Buying an above ground pool!

[rustin]

We are also buying a pool soon and have a few questions.

I am really concerned about the filter and pump combination after stumbling across this site, thank goodness! Please let me know what you think about this combo and the pool itself as far as quality goes.

We are looking at the Desert Spring 32' round made by Doughboy. This package includes:

1. 20 mil exp solid blue liner
2. PPII 2 h.p. pump
3. MM1900 sand filter (250 lbs. sand)
4. Classic DLX Skimmer
5. Pump base
6. A-frame ladder
7. Pool cove
8. Zap Zit
9. Vac hose, vac head, skimmer net, wall brush, 8' to 16' telepole
10. Start up chemicals
11. Enhanced liner warranty

The price for this kit is $5980 out the door. We were initially looking
at a 28' but decided to get the biggest available. We have 5 kids from
9 to 15 yrs. and durability and size are big factors.

Please help us to make a sound investment. Thanks so much for your help!

Rustin

[prh129]

I just got a 24' Desert Spring. From my research Doughboy has been around for a long time and they seem to have a quality product. I like the look of the Desert Spring and it seems pretty substantial in terms of quality. The cost of my package was around 3100.00 which came with the Madrid liner (doesn't have the expandable bottom), no pool cove or Zap Zit or other chemicals but pretty much the rest of the stuff you listed. I got a cartridge filter but they also offered a sand option. Although you are looking at a bigger pool, it seems expensive as it was only $300 difference between a 21' and a 24'. I actually bought the pool last year on layaway so I'm sure prices went up since last year.

You might want to go to the Doughboy website and find another dealer in your area to get a price comparison.

Good luck!

Peter

[huskerfan]

If you're having concerns about the pump/filter combo, or plan to use the three B's for your chemicals; bleach, borax and baking soda, you might consider buying just a pool and the components separately. I think most people run a 2 speed pump/ depending on what your setup is.

I'm really impressed with the quality of our Echo Canyon by Artesian. I purchased it from the Pool Place in Chatanooga. I have an 18x34 oval, but another forum member: gwrace1 (hope I have that right), just bought their 33' round. Good luck!

[csevel]

I have the Echo Canyon 18' round...but don't have it up yet...

[rustin]

I had the same kind of luck with the pool dealer as Husker fan. I went to a different dealer to get a price comparison and the price was about $800 dollars lower at first but then when I asked for a fax of what we discussed he stuttered and said "Well this price doesn't include the liner or shipping or ...".
Sounds like a low ball get you in the door and let me work you over kinda deal. Then when I asked the initial dealer about changing up the pump and filter she seemed to get frustrated and gave me the " Ive been doing this for 25 yrs and I know what Im talking about" and proceeded to tell me this was a
"package deal" so the price would not differ much if I bought without their pump and filter.

Its very frustrating to me, I mean are people doing so good these days that they dont have to " sell you". This is by no means a necessity and I would think they would be willing to do what it takes to make the sale.

Im leaning more towards the Artesian pools now and have submitted a request for
quotes on their round pools. They have a 36' pool! WOW! I thought the 32' was as big as they made em.

Thanks for your repies and I would still appreciate advice and opinions.

What a great forum!

Rustin