Newbie needs advice on first hard sided pool to buy...

[nelson411]

Hi all,
I've been lurking on this site for a while, and find it so helpful. We are moving on from an Intex soft-sided 14 ft round pool to an oval 12 by 2? ft pool to fit in our small space in the backyard. I'm thinking about getting a hard sided pool, but I'm so overwhelmed by the choices and the ads to make sense of any of it. Looks like you need an advanced degree to figure out the differences. So I figured I would ask you all here who have the advanced degree from the pool school of hard knocks!
I have a Hayward 1 hp cartridge filter pump already, so I need the pool and liner. I've looked into steel, hybrid steel and resin, and I'm not sure what to do. We are on a tight budget and want to get a no frills pool that will last at least a few summers.
Any advice is welcomed!
Thanks in advance.
Liz

[Watermom]

Have you gone to a local pool store to look at what they sell? Are you sure it is 12x2 oval? That seems a little odd to me.

[nelson411]

Hi,
thanks for your reply. I'm looking for a 12 by 20 or 24 or etc. That's what I meant by 12 x 2? I wasn't sure how long we wanted the pool. I've gone by some of the local pool stores, and they are sellling pools that are about $4000. I was hoping to find something not as expensive.

thanks,
Liz

[BigDave]

Remember that in addition to the price of the pool, you'll have the cost of excavating and installing the pool and the cost of an electrician to provide power to the pool pump and the bonding wire. These costs won't change much with choice of pool but will tend to dilute the relative price of each choice.

For example let's say there's $2,500 pool and a $5,000 pool, total installation costs will be $2,500.
At purchase, the $2,500 pool costs 1/2 as much as the $5,000 pool but installed it costs 2/3 as much.
For argument's sake, let's say the $2,500 pool lasts half a long as the $5,000 pool and at the end of the $2,500 pool's life, you still want to have a pool. Another $2,500 for a pool and $2,500 to install - Total Cheap pool $10,000, total Expensive pool $7,500.

Bear in mind that what you want to do with the pool is very important here. When we put up our 12/24 AG last year, we bought one of the cheaper pools available as we hope to replace it in a few years with an IG.

[sunlove]

You may do well to look for a slightly used pool. You could get a nice pool at a good price if you happen to find somebody who doesn't want theirs anymore. Just make sure it's structurally sound of course.Then you'd just need to buy a new liner and pay for installation.

[nelson411]

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't considered the installation cost. We will put it on ground for I don't think we want it IG. Thanks for giving me the bigger picture in price. What kind of pool do you end up getting?
Thanks again,
:-)

Great Idea! Hadn't considered that. Any ideas where to find one? Example, on Craig's list or ebay? (is it ok to ask that?)

Thanks again,

L

[sunlove]

Sure just go look at it before you commit to anything. Make sure 1. it was professionally installed and 2. they didn't empty it already (damaging). Try for something 1-2 seasons old and check the walls, uprights and rails thoroughly....

[BigDave]

It is some brand of Wilbar, all steel. I looked at one assembled at the poolstore and was comfortable with the side supports.
A round pool will always be less expensive than an oval if it's at all possible you can get a better pool for the same mony in round than oval.
Some excavation will always be required - to remove existing lawn and level undisturbed soil. It may look flat but it almost never is unless you've measured it level

[nelson411]

Thanks. I've been looking at a Wilbar, can't remember the name. It's 12 x 24 with some kind of hidden buttresses. I'll see if we can fit in a round one instead of an oval one.
Thanks for the fast reply.
L

[nelson411]

Well...we just can't decide now. I've wavering between an 12 X 24 Intex Ultra Frame, or a Doughboy Sand dollar II 12 X 20. The second choice is more expensive, but it looks like we will need to extend the concrete slab any way to accommodate any pool. Might a Doughboy help with the resale of a house, if we didn't take it with us?
Any one have any suggestions?