Doughboy or Esther Williams????

[traceyb]

Hi guys. Am a newbie, but am debating between the desert spring doughboy or the esther williams brand pool. I have heard more good than bad things about doughboy and really like the style best. Any advice from you folks that might own one or the other???????:o

[hoffmans]

Hi tracyb

You might want to look at the pools we are looking at.
The Artesian pools are very very good pools. The Echo Canyon, the Emerald Isle and the Diamond Crest. I think those are the top 3 . They have lessexpensive pools but I like those 3 the best. Here is a link:
http://www.swimartesian.com/showroom/pool_diamond.asp
That link will take you to their most expensive pool but, you can see all their pools on their main site. Just visit the site and click around to see all that they have to offer. Their 2 Top of the line pools come in 36'round !!! major selling point for us! Thepoolplaceonline is an site that sells these pools. I think one of the members here has bought the Echo Canyon from them. The company is based out of Tennessee. I did get a price quote via email for the Diamond, it was pretty steep- steep like my local pool store steep! I have been trying to call them on the phone to get prices on their other pools but EVERY time I call, I get a busy signal! Helloooo...... I want to buy a pool here....

Here is the site we will probably be buying from :
They sell 2 top of the line pools. One is called the Ultima ( it is manfacured by Artesian ) If i recall the warranty is 60 years . The other one is even better. It is called the Platinum ( it is manfactured by Wil-Bar which I think it is the parent company of Sharkline.) This pool has a Life-Time Warranty.
We hope to get the Platinum. I called the company and talked to them. They are willing to forego the "kit" and work w/ me on the type of pump/filter I want or do whatever it takes to make me happy. They seem like great people who don't make you feel like you are being scammed. They said they are the largest distributer in the country. They find the very best pools on the market and sell them. Visit the website and click around to see all that they have to offer.
http://www.sunenterprises.com/platinumpools.htm
Their biggest is 33' round.

I was also very tempted by the Tahitian manfactured by Sharkline. There is a thread here somewhere about them.

And yes the DoughBoy Poola are great. Just ask hrsDennis ! I love love love the gallery section on their website. Great place for decking inspiration.
I dont' know much about the Ester Williams but from what I have heard it has all been good. Aren't they a sister company of DoughBoy?


Have fun picking out a pool.
It's been an eyeopening experience for us.
~Hoffmans

[CarlD]

Esther Willliams is a sister company to Johnny Weismuller pools. But the EW is the high end, and the JW is the more economical line. I don't know of any connection with Doughboy.

Both have excellent reputations.

[traceyb]

what is the website you were talking about for decking ideas? just ask hrsdennis? Also, if you are buying this pool online.....are you installing it yourself????

[hrsdennis]

Hi, my homepage is listed in my profile and the top left link will get you to the pool stuff. I like Doughboy because I build at least one a day. I build all of the other brands here and there, but since my two biggest dealers both sell Doughboy, that's what I do the most of.

I like them because they are a quality pool, I cannot remember the last time a part was missing and all of the parts fit together the way they are supposed to every time.

Knowing how frustrating it can be when the parts don't fit or the holes don't line up, and knowing how costly missing parts can be timewise, for me they are an installers dream.

There once was a time when Doughboy was just a standout choice among a few selections. Now there are a lot of good pools to choose from. I am still glad, however, that my local stores sell Doughboy.

Lomart is the sister company to Doughboy. Whatever you get, enjoy.

Dennis

[hoffmans]

ohhh yeah it's Lowmart that is the sister company to Dougboy! I stand corrected. I knew there was a sister company out there....

What I was saying was: I love going to the Doughboy website and looking at the GALLERY. They have tons of pictures there w/ decks surrounding the pools. Beautiful ideas to keep in mind.

We will be buying a pool online. Why? Because of the price!
And yes we will be installing it ourselves. Just read this forum and you can follow how many people did it themselves, albeit w/ the help of hrsDennis and some of the others, but read read read and you will learn learn learn. And maybe just learn that "hey.... if they can do it, so can I !!"
Or you can just find a local installer and pay them to do it.

I never would have thought my husband & I could do it. But after a year of scavaging thru this site from top to bottom, I have confidence we can do it.

*Thanks to all out there
~Hoffmans

[hrsdennis]

Yeah well, the Doughboy site is nice too.:) , I just thought you were talking about mine.:(

Anyway, yes, we are always here to help.

Best of luck, Dennis

[traceyb]

I guess I feel like maybe paying that much I would prefer it to be set up right, cause if a failure or mistake, they have to fix it. Here's my deal. pool and install plus quick crete at thirty ft w fifty two inch walls.......ladder, solar cov, pump 1.1/5 hp pump etc....$7119
What do you all think.............

[CarlD]

I keep telling people that the monster that bites you in the bottom is the site. It must be level, stable and smooth. Site preparation is THE big headache in pool installation and where costs can sky-rocket. A pool installer cannot tell you this unless they view and measure the site.

Plus it's always cheaper and easier to dig down than build up to get a level site--I had to build up, AND have sprinkler feed lines moved.

[traceyb]

If you don't mind me asking.....what are you paying for your pool and kit online? And what state do you live in? I am in southern illinois. I listed to price in a previous post ($7118) for everything incl. pool krete and installation.....and obviously the pool, pump ladder skimmer, ets.

[hoffmans]

Hello again,
This site states right on the pool page, what the different pirces are for each pool and the size. No surprises w/ this company. Remember this is internetsales, there is NO INSTALL. http://www.sunenterprises.com/abovegroundpools.htm
Now, I called them and told them that I really like the 2 "top of the line" pools that they sell BUT that I also am in contact w/ another company who sells the Artesian pools that are 36' round. SOOOO.. the lady said that last season they sold those exact same pools and that she would see if she could special order me one!

Here is the link to the *other* pool site that sells Artesian. This seems like a nice site/company to buy a pool from- if you can get past the busy signal on the phone. http://www.poolplaceonline.com/pools.aspTHEY DO NOT HAVE prices on their site, you have to click the link to ask for a quote or call them.
They did email me a quote for their 2 most expensive pools-
The Diamond Crest 36'Round = $5299.00
The Emerald Isle is sold out of the 36' round so, they quoted me for a 30' round = $3799.00.
Both of those quotes included their package deals- you know, cheapie ladder, filter/pump combo and a cheapie cleaning kit ect. ( can't remember if shipping was included on those or not).
I didn't get a quote from them on thier Echo Canyon. But I will call them- Againn on Monday and hopefully talk to a real person and get some prices- right from someone's mouth instead of thru email.

Now like I said these are internet sales - no leveling no install.

We are lucking out on the leveling. We are very good friends w/ the owner of and excavating business and he has done allot of work for us.

I did go to the local pool dealer here- Topeka, Kansas. They sell Doughboys!
Whoo hooo I was excited. I have Nooooo problems getting a Doughboy.
I ran in to get some CYA reagent ( they didn't know what i was talking about so they gave me some tablets . I wanted the drops) anyways I chatted w/ the head sales guy and he gave me a broucher and I went home. His prices are as follows:
Desert Spring:
24'round = $4575.00 pool&kit + $1850.00 install = $6425.00
28'round = $5145.00 pool&kit + $2100.00 install = $7245.00
32'round = $5820.00 pool&kit + $2300.00 install = $8120.00

There is another pool dealer here that only sells Cornelius Pools. Don't know anything about that manufacturer.

So that is why we are buying online.

http://www.sunenterprises.com/platinumpools.htm
Can sell us a Wil-bar 33'round for 3649.00 pool&kit. And they will toss that kit out the door and work w/ me on a kit i like better.
And they are looking into getting me a quote on an Artesian 36'round.
We will end up paying very little for the leveling (friend of the family doing it).
And we will be assembling the pool our selves.

Your quote of $7118.00- what brand and size pool is that for?

Now, I don't know if I am supposed to be talking about prices/quotes. If that is a *no-no* please someone tell me.......
If i broke some rule i apologize, please don't throw me into purgatory.:(

i am just a newbie here too. So it's not like i really know what i am talkign about when it comes to serious pool talk. We are just on the hunt for the perfect pool for our family.

~Hoffmans

[prh129]

I have a 24' round Desert Spring that I put on layaway last year and had installed this year. We are very happy with it. The 7K price you mentioned seems high to me - you mentioned 30 feet but from the brochure, the rounds are either 28' or 32'. You might want to go to the Doughboy website and see if there is another dealer in your area so you can call and get a price comparison.

The installation fee quote from the previous post was almost double what it cost me. The installation included site leveling (to a max of 12" off) blocks and sand. They were in and out in 3 hours.

Peter

[hrsdennis]

Hoffmans, Prices are an important part of the buying process. I think your research is a great value for many others that are in the market.

I agree with the pp that the Doughboy prices are very steep. I charge $500.00 to install a 24' pool. This does not include sand or electrical but does include all the ground prep.

I could buy that pool from a local store here, wholesale, for about 3000.00. If I added my 500.00 install fee and a couple thousand travel charge, I could come do it and still save you money. Kidding of course.:)

Thanks for posting all of you usefull findings. I am sure they are helping many.

Dennis

[traceyb]

ok, went to another pool co. today. Now I am leaning more towards the 27' esther williams pool. The price is better, and the walls are aluminum not steel as is w/ the doughboy. I am still tinkering with which one, but I am now REALLY confused, although leaning towards the EW. It is the "classic" pool w/ gray decor on the side.
Anyone have any input? I would greatly appreciate it.

[traceyb]

ok.......here's what I have to decide between:
The 28" doughboy w/ 52" walls......the desert spring w/ steel walls/resin caps
$7110.49 + pool krete ($1400) = $8510.40 OR
$7110.49 + heavy plastic over sand ($6-700) = $7710.49 or 47810.49
W/ this the barracuda, maint kit., solar and winter covers, 1.5HS pump,filter,skimmer,light,install,ladder,$30 worth of "start up" chemicals.....to get me going

The Es. Will.'s pool is 27" w/ 52" walls made of aluminum..it's the "CLASSIC" pool
$6711.69 includes instal,pool, 1.5 hs "jacuzzi" pump,225 sand filter w/ sand, sand bottom w/ PPB 400 (hard plastic w/ styrofoam coves to round out the bottom where the wall meets the floor., installed light,baracuda w/ xtra hose, winter cover only .....solar cover $139.99 extra. and no start up chemicals......so in addition to the 6K cost above the 4-6 wk start up package is $149.99.............I don't think I need to list all that is in that, but there are 7 different items w/many of each.
Give me some votes please?
the e/w folks can have it in they SAY about 2 wks if not much rain and the Dough. folks say about 4-5 weeks from now.
My original intent was to wait,buy this fall , install next spring.

[hoffmans]

tracyb
Are those quotes from your local dealer?

[hoffmans]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i201/hoffmans8ormore/consbar.gif
Dennis!
ahhhh.. don't be a pool tease!

You must have read my mind because I had thought about how much it would cost me to fly you and your wife up here, put you guys up in the Residence Inn for 2 nights and have you two do our install...... But I decided my husband would think i had finally fallen off my rocker. He is all man and would have taken it personally - as though I thought he wasn't capable enough to put our pool up. But I am sure we can pull it off by ourselves.


Anyways looks like tracyb is close to deciding which pool to get.

Meanwhile, I am going to go to the doughboy website and drool over the decks.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i201/hoffmans8ormore/emotwave1.gif

~Hoffmans

[prh129]

Tracey,

Both prices seem high to me - I don't know if that is related to where you live or not but in the northeast, the 24' round Desert Spring was less than 4500.00 for pool, pump, ladder, manual vac, hand skimmer and installation (not including water or electrical work). I would figure about another 500.00 for the 28' size so I would think you should be closer to 5K rather than 7K. Dennis seems to have the same thoughts as well.

There have been a few people on the forum who have the Artesian echo canyon pool and seem very happy with them. You might want to check out their website and find the local dealer to you. Get a price and find out if there is an installer in your area that is familiar with these pools and see if you can get a quote from them also. You can either use that information to try to negotiate a better deal with the EW or Doughboy dealer or go with the Artesian if they won't.

Peter

[gwrace1]

I don't have either one but could recommend the Artesian brand. We chose this brand because of the 54" pool wall and lifetime non-prorated pool warranty. We liked the Echo Canyon as it was a hybrid steel and resin pool. Seemed to have the best of both worlds.

[gpshemi]

Newbie here. Had to chime in.
I just had an 18' EW installed this past weekend. Classic series like you're looking at. I looked at DB and thought the steel idea was a bad idea. So far the pool is filling, but I'm happy with the overall pool. It's nice looking and seems steeeerrty.

Good luck.

gpshemi

[traceyb]

yes they are.from the dealer around here (southern illinois)
..........from two different ones

[traceyb]

if you don't mind me asking...what did you pay and what did you get for the $...................
Buy the way guys, the artisean pool is delt by the same dealer that we got the e/w quote from. So you really think $6711 is high for the pool etc and install w/ a hard plastic bottom?

By the way guys, thanks for following my post, I am leaning in the direction of decision I think soon

[gpshemi]

Our 18' round with skimmer and return was $2200.
Install was suppose to be $500, but we moved the pool at the last minute and that made for a slight slope and then costs us $600.
The rest of it I did.
Hayward C900 cartridge filter $200.
Hayward ProLX 1.5hp pump was a freebie from my uncle.
Pool steps and outside ladder $600ish.
Misc plumbing from HD was around $90.
Solar cover $45
Solar cover reel was another freebie.
Baracuda cleaner was another freebie.

gpshemi

[zephans]

This is a perfect thread. Thank you all for continuing to chime in!
I am on a similar and increasingly frantic quest to make an informed AG (Above Ground) 12'x24' oval pool purchase. Please help me move from research to decision.

QUESTIONS:

Is there a table listing all make/model specifications for easy shopping comparison?
1.1 Anyone know of significant manufacturing differences or other reasons to choose DoughBoy instead of Lomart (beyond my partial answer below)?

Is there a table showing which dealers carry which brand and who has had a good (or bad) experience with them?
Equipment List - What else do I need to buy to start pool?Partial answers to my questions (Thanks to PoolForum.com and seemlessly endless hours of reading):

Which pool make/models fit my criteria best?
Boy would I love to find a table listing all make/model specifications including height, Top rail width and material (painted steel or resin), dimensions available, etc. Here are AG makers I've seen posts about regularly:
DoughBoy (High-end sister to LowMart)
Carried by www.AquaQuip.com (http://www.AquaQuip.com)
Lomart (lesser known sister to DoughBoy)
Carried by www.poolproducts.com (http://www.poolproducts.com)
Artesian - carried by www.sunenterprises.com (http://www.sunenterprises.com)
Sharkline - carried by www.sunenterprises.com (http://www.sunenterprises.com)
Esther Willliams (High-end sister to Johnny Weismuller)
Johnny Weismuller (Lower end sister to Esther Williams)
Belize (carried by www.lesliespool.com (http://www.lesliespool.com))
Sunscape (carried by www.lesliespool.com (http://www.lesliespool.com/))

This thread is a great start but is in discussion form rather than summarized table.

FYI: I'm building a subset of this table for my own evaluation. I'll post what I have in separate thread if anyone is interested and there isn't already something similar available (moderators please let me know).

1.1. Even deciding between DoughBoy and Lomart is tough for me :o. From my research it appears Lowmart has following differences:
Limited warranty - 3yrs 100%, prorated to 20 years. DB doesn't mention pro-rating
Limited 5 liner selection
1 bead, 1 variable depth (expandable),
2 overlap print, 1 overlap blue
Less dealers and less name recognition (no dealers in Western Washington state)

Which dealers carry brand(s) I am interested in AND have solid service track record and reasonable prices?
It's great to identify what you want. Now you need to know where to get it. Giving someone several thousands of dollars requires earning trust by having a verifiable reputation. Here's my super-short incomplete list of sites I've checked out so far:
www.poolsupplies.com (http://www.poolsupplies.com) - Carries Lomart AG pools. Huge product list, easy to use. Referenced regularly in forum posts.
www.lesliespool.com (http://www.lesliespool.com) - Carries Balize and Sunscape. Web site is ok. Started price comparison. Pool manufacturing specs were limited so liked idea of Lowmart better and haven't finished researching this site or related brands.
www.sunenterprises.com (http://www.sunenterprises.com) - This thread introduced me to sunenterprises. Just started reading but web site looks excellent. Packaging and pricing is really easy.
www.aquaquip.com (http://www.aquaquip.com) - Carries Doughboy. local dealer in Seattle Washingon area. No prices on web (call dealer :mad: ) but I have local quote to compare. Also links to several doughboy brochures were broken (but www.doughboy-pools.com (http://www.doughboy-pools.com) has correct links.)

I know there are a ton of other dealer web sites. I just can't keep them all in my head, let alone explore and review each one. AARG:eek: !


Equipment List - What else do I need to buy to start pool?
I haven't seen a good new pool shoping list yet. Best I have is pool proposal from local dealer (which took some term translation for me to understand). I'm sure an excellent list exists. Please post pointer to the list or if moderators on this board don't know of one I'll be happy to post a starter list. Here's a subset of my list to give an idea.
Pool Frame - See #1 & #2 for make/model and purchase locations
Bottom accessories - foam roll (HappyBottom, etc.), cove molding, etc. are all optional but have advantages worth considering BEFORE YOU INSTALL your pool :-D.
Liner - Overlap, beaded, expandable bottom, solid/pattern
Pump - Common brands and pointer to sizing discussions
Filter - Sand, DE (Diatomatious Earth), or Cartridge
Skimmer -
Chemicals - BBB (Bleach, Borax, Baking Soda), Chlorine, SWG (Salt Water Generator), Chlorine alternatives. Each links to separate thorough discussion or entire discussion area on this forum.
Ladder - Most AG pools require 52" high jump skills or this handy accessory.
Safety Barrier - Gates, pool nets, etc.
Cover - Solar cover sheet, solor cover discs, reel, winter cover
Heater - Solar, gas, etc. Optional (unless you live north of Seattle, Washington State :D ).

Note Each accessory can should have 1 or more full discussion threads on it's own. In fact I've been researching each item separately and have about 7 pages of notes based on poolforum.com posts, AquaQuip (local dealer) proposal, www.LesliesPool.com (http://www.LesliesPool.com), and www.poolproducts.com (http://www.poolproducts.com)
I have spent the last 5+ days researching poolforum.com postings and it is consuming every precious spare minute I have. Worse still I am only a little closer to coming to a final decision and I keep bumping into new information that sends me back to do more research. Don't get me wrong, this is far better than being completely ignorant. I'm just having a heck of a time getting to a comfortable conclusion. I should probably just pull the trigger and buy with the info I have but I hate aiming at a fuzzy target in the dark with a small gun that could be a nasty bear that I don't want.

I've come to see this process much like buying a completely custom built car from frame metal (steel or aluminum) down to tire size and tread without even knowing which dealers are available. PoolForum.com has been invaluable resource and has gotten me considerably closer.


Here are my current purchase criteria and constraints:

12'x24'x52" AG w/compact buttresses (yard constraint)
Happy bottom (or similar) and probably cove molding
Nice print liner - Aquarium if available, otherwise stony creek or similar. No deep area planned at this time
Pump and skimmer (whatever middle line comes with package)
Sand filter with zeobrite (maintenance and lifetime cost are my prime considerations)
Two 4'x20' solar panels (likely install only one this year)
One cake staircase on deck end.
Thinking about also having ladder on lawn side but solar cover reel might complicate this configuration.
Solar cover with reel
mounted 3/4 or in middle and swivel over to deck.
NOTE: There is no access to other side of pool (near fence)
I can't see how reel could mount on either end without having to remove ladder. (More research/thinking I guess :mad: )My goal is to buy and get delivered ASAP so I can get installed by Mid-July. Pool is for family of four with 8 year old fish and 6 year old starting swimmer.
---------
Zephan
soon to own 12'x24'x52" AG w/compact buttresses, ~18" Sand filter w/zeobrite, 2 solar panels (Seattle requirement)

[hoffmans]

2 other good places to research Artesian pools are:

http://www.poolplaceonline.com/pools.asp
and the Artesian website:
http://www.swimartesian.com/about.asp

[roxy]

I purchased a 28' x 54" deep Sharkline "oceanic" for under $5,000 installed with all the basic startup goodies. Love the pool and receive many compliments from the neighbors. My only regret is the money I paid on my water bill for filling it....with all this rain I have to keep pumping it out. Good luck with your decision, I can bet whatever pool you choose......it'll make for a great summer!

[traceyb]

zephans.
I have myself done alot of research this past month.I feel like i have spent alot of time myself on here trying to fine tune my decision. I originally thought I would buy the pool this fall ready for next spring, however they said they could get it in w/in 2 wks. However, I want to be prepared and ready for the installers, electrical, trees moved, some trees trimmed prior to, etc.
So, I am going w/ my orig. thought to research and study and go for the right thing.
What I have found that I like about esther w better than the "well known doughboy" and other models is the aluminum lifetime waranty walls vs. steel. Don't care what you do to steel, it won't out live aluminum.
Consider that.
Glad I started this post, started out boomin, for being a newbie.
Thanks ALL OF YOU.

[traceyb]

dennis, Hey thanks for such good info.....If you could point me in the right direction to look online for Esther Wlliams pools to purchase on line, I could then compare to what they are asking. So far the sites i've gone to don't have prices on them.........I am waiting on 2 replies back. Just thought you might know..........I would fly you to southern IL and feed you a great steak if you installed my pool w/ dirtwork for $500........................

[gpshemi]

I'm gonna get hammered here...but...frankly I wasn't impressed with the Doughboy line in the slightlest. They were steel pools and looked a little cheap. The designs weren't as modern, and the design and colors looked like something my grandparents put up 20 some years ago. Admittedly though the dealer I went to didn't seem to know about other pools on the market, and didn't have every Doughboy there to show me. When I asked about something nicer then the bottom line versions she looked at me like I had two heads. I said what about the Tuscany and it's resin parts, and she said sure if you want a $10,000 pool I can order you one, but it's just like these, steel and no one uses plastic in a pool.

Bottom line was, I was looking for something with a little more flare. My Classic series EW pool has fluted side pillars that really stand out nice, yet are suttle too and don't over power the shape. Oh...and it's Aluminum and should be here a long long time.

gpshemi

[zephans]

...If you could point me in the right direction to look online for Esther Wlliams pools to purchase on line, I could then compare to what they are asking. So far the sites i've gone to don't have prices on them...

I second this request.
ALL: Anyone dealt with online dealer selling JW or EW pools?

I haven't found any online dealer with prices and I have no local dealers in western Washington. Seattle area is not easy to find close neighbor that knows this stuff :D.

I agree Aluminum is probably longer lasting. However I am primarily concerned with next 20 years of service. Anything past that is bonus for me. (That said the Lomart pro-rated warranty after 3 years kinda worries me.)

[denanbob]

I haven't found any online dealer with prices and I have no local dealers in western Washington.

Does this mean you went to delairgroup.com and typed in your zip code and nothing came up? Just wasn't sure if you knew they had that service or not. We bought our EW pool used from somebody (it is 10 years old and a classic oval 15x30) but I used the dealer search feature to find someone who could order replacement parts for me since the bottom wall channel needed replacing. The guy that helped me told me EW pools are a top of the line pool and told me we got a steal of a deal ($500 for pool, new Dynamo 1.5 hp pump and new Star DE filter, solar and winter covers, and maintenence stuff). I was really concerned buying a 10 year old pool but this guy put my fears to rest. And he really had nothing to gain from me because I was only ordering $40 worth of parts from him. LOL. Good luck with your search!

[traceyb]

GPSHEMI......

two thumbs up on your thread, that's why I am 98% decided on the EW 27" .....You said it in a nut shell...
for the $ ....you get more w/ EW plus lifetime warr. on the aluminum walls.
Sorry doughboy.............kick it up a notch ( have had a few beers in me )

[traceyb]

You put the nail the rest of the way in man. I am sold on the EW. Living in small south. IL, there seem to be many dealers, however the one I am going through is pushing 20+ years now and have the EW pool. I know "lifetime" means lifetime, but for christ sake, when I'm 60 + who cares.......I know by then I got my $'s worth .>>Imagine AG pools in 15-30 years............

[gpshemi]

I think you're right. I think they'll all last a long time. However, my grandparents are in their mid 70's and just opened their pool again this year. I think you may want to swim when you're 60. 60 isn't that old anymore.

In any event, I bought mine for my kids mostly. I'm not so interested in swimming in it in 30-40 years from now. Yet, one other thing to think about is the chance of blowing out the sides and sending 1000's of gallons, perhaps tens of 1000's, of water in my house, my barn, my neighbors place, or any other place for that matter. I'm my case it's in the back yard and would wash right down into our 1 acre pond. No big deal. Not all places are set up that way. I had a relative who lived on a hill and set his up above the house. You guessed it. Side blew out and it all rushed in the siding door. It's just not worth the agrevation & mess down the road.

gpshemi

[zephans]

My pool area is about 20' from my Tri-level house and 2.5' higher than my bottom story, so flooding is a significant concern. (Thanks for making me think more about disaster planning!) I think failures are much less likely than they appear in postings... but spectacularly catastrophic and quite memorable. You've got me thinking more seriously about aluminum now :).

Yes, I checked www.Delairgroup.com (http://www.Delairgroup.com) Web site and no JW dealers in my area. I did find one EW dealer 41 miles away (in Gig Harbor). I'd prefer larger scale internet-based dealer for better price as long as I confirm make/model reputation and that it fits my needs. But at least now I know where I can go look at their pools in a showroom.

Speaking of needs I noticed EW and JW don't have any 12'x24' models. 15' is their narrowest oval. I'm not sure I even have 15' between my deck and my neighbor's fence, let alone whatever space is required between fence and pool (I need to look up Snohomish County building code :confused:). I'll re-measure but I'll start looking for other known good brand/model aluminum pools. So far I found Wil-Bar Orleans 12'x24'x54" aluminum with 3/lifetime prorated warranty. I haven't researched Wil-Bar yet but a pro-rated lifetime warranty sounds odd.

As for pool lifespan note that average home is owned for 7 years. I strongly suspect pool owners are way above average (especially given the thoughful and dedicated support in this forum:)). The point is many people won't stay in the same house past 10-15 years. You could take your pool with you but I suspect it is better to sell it with the house and use the cash to buy a new pool for new location.

Whenever someone talks about lifetime warranty I immediately look at lifetime of the company. Have they been in business long enough to make "lifetime" meaningful?


FYI: Swim Artesian (mentioned near top of this thread) has steel wall pools with a lifetime non-prorated warranty. I was surprised that they don't have company history on their Web site. However I did an MSN Search and per http://www.parkcrossing.net/documents/Newsletters/Newsletter_March_2003.pdf page 4 Artesian Pools (same name on www.swimartisean.com (http://www.swimartisean.com)) was established by Rod Worthington in 1976 (30 years ago) and received national recognition for outstanding design and installation in 2002 from Natioinal Swimming Pool Institute's Awards of Excellence competition. That plus raves about their Echo Canyon model pool from at least one person on poolforum tells me Artesian Pools are fairly trustworthy.

before I make final purchase decision I will do a search on poolforum.com for the specific make/model to get reviews and sense of popularity . Since chances are slim that I can see product in a showroom before I buy I will not buy anything that does not have at least one person on this forum that has and likes the model.

Thanks for reading my ramblings and still posting replies!
-Zephan Schroeder
12'x24'x52" (or possibly 54")... details to come when finalized :D.

[gpshemi]

Hey I guess I should note that appearently most failures occur at the skimmer area I'm told. The magical coatings are punctured when they make the skimmer and returns. So when the gaskets get older and start to leak it's right on bare metal. It rusts out and leads to failures. I've seen a couple models in my search that was a steel pool, however, had a stainless steel panel for the skimmer area. This would be a great compromise I think to an all aluminum pool.


gpshemi

[gwrace1]

You put the nail the rest of the way in man. I am sold on the EW. Living in small south. IL, there seem to be many dealers, however the one I am going through is pushing 20+ years now and have the EW pool. I know "lifetime" means lifetime, but for christ sake, when I'm 60 + who cares.......I know by then I got my $'s worth .>>Imagine AG pools in 15-30 years............

The warranty means a lot if you ever have to replace something. The time, effort, expense and labor is no fun. It means draining the pool and replacing the liner along with whatever parts are needed. ITS A LOT OF WORK!

[mohawk]

For those who may worry about wall blow out, EW also has a pool made from extruded aluminum. It's about 1/4 inch thick aluminum which would make the walls sturdier. :)

[gpshemi]

The classic is an extruded aluminum pool. That's what I have.

gpshemi

[prh129]

Here's an older thread regarding wall construction:

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=972

Peter

[mohawk]

gpshemi- Are you sure you have the classic pool? In the brochure it says the classic has sheet aluminum wall constuction. Maybe your pool is the carousel. That one's suppose to have the extruded walls. I was just wondering. Denise:)

[traceyb]

That's what I'm talkin about. This is why I have truly decided on an EW pool...........because of the aluminum.............Doughboy may be know for name and some people may feel ok w/ the steel and looks of the db, but I think i prefer the more modern looks of the EW.My question is this : why don't they put soft drinks in steel cans?

[traceyb]

I am attaching several photos of the area in the yard in which we want to install our "soon to be purchased" pool. Everyone participating in this thread has been a god send and we soooo appreciate learning from you all. The first 3 photos are where we WANT to put it, the last being a largely open space that would better tolerate the pool (space and full sun) but not convenient and accessible as placing it off the back deck about 15 - 20 feet and tying in the new decking with the existing one. Any of you who have participated in this thread that may have any suggestions, we greatly welcome them. We plan to build the bulk of the pool decking down off the existing deck, up some new wide steps and to the left with a pretty good landing pad once you step up. Off to the right and the backside along the tree line will be simple landscaping. We also plan to construct about a 2-4 foot walkway around the top the pool where there isn't significant decking.

[gpshemi]

The extruded versus sheet refers to the columns and rails doesn't it?
I didn't think there was such a thing as an extruded "wall". Maybe I got things screwed up a little.

I have the classic with the roman columns and the rails and colums are clearly extruded. They're very heavy construction with beads and grooves extruded into them. A sheet rail is thinner and more flimsy. It's basically a folded up sheet of aluminun really.

My rail caps are resin. While I think the caps could be done better, they aren't bad either. They just aren't as nice as the rest of the design in my book. The bottom of each column has a fluted bottom cap too. Those seem to be will done.

gpshemi

[prh129]

That's what I'm talkin about. This is why I have truly decided on an EW pool...........because of the aluminum.............Doughboy may be know for name and some people may feel ok w/ the steel and looks of the db, but I think i prefer the more modern looks of the EW.My question is this : why don't they put soft drinks in steel cans?

Although steel does corrode, the pool walls in a Doughboy pool are galvanized and coated so that the steel is not exposed to the elements. In the Desert Spring line, I believe the walls are lifetime guaranteed. I can't say that's it's better or worse than aluminum but you seem to conclude that the steel is inferior to the aluminum and I don't believe that is true. If a company is willing to back a product (steel or aluminum) with a lifetime guarantee then the odds are pretty good that you are dealing with a quality pool. Both Doughboy and EW are well-established companies so I don't think you could go wrong with either. If you prefer the look of the EW then go for it.

As far as the extruded walls - there are two types of aluminum walls - one piece and a series of smaller pieces that fit together. Extruded wall might refer to the multi-piece wall (see the thread that I pointed to in my previous message).

Peter

[gpshemi]

That would make sense. In that case mine would be a sheet aluminum wall. Mines one pc.

As for the steel debate, the first time it gets a scratch or ding that penitrates the coating, it's going to start to rust. Never ever get a weedeater close to a steel walls coating.

gpshemi

[traceyb]

gpshemi.........
I'm glad to hear you are liking the classic EW. If you don't mind me asking and if I remember correctly you got an oval? If you did get a round one, would mind telling me how much you paid for the pool and all you got w/ it minus installation fees if you paid for it. I am looking at the 27' classic with the gray walls (decor in the middle).............I live in southern il and would be curious to know for comparison reasons. did you order it online or buy from a dealer? Thanks.

[gpshemi]

I posted that on the 3rd page of this link.

I got the pool itself from a local dealer.
The rest was either from family, or Ebay.

gpshemi

[traceyb]

:eek: Well we did it. We put a down payment on our esther williams classic round. They would have ordered the 27' because they were out of them (imagine that)..........so they upgraded us to the 30' round for 600$. I feel like I could loose a gut on the cost, however I also revert back to thoughts of years of enjoyment. So, thank you all for being a BIG contributing factor. I am SO sure I'll be back on here alot, just learning new information and hopefully I'm NEVER on here to problem solve. But if I am, I'm sure I'll get things fixed through POOL FORUM.
I have tried to post some photos, but it said they were too large? Don't know how to do it or I would send you "progressive" pictures. Anyone care to fill me in on how to do it from a mac G5
:)

[denanbob]

The way I do pictures is to upload everything to photobucket.com (free). Then I copy the link in the IMG line and paste it into my posts. I also resize my picture with a resizing program I downloaded from the internet but I can't remember where from. If I find it, I will post back. It resizes them to small so they fit nicely in these posts. Not sure if this was much help, but hopefully you will figure it out soon so we can see your pool come together!! Congrats on the purchase!