ok, inground pool too much $$$ how about above? (Austin, Center: homes, neighborhood)

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Can anyone give input on above ground pools? Are they less expensive? Any suggestions?

[CarnivalGal]

Yes, they are less expensive. However, they also hurt resale as they are not terribly desirable and even if they are removed, the grass will need to be replaced. Also, most homeowners' and neighborhood associations don't allow them.

[CarnivalGal]

Also wanted to add that because they are so shallow, the water often gets downright hot in our long summers, making them not-so-refreshing.

[mark311]

If you just want something for small kids to cool off in, you can get something pretty good sized as cheap as $70 from Toys R Us. It would probably be disposable after a summer and as stated above would ruin any grass (if you have any grass still living after this drought).

Pools - Swimming Pools - Toys "R" Us

[Mrs.JT]

As the other poster stated, they are less expensive, but I don't think they are even worth the couple thousand dollar price tag.

I've seen one completely collapse and flood a backyard. That might have been a rare exception, but I wouldn't want to risk it.

We priced inground pools, and the quotes were 40 - 65K. We decided we'll just wait another year or two. In the meantime, the kids can use the community pool.

[CptnRn]

I have seen numerous nice installations with above ground pools. They are very inexpensive compared to in ground pools and the water is just as nice to swim in. Check out their photos, the installations can be very nice when combined with a raised deck. Like anything else, its all in how you do it.

Here is one Austin company that installs them. A-TEX Family Fun Center - Austin, TX

[Mrs.JT]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

I have seen numerous nice installations with above ground pools. They are very inexpensive compared to in ground pools and the water is just as nice to swim in. Check out their photos, the installations can be very nice when combined with a raised deck. Like anything else, its all in how you do it.

Here is one Austin company that installs them. A-TEX Family Fun Center - Hot Tubs, Spas, Pools, Pool Tables, Shuffleboard, Foosball, Air Hockey - Austin, TX

Oh, wow. You're right. That's a pretty nice looking above ground. I've never seen that kind of installation. What is the longevity?

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Mrs.JT

As the other poster stated, they are less expensive, but I don't think they are even worth the couple thousand dollar price tag.

I've seen one completely collapse and flood a backyard. That might have been a rare exception, but I wouldn't want to risk it.

We priced inground pools, and the quotes were 40 - 65K. We decided we'll just wait another year or two. In the meantime, the kids can use the community pool.

Perhaps you did not mean it that way, but that sounds rather elitist. Some people can't afford a $40k pool, so why shouldn't they enjoy a $2K pool? So what if one collapses and floods a backyard. Risk? What is the worst that would happen? The grass would get wet.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

That sounds rather elitist. Some people can't afford a $40k pool, so why shouldn't they enjoy a $2K pool? So what if one collapses and floods a backyard. Risk? What is the worst that would happen? The grass would get wet.

Methinks that post was fired off a little quickly.

Lets see...walls collapse, hit a child, thousands of gallons of water later, child is seriously injured(or worse). Same could happen to an adult if the structure failed catastrophically...metal, airtight vinyl, ladder, chairs, etc all moving toward a surprised swimmer, dozing floater, tired child.

Never mind those 5-20 thousand gallons of water headed toward your neighbor's back door.

I built swimming pools during college(just one summer). That was eons ago, but I'm betting the weight of water hasn't changed in that time. All it takes is one rambunctious child to cause a failure in a pool wall. Things can go south pretty quickly after that.

Just sayin'.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Mrs.JT

Oh, wow. You're right. That's a pretty nice looking above ground. I've never seen that kind of installation. What is the longevity?

According to How Long Do Things Last? What's The Life Expectancy Of Home Components? wooden decks last around 20 years, next to a pool I'd expect it would be more like 15 years because of the wetting. If the pool is taken care of I don't see any reason the pool liner wouldn't last at least that long if it is covered when not being used often.

Swimming Pools Cleaning Equipment 7-10 years Concrete Shell 25 years Decking 15 years Interior Finish – pebble-tec 25-35 years Interior Finish – plaster 10-15 years Interior Finish – tile 15-25 years Waterline Tile 10 years