After 30 years of installing, fixing, and selling pools, here's what I wish someone had told me when I started

Look, I've been in this business long enough to see every mistake you can make twice. Started installing pools when I was barely out of high school, back when my biggest concern was whether I'd have enough energy left after work to hit the bars with my buddies. Three decades later, I'm still finding homeowners who got burned by slick sales pitches and shiny brochures that promised the world but delivered disappointment.

Here's the thing about above ground pools that nobody wants to tell you upfront: most of them are absolute garbage. I'm talking about thin steel walls that rust out faster than your car's exhaust pipe in a New England winter, liners that tear if you look at them wrong, and filtration systems that couldn't keep a goldfish bowl clean, let alone handle a family of four splashing around all summer.

But here's the other thing - and this is important - the good ones? They're absolutely fantastic. I've seen families get 30, 40, even 50 years out of the right pool. Hell, I've got customers whose pools are older than their kids, still going strong, still providing summer memories year after year. The difference comes down to knowing what separates the wheat from the chaff, and that's exactly what I'm going to share with you.

I've been a dealer for every major manufacturer at some point in my career. I've installed pools in blazing heat and pouring rain. I've fixed pools that were installed before I even got into this business. I've seen what works, what doesn't, and what falls apart the moment you look at it sideways. This isn't marketing fluff or recycled internet wisdom - this is three decades of hard-won experience talking.

Let's Talk Money First (Because Everything Else Is Fantasy Without It)

Here's how I always start these conversations with my customers - what's your realistic budget? Not the number you casually mention to your spouse over coffee, and definitely not the number you secretly hope you can get away with, but the actual number you can spend without eating ramen noodles for six months or sleeping on the couch until Christmas.

Under $3,000 and you're planning to do the work yourself? You're looking at exactly one option: Intex. Period. End of discussion. These aren't permanent pools - think of them more like really big kiddie pools that adults can actually swim in without looking completely ridiculous. They'll give you a few summers of genuine fun if you treat them right and don't expect miracles.

The thing about Intex pools is they're honest about what they are. They're not pretending to be something they're not. They're temporary pools for people who want to cool off in their backyard without committing to a major construction project. The pumps are small, the walls are soft-sided, and you'll be draining and storing the whole setup every winter. But for what they cost, they deliver exactly what they promise.

Under $1,500? Same answer - Intex is literally your only choice in this price range. Just understand what you're buying and set your expectations accordingly. These pools have some interesting quirks. The pumps are tiny compared to what you'd get with a permanent installation - we're talking about units that would struggle to filter a hot tub effectively. The ladders feel like they're made from recycled soda cans, and the whole structure needs to come down every winter unless you want to discover what a pool-shaped ice sculpture looks like in your backyard come spring.

But here's what I tell people about Intex pools: they're gateway drugs. I can't tell you how many customers have called me after two summers with an Intex, ready to upgrade to something permanent. They've gotten hooked on having a pool, learned what they actually want in terms of size and features, and now they're ready to make a real investment.

$3,000 to $6,000 range? Now we're talking about real pools - the kind with metal walls that can actually handle New England winters without turning into abstract art installations. But this is where things get seriously tricky, because this price range is absolutely flooded with imported junk that looks good in the showroom but falls apart faster than a cheap umbrella in a thunderstorm.

Here's what happens in this market segment: manufacturers know this is where most people shop, so they flood the market with pools made from recycled steel so thin you could probably poke through it with a determined screwdriver. These pools might look impressive in the dealer's yard, with their shiny graphics and fancy-sounding model names, but I've seen too many turn into rust buckets within three years. Not five years, not ten years - three years, sometimes less.

The problem is these manufacturers are playing a shell game with quality. They'll use decent frames and nice-looking top rails to make the pool appear substantial, then cheap out on the wall - the one component that actually matters. It's like buying a car based on the stereo system while ignoring the engine.

For this budget range, I only recommend two brands: Aquasport (also sold under the Buster Crabbe name) or the higher-end Doughboy models. With Doughboy, you absolutely need to spring for their better wall options - their cheap models aren't worth the metal they're made from. With Aquasport, even their entry-level pools use the same quality wall as their premium models. That's integrity, and it's rare in this business.

$6,000 to $12,000? This is where you start seeing the really good stuff - panel construction instead of rolled steel, walls thick enough to handle anything Mother Nature throws at them, and engineering that makes sense. These pools are built like tanks, and many can be installed semi-inground or even completely buried like a traditional inground pool.

At this price point, I recommend the Aquasport 52 or the Fox Ultimate. Both will outlive you if installed properly, and probably outlive your kids too. I've installed hundreds of these over the years, and I sleep well at night knowing my customers are getting value for their money.

Why Pool Walls Are Everything (And I Mean Everything)

Let me share something I learned the hard way, through years of service calls and warranty claims: in real estate, they say it's location, location, location. With above ground pools, it's wall, wall, wall.

I can't tell you how many emergency service calls I've been on where someone's pool is failing catastrophically, and it's always the same heartbreaking story - the wall rotted out. The pump's humming along just fine, the liner looks good, even the frame and top rails are solid. But that wall? Game over. Pack it up, start shopping for a replacement.

The wall is what holds back thousands of gallons of water. It's what takes the brunt of winter freezing and summer heat expansion. It's what your kids are going to bump into with pool toys, what's going to bear the load when someone decides to hang on the edge, what needs to survive decades of chemical exposure and weather extremes.

Most pools use what we call "rolled wall" construction - basically one long sheet of steel or aluminum that gets rolled out like a giant tape measure and then bolted together at the seam. It works fine when the metal is quality and thick enough. But here's where manufacturers love to cut corners: they'll use steel so thin it flexes when you touch it, or aluminum so cheap it starts oxidizing before you finish the installation.

The premium pools use panel construction instead. Instead of one continuous sheet, you're connecting smaller, thicker panels together like building blocks. Each panel is individually engineered for strength and manufactured to precise tolerances. It's like the difference between a chain-link fence and a brick wall - both keep things contained, but one's clearly built to last generations.

I've installed both types hundreds of times, and the difference in quality is immediately obvious. Panel pools go together more precisely, feel more solid when complete, and just have that sense of permanence that rolled wall pools often lack. They cost more, sure, but when you're talking about something that should last 30-50 years, the extra upfront cost becomes insignificant.

Steel vs. Aluminum: The Great Debate (Settled Once and For All)

I get this question at least once a week, usually from engineers or people who work with metals professionally: "Isn't steel stronger than aluminum? Why would I want an aluminum pool?"

Well, yes and no, and here's where the real world differs from the textbook. Steel is stronger pound for pound - any materials engineer will confirm that. But here's what most people don't realize until I show them actual wall samples: aluminum pool walls are thicker. Sometimes almost twice as thick as comparable steel walls.

When you do the actual math - strength times thickness - that aluminum wall often ends up being just as strong, sometimes stronger, than the steel version. Plus, and this is crucial, aluminum doesn't rust. It oxidizes, sure, but aluminum oxide actually forms a protective layer that prevents further corrosion. Steel rust? That eats right through the metal until there's nothing left.

I've been doing this for three decades, mostly in the Northeast where we get real winters with road salt in the air and freeze-thaw cycles that would challenge the pyramids. I've seen steel pools that looked perfect for five years, then suddenly developed rust holes that spread like cancer. Meanwhile, aluminum pools from the same era are still going strong, looking almost as good as the day they were installed.

Here's a specific example: I installed a steel pool for the Johnsons in 1995 and an aluminum pool for their neighbors, the Smiths, in 1996. Same manufacturer, similar care and maintenance. The Johnson's steel pool needed a new wall in 2003 - eight years. The Smith's aluminum pool? Still perfect today, 28 years later. Same environment, same weather, same maintenance routine.

The only real downside to aluminum is cost. It typically runs 15-25% more than comparable steel construction. But when you factor in longevity and the cost of replacement, aluminum usually works out cheaper in the long run. Plus, aluminum walls are easier to work with during installation - they don't cut your hands up like steel edges can.

The Frame Game (And Why It's Mostly Marketing Smoke and Mirrors)

Here's something that might surprise people who haven't been in this business: once your pool is built correctly and the wall is properly supported by water pressure, you could remove every single top rail and vertical post, and the pool would stand just fine. The wall does all the real structural work.

But manufacturers have figured out that big, chunky resin rails and posts make pools look more substantial in the showroom. Customers see these massive components and think "wow, this thing's built like a fortress." Meanwhile, the actual wall - the part that matters - might be made from steel so thin you could dent it with a firm handshake.

I've watched this marketing evolution over my career. Back in the '80s and '90s, pools had simple, functional frames. Then manufacturers started competing on who could make the biggest, most impressive-looking top rails and posts. Now you've got pools with frames that look like they could support a house, paired with walls so flimsy I wouldn't trust them to hold back a strong rain.

Don't get me wrong - the frame does serve some purposes. It provides a finished edge for the pool, gives you something to mount the skimmer and returns to, and offers a place to hang your arms while you're floating around. But it's not what keeps your pool structurally sound.

There's also a practical business reason for oversized frames: they're harder for overseas competitors to copy and ship economically. Those chunky resin components don't pack efficiently in shipping containers, and the freight costs make it harder for importers to undercut domestic manufacturers on price.

I've seen pools with frames that weigh more than the walls, which is completely backward from an engineering standpoint. It's like building a car with a massive, impressive-looking steering wheel while using bicycle tires. Sure, the steering wheel looks great, but it's not what gets you down the road safely.

Round vs. Oval: The Math Will Surprise You (And Save You Money)

This comparison comes up in about 80% of my sales conversations, so let me settle it once and for all with actual numbers that you can verify yourself.

The two most popular sizes in the industry are 24-foot round pools and 15×30 oval pools. Most people assume the oval gives you more swimming space because it looks bigger and more like traditional inground pools. Let me show you why that assumption costs money:

24-foot round pool:

• Water surface area: 452 square feet
• Water capacity: approximately 13,500 gallons
• Typical package cost: $3,500-$4,500
• Installation cost: $1,700

15×30 oval pool:

• Water surface area: 353 square feet
• Water capacity: approximately 12,000 gallons
• Typical package cost: $4,300-$5,700
• Installation cost: $2,300

So the round pool gives you 99 more square feet of swimming area and holds 1,500 more gallons of water, but costs $1,400-$2,000 less total. That's not a small difference - that's "take the family on vacation" money.

But wait, there's more, as they say in those late-night commercials. The round pool is also easier to maintain. Water circulation in round pools is naturally better because there are no corners for debris to collect in, no dead spots where algae can establish colonies, and the single return and skimmer create a nice circular flow pattern that keeps everything moving.

Oval pools require additional structural support for those straight side walls. The water wants to push those walls outward, so you need either buried straps that run under the pool or external buttresses to keep everything in place. Over time - and I'm talking 5-10 years, not 50 - these supports can settle or shift, causing the side walls to bow outward or the support straps to lift up off the pool bottom.

I've made more service calls to fix bowed oval pool walls than any other single issue. Sometimes you can adjust the supports and pull everything back into alignment, but sometimes the distortion has stressed the liner or affected the frame connections, and you're looking at significant repair costs.

Why do people choose ovals then? Honestly, I think it's because they look more like "real" pools - the kind you see at hotels or in magazine photos. There's definitely an aesthetic appeal to the rectangular shape. Some people also think ovals are better for swimming laps, though in reality, 30 feet isn't long enough for serious lap swimming anyway.

If your heart is set on an oval and budget isn't a major concern, go for it. They can be beautiful installations when done right. Just understand you're paying a premium for the shape, not getting additional functionality.

My Top 10 List (And the Real Reasons Behind Each Ranking)

After three decades of working with every major brand, dealing with warranty claims, handling service calls, and watching pools age, here's my honest ranking. This isn't based on marketing materials or manufacturer claims - it's based on what actually performs in the real world.

#1 (Four-way tie) - The Elite Tier

These four options are all in a class by themselves. They're built to different specifications and have different features, but they'll all outlast you if properly maintained. The differences between them are more about personal preference and specific needs than quality.

Aquasport 52 (Aluminum Panel Construction) This is the pool I'd put in my own backyard, and that's not just sales talk. I've installed hundreds of these over the years, and I've never had a structural failure. The aluminum panels are the thickest in the industry, the engineering is conservative and proven, and it can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or completely buried like an inground pool.

The family that owns Aquasport has been in this business for generations, and they've never sold out to corporate interests. When you call them with a question, you talk to Andrew, Steve, or Greg - actual family members who care about their reputation. That matters in this business.

Fox Ultimate (Steel Panel Construction) This is the newcomer to the elite tier, but it's made an impressive entrance. Fox is now part of Cardinal Pools, a company known for their inground steel pool kits. The Ultimate is their above ground offering, and it's the first above ground pool to use steel as thick as inground pool walls.

We're not talking about rolled wall construction here - this is 2-foot, 4-foot, or 8-foot rigid steel panels that bolt together like an erector set. It's massively overbuilt, but in the best possible way. They also offer an optional walk-in step system that's actually engineered properly, unlike some of the aftermarket steps I've seen.

Admiral's Walk (Aluminum Panel with Integrated Deck) This is Aquasport's premium offering, basically their Aquasport 52 system with factory-engineered decking. If money's no object and you want the absolute best, this is what I'd recommend. The integration between pool and deck is seamless, and everything's engineered as a system rather than cobbled together from separate components.

Wilkes/Gibraltar (Aluminum Panel with Deck) Similar concept to the Admiral's Walk, but with some regional quirks. Wilkes gave Gibraltar exclusive New England territory back in the '70s, so if you're in my area, this is what you get instead of direct Wilkes access. It's a good pool, but I think it's overpriced for what you get compared to the Aquasport equivalent.

#2 - Kayak (Aluminum Panels with Deck) Solid panel construction with integrated decking, but not quite as refined as the top-tier options. Still a quality pool that should last decades, just without some of the premium touches of the elite models.

#3 - Wilbar Intrepid/Oasis (Aluminum Panels) Good quality panel construction that's widely available through dealers. The aluminum is genuine thick-gauge material, and the engineering is sound. My main complaint is inconsistent customer service - sometimes great, sometimes you can't get anyone on the phone.

#4 - Aquasport Rolled Wall Models (Lamark, Atlas, Dauntless) Here's what I love about Aquasport: even their "budget" pools use the same quality wall as their premium models. Most manufacturers offer cheaper walls on entry-level models, but Aquasport decided long ago not to sell garbage at any price point. These rolled wall pools will easily last 30+ years with proper care.

#5 - Doughboy Premium Models (Saratoga, Tuscany) If you're going with Doughboy, stick to their premium models. These use quality steel from US mills - actually the same supplier as Aquasport uses. The frames are robust, the engineering is sound, and they'll last decades. Just don't get tempted by their budget models, which use inferior wall materials.

#6-10 - The "Maybe" Category The remaining spots go to pools that might work fine in certain conditions but have limitations that keep them out of my top recommendations.

Radiant and Optimum pools fall into this category. They might work okay in warmer climates like Georgia or Texas, but I don't trust them in areas with real winters. I've seen too many ice damage claims and structural failures in cold weather areas. The engineering seems more focused on marketing appeal than long-term durability.

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown (The Unvarnished Truth)

Aquasport/Buster Crabbe: The Family Business That Still Gets It Right

I've been working with the Ames family at Aquasport for most of my career, and they represent exactly what you want in a manufacturer - a family business that never sold out to corporate interests or foreign ownership. When you call their office, you talk to Andrew, Steve, or Greg - actual family members who have skin in the game and care about their reputation.

Here's what sets them apart from every other manufacturer I've dealt with: while other companies offer different quality walls at different price points, Aquasport uses the same wall construction on every single pool they make. Their cheapest pool has the exact same wall as their most expensive one. They decided decades ago not to sell garbage at any price, and they've stuck to that principle even when it would have been profitable to do otherwise.

I've seen their manufacturing facility, and it's impressive. Their aluminum walls are the thickest in the industry - not by a little bit, but by a substantial margin. When they use steel, it comes from US mills, not overseas recycling operations. Their liners are made to fit the exact dimensions of their pool models, so they install like gloves with no wrinkles or excess material.

The Aquasport 52 is genuinely in a class by itself. It can be installed completely above ground for traditional pool appearance, semi-inground for a more integrated look, or fully buried like an inground pool. I've installed these pools all three ways, and the engineering works perfectly in each configuration. It's the most versatile pool design I've ever worked with.

What I Love About Aquasport:

• Absolute integrity in everything they do
• Same quality wall on all models, no budget compromises
• Thickest aluminum walls available anywhere
• US-sourced steel when they use steel
• Custom-manufactured liners that fit like gloves
• Multiple installation options with the same pool
• Family ownership that answers their own phones

What Could Be Better:

• Limited dealer network west of Pennsylvania
• No in-wall step option (though I hear it's coming)
• Premium pricing, though justified by quality

Fox Ultimate: The Newcomer That's Impressing Everyone

Fox is now part of Cardinal Pools, a company with an established reputation for quality inground steel pool kits. The Ultimate is their entry into the above ground market, and they've done something impressive - created the first above ground pool to use steel as thick as inground pool walls.

This isn't rolled wall construction like most pools use. We're talking about massive 2-foot, 4-foot, or 8-foot rigid steel panels that bolt together with precision hardware. The first time I installed one, I was shocked by how substantial everything felt. It's genuinely overbuilt, but in an industry full of underbuilt products, that's refreshing.

They also offer a walk-in step system that's actually engineered as part of the pool structure, not just bolted on as an afterthought. I've seen too many aftermarket step systems that create weak points or leak problems, so having factory-engineered steps is a real advantage.

What I Love About Fox:

• Incredibly thick, rigid steel panel construction
• Available walk-in step system that's properly engineered
• Won't void warranty for salt water systems
• Can be installed above ground, semi-inground, or fully buried
• Conservative engineering approach

What Could Be Better:

• Higher cost than some comparable options
• Heavier components mean higher shipping costs
• Requires concrete collar for installation (adds complexity and cost)

Doughboy: The Old-Timer with Great and Terrible Models

Doughboy has been around forever - they might actually be older than Aquasport, which is saying something. The problem is they're now owned by Hoffinger Industries, and like many corporate acquisitions, the focus has shifted from quality consistency to market segmentation.

Their high-end models (Palm, Saratoga, Tuscany) are genuinely excellent. They actually buy their steel from the same US supplier that Aquasport uses, so the wall quality is identical. The frames are substantial, the engineering is sound, and these pools will easily last 30+ years with proper maintenance.

But their budget models? Skip them entirely. The walls are made from thin imported steel that's barely thick enough to handle installation, let alone decades of use. I've seen too many of these budget Doughboy pools fail within five years to recommend them to anyone.

The frustrating thing is that Doughboy has the capability to make great pools - their premium models prove that. But they've chosen to compete in the budget market with inferior products, which dilutes their brand reputation and confuses consumers.

What I Love About Doughboy Premium Models:

• Robust framing on high-end models
• Beautiful decorative wall patterns and graphics
• Optional in-wall step system available
• US steel on premium models (same supplier as Aquasport)
• Widespread dealer network across the country
• Established reputation and brand recognition

What Could Be Better:

• Only offers rolled wall construction (no panel options)
• Entry-level models use inferior wall materials
• No aluminum wall options available
• Premium pricing without always delivering premium features

Wilbar: The Walmart of Pool Manufacturing (And That's Not a Compliment)

Wilbar has been buying up pool brands since 1986, and they're now the largest supplier of cheap pools in the country. They supply everyone from big box stores to small independent dealers, and frankly, about 80% of what they make is disposable junk designed to hit price points rather than last decades.

Here's something that tells you everything about their business philosophy: they literally bought Swim n' Play's complete manufacturing equipment just to keep potential competitors out of the market, then left it to rot in their parking lot. That's not the behavior of a company focused on advancing pool technology or serving customers better.

Most of their brands (Sharkline, Atlantic, and others) are entry-level pools with thin walls and cheap components. They're designed to look good in the showroom and hit aggressive price points, but they don't have the engineering or materials to last in real-world conditions.

Their Intrepid and Optimum models are decent quality, but they're overpriced compared to better alternatives from Aquasport or Fox. You're paying for widespread availability and brand recognition, not superior quality.

What I Can Say Positively About Wilbar:

• Available everywhere through extensive dealer network
• Some aluminum panel options in premium lines
• Optimum model can be completely buried
• Wide range of sizes and configurations

What Drives Me Crazy About Wilbar:

• Primarily focused on selling cheap, disposable pools
• Most packages include thin liners that damage easily
• Premium models cost more than superior alternatives
• Inconsistent customer service (sometimes great, often terrible)
• Corporate focus on market domination rather than quality leadership

The Brands I Tell People to Avoid (And Why)

Namco: This company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy a few years back, primarily screwing over Wilbar (their main supplier) to the tune of millions of dollars. They got bought by a Canadian company that I know nothing about, and their reputation before the bankruptcy was selling what I called "trashcans lined with garbage bags." I have no confidence in their current quality or long-term viability.

Leslie's: A Chinese company bought Leslie's in 2018, and I predict they'll use the Leslie's brand name to sell Chinese-manufactured pools until the brand reputation is worthless. Even when they were American-owned, I found them overpriced for what you got - basically Wilbar pools with Leslie's markup.

Radiant: These are the old Dover pools with new marketing. The walls consist of super thin aluminum skins sandwiching Styrofoam insulation. Since when has Styrofoam been considered a structural material? They don't even make decent coolers out of the stuff. I've seen too many ice damage failures in cold climate areas to recommend these to anyone in the Northeast or Midwest.

What Installation Actually Costs (The Numbers Nobody Wants to Discuss)

Since we're being brutally honest about everything else, let's talk about real installation costs. This is where a lot of people get sticker shock, because the pool package price is only part of the total investment.

Pool Installation Labor Only:

• 18' round: $1,200
• 21' round: $1,400
• 24' round: $1,700
• 12'×24' oval: $1,900
• 15'×24' oval: $1,900
• 15'×30' oval: $2,300
• 18'×33' oval: $2,700

Additional Costs That Are Usually Required:

Excavation and Site Preparation: $800-$1,500 This includes removing grass and topsoil, leveling the area, and providing proper drainage. The cost varies depending on soil conditions, slope, and access. Rocky soil or areas that require significant grading cost more.

Electrical Service: $400-$800 You need a dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit for the pool equipment. If your electrical panel is close to the pool area, costs are lower. If we need to run 100+ feet of buried cable, costs go up significantly.

Water Delivery: $200-$400 Unless you want to run your garden hose for 24 hours straight (and pay the water bill), most people have water delivered. Cost depends on distance from the water company and local rates.

Permits and Inspections: $50-$200 Most municipalities require permits for pool installation and electrical work. Some also require final inspections before you can use the pool.

So that $3,000 pool package advertised in the newspaper? You're realistically looking at $5,000-$6,500 all-in for a typical installation. I tell all my customers this upfront because surprises at the end of the project aren't good for anyone.

Some dealers try to lowball the installation estimate to make their total package look more competitive, then hit customers with "unforeseen" costs during the project. That's not how I do business. Better to be honest upfront and have happy customers than create problems trying to win jobs with unrealistic estimates.

The Package Components That Actually Matter (And Which Ones Are Just Marketing)

Every pool dealer puts together "packages" that include the pool plus accessories. The quality and selection of these components can make a huge difference in your long-term satisfaction, but it's also where dealers can pad profits or cut corners.

The Pool Liner - Critical Component #1 This is where many packages fall apart, literally. Pool liners are available in thicknesses from 15 mil up to 30 mil, but most packages include 20 mil liners to hit price points. Here's the problem: not all 20 mil liners are created equal.

Quality liners use virgin vinyl with UV stabilizers and antimicrobial treatments. Cheap liners use recycled vinyl that becomes brittle quickly and can't handle chemical exposure or temperature extremes. I've seen cheap liners fail within two years, while quality liners easily last 10-15 years.

The best liners also have reinforced seams and are cut to the exact dimensions of your specific pool model. Generic "one size fits most" liners create wrinkles and stress points that lead to premature failure.

The Filtration System - Critical Component #2 This is another area where packages often include undersized or low-quality components to hit price points. Your filter and pump need to be properly sized for your pool volume and local conditions.

Sand filters are the most common and generally the most reliable. Cartridge filters are okay for smaller pools but require frequent cleaning. DE (diatomaceous earth) filters provide the best water clarity but require more maintenance knowledge.

Pump sizing is critical - too small and you won't get adequate circulation, too large and you waste energy. Most package pumps are sized correctly, but some budget packages include pumps that are barely adequate for the pool size.

The Skimmer and Return System - Often Overlooked Quality skimmers have larger baskets and better flow dynamics. Cheap skimmers clog frequently and don't capture debris effectively. The return fitting quality also matters - cheap fittings can crack or leak over time.

Ladder or Steps - Safety and Convenience This is where I see the most variation in package quality. Quality ladders use thick-wall tubing and have wide, comfortable steps with good traction. Budget ladders feel flimsy and can become safety hazards.

In-pool steps are more expensive but much more convenient and safer, especially for children and older adults. If your budget allows, they're worth the upgrade.

The Science Behind Pool Wall Construction (Why Thickness Matters More Than You Think)

Let me get a bit technical here, because understanding wall construction will help you make better decisions and avoid sales pitches that sound good but don't mean anything.

Pool walls need to resist several different types of stress:

Hydrostatic Pressure: This is the sideways push of water against the wall. Water weighs about 62 pounds per cubic foot, so a 4-foot deep pool puts about 248 pounds of sideways pressure on every square foot of wall at the bottom. That pressure decreases as you go up, but it's still substantial.

Temperature Cycling: Pool walls expand and contract with temperature changes. In the Northeast, we see temperature swings from below zero in winter to 90+ degrees in summer. That's a huge expansion and contraction cycle that happens hundreds of times over the life of the pool.

Chemical Exposure: Pool chemicals are designed to kill bacteria and algae, but they're also hard on metal and plastic components. Chlorine is particularly aggressive, and salt water systems create their own corrosion challenges.

Impact Loading: Kids with pool toys, people hanging on the edges, occasional contact with pool equipment - walls need to handle impacts without permanent deformation.

Thin walls handle these stresses poorly. They flex more under load, which creates fatigue points that eventually fail. They're more susceptible to chemical corrosion because there's less material to sacrifice. And they dent or deform more easily from impacts.

Thick walls are like insurance policies - they provide margins of safety that let pools handle unexpected stresses without failing. The difference in material cost between thin and thick walls is relatively small, but the difference in performance is enormous.

This is why I focus so heavily on wall specifications when recommending pools. Everything else can be upgraded or replaced relatively easily, but if the wall fails, you're basically starting over with a new pool.

Regional Considerations (Why Location Matters More Than You Think)

Not all pools are suitable for all climates. What works great in Florida might be a disaster in Minnesota, and vice versa. Here's what I've learned about regional performance over three decades:

Northeast and Midwest (Cold Climates):

• Aluminum walls consistently outlast steel
• Panel construction handles freeze-thaw cycles better than rolled walls
• Thicker materials are essential for longevity
• Salt air near oceans accelerates corrosion of steel components

Southeast (Hot, Humid Climates):

• UV degradation is a bigger concern than freezing
• Lighter colors help reduce heat absorption
• Adequate ventilation around equipment is critical
• Hurricane resistance becomes a factor in coastal areas

Southwest (Hot, Dry Climates):

• Extreme temperature swings stress materials
• UV exposure is intense year-round
• Water evaporation is significant
• Dust and sand infiltration affects equipment

Pacific Northwest (Mild, Wet Climates):

• Moisture control is critical for steel components
• Algae growth can be challenging due to limited sun exposure
• Ground stability varies significantly with soil type

I've installed pools in all these environments, and the differences in performance are real. A pool design that works perfectly in one climate might struggle in another. This is why I always ask customers about their specific location and conditions before making recommendations.

The Bottom Line After Three Decades in This Business

If you take nothing else from this article, remember this fundamental truth: the wall is everything. A great pump and filter can't save a pool with a garbage wall, but a great wall will keep running even with mediocre equipment.

Panel walls are superior to rolled walls in almost every way. Aluminum lasts longer than steel in most climates. Thicker materials are always better than thinner ones. These aren't opinions - they're facts based on thousands of installations and decades of performance data.

The best pools I've installed are still running strong after 30+ years, providing summer enjoyment for multiple generations of the same families. The worst ones needed complete replacement before their fifth birthday. The difference wasn't luck or maintenance - it was choosing quality materials and construction from reputable manufacturers.

Don't get seduced by fancy graphics, impressive-looking frames, or smooth sales presentations. Look at the wall specifications, ask about material sources, check the thickness measurements. A boring aluminum panel pool from Aquasport will outlast a flashy import with eye-catching graphics every single time.

Your pool should be an investment in your family's happiness and your property's value, not a maintenance nightmare that drains your wallet every summer. Choose wisely based on quality and engineering, and you'll get decades of trouble-free enjoyment. Choose poorly based on price alone, and you'll be back in the market sooner than you think.

Remember: in this business, you truly get what you pay for. The cheapest option is rarely the best value, and the most expensive isn't always worth the premium. Focus on finding the sweet spot where quality, features, and price align with your specific needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Answers Based on Experience)

How long should an above ground pool actually last? The best pools - properly manufactured and correctly installed - will outlive you. I'm talking 30 to 50 years of reliable service. Mid-range pools from reputable manufacturers should give you 15-25 years. Cheap pools? You'll be lucky to get 5 years before major problems develop.

What's the most popular size and why? 24-foot round pools, hands down. They hit the perfect balance of swimming space, affordability, and ease of maintenance. A quality package typically runs $2,500-$4,000 depending on components, and installation is straightforward on most sites.

What's the best option for someone on a tight budget? For permanent installation with a tight budget, Aquasport's entry-level models offer the best value. Even their cheapest pools use the same premium wall construction as their expensive models. For temporary/seasonal use under $1,000, Intex Ultra Frame pools work fine if you're willing to set up and take down annually.

Is it worth paying extra for aluminum walls? In most climates, absolutely yes. Aluminum costs 15-25% more initially but typically lasts twice as long as steel in real-world conditions. The math works out in aluminum's favor unless you're in an extremely dry climate where steel corrosion isn't a major concern.

Can I install a pool myself to save money? Some people can, but most shouldn't attempt it. Pool installation requires excavation skills, basic plumbing knowledge, electrical work, and experience with the specific engineering requirements. Mistakes during installation often cost more to fix than professional installation would have cost initially.

What maintenance should I expect? Quality pools require minimal maintenance - weekly chemical testing and adjustment, occasional filter cleaning, seasonal opening and closing procedures. Budget 2-4 hours per month during swimming season. Poor quality pools require constant attention and frequent repairs.

How do I know if a dealer is reputable? Look for established businesses with physical locations, proper licensing and insurance, references from recent customers, and relationships with quality manufacturers. Avoid door-to-door sales operations, companies that require full payment upfront, or dealers who won't provide local references.

Want specific advice for your situation? Give us a call at (978) 710-8667. After 30 years of making these recommendations and living with the results, I'd rather spend a few minutes helping you choose right the first time than years helping you deal with what went wrong.