New Pool info overload

[noahkid]

Hi, very new here. Our family has decided to finally invest in a pool. We have basically narrowed the decision down to three manufacturers - Kayak, Wilkes and Doughboy. We chose these three because they have the option to be partially buried and also have the option of having a deep end (which I'm still not convinced is a necessity). The Kayak and Wilkes both come as turn-key operations (excavation/installation, fence, deck, filter, pump,etc) and are relatively close in price and as of yet I haven't received any quotes from Doughboy. Just wondering if anyone has any opinions on one or the other of these pools? I've never owned a pool before so I don't know if there are questions I should be asking or features I should def. be looking for. I've seen the complaints on the 'net regarding some of the Kayaks, but they seem to be a lot of installation errors. Maybe I'm missing something. Thanks for the info.

[CarlD]

I didn't know Kayaks were still being made. The alternative to Kayak, FantaSea, is, I believe, still made and parts are definitely available for both from leisureliving.com, in Grand Island, New York, near Buffalo.

[noahkid]

Kayaks website here
Wilkes pool website here

Just got a call from the local Doughboy dealer. Looking at a 16 x 32 buried pool. It's right about the same price as the other two with a deep end. Maybe just a little less. So now I guess I have to sit down and decide if I want a pool completely buried, partially buried, with a deep end or without? Lot of questions to answer. I do like the complete package deal from Kayak and Wilkes with the deck. And Kayak is aluminum walled where Wilkes is steel. Like I said - too many questions to answer tonight!!

[PoolDoc]

Be sure to look at this thread:
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...ol-quot-thread

[noahkid]

Thanks for the info. I was worried about something like that. That's why I was looking specifically at pools that were supposedly designed for this purpose. However, the three pools I am looking at are starting (ok- way past starting) to get a lot more pricey than I expected.

Kayak 16x32 with aluminum deck buried 2' = $19400 installed
Wilkes combo pool with aluminum deck 16x32 buried 2'= $18500 installed
Doughboy 16x32 completed buried no deck = $18000 installed

all the above come with winter covers, solar covers, pumps, filters, chemicals, etc. No heaters. The doughboy has a 7' deep end. $1500 more for the deep end on the Kayak and Wilkes.

I fear I am moving closer and closer to in ground pool pricing and that's what I initially tried to avoid. I think with all the options available I may have to postpone this project a little while longer until I get more info to make an informed decision.

[PoolDoc]

I'm assuming you -- or someone in your family -- actually wants to USE the pool?

If so, you might want to look at one of the larger Intex metal post pools. They'll set you back less than $1,000. They do work -- ask CarlD. And you or your family can enjoy a pool THIS summer, while you make plans for a more elaborate one later. That's pretty much what CarlD did, though I'm not sure there was a plan; it just worked out that way.

Ben