Above or Inground that is the question

[CarlD]

Hi Sue!

I, too, am in Northern NJ. There are a lot of factors, but my AG pool is built into my deck and I use wedding cake stairs to get into it. Here, in NJ, the tax bite on your assessment for IG can be substantial, and the resale value is dubious. A pool is only a plus if the buyers want one. Otherwise it's a problem they want to be rid of.

I cannot really recommend a dealer/installer. My one experience with the warranty replacement of my liner was not great.

Another factor of AG pools is that they generally tend to be used more by owners....because if they are not using it, they take it down. Harder with an IG.

Of course, with bad joints (I'm now "bionic" myself ) swimming is really low stress, so you'll want length, more than width, probably. Perhaps a long, skinny lap pool is for you. Again, mine was a custom build. It came as 16x32 or 20x40 but they were able to build it as a 16x40, which has worked GREAT for 11 seasons. I'm now working on repairing some damage from our miserable winter that converted the snow into ice on the winter cover.

FYI, my pool is a FantaSea...technically an AG, but not much different than an IG as it is rectangular and has a deep end...and is built into the deck. Looks like the old redwood pools. Oh, and the FantaSeas are solar heated.

[PoolDoc]

. . . membership updated.

[suedink]

The arguements for the AG are very persuasive! When read these to my husband he too had to admit there are points here we had not even considered such as the impact to our taxes! We know we do not plan on staying in our home for more than 3 - 4 more years tops so I think the AG is making a lot of sense.

Any recommendations for installation companies? Our yard has a slope to it and is going to need to be leveled and filled for a AG, maybe even a small retaining wall around it. Also, do the AG installers also take care of hiring the water tank folks for filling or is that homeowners responsibility to contract a water tank company?

Years ago my father dealt with Branchburg in Newark. I think there was another one there too across from the park on Bloomfield Ave. Now I have no idea where to go. I'm going to head over to State Fair in Belleville to take a look at AG set ups and ask them if they know any contractors.

[PoolDoc]

I'm glad you received some advice you found helpful, but I'd recommend you not wait for similar help on finding a contractor. There's a lot of traffic at PoolForum, but 95% of it is non-registered 'lurkers' -- nothing wrong with that! -- but that means it's not likely that there are enough folks here from your area, to offer advice on which contractor.

Best wishes!