5 Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy an Above Ground Pool

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Christal Robertson
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1 5 Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy an Above Ground Pool Tulsa Oklahoma City Broken Arrow

A swimming pool at home is a fantastic way to maximize outdoor space offering entertainment, relaxation and family friendly fun from the comforts of home.

An above ground pool is an easy, convenient and exciting alternative to more costly in-ground models and a practical way to enjoy refreshing relief from the hot sun.

2 A swimming pool at home is a fantastic way to maximize outdoor space offering entertainment, relaxation and family friendly fun from the comforts of home. If you ve decided that this is the year to complement your home with a new pool, and you re ready to explore your options, fantastic! An above ground pool is an easy, convenient and exciting alternative to more costly in-ground models and a practical way to enjoy refreshing relief from the hot sun. Browsing for the perfect pool can be fun, but with so many different models, sizes, accessories and more, choosing the right addition to your home can be overwhelming and it makes sense to gather information before you buy. Exploring your options ahead of time ensures you make the right choice in a quality pool that fits your lifestyle and budget. Here are five questions to ask before you buy an above ground pool. No. 1: Where Am I Going to Put the Pool? Deciding on the perfect location for your pool is an important part of ensuring you get the most value and enjoyment from your investment. Available space, privacy, even how much sunlight your pool gets will ultimately impact how often you use it and how much fun you have in your pool. A good starting place when thinking about where to place your pool is to make sure you choose a location that s easy and convenient to access, visible from the house and not directly beneath trees as leaves and debris will likely fall into the water. Available Space - The first question to answer before considering an above ground pool is whether or not you have enough room. Space is a primary consideration and there must adequate room to accommodate not only the pool you choose, but also, any future additions, like a deck, patio set or landscaping. How much space you ll need depends on a few important factors like pool size and shape as well as whether or not you choose to have outdoor furnishings around the pool. Luckily, there are

For others, privacy may not be a priority. Be sure to think about how important seclusion is to you and remember to take privacy into consideration when choosing a final resting spot for your pool.

3 many great options available in above ground pools, making it easier than ever to enjoy the perfect pool even with limited space. Privacy - A pool at home is a unique opportunity to relax, exercise and spend quality time with loved ones. For some, enjoying a backyard pool to the fullest means complete and total privacy. For others, privacy may not be a priority. Be sure to think about how important seclusion is to you and remember to take privacy into consideration when choosing a final resting spot for your pool. Place a pool strategically around fences, shrubbery and other outdoor features and you can increase privacy as well as enjoy the added benefit of a natural windbreak for minimizing heat loss and keeping water temperature comfortable. Sunlight - Depending on where you live, sunlight may or may not be a primary concern in choosing a location for your pool. While sunbathing may not be on the top of your priority list, it s important to understand how radiant sunlight can keep the pool water warm. If you plan on sunbathing in your pool, identify where in your yard sunlight is most plentiful and at what times during the day the sun is strongest. Direct sunlight can add or detract from your experience; be sure to factor sun into your decision when choosing a final location for your pool. Close to the House - Proximity to the house, patio or deck is another important factor to take into consideration when choosing a location for an above ground pool. It s smart to be a short distance from indoor amenities and a few steps from the door. However, if walking some distance down a walkway before reaching the house is unavoidable, make sure pathways are safe. Creating easy access to a patio or deck makes it convenient to reach towels, accessories and other items after using the pool.

intend on using it for. If you live alone or with a spouse, you may not need to purchase the largest pool available, and choosing wisely can save you time, energy and money.

4 No. 2: What Size and Shape Will Best Fit My Needs? Determining the most appropriate size and shape above ground pool for your home depends not only on your budget, but also, how many people will be using it regularly, and the types of activities you intend on using it for. If you live alone or with a spouse, you may not need to purchase the largest pool available, and choosing wisely can save you time, energy and money. Size: Who Will Be Using the Pool Most? - It helps to think about who will be using the pool most of the time. Do you have a large extended family that will be visiting often? Do you have children or grandchildren with friends who you expect will want to use the pool frequently? Choose a pool that s big enough to accommodate your needs, but leaves room for patio furniture, a grill and other outdoor furnishings. Shape: How Will You Be Using the Pool? - Above ground swimming pools are available in a few different shapes, but most fall into two categories: round or oval, with rectangular configurations available. Taking time to think through how you intend to use the pool can help narrow your choices. For instance, if you plan to exercise in the pool and look forward to swimming laps, then a rectangular shape makes the most sense. On the other hand, for general relaxation and fun, round pools offer the most space and are typically less expensive than oval alternatives. Budget - A pool is a long-term commitment and an investment in not only fun and leisure time with family, but also, your home. The right pool adds instant appeal and can become the focal point to a fantastic outdoor retreat. When thinking through your budget, prioritize your goals, but be realistic and sensible. Buying the wrong pool will cost you enjoyment in the end, and it makes sense to think carefully about your expectations before you go shopping. Having a clear, predetermined budget in mind can help you narrow your choices, avoid looking at models out of your price range and make the most responsible decision based on your unique needs and expectations.

5 No. 3: Who Will Do the Installation? One of the advantages of an above ground pool is ease of installation. With that said, there are still some very real challenges that go into successfully installing and preparing a pool for use. It s a smart, sensible choice to think about your options with installation, weighing your choices carefully. Should I Do It Myself or Hire a Professional? - If you have no experience installing an above ground pool, it doesn t necessarily mean that you must hire a professional, but expertise is something you should consider. Regardless of whether you choose to install your new pool yourself or hire a professional, the importance of following instructions cannot be underestimated and failure to do so may void warranty coverage. Local codes, municipal regulations and more need to be followed carefully; if there is any doubt, it pays to hire a trained professional. Preparing the ground - Should you decide to install your new above ground pool on your own, you should be prepared to make all necessary modifications to the ground before you can begin the process. Preparing the ground is not complicated, but a critical step for ensuring your pool performs as it should. What types of activities are involved in preparing the ground for pool installation? You should at the very least expect to need to remove any sod from your pool site to avoid odor and level the ground by removing rocks, roots and other objects to ensure a solid, firm surface. For more information on preparing the ground, speak to your local above ground pool dealer.

6 No. 4: How to Select the Right Pool Dealer? As is true with most large purchases, the decision to invest in a pool likely wasn t made overnight. More than likely you thought about pool ownership for some time before deciding you were ready. Smart consumers understand that quality products that provide the best value over time often come from quality dealerships, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between exceptional customer service, after sale conveniences and more. Select the right pool dealer and you ll be rewarded with peace of mind and confidence in a good decision. What should you look for in a reputable pool dealer? Length of Time on Business - One of the first indicators that a dealership is reputable is business longevity. Businesses that have stood the test of time have been able to stay in business year after year because they ve earned a reputation for being honest, reliable and trustworthy. These are the types of dealers you want to work with, as they have earned the respect of the local community. While business longevity is not always a guarantee of dependability, it does offer clues as to how successful a business has been and why they have been able to last through the years. Comprehensive Selection - Another shortcut to choosing the right pool dealer has to do with the selection they choose to offer. One look around a showroom floor can reveal a tremendous amount about the types of products available and the level of quality a dealer showcases. A comprehensive selection gives you the flexibility to see in person the different options available to you at a variety of price points. Service and Warranty - Finally, it s absolutely essential that you consider service and warranty when seeking out pool dealers. Maintenance and upkeep are a critical part of ensuring your new pool continues to perform as expected year after year, and the right dealer can make this easy and convenient. A qualified, professional team of expert technicians who are intimately familiar with your make and model pool can answer questions, provide resources and assist you in ways that others cannot. Aside from access to professional service, choosing a dealer who offers comprehensive warranty coverage makes sense in every case.

than steel. Resists Corrosion, Tarnish and Rust - Unlike steel, aluminum does not tarnish or rust.

7 No. 5: Aluminum Versus Steel Frames When looking at above ground pools, you may have to choose between an aluminum versus a steel frame. We believe the best way to go is aluminum and here are a few reasons why: Strength-to-Weight Ratio - Aluminum pool are lighter to handle and in general aluminum s strength-to-weight ratio is higher than steel. Resists Corrosion, Tarnish and Rust - Unlike steel, aluminum does not tarnish or rust. That's because when exposed to air, aluminum forms a protective layer of tough, transparent aluminum oxide that helps resist the elements. Look for aluminum pools with extra-heavy gauge extruded aluminum for strength and durability. Quality aluminum panels should be powder coated with enamel that adds a high gloss luster to its finish as well as further protecting the aluminum from corrosion But just like anything left outside that comes in contact with water and weather, you need to take of your pool and follow manufacturer s directions to get longest life and most enjoyment. Bonus: Which Accessories Should I Consider? The right pool accessories can enhance your overall enjoyment of your pool by giving you the tools you need to reduce maintenance responsibilities and increase fun. Here are a few items you may want to consider. Steps - There s many different options on steps. There are deck-mount, full ladders, narrow ladders and wedding cake ladders. There are several factors that will help determine which type of steps is best for you: 1) will you be adding a deck, 2) do you like to sit when you re in the water and 3) what s the weight of those using the pool. The right step will ensure everyone can get in the pool safely and enjoyably. Lighting - Create an exciting lightshow in the water with lighting inside and around your pool. A smart, practical accessory, lights provide safety, but also add aesthetic appeal and instant ambiance.

Landscaping, Fountains and Decks - For privacy, beauty and protection from the wind and elements, landscaping accessories are available to complement your outdoor pool design.

8 Landscaping, Fountains and Decks - For privacy, beauty and protection from the wind and elements, landscaping accessories are available to complement your outdoor pool design. Decking adds instant appeal, while providing a comfortable, convenient place to sit. Covers and Screens - A wide range of covers and screens are available to help protect your pool. Screens are a practical investment, eliminating dirt, debris and insects from polluting the water. Covers can help retain heat inside the pool when not in use. Maintenance Tools and Accessories - Top of the line tools, accessories and chemical test kits can help you keep your pool looking and performing as it should. Toys, Games and Floats This is how and where the fun really begins. From floating lounge chairs to volleyball, your pool dealer is a great place to accessorize your pool and keep everyone in the family happy. Summary A swimming pool at home is an easy, convenient and smart way to lead a healthy lifestyle while enjoying quality time with friends and family. With opportunity for improved health, entertainment and relaxation, time spent in a family pool is memorable. If you re in the market for an above ground pool, thinking through answers to a few questions can help you more clearly choose the right size and shape pool, as well as make the right decision with installation and technical issues. Investing in a pool your home is an exciting experience the more you know, the easier it will be to make the best decision in a top of the line product to fit your needs and budget best.

About Us Galaxy Home Recreation has proudly been family owned and operated since 1975. We own 3 stores in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City.

We pride ourselves on service after the sale and professional installation. After all, your investment is no better than the people who put it together.

9 About Us Galaxy Home Recreation has proudly been family owned and operated since We own 3 stores in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Oklahoma City. Our knowledge, experience and reputation in the industry give our customers the peace of mind they are receiving the best value and service. We pride ourselves on service after the sale and professional installation. After all, your investment is no better than the people who put it together. We deliver setup and service the entire state of Oklahoma and the bordering states. And, we can contract delivery and setup via our professional network of installers across the country. We guarantee the best quality and the BEST prices. We ll beat any competitor s prices for comparable quality. Please visit one of our stores today! Come to browse! Come to envision your new gameroom or backyard! Just come by and visit!! We love to educate and talk about making your house a happy home.

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