a comfortable water temperature and extend the swimming season.
- Solar covers: retain water heat, reduce evaporation and help preserve chlorine.
- Lights and waterfalls : add a decorative touch and create a pleasant atmosphere for evening swims.
- Barriers and fences: limit access to the pool when it is not in use. Certain installations may be required depending on municipal regulations.
- Pool alarms: detect certain movements or immersions and trigger an alert. They provide an additional layer of protection without replacing adult supervision.
Accessories for Fun in the Water
To make the most of your pool, several recreational accessories can add to your swimming days:
Can You Heat an Above Ground Pool?
Heating your pool water is not just for in-ground pool owners. An above ground pool can also be equipped with a heating system to extend the swimming season and enjoy more comfortable water, particularly in the spring and fall. This can be especially useful in regions where nights are cool and water temperatures can drop quickly.
Main Pool Heating Options
- Heat pump : uses heat from the surrounding air to warm the water. More expensive to purchase than an electric pool heater, it generally uses less energy. Its efficiency decreases, however, as outdoor temperatures drop.
- Electric pool heater: heats the water using an electric heating element. Affordable and easy to use, it can, however, result in higher electricity consumption.
- Gas pool heater: runs on propane or natural gas and heats the water quickly, even in cool weather. It is particularly suitable for occasional heating, but installation and operating costs can be higher.
- Solar pool heater: uses solar energy to heat the water with low operating costs. Its effectiveness, however, depends on sunlight and weather conditions.
Check out our blog article to learn more about pool heating options.
How Do You Choose the Right System and Power Output?
Choosing a heating system depends on more than just the type of equipment. Several factors should be considered to achieve a comfortable temperature and performance suited to your needs:
- Pool size and volume: the greater the volume of water, the more powerful the system needs to be to reach and maintain the desired temperature.
- Desired temperature: the higher the desired temperature, the more powerful the heating system needs to be to reach and maintain it.
- Usage period and frequency: if you mainly use your pool during hot summer days, a less powerful system may be sufficient. To extend the season into the spring and fall, it may be preferable to choose a system offering greater performance.
- Desired heating speed: a heat pump focuses on energy efficiency but generally heats the water more gradually. Gas heating can raise the temperature more quickly, while solar heating offers an economical solution that depends more heavily on sunlight conditions.
- Climate : in regions where temperatures are cooler, particularly at night, choosing a system suited to local climate conditions becomes even more important.
Discover how to choose the right pool heat pump with our guide.
What Is the Best Time to Install an Above Ground Pool?
Unlike an in-ground pool, installing an above ground pool generally requires less site preparation and excavation. It can therefore be completed more quickly and offers greater flexibility when it comes to installation timing. Although several times of year are suitable for installation, some periods may be more advantageous depending on your needs and schedule.
When Should You Install an Above Ground Pool?
Spring and early summer are the most popular times to install an above ground pool. Installing a pool during this period allows you to enjoy it throughout the summer season. It is important, however, to make sure the ground is completely thawed and stable enough before starting the work.
Fall can also be a good time to install a pool, provided ground conditions are favourable and the soil is not frozen. Planning the work during this period can also offer greater flexibility when it comes to installation dates, depending on installer availability.
How Much Time Should You Allow for Installation?
Even before the pool is installed, certain steps need to be planned. Site preparation, including levelling and grading, must be completed properly. You should also plan for the electrical connections required for the pump and filtration system, as well as municipal permits when required.
Once the site has been prepared, the pool itself can generally be installed in 1 to 3 days, depending on the model, dimensions and complexity of the work.
How Can You Avoid Peak-Season Delays?
Late spring and early summer are generally very busy periods for pool installers. Planning ahead gives you a better selection of models and installation dates.
Here are a few tips to help you better plan your project:
- Start your research early : the previous summer and fall are good times to compare models and determine which one best suits your property and needs.
- Book your installation in advance: the closer you get to peak season, the more limited availability may become.
- Plan the preparatory work: check your municipality's requirements early and plan the site preparation work and necessary connections.
- Consider a fall installation: depending on installer availability and ground conditions, this period may offer greater flexibility and allow you to have the pool ready for the following season.
Start your pool project today by Requesting a quote or visiting one of our stores!
