Orlando Above Ground Pool Installations

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How Long Does an Above Ground Pool Last in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Repairs,Uncategorized

Above-ground swimming pools are more popular in Orlando than many think. Tens of thousands of Central Florida backyards have them (and some front yards too).

But how long does an above-ground pool last here in Orlando? How do they fair in this intense sunshine and long, brutal summers?

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

When I started installing above-ground pools, there was only one kind. Then Walmart started selling a pool with soft sides for way cheap. A while after that, AG pool manufacturers started making pools designed to go in the ground some of that were way expensive.

So, as I see it, there are three main types of above-ground pools

1 Soft-sided pools made by Intex, Bestway, Coleman, etc.

These are the cheapest pools that you can buy and most are bought through Walmart.

These pools usually come in just one big box, have poor equipment (pump, filter, ladder), and are easiest to install.

In Orlando, soft-sided pools last an average of one or two seasons (summers).

These pools are good for those with the least amount to spend for a pool OR if they just want to see if having a pool is good for them. Many start out with one of these and then graduate to a metal-walled pool later.

2 Metal-walled (hard-sided) pools

When someone says “above-ground pool”, this is usually what they mean. These pools come in several boxes, usually have decent equipment, and are harder to install.

In the Orlando area, metal-walled pools last an average of between 10 – 20 years.

Traditional metal-walled above-ground pools give you the best value for what you get as they provide a nice swimmer experience, can come with good equipment, and will last many years.

3 Above ground pools designed for semi-inground (partially in the ground)

About 25 years or so ago, it started to become common for people to buy an above-ground pool and sink it in the ground some. This was (and still is) a good, inexpensive alternative to having an inground pool.

Since above-ground pools are designed to go above the ground (duh), a drawback to sinking one in the ground is that it can cave in when you drain the water from it.

To answer this demand, AG pool makers (namely Wilbar) designed pools with walls that were sturdier (for being in the ground) and didn’t corrode to failure. These special walls were usually made of thicker, extruded aluminum and came in sections.

Semi-inground above-ground pool models will last for decades

The big negative to this type of above-ground pool is the price. They are usually two to three times the cost of a traditional metal-walled above-ground pool. And this is usually not worth the added life you will get out of it.

SEMI-INGROUND POOLS THAT ARE NOT ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

Lately, with the surge in concrete inground pool prices, a hybrid pool has become an option. This is a pool that can be completely out of the ground, in the ground some, and all the way in the ground.

These hybrid pools have paneled walls made of either resin or steel, are bolted together, and are supported by a concrete collar at the base.

I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF POOL AN ABOVE GROUND POOL

The Reasons?

1 Almost 100 percent of people who buy this type of swimming pool will put it in the ground some. In contrast, most above-ground pools will be installed above the ground.

2 This type of swimming pool has no real top rail. Something has to be added to the top of this pool to make it look complete. Actual above-ground pools don’t need anything beyond their frame and top rails.

3 This type of pool has very plain and unfinished walls. Above the ground, these walls look out of place and unfinished.

4 The cost of this pool is closer to an inground cost. This type of pool kit costs tens of thousands of dollars. Way too expensive to be considered an above-ground pool.

Repairing an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Repairs,Uncategorized

It can be very hard to get an above-ground swimming pool repaired in Orlando. In truth, Orlando and the surrounding counties of Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Volusia have very few companies that work with above grounds.

Most needing above-ground pool repair will begin by calling their local retail pool supply store like Pinch-A-Penny or Leslie’s only to find that they only service inground pools.

Next, they try pool service companies close to them. With them, they get the same rejection to AG pools.

Those persistent (or desperate) enough eventually find one of the half dozen above-ground pool guys in Central Florida, like me. When they finally get ahold of someone like me, they are ready to get something done quickly.

At that point, the above-ground pool guy (me) has to break it to them that he either doesn’t do that kind of repair OR is way too busy with full pool installs.

MOST WANT TO GET THEIR POOL REPAIRED DURING THE HOT MONTHS

Even though there are thousands of above-ground pools in need of something, I, along with the maybe five other above-ground pool guys in Central Florida, sit dormant starting as early as September through February.

This is because most above-ground pool owners don’t care about fixing their pools until it gets hot outside. Then, when it hits 90 degrees outside sometime in the spring, the phone comes to life as hundreds decide that they want to do something with their pools.

To make matters much worse, this is the same time that people wanting to get a pool start looking to get one. And since I and the five other guys around Orlando make most of our living doing full installations, we get too busy to do any other type of pool job.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF REPAIRS PEOPLE WANT FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOLS IN ORLANDO

Thinking that you can call one person to take care of any or all your needs for your above-ground pool is common with people starting out. In reality, it’s going to be hard to find anyone to do most things with an above-ground pool.

A guy like me for example will only mainly install pools or put new liners in them. It isn’t worth it for me to do much more than that during the busy season (which is when 90 plus percent inquire about a repair.

To possibly help you find someone for your issue, here’s a list of issues that people look for someone to help them with.

1 To find a leak

This is a super common reason people need a pool guy. Almost every pool will eventually leak, and above-ground pools are no exception to this.

When I started my pool service company in the late 1980s, pool service guys did everything (including find leaks). In the early 90s, leak detection-only companies started popping up in and around Orlando.

Now, few (inground) pool service guys will look for a leak. Most now will refer you to a leak detection company.

This holds true for above-ground pools too, although AG pool owners rarely opt to pay the expensive cost of a leak detection company.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Learn how to and find the leak yourself

B Call a leak detection company

2 To repair a leak

When it comes to vinyl above-ground swimming pools, finding the leak is almost always the hard part. Patching a found leak in the vinyl somewhere is very easy.

Again though, you most likely won’t find anyone who will repair the leak. Now, if the leak is somewhere within the pool’s equipment (pump, filter, piping, etc.), then you have a slightly better chance of finding a pool guy to fix that.

More than likely though, you’ll be on your own fixing any leak in your AG pool.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Learn how to and fix the leak yourself

B If within the equipment and visible, possibly find a pool guy or store willing to do it.

C If in the liner somewhere and the liner is more than 4 years old, replace the entire liner

3 Pump not working

There is a big difference between inground pool pumps and above-ground pool pumps. This is why pool stores will repair inground pool pumps and/or replace their motors, but will NOT work on above-ground pool pumps.

The difference? Inground pool pumps cost more and are designed to eventually have their parts and motors replaced while above-ground pool pumps are designed to just be replaced when they fail.

YOUR OPTIONS

First, rule out any electrical supply issues that may be preventing your pump from working (like tripped breaker, faulty GFCI, bad wires, etc.). If it’s the pump, get it replaced.

A Find the exact match pump, buy from where you bought the pool originally or online somewhere, and replace yourself

B Find a pool guy or store that is willing to do it. Most who work on inground pumps won’t though.

4 Pool is green or black

For one reason or another, many will find themselves with a green or black pool and need someone to come out and bring it back to clean, clear, and healthy again. It will be extremely hard to find someone willing to do this with an above-ground pool.

During my sixteen years of owning a pool service company, I specialized in bringing green (and dark green) pools back to clear. BUT I would only work with ingrounds and not above-ground pools.

Unless you live way out in the country and have an independent pool service guy out there willing to service AG pools, you simply will not find a service guy to bring your green above-ground pool back to clear.

Above grounds are just too different and in most cases more difficult to bring back to clear. Also, above-ground pool owners aren’t as willing to spend what it takes to pay a pool guy to bring a pool back to clear and clean.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Get your pool back to looking good and healthy yourself by learning how to do it.

B Drain the pool, change the liner, and replace anything not working that made the pool go green to begin with.

5 Pool is off-level and/or out misshaped

In just about every case, an above-ground pool is off-level or out of shape and looking “wonky” from day one of the installation. Pools rarely move later, so if your problem is that the pool is off, it was probably that way from the beginning and you are now just noticing it.

I bring this up because some think that their pool is getting worse (more and more off-level) when it probably isn’t. NOTE: Soft-sided (Intex, Coleman, Bestway) type pools can gradually lose their level and come down. This article is not about soft-sided pools though.

Fixing an above-ground pool that is too off-level or out of round (egg-shaped) is a major repair. This usually involves taking out the existing liner and replacing it with a new one while moving the pool’s wall and adjusting the pool bottom.

99 times out of 100, this is not an easy fix and will be expensive. Often, it’s better to just live with the off-level pool until it’s time to change the liner a few years down the road.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Contact the guy who installed the pool and talk to him about fixing it. If he did a bad job, he should be willing to fix it for free. Should be, that is.

B Get it fixed by finding a good pool installer who can do it. Be prepared to drain the pool, BUY A NEW LINER FOR IT, and pay the pool guy a bigger number than you want to.

C Live with the off-level or out-of-shape pool until it’s time to change the liner. At that point, you will be paying for a new liner and the liner change out anyway, so the added cost to fix the pool will be less.

6 Pool has some rust or rusty parts

In most cases, rusty frame parts of an above-ground pool are purchased and replaced when the liner has to be changed out.

It just makes sense to change these parts during liner change time because the pool has to come apart anyway to get the new liner in. Plus, it would be hard to get a pool guy out there just to change a couple of frame parts AND it can be a pain to do while the pool is still full of water.

Now, if there is some major rust in the wall of the pool, that can be a cause for concern as the wall is what holds all of that pool water in place.

Rust on the pool wall (usually under the skimmer or return jet) should be investigated to see if it’s rusting all the way through.

If you are reading this and have this issue, take a few good pics of the rusted area and send them to me so I can take a look. I’ll do that regardless of how busy I am. My cell is 407.299.0124.

YOUR OPTIONS

A For rusty frame parts – Contact where you bought the pool or go online and find the parts that you need, buy them, and replace them yourself.

B For rusty frame parts – Contact where you bought the pool or go online and find the parts that you need for your pool. Buy them and have the pool guy replace them when it’s time to change your liner.

C For a rusty area of the wall – contact a pool installer, take some pics of it, and show them to the pool guy. Take his opinion and proceed.

7 Equipment needs to be replaced

It’s not uncommon to replace both the pump and the filter in an above-ground pool. This is because the pump and filter come as a “pack” and often one can’t be replaced without the other.

Replacing the pump/filter pack can be an easy job depending on the pool’s equipment set up, so many pool owners will do this themselves.

During the busy season, an above-ground pool guy won’t have time to add this service call type job to any of his install work days, so it can be hard to get a guy to do it. You may be able to get your local pool store to do this job, but usually not.

Some that have equipment that needs replacing (but is still working) will wait until it’s time to change the liner and then pay a little extra to have the pool guy replace the equipment while he is there to change the liner.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Purchase the new equipment and install them yourself

B Find a local pool store or pool guy to do the job (This may not be easy during the summer)

C Wait and get it replaced at the same time that you change the pool’s liner.

8 Pool needs a new liner

In reality, there are only a handful of people in Orlando and Central Florida that know how to change liners in above-ground pools well. And there are a few more who will attempt it.

Changing a liner is also something that many pool owners will do themselves. And a good amount of those will be successful at it.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Contact the one who installed your pool to begin with or find an experienced pool installer to do the job. NOTE: In most cases, you will be purchasing the liner yourself regardless of who installs it.

B Watch a couple of YouTube videos and attempt to install the liner yourself.

Moving an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Uncategorized

It may not be the case everywhere, but in Orlando and surrounding areas, not too many above-ground swimming pools get taken down and moved to be reinstalled.

During my 38 years of installing above-ground pools in Orlando, Orange County, and most of Central Florida, I have installed about 7 thousand pools. Out of them, maybe only a couple hundred were used pools that were moved from one location to another.

I do install a few used pools every year though and I do transport some of them from their original install spot to the new one.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO MOVE AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL IN ORLANDO

Some of the parts of an above-ground pool are bulky and can be very heavy, so don’t think you can transport one by yourself using the trunk of your Prius. The following basic things are needed to move an AG pool.

1 Pick-up truck or van

At the very least, a small pick-up is needed to move a pool. In some cases, two or more trips will be needed depending on the pool’s size, shape, and which accessories are going with it.

2 At least two people

The frame of the pool comes in pieces and one person can make several trips to stack them on the truck, but the pool’s wall is one piece, bulky, and very heavy. It will need two people to move.

Also, depending on which ladder or steps the pool has, you may need two people to move it. And if it has a sand-type filter, it will be hard to move and very heavy. Usually too heavy for just one person.

3 A hand truck or dolly

Again, this is needed to move the wall, pump and filter, and maybe the ladder/steps of the pool.

A hand truck will come in handy too for the leveling blocks and any patio stones that are going with the pool.

4 Duct tape or bungee cord

This is to keep the wall of the pool in a tight roll during transportation.

5 Ratchet straps and/or bungee cords

For securing and tying down the pool to the truck so nothing flies out during transport.

6 Organizational skills

Above-ground pools have a lot of parts both big and small. Just throwing everything in the back of the truck is a recipe for losing something along the journey.

Probably the biggest issue I have with re-installing an above-ground pool is that some parts are missing. And with an above-ground pool, you can’t just get a missing part at Home Depot.

They are ultra-specific to their model, so if something is missing, it almost always has to be ordered from the maker. Not good.

Also, the ladder/steps and pool equipment are bulky. Not organizing them in the truck for the journey (on I-4) can end badly.

7 For oval pools, a trailer

Oval above-ground pools have a lot more parts than round-shaped ones do including buttresses.

Buttresses have to be assembled when installing an above-ground pool, but they don’t have to be disassembled when re-installing a pool.

So, when moving an oval pool, you most likely want to keep the buttresses assembled for the trip. And they are big and bulky.

This is where having a trailer to move them comes into play. Most oval pools have around six buttresses, so not having a trailer can result in you having to make several trips.

And if the pool’s destination is say from Kissimmee to Winter Springs, then you’ll want to make the least amount of trips possible.

Of course, it would be great to have a trailer to move a round pool too.

8 A good place to store the pool (at the new location)

If you are moving an above-ground pool and planning to install it at a later date, make sure that you have a good storage place for it.

Just placing the used above-ground pool in the corner of the garage (with everything else) until you’re ready to put it up is a bad idea.

Pool parts just thrown together in a pile until an undetermined install date can very easily grow legs and walk, never to be found again.

COST TO HAVE AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL MOVED IN ORLANDO

In most cases, a pool guy like me is moving a pool along with taking it down and re-installing it at the new location. This will allow me to charge less for transportation because I’m making money taking it down and putting it back up.

I have only moved a pool before though. For that, the cost depends on the size of the pool and how far I have to take it.

Since I’m out of Orlando, if the pool that needs moving is somewhere within Orlando, like Pine Hills for example. And if it is a round pool that only needs to go a mile or two away, then it would cost about $200 for me to move it.

Now, If we are talking about a big oval that has to move from Clermont to Oviedo, then it could be $500 or more to move it (of course using my trailer in one trip).

NOTE: If I am taking down, re-installing the pool, or both, then the price to transport it would be less.

TYPICALLY, POOL DECKS WITH ABOVE GROUND POOLS DON’T GET MOVED

Here in Orlando, many above-ground pools have decks with them. Decks though are a completely different animal to take apart and move, so in most cases, the deck stays where it is.

Putting a New Unibead Liner in an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Liner replacements/changeouts,Uncategorized

Above-ground swimming pools can have three types of liners that go with them. In Orlando, most metal-walled above-ground pools will have a uni-bead type of liner in them.

WHAT IS A UNIBEAD-TYPE LINER?

With this name, the first part of the word “uni” is short for “universal”. So, its real name is “universal bead” type liner.

This isn’t the best name for this liner, but it’s what we all call it, so there you go.

Now, the reason it’s a “universal-type” liner is because this liner has a J-hook AND a bead attached to the top of it. So, if you want to attach this liner using a J-hook, then you simply hook the top of the liner to the top of the pool’s wall and it hangs down and into the pool.

If you have a bead channel that is on the top of the wall of the pool, then you can easily tear off the J-hook portion of the liner which will leave a bead (thick square of triangle of vinyl) that you can now feed into the pool’s bead receiver.

Yeah, I know. It’s confusing. The good news here is that this type of liner will work for any metal-walled above-ground pool, so if you get one of these, you are good.

DETERMINING WHICH TYPE OF LINER YOU HAVE NOW WITH YOUR ABOVE-GROUND POOL

In reality, if you purchase a uni-bead type liner for your pool, then it really doesn’t matter what type of liner is already on it. The unibead will work to replace existing overlap, J-hook, and beaded liners.

You will need to know the dimensions of your pool and its height though. And if your pool has a deep center/end deeper than one foot, then you will have to get a special liner for that.

NOTE: To measure the size of your pool, use the distance from the inside of the pool’s wall directly across to the inside of the opposite wall. Measuring the top rails will give you the wrong size.

A UNIBEAD TYPE LINER HAS A SPECIFIC HEIGHT

Above-ground swimming pools come with three different wall heights. And they are 48”, 52”, and 54”.

Measuring the actual height of your pool’s wall(only) will give you this number.

Caution: Just measuring from the ground up may not give you an accurate wall height. Most AG pools are buried a little, so dig down to find the bottom track of the pool to measure.

Also, you want to find the top of the wall for the measurement. Don’t just measure from the top rail down.

CHOOSE THE LINER HEIGHT THAT IS CLOSEST TO 48”,52”, OR 54”

The wall height usually isn’t exact, so go with the closest number. Example: If your wall height measures 51 1/2 inches, then choose a “52” inch unibead liner for it.

NOTE: A 52” UNIBEAD LINER WILL FIT ON A 54” POOL

Since 52” is currently the most popular height for above-ground pools, you may have a harder time finding a 54” one to your liking. If you have a 54” pool and can only find a 52” liner that you want, then buy it. It will fit just fine.

NOTE: 48” UNI-BEAD LINERS CAN BE HARDER TO FIND

48” tall above-ground pools used to be the most common. Not anymore. If you have a 48” walled pool, know that you may have a harder time finding a unibead liner for it. Sometimes you’ll have to wait a little longer to get it.

THE ADVANTAGES OF A UNIBEAD LINER

As a pool installer for now 38 years, I’m a big fan of the unibead/j-hook type liner over the others. Here’s why.

1 Looks better

Old school overlap liners can be seen on the outside of the wall of the pool. This is not ideal. And some overlap liners can be rolled up and hidden under the top rails, but some cannot.

2 You can have a tile pattern

Since there is no excess at the top of a unibead/jhook liner, it can have a tile pattern on it which makes the liner look better at the waterline.

Note: Beaded-type liners can have a tile pattern too. Overlaps cannot.

3 A unibead liner can be used in a pool with any existing type of liner

Not sure which type of existing liner you have? No problem. A uni-bead will fit (as long as you get the correct size).

4 A unibead doesn’t need coping strips

Overlap liners need plastic coping strips so they can be safely secured to the top of the pool’s wall. These coping strips are not needed with a unibead liner.

5 Unibead/j-hook liners go all the way over the pool’s wall

This is a big advantage over the beaded-type liner, which fits into a bead track on the INSIDE of the pool wall. And since the beaded liner doesn’t go all the way over the wall, this can allow pool water to splash between the liner and the inside of the pool’s wall. Not good.

Note: Overlap liners go over the wall too.

6 Unibead/j-hook liners are better for semi-inground pools

When an above-ground pool is in the ground some, you want to move the wall and pool frame as little as possible when taking apart, installing the liner, and re-assembling.

Overlap liners require you to move the pool wall and/or uprights some when changing the liner. This is not ideal if the pool has a potential for a cave-in.

Note: Beaded liners are ideal for semi-inground liner changes as they require the least amount of movement and disassembly. The problem with them is that they allow water to get in between the inside of the wall and the liner, which can cause rust.

7 Unibead liners are more likely to be upgraded and made in the US or Canada

As of right now, I cannot recommend a liner made from China. They just don’t last as long.

Although more and more liners from China are not uni-bead-type, most are still overlaps. Getting a unibead liner won’t ensure that the liner is made in North America anymore, so make very sure you know where it’s made.

I RECOMMEND A HEAVY GAUGE, FULLY PRINTED, UNIBEAD-TYPE LINER ABSOLUTELY MADE IN THE US OR CANADA

This kind of liner is worth the extra money because it will last longer.

WHERE TO BUY AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL LINER IN ORLANDO

Most purchase liners online, but there are a couple of local choices here in Orlando. If you buy locally, you will pay more, but if there is an issue, this will be an advantage over wherever it’s coming from online.

Unique Pool and Spas in Orlando have a limited selection of liners beyond what they carry for their own pool sales.

If you are wanting a liner today, call them. They also sell a really good liner. You’re gonna pay for it but it’s a good one.

Some Pinch-A-Penny stores will sell above-ground pool liners. A couple of Pinch-a-pennys will specialize in above grounds (like the one in Mount Dora).

Call the Pinch closest to you and see what they have and then what they can get. Also, PInch-A-Penny sells a pretty good liner too.

HERE’S MY PRICE SHEET FOR CHANGING YOUR LINER

Different Types of Ladders and Steps for Above Ground Pools in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Uncategorized

With above-ground swimming pools, you get a few choices regarding how you can get in and out of them. These are called ladders or steps.

In Orlando, all types of steps and ladders for above-ground pools are popular.

LADDERS VERSUS STEPS FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

When buying an AG pool as a package, it will always come with something that can get swimmers up and over the pool’s wall both going in the water and exiting it. In most cases, this will be a basic A-frame ladder.

A ladder for an above-ground pool is simply rungs that you step on that go up to the top of the pool’s wall, a small platform at the top, and then rungs that you step on to lower into the water inside the pool.

“Steps” for above-ground pools are a bit of an upgrade and usually have to be added to the pool package with an extra cost.

Steps for AG pools will be rungs going up to the top of the pool’s wall and are connected with a backing. The platforms of each rung (that you step on) are usually both longer and wider than just a ladder. After a small platform at the top of the pool’s wall, those same longer and wider platformed rungs go down and into the water of the pool.

As a general rule, pool steps are bigger, safer, and cost more than pool ladders.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LADDERS AND STEPS FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

A A-frame ladder

This is the standard and most common type of pool ladder. It simply has rungs outside of the pool from the ground going up, a small platform that sits on the pool’s top rail, and then rungs going down into the water all the way to the bottom.

This ladder makes an “A” shape and that’s why it’s called an a-frame ladder.

B In-pool only or deck ladder

This ladder only has a small platform that sits on a top rail of the pool, and then has rungs that go into the water inside to the pool’s bottom.

With this type of ladder, you need to have a deck outside of the pool for top entry.

C Pool steps

Just like a staircase, actual steps (not just thin rungs) will go up from the ground outside of the pool to a top platform that sits over the pool’s top rail, then steps will continue down into the water all the way to the floor of the pool.

Full pool steps going from ground to pool bottom are the biggest and usually the most expensive option for getting into an above-ground pool.

D Ladder/steps combo

With this, you have a ladder on the outside of the pool with rungs going from the ground up to a small platform at the top. And steps continue into the water going to the pool’s bottom.

E In-pool steps only

Just like the in-pool ladder, this only has steps going into the water of the pool and nothing outside.

This type of pool steps require a deck attached to the outside of the pool for top entry.

F In-pool wedding cake steps

Only inside of the pool, it starts with the first step being small, then each step gets longer with more area as they go down into the pool. The longer steps wrap around making half-circle shapes getting bigger as they get deeper.

With small to bigger steps going from top to bottom, these pool steps look like a multi-layered wedding cake.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STEPS AND LADDERS FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

1 All ladders for above-ground pools are safety ladders

Any ladders (or steps) for above-ground pools with an outside portion (not in-pool only) MUST be safety ladders.

This means that the rungs are made to lock upward or shielded in some way so they cannot be climbed when secured.

For most of the less expensive ladders, the rungs are designed to be lifted upward and locked in place so kids (and dogs) cannot climb up them.

Safety ladders are not as important closer to downtown Orlando as most homes will have fenced-in backyards. When you go further out and into the Central Florida country, there are fewer yards that are fenced.

2 Steps and ladders have weight ratings

America is known for having some pretty big people. And Orlando is no exception to that. Most pool ladders/steps can handle a fair amount of user weight, but bigger people may need more support.

Standard a-frame ladders for above-ground pools will have a weight limit or rating of 300lbs or 350lbs and some upgraded ladders will go to over 400 pounds.

Steps typically support more weight than ladders. Most steps support from 400 lbs all the way to 600 lbs depending on the model and cost.

NOTE: Some need the maximum weight and size for getting into the pool. For this, I recommend building a permanent outside step and deck structure from wood or concrete.

Wood steps built for a semi-inground above ground pool

3 Steps and ladders have to be assembled

With the exception of some wedding cake-type steps (which are all one piece), both steps and ladders come in parts and have to be assembled.

NOTE: Professional pool installers will NOT assemble or install pool ladders. This is where many slip and get injured, so no one will take that responsibility.

4 You can put the ladder/steps anywhere around the pool that you want.

No one area of an above-ground pool is better than the other for where you put the ladder. So. Set the ladder/steps in a good spot for traffic from the house or deck to the pool.

5 Most steps and ladders have to be bolted to the top of the pool or deck

For nice stability, it’s usually a good idea to bolt the top platform of the ladder to a pool top rail. And if you have a deck, screwing the in-pool ladder supports to the deck is needed.

TIP: Make very sure that you bolt or screw the ladder/steps down using only stainless steel bolts/screws. Everything else may rust badly and not be able to come apart when it’s time to change the liner.

6 Install the ladder/steps when the pool is at least half full of water

Most ladders go in when the pool is being installed. You want to wait for the pool to have enough water in it so the liner is set well and has a lot of water weight at the bottom BEFORE placing the inside ladder/steps on the pool’s floor.

7 Ladders/steps have to be weighted down

The part of the ladder or steps sitting in the water of the pool will want to float. This is not good as you want the steps/ladder to be very stable and not move.

People use all kinds of things to weigh down their steps. I am a fan of using pieces of sand-filled and capped PVC pipes and attaching them with zip ties.

8 Some steps/ladders will have handrails. Some will not.

Take an inventory of the elderly or immobile pool users that you may have with your pool. You may want to get a ladder or steps with one or two handrails to help people get in and out of the pool.

Tip: For extremely immobile pool users, I recommend having a wood ladder and deck built for accessing the pool. With this, you can make the entry as big, wide, and stable as is needed.

It will cost more, but someone who is not comfortable with getting into a pool probably won’t bother getting in, even if they really need to.

Above Ground Pools and Decks in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Installation,Uncategorized

In Orlando, there are a lot of above-ground swimming pools with decks. It’s just natural to have someplace to hang out near the water’s edge.

With such a hot climate, Central Florida is the second-largest pool market in the US. And along with swimming pools come decks.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HAVING A DECK WITH AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL IN ORLANDO

If you are either looking at an existing above-ground pool with a deck OR planning on building a deck with your pool, consider the following.

1 What height do you want the deck to be

Since above-ground pools are mostly above the ground (Duh), you want to decide what height that you want the deck to be.

Decks built high next to the pool

In nature, water is almost always at our feet. This is why most will have the deck built high against their above-ground pool. Being able to see the water unobstructed while sitting on your pool deck or grilling, etc. feels nice and natural.

Being able to watch swimmer’s activity along with keeping a good eye on small children is another top reason to build the deck up high.

The biggest negative to building a deck high against an AG pool is a loss of privacy. Activity on high decks can easily be seen by neighbors adjacent to the yard.

Note: When building a deck high against an above-ground pool, keep in mind that the pool’s liner will have to be changed in the future. Liner changeouts require the top of the pool to come apart, so make sure the deck doesn’t get in the way of that.

I recommend the deck built at the level right below the pool’s top rails. With this height, the deck boards end under the top rails (so they don’t have to line up perfectly) and you can take the top of the pool apart easier for liner changes.

Decks built at ground level

Many decks in Orlando are built at ground level next to an above-ground pool. The advantages here are better privacy, more options on what it is made of, and safety.

Ground-level decks can be built from wood, composite, pavers, or poured concrete, while higher decks can only be made with wood or wood composite.

2 How big do you want the deck?

In general, most want a deck to be as big as they can fit and afford. With above-ground pools though, some are thinking that the deck will be temporary (along with the pool), so they want something smaller.

Questions to answer to help determine how big of a deck you want.

A How many people will be on the deck at one time?

Two people need a smaller deck than four do. Decide how many kids, adults, and animals will be occupying the deck at one time.

B What will be permanently going on the deck?

If you are thinking of two lounge chairs, a small table, a couple of regular chairs, a grill, and a pool toy storage box, know that you are going to need a certain-sized deck to hold all of that.

C What will you be using the deck for?

Some just want a deck only big enough to climb up to and access the pool with. Some will want to have parties on their pool deck. Others may want a deck to lay out in the sun with only.

Determining what the deck will be used for will help you decide how big it has to be.

3 What is your deck budget?

Having a pool deck is nice. It’s also expensive to build.

In many cases in Orlando, people are deciding to get an above-ground pool instead of an inground because they have a smaller pool budget.

The cost of an above-ground swimming pool package and its installation is one thing, but when you add the cost of a nice deck along with it, you can get to a big number in a hurry.

To be financially responsible, it’s best to have a cost limit for your pool deck beforehand. You may have 5k into your pool and install, and then discover that the deck you want is two or three times what the pool cost.

Knowing how much you have to spend on the deck beforehand will help you not get depressed or spend more than you wanted to for the overall pool project.

4 What is the deck made of?

Most above-ground pool decks here in Orlando are made of pressure-treated wood. This is mainly due to cost and the fact that most AG pool decks in Orange County, Florida are built high against the pool.

Using a wood composite material is a nicer but more expensive option for high AG decks. And when I say “more expensive”, I mean a lot more expensive than PT wood.

For lower decks, most go with pavers as they look better and last a long time. Poured concrete decks are very nice too. And I’ve also seen a lot of ground-level decks built with composite or pressure-treated wood as well.

In Orlando, there aren’t many contractors that will build wood decks, but they are out there. Most can find a deck guy in the Orlando, Spacecoast, or Lakeland Graigslist. Some also will do a local Google search to find a deck guy.

While the Orlando area has its fair share of concrete companies to pour decks, it has an. Unusually high number of paver installers. This is mainly because of the large Brazilian population in Orlando.

So, Finding a paver installation company will be the easiest to find in O-Town.

5 The safety of the deck

While some just build a platform deck high next to their AG pool, others will consider the safety of it by building a railing around it.

Railing or fencing with a deck is nice and can make the overall project look a lot better, but it will cost you. Also, building a railing that will prevent small children from going through will cost more as it requires more materials to build.

And with safety in mind, most will attach a gate to the steps of their high deck for above-ground pools. This will be lockable and prevent kids and animals from entering the deck.

6 The look of your (high) deck

Decks built high against above-ground pools can look ugly to some. Consider this when having one built. Some will choose to add lattice work to the outside of the deck.

And having more attractive railing added to the deck can make it look much better.

Consider adding landscaping around the deck too so it looks better in the yard.

7 Deck maintenance

The direct Orlando sun is really hard on everything. Wood decks are no exception to this. Keeping your wood deck clean, dry, and possibly regularly stained will help it last a much longer time.

USE Quality deck screws – When building a wood deck, few are thinking that the boards may have to come off one day (for one reason or another).

Sometimes with an above-ground pool deck, some of the boards may have to come off. And if they do, you better have used good deck screws when it was built. Sub-standard deck screws will rust or get brittle and break off when trying to unscrew.

Decks attached with quality screws will come apart easily, so spend the extra few bucks for good screws. I recommend spending even more for stainless steel decking screws.