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Welcome! Links to pool models are at the bottom of this page, next to photos! The following is a helpful, informational page regarding buying a new pool, from Esther Williams and the Delair group,
Buying a new pool is a major investment. As with any major purchase, the more you know, the better your decision will be. This guide is designed to take all the guesswork out of buying a pool, and help you get the most from every dollar you invest. When shopping for a new swimming pool, keep this important rule in mind: The amount of maintenance your pool will require depends entirely on what materials are used in its construction. As time goes by, maintaining an initially inexpensive pool can become costly and time consuming. That's because inferior materials used in construction tend to rust, crack or warp. As a new pool owner, you'll want to spend your free time enjoying your pool- not sanding, painting or replacing worn parts.ALL POOLS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL Today's above-ground swimming pools are manufactured from a variety of materials, the most common being aluminum, steel or resin(plastic). Aluminum pools are the best choice for value, safety and fun. Only aluminum is tough, durable and virtually maintenance-free- aluminum will never rust. Though sometimes costing more than other models, aluminum pools cost a lot less to maintain over the years. A SAFE PLACE TO PLAY A backyard with a pool is always the busiest on the block. Kids of all ages will spend lots of sunny afternoons there. Be sure that your new pool will pass "The Kid Test." From kicking off pool walls during swimming races, to boisterous games of water basketball, your pool needs to be extra strong. Extruded aluminum walls and frames are unbelievably strong. They don't rust, warp or crack do to extreme weather conditions. The strongest pool parts are made of extruded aluminum. This process is a lot like squeezing a tube of toothpaste. Heated metal is forced through a "die" (a cut-out shape) by a large "plunger." The result is a strong pool component, designed with just the right amount of metal wherever the most strength is needed.
Swimming pool components can also be made by "roll forming." This process starts with a single sheet of metal, which is sent through a series of spools to bend the sheet into the desired shape. Unlike the extrusion process, the roll-formed component is the same thickness throughout, with no extra support in areas of weakness. "Injection molding" is a process, in which air forces heated plastic into a mold to create a specific shape.
When it was time to renovate the Statue of Liberty, extruded aluminum was selected for construction of the scaffolding. It was chosen because it would not impart damaging rust particles on the newly renovated statue. In addition, aluminum scaffolding was less expensive because it was able to be reused for the restoration of Ellis Island. Aluminum pools hold up so well, they retain much of their original value. Over the years, many aluminum pool owners have sold their pools for close to what they paid. Others have disassembled the pool and taken it to a new location when moving. Some families even "pass down" the pool to their children. Only an aluminum pool can make these claims. The Sum of Its Parts
Like a car, a swimming pool is only as good as the sum of its parts. If all the vital components are top quality, the entire pool will remain durable and attractive for decades. Comparing Components Buying a new pool can be confusing, especially since there are so many industry terms and buzzwords. This glossary of definitions will help you identify the various components, and the functions they serve. Coping (also "Top Shelf" or "Top Rail") The coping is on top of the pool wall. It should be strong, slip-resistant, and durable, since this area gets the most wear and tear. Compare copings by asking:
A 7" coping should be the measurement from side to side on the top of the coping. Some manufacturers mislead the consumer by referring to a 7" coping as the total width of the coping, including top and sides. Uprights(also "verticals") Uprights support the copings and help keep the pool wall sturdy. They need to be especially strong. Walls The most visible component of the pool, the wall needs to look attractive, yet be strong enough to hold the water load even under impact from splashing, or forces such as expanding ice in the winter. Compare walls by asking:
Bead Receiver The bead receiver holds the liner in place. It must be one of the strongest parts on the pool, since it must bear the entire water load. Compare bead receivers by making sure they are aluminum rather than plastic. Hardware It's especially important for all those nuts, bolts and screws that hold the pool together to be exceptionally strong and rust-resistant. Make sure that all hardware is either aluminum or stainless steel. Vinyl liner The second most visible component of your pool, the liner's main job is to ensure that water does not leak out of your pool. A high-quality liner is essential. There are two types of liners on the market. "Beaded/hung liners" have a thick vinyl "bead" which fits into a bead receiver. They provide a better fit, allow for an attractive tile-print border, and they can be replaced without taking the pool apart. "Overlap liners" are placed over the wall of the pool. Overlap liners are not available with attractive tile borders and can often be seen on the outside of the pool due to the method of installation. Although an overlap liner may be less expensive initially, it may be costly in the long run, since replacing it requires removing the coping (and deck, if applicable.) Compare vinyl liners by asking:
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