Read Whole Buyers Guide before you buy.
WELCOME to the Buyers Guide. This page is to teach you about pools & equipment to help you make the best decision for you and your family. The following information is based on opinions of customers, manufactures & retailers.
You deserve the best pool you can afford and a pool is an investment in your home and your lifestyle, so why not shop at a store that only sells quality merchandise?
Buy the best quality you can afford, you won't be sorry for buying quality.
Above ground pools offer a great value in family entertainment. For less than the cost of a two week vacation, a backyard pool can provide years and years of fun and togetherness. Today’s pools are better than ever: new materials and manufacturing techniques (like 2 inch thick fully insulated aluminum walls) create pools that can last until your children are grown and your grandchildren are swimming, we have pools that come with a lifetime fully transferable warranty!
MATERIALS
Pools are constructed in three basic materials: steel, aluminum, and resin (heavy duty plastic).
STEEL
The advantage of steel is price. Steel is the cheapest of the three materials, and a steel pool is a good pool at a low cost. While steel will eventually rust and you may have to replace topledges and uprights later down the road, we offer steel pools that come with 30-40 year warranties so you won’t have to worry about this until down the road, how about the other guys? Modern day manufacturing methods create steel pools with a 10+ year’s life span. They're hot dipped in paint or Vinyl Coated steel. (Tip: Buy Steel if you’re not looking for long term pool or on a budget). If you're going to buy steel make sure to choose Vinyl coated, like our oracle pool with its 40 year warranty, it's worth paying the extra money for.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum pools have become popular over the last 15 or 20 years.
Aluminum pools now come in a 2 inch thick fully insulated wall with a lifetime fully transferable warranty that not prorated. These pools can be built on a hill, semi inground or fully in ground; their main advantage is resistance to rust. Aluminum pools are easier to disassemble and move (at almost half the weight of steel). They are also more expensive than their steel counterparts due to cost of raw material, but for a lifetime fully transferable warranty isn't’ it worth it? The airline, automotive and construction industries all choose aluminum when they need a safe long lasting material that can withstand the elements, so why not for a pool? A swimming pool is an important investment. Make certain your swimming pool is up to the challenge, with a lifetime warranty against winter damage. With a pool made of aircraft quality aluminum, you can be sure that your swimming pool will provide a lifetime of value, safety and fun for your entire family. Aluminum is the great choice for a pool, fishing boats and boat docks are made of aluminum they’re in the water and out in the weather elements and will stay looking new. Lifetime rust free. (Tip: you will pay more for an aluminum pool but it is 100% rust free and won't crack like resin or rust like steel and is very strong). Buy aluminum and your pool will last a lifetime. Aboveground or Inground.
RESIN
Resin (heavy duty plastic) is the newest material being used in above-ground pools. Resin does not rust and is therefore an excellent material for pool construction. Resin will cost more but will look great forever due to it weathers very well in the elements. Resin is a form of plastic and can crack in cold temperature (like many of our sub-zero Michigan winter nights). Tip: Resin is a great choice for the warmer climates in the south that don't freeze so you won't have to worry about cracking during the winter months.
DESIGN
There are two basic design types of above-ground pools: round and oval
ROUND vs OVAL POOLS
Round and oval pools are manufactured with 48” or 52” wall heights, with round pools available in sizes from 15’ to 33’, in 3 foot increments. Ovals are available from 10'x18’ to 18’x39’.
Round pools are self-supporting with no external bracing needed. Oval pools require angled bracing along the sides, with straps running under the pool connecting the braces on opposite sides. These braces can add an additional five to six feet to the total width of the pool, and must be taken into consideration to determine what size pool your yard can accommodate. In many cases an oval pool will take up almost as much space as a round pool, with substantially less swimming area. For example, a 12’x18’ oval pool requires a 17’x18’ installation space, and holds 5,097 gallons. An 18’ round pool, using approximately the same space, holds 7,646 gallons. Slim Style Design pools eliminate the need for external bracing, like our Oracle and Radiant Metric pools! These pools are ideal for those with severe space limitations, or who just plain and simple don’t like the look of the legs/bracing. Tip: Round pools cost less & hold more water so go round if your yard space allows it, you will get more bang for your buck. Regardless get the size, shape & model you like best, you are the one that will be looking at and using it for years to come.
Buy the best quality you can afford.
IN-GROUND & ON-GROUND POOLS
The on-ground pool uses a totally different design concept than above-ground pools. Instead of a wall on a continuous roll, on-grounds use 2 inch thick insulated aluminum panels that interlock to form the walls. The wall is very strong and is similar to a seawall you see on a lake or river. The walls are actually built on the job site! The strength of this design allows the pool to be built in-ground, semi-in ground and above-ground installation application. An On-ground pool is basically an In-ground pool with a finished wall so it can be buried completely in ground, partial in ground or above ground. While costing more than above-ground, on-grounds will cost at least half the price of an in-ground pool due to they are non-diving pools.
*On-ground pools can also be buried to give them the look and feel of an in-ground pool without voiding the lifetime warranty.
LINERS
An overlap liner will generally be all blue; some may have a print on the floor and/or going up the wall like our Niagara print liner. Overlap liners go over the wall and under the topledge. Overlap liners you will see on the outside of the pool wall and if you ever need a replacement you must disassemble and remove the topledge. Overlap liners are usually the thinnest and cheapest, but ours are 25 gauge, which is one of the thickest on the market.
Uni-bead or J-hook liners usually are thicker then an overlap liner that hangs on the wall without the use of a bead track. They also have a tile border and full floor print on the liner. Offers the look of an inground pool but without a bead track, you will still have to remove the topledge to replace this style liner.
Beaded Liners are the same style of liner that is used in an inground vinyl liner pool. There is a bead track for the liner to snap into & lock the liner into the wall. No need to disassemble the pool, no need to remove the top ledge to replace the liner. Beaded liners are the thickest and if you have a deck or build a deck up to/or over the pool it will not interfere with the replacement of the liner. Our Metric pool comes with this style liner and also has a 15 year warranty and will even pay you up to $500 dollars for your labor and water costs if the liner fails, how great is that?
(Tip: Choose Beaded liners for the ease of replacing it. This is a thicker liner that will take more abuse and the beauty of a tile design for years of fun).
CHOOSING A POOL THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Now that you know about the different designs and types of pools available, how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
Obviously, there’s more than one pool that will satisfy your needs, but the following suggestions will help you narrow the field.
BUDGET
Budget is generally the first consideration. Pools come in a wide variety of price points, and the first thing you need to do is decide what you’re looking to invest your money on. Do you need to put a fence around your pool or yard, for example. Do you want a deck for the pool immediately? Fencing and decking can be more expensive than the pool and package itself, depending on the size and type chosen. Tip buy Aluminum pool with a lifetime warranty so you won’t have to pay all over again for installation or landscaping if the pool ever fails.
SIZE
Size is the next thing you need to determine. First, contact your city or township’s zoning board to determine the set back requirements. These are the specifications that tell you how far from your house and property lines the pool needs to be to meet the city or township’s codes. Most cities and townships have a packet you can obtain that spells out all of their requirements or on line at their website. Once you’ve determined the set backs, take a length of rope or garden hose laid out on the ground, to help you visualize the pools size and shape you may be considering. Keep in mind that round pools start at 15’ round and increase in 3’ increments; oval pools are generally twice as long as they are wide.
Tip: Buy as large a pool as your budget and layout will allow. It doesn't’ cost a lot more to maintain a larger pool, and you’d be surprised how many people end up buying a bigger pool just a few years after purchasing their first, that they thought would be large enough! Less grass to cut more friends and family to swim with.
HEIGHT
The third consideration is wall height. Just a few years ago, all pools were 48” high. Now 52” high walls have pretty much dominated the market. The difference really between the two is 42” of water vs. 46”.
NOTE: Most cities do not require fencing with a 52” wall, so you may be able to purchase a larger pool to fit your budget in a 52” wall and not have the expense of fencing.
FENCE
Attachable fences sold today are extruded aluminum or resin (heavy duty plastic), with either square of round fence slats.
NOTE: Fences can be installed at the same time as the pool or can be added at a later date.
FILTERS
The filtration system (filter & pump) is the heart of your pool. It removes waste materials (leaves, suntan lotions, body oils, dust, dirt, grass, etc.) from the water. It also circulates the chemicals that sanitize the water and maintain clarity, and keeps the water temperature even throughout the pool.
SAND FILTER
The oldest type of filter used today, the sand filter has been the workhorse of the pool industry. Its design and operation is straight forward and simple. In the filter, water passes through a quantity of media, which traps dirt and particles. As the sand fills with dirt and debris, the water flow gradually decreases. When the filter needs to be cleaned, turning a valve reverses the flow of water and passes it out a waste valve, flushing the dirt away. The benefits of a sand filter are the low cost of the media and a simple mechanism that is easy to maintain.
NOTE: There are two different types of media you can put inside of your sand filter now. The differences between the two are what they are actually composed of, how long they last, a small price difference, and how many microns (the size of the particle) they will filter down to.
1.) Mystic White Silica Sand for filters, replace every 2-3 years at approximately $10 a bag= 20-25microns.
2.) Zeobrite - Lava Rock Ash for filters, replace every 3-5 years at approximately $20 a bag= 3 microns.
The smaller the micron the clearer the water will be.
* DO NOT fill your sand filter with play sand! DO NOT get any sand inside the center tube in the middle of the tank. Fill your tank accordingly to how much sand the manufacturer calls for, it may not be filled all the way to the top.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTER
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) uses a very fine powder as the filter media/agent to filter pool water down to 3 microns. Water pressure inside the filter housing causes the D.E. powder to cling to nylon grids, removing particulate matter as it passes through the powder before being returned to the pool. Cleaning the filter is accomplished by “bumping” or wiping the grids with a built-in cleaning rod, which knocks the D.E. and the dirt off the grids. The heavier dirt settles on the bottom of the filter, while the D.E. will reform on the grids. The D.E. filter is the most labor intensive compared to any other filter. After “bumping” the filter several times, it must be opened and cleaned, and new D.E. powder added. At the end of the season, the grids must be soaked in a solution of muriatic acid to prepare them for the following season. Most pool owners in this day of age do not choose the DE filter due to upkeep.
CARTRIDGE ELEMENT FILTER
A pleated fiber filter, similar to the air filter in a car’s engine, is contained within the filter housing. Water brought into the filter from the pool passes through the filter element. The fibers catch particles in the water as small as 10-15 microns! The filter element is removed every week or so and washed off with a garden hose (sometimes even chemically cleaned with a filter cleaner called Strip-Kwik and Kleen It), and then replaced again. The filter elements should be replaced every season, at a cost of between $90-$150.
* You should “turn over” the water in your pool at least twice a day. The recommended running time for a pool filter is minimum 12 hours a day during the daytime hours, for less chemical usages and cleaner water.
Tip: Choose the filter which you think is going to be easier for you and your family to operate and maintain. The different between the filters and the micro they filter down to the naked eye cannot see, it’s just technical data you would need a microscope.
MAINTENANCE
With today's technology in chemicals, water treatments & equipment, you’re going to spend less time than ever maintaining your pool, and still have crystal clear water! There are many programs and products for maintaining your pool, but understanding them will make it easier to decide what chemicals & equipment are best for you and your family. When you understand what you are using, you’ll be more apt to use it. Using the products correctly will save money and time without additional purchases required. 99% of pool owners who have problems with their pool water are not using the chemicals or equipment properly. Remember, it is always better to prevent than it is to correct water problems. Use correct amount of chemical per gallons of water for your size pool. Create maintenance routine to fit your schedule that you can live with. Please join us for our annual pool school to teach you about swimming pool chemicals and maintenance to save you time and money.
BEWARE OF FOREIGN CHEMICALS (Foreign made chemicals are made with sub-standard fillers, and don't have the same standards as American made products.) Example Tainted Tooth paste, Lead in toys, Dog & Cat Food recalls. Your health is not worth risking on inferior products. Foreign made chemicals can also harm your pool & equipment. You think your saving on the cost of chemicals but foreign made chemicals can cause other problems to water chemistry that you will have to fix later with other products.
ACCESSORIES
HEATERS
Many people in the northern climates would like to extend their swimming season beyond the normal period. A pool heater will allow an additional 6 to 8 weeks of comfortable swimming! The best known is the gas-fired heater, fueled by propane or natural gas. Installation is simple: a plumber runs a gas line to the installation site, which is adjacent to the pool filter area. The return line from the filter is attached to the input of the heater, and the output from the heater is attached to the pool at the return fitting. That’s all there is to it! Ignition is accomplished by a built-in “millivolt’ system: similar ignition system to one in a gas grill or expensive butane cigarette lighters. In case of propane, a separate tank is needed. The heater may be installed at the same time as the pool, or at a later date convenient to the owner.
LIGHTS
Underwater lighting is available for swimming pools, allowing your family to safely enjoy your pool after sunset and creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion, lights can operate on power or by solar power. Generally lights install in minutes.
AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANERS/VACUUMS
It simply installs in minutes. No extra plumbing and requires no additional energy cost to run. Install it and let it do the work: removing dirt, debris, bugs, twigs, leaves and even pebbles! You can be cutting the lawn or washing the car while your pool is being vacuumed and cleaned.
SOLAR COVER REEL
Rolls up solar cover with no hassle. Easy one person operation for removing or replacing the cover. Often, those who don’t have a reel don’t utilize their solar cover because it is such a large piece of material for one person to deal with.
TIMER
Timer for above ground filter/pumps, outdoor lighting & garden fountains. Have the timer set to run your filter/pump at least 12 hours a day automatically, to properly filter your pool water on a daily basis, without you running outside to turn the power switch on & off.
TEST KITS
Pool water chemical testing is available in a liquid kit or test strips.
Liquid - test the water by mixing pool water and test solution together to compare with a color chart.
Strips - test the water by dipping the strip in your water, then compare the color of the pads on the strip to the color chart on the label. Tip: Test strips are easier to use than liquid kit.
*Canton Pools of Wayne, MI also will test your water. Bring in a water sample about 20oz. and we can automatically scan it using technology that is used in the medical field. Then the results will be computer analyzed, and you will have a step-by-step printout of instructions.
To Do List
Ok, now that you decided to purchase a pool, let’s figure out what size & shape your yard will allow. Follow these simple steps below:
1. Call Miss Dig at 1-800-482-7171 (it’s free and it’s the law!) to mark underground utilities lines such as gas, electric, water, sewer, etc. (Overhead utilities lines must be min. 10 feet away from the pool. You may be able to have utilities moved away from the pool if needed).
2. Obtain a copy of your plot plan or survey for property lines, easements and buildings within your lot.
3. Call your city or township for their “setback” requirements. This is the distances from your property lines and house that the pool must be to conform to zoning codes. Or pick up brochure of all requirements within your city or township search you city’s web site to view online.
4. Following the above information use a measuring tape, rope, garden hose, spray paint or stakes to outline the size and shape of the pool you would like and your yard will allow.
Once you’ve decided on a pool style, shape and size visit the pool company. Remember a pool represents an investment; it is also the beginning to a long, hopefully satisfying relationship with the company. Price becomes a secondary factor if you’re not comfortable with the people and company you are purchasing from. Ask for builder’s license if you are not installing the pool yourself. If they can not provide you with a builder license find another company that have a builder’s license and will be responsible for their work and state regulated. Buyer beware of a store that does not have a builder license and workers comp. insurance. These protect the homeowner, which is you. A License builder with insurance is worth the investment.
FINANCING YOUR POOL PURCHASE
Cash, Check, Debit Cards
Credit Card: MasterCard, Visa & Discover
Income Tax Refund
Work Bonus
Bank Loan or Home Equity Loan - May be tax deductible
401 K or Savings Account
Have a safe and enjoyable swimming season!
Buyers Guide
