Choosing An Above Ground Pool
There is no better form of relaxation and entertainment than an outdoor above ground pool however there is a wide range of prices for above ground pools. Any area that is hot and muggy in the summer is a prime candidate for a pool, especially when your body is left begging for a cool dip. Here is a brief summary of what to expect for your money when shopping for an above ground pool.
Kits VS Installation
A number of above ground pool suppliers only offer kits and do not install the pools themselves. Installation cost is a major factor in the pricing of a pool. An above ground kit will cost anything between $1500 and $4500. The installation on the other hand can cost between $1000 and $3000 and is not factored in with the price of a so called kit. It is best whenever possible to find a company that will provide the pool kit as well as the installation unless you are able to install the pool yourself. You usually come out cheaper paying for the kit and the installation through the same company since it means that you will be providing them with a double dose of business.
Pool Shapes
The further you move away from a circular pool, the more you will have to pay. Prices for oval pools are higher on average than those for round pools. This is because the installation of oval above ground pools tends to be higher. Above ground pool prices are also determined by the amount of resin the pool is made of.
The most expensive shape of above ground pool is the rectangular pool. Prices are pretty steep, primarily because this type of pool needs a wrap around deck in order to maintain structural strength and rigidity. These pools do tend to last a very long time and they look very nice but the price of an installed pool is around $10,000 and it is highly unlikely that you could install this type of pool yourself unless you are a professional.
If the prices quoted above sound a little too pricy for your budget then you have two alternative solutions. The first would be to check out the listings on eBay. The auction giant has a reputation of offering great value for money on a vast range of goods and it is always worth checking out the eBay listings before making a buying decision. The other alternative is that many stores like Sears and even Wal-Mart have entered the market by selling their own cheap version of this kind of pool. These typically run between $200 and $900. They are often smaller than standard above ground pools and as a standard rule they will not last as long as the more traditional and more expensive models. The average lifespan of a store bought above ground pool is little more than 3 summers.

