looking to buy above ground pool

[Wayne]

Hello everyone,

I have been looking at above ground pools locally and online. I really like the 16x32 oval desert Spring made by Doughboy, but it's quite pricey at the local pool store. it cost about $6800. I also like the Regency by Lomart, which I think is Doughboy's sister company. I found this one online for quite a bit less. Frankly I am a little nervous about buying a pool online. Can anyone recommend a good reputable online pool company?

[PoolDoc]

Yeah, I'd be nervous about that, too.

If you are going to spend that much, I think you might want to consider a "good reputable LOCAL pool company".

Essentially, there's no warranty on self-installed pools; the company can always say that your non-professional installation is the source of the problems. And, often they have at least some justification for such claims.

Ben

[TMan]

Wayne,
I'd concur with Ben on this one. Actually, $6800 for a installed 16x32 isn't a bad price at all if it includes pump, liner, installation. 10yrs ago we installed a 18x33 Lomart for just about the same price but that included a 'sunken' plus a 'deep end'! Just a quick recap from current 2011 ABG manufacturers: Hoffinger plant spits out both Doughboy and Lomart, same building manufs. both. I personally find Doughboy's overpriced, just my 2cents. Wilbar, Hoffinger and Trevi (Canada) are really the only 3 manufacturers in N. America of ABGs, with all lines originating from these factories. Wilbar bought many companies such as Delair group who makes Sharkline, Esther Williams Seaspray and Atlantic. It'd be nice to get a quick list of current companies manuf. and what their lines are but they change every season with different names, same pools! Anyway, local is best in my opinion also.

[CarlD]

I found my pool online, but they had an installer for it, so it worked for me...but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be very leery and prefer a local place to an on-line one.

[Wayne]

Well we decided to go with a local company, and bought the doughboy 16x32 oval pool. Unfortunately that price doesn't include installation, but we're going to have it professionally installed. Don't want any issues with the warranty. Should have it up within the next 10 days or so. I ordered a Taylor k2006 test kit and timer yesterday, so gonna try to get off on the right foot. I've also decided to use the BBB method from the get go, I"ve done a lot of reading and that looks like the way to go.

Thanks,
Wayne

[Watermom]

I've also decided to use the BBB method from the get go, I"ve done a lot of reading and that looks like the way to go.

Thanks,
Wayne

What a smart guy! You will be so glad that you did your homework upfront and know what to do right from the get-go. That is what I did, too. Found the BBB way of life before I had my pool and taking care of my pool has been a piece of cake all these years. Congrats on the new pool! We'll be right here to help you get it going if you need us!