Above-ground pool walls offer relaxation without the expense of in-ground pools. Above-ground swimming pools offer homeowners a way to beat the summer heat without the cost or commitment of digging for a permanent in-ground pool installation. Above-ground pools are easy to install, but come with several components. Understanding the purpose of each component helps ensure a properly constructed pool that is clean and functional. Pool Walls While the components that make up an above-ground pool wall vary depending on the pool design, material and manufacturer, the walls are typically constructed using bottom rails and plates, uprights and caps, wall panels, top rails and fasteners. Above-ground pools are commonly made using resin, steel or aluminum wall panels. These panels are held together by vertical supports called uprights, and the walls are rimmed around the top and bottom with rails. Round pools typically require no external bracing, while oval pools are assembled with angled braces along the long sides and steel straps beneath the pool that connect the braces on opposite sides.

The Liner Above-ground pools may use one of three styles of liners: overlap, J-bead or beaded. Overlap liners are pulled over the top of the pool wall and held in place with coping strips. A J-bead liner, also called a J-hook liner, has a J-shaped bead around the edge which hooks onto the top of the pool wall. my pool cleaner keeps getting stuckThe top rail holds the liner in place, and the top edge is not visible. carpet cleaning solution bacteriaA beaded liner has a bead along the top edge that fits into a bead receiver or track. carpet cleaners baltimore countyThe bead receiver is installed first, and then the liner bead is inserted into it. best way to clean dog piss from carpet

Pump and Filter Above-ground pools use a pump and filter system to keep the water clean by circulating dirty water through the filter and back into the pool as clean water. Above-ground pools up to 24 feet round typically require a 1 horsepower (HP) pump, while larger pools use a 1 1/2 HP pump. best way to clean dry grout off tilesPools generally don’t require pumps using more than 1 1/2 HP, because too much power causes the water to be pumped through the filter too rapidly for proper cleaning. pool vacuum hose extensionThe filter for your pool pump may be one of three types: cartridge, sand or DE. best way to clean my granite countertopsSand filters use industrial silica as the filter media; these require regular backwashing to clean the filter.

Cartridge filters use a disposable filter cartridge and require less maintenance than sand filters, because instead of backwashing, you simply install a new filter. DE filters contain diatomaceous earth, which is a natural material, but as with sand filters, DE filters must be backwashed periodically. Chemicals and Accessories Vinyl above-ground pools use chemicals such as chlorine to help keep the water clear and clean. Swimming pool test strips are necessary to test the pool’s pH and sanitizer levels so you know when to adjust your pool chemicals. PH and sanitizer test strips should be used at least three times a week. Chlorine tablets, granules or sticks are available at pool supply stores, as are chlorine and non-chlorine shock treatments, which should be used weekly to remove contaminants such as algae, perspiration and chemicals such as sunscreen, hair-care and skin products that wash off your body when you’re in the water. To aid in keeping the water clean, above-ground pool kits may also include skimmers, brushes, leaf nets and vacuums.

To get in and out of an above-ground pool, you’ll need a ladder; a cover is necessary to prevent debris such as leaves and insects from building up in the water. References Joe Ordini’s Best Fiberglass Pools: Above Ground Pool Buyer’s GuideEdwards Pools: Read All About Above-Ground PoolsINYO Pools: Above Ground PoolsINYO Pools: How to Select Above Ground Pool Covers Photo Credits Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionA vinyl pool liner is a multi-purpose pool investment. A good liner improves the appearance of your pool, makes its surface more comfortable for users, and helps to protect your pool and prevent leaks, increasing its life. Since your pool liner is such an integral part, it pays to make sure you purchase a quality product and shell out the cash to have it installed according to specs. There are three popular types of in-ground pools on the market. Gunite pools have a concrete and plaster “lining” that serves as a water barrier and surface material, fiberglass pools are made from a pre-cast fiberglass shell, and vinyl lined pools are concrete reinforced pools that are covered with a vinyl lining.

Vinyl lined pools are by far the most popular, though they do have one downside: liners eventually wear out. You can patch tears and rips as they happen, but there will come a time when your liner simply wears out and you’ll need to purchase a replacement. There are several factors that you should consider when shopping around for a new pool liner, starting with the thickness of the material. Generally thicker liners, in the 25—30 mil range, are better since they resist tears and rips more effectively. As you shop around you’ll notice that liners are measured in both mils and gauges. Unfortunately, both measurements can be misleading, so it’s important that you ask for the precise measurements, in mils, of both the floor and walls of the liner before you make your purchase. Need to find a pro for your Pool Liner Replacement? While the thickness of your new pool liner is the most important factor to consider when making a purchase, the appearance isn’t too far behind.

Since your it covers the entire inside surface of your pool, you’ll be shopping for looks as much as performance. Luckily for today’s homeowners, modern vinyl liners come in more designs and colors than you can shake a stick at. In fact, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a design that suits your fancy. Many companies advertise their replacement vinyl liners as something a do-it-yourselfer can install without professional assistance. Beware of such claims, however. To some extent it’s true, since any job is doable if you’ve got enough patience, time, and the right tools. That being said, pool liner installation is tricky business. It requires removal of the previous liner, patching up and evening out the concrete subfloor of your pool, and proper installation of the liner itself. If you don’t get it installed just right, you’re almost sure to end up with wrinkles, imperfections, and even rips and tears in your new purchase. With those kinds of risks involved, you’re usually better off hiring someone who knows what they’re doing to do the job right.