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

[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