Over time, I was able to see what was necessary with design and engineering and what wasnt. Rumor is, the Gibraltar family bailed out Wilkes when they were going out of business back in the 70s. Ambassador Pools is a family owned & operated dealer with over 30 years of experience installing pools and creating happy customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and more. Add a couple hundred ($200.00) for the cost of water and another $600.00 to $1000.00 for electrical services and you are all in for $5300.00 to $6600.00. In a race to have the most competitive price (lowest price), many above ground pool packages have a weak link or two. I was around before Wilbar bought Atlantic. These semi-inground pools are perfect for yards which slope because the pool can be installed partially in the ground and partially out or entirely in the ground and can be decked with redwood or pressure treated wood and complimented with either a concrete deck or pavers. With this article, Im not trying to sell you something and am not getting paid to say something about someone from anyone. A true semi-inground pool is a slightly different animal than the traditional above ground. This company just bought all the above ground pool manufacturing equipment from the now 2019 defunct Swim n Play pool company. Doughboys high-end models and those of my manufacturer Buster Crabbe last over 30 years, much longer if they are aluminum. They dont have a place in an article called best above ground pools. They carry many different brands now:Sharkline, Optimum, Intrepid andAtlanticto name a few. For the price of their premium above ground pools, you could buy a slat wall/panel pool from Wilbar or Buster Crabbe. Ambassador Pools has local installers and never users subcontractors. All above ground pool stores buy pools from distributors or direct from the manufacturer. Day or night, we are here for you. Shop Above Ground Swimming Pool Kits. If you have been looking online for an honest and educated opinion on what is the best above ground swimming pool maker for any amount of time, then you already know thats almost impossible. The Aquasport 52 is an above ground, semi-inground, and inground pool. Most review articles on the internet areso short sighted. at prices which are more affordable in today's economy, so don't give up on Doughboys are also overpriced but do seem to last longer than most and Im not sure why that is. I have installed a lot of them and have no issues with them beyond the same ones I have with the rest of the Wilbar pools. Mid-range pools will last 10-20 years, and cheap above ground pools will last 1-5 years. They make some nice looking models and incorporate resin maybe more than anyone. They too have been a good pool. They can be partially buried in the ground making them semi in ground pools then decked with redwood or pressure treated wood and complimented with either a concrete deck or pavers. Some folks find it interesting that not all above ground pools are the same depth, much more so that some can even have deep ends. If you bought the Admirals Walk 1624 for $9350.00 and spent 5k on adding accessories, installation, and setup, you would have the pool, the deck, the security fence, the whole sha-bang! Usually, as the side supports sink just a little, the connecting-strap that runs from one side to the other across the bottom of the pool starts to raise up, causing the somewhat sharp metal strap to contact your pool liner. Some pools even come with a ladder and solar cover.. Wilbar is now the largest supplier of cheap steel wall pools in the country. IPools are affordable therapeutic pools for your backyard or home and, depending on the model, will heat your workout while relaxing sore and tired muscles and joints. However, they sandwich Styrofoam between two thin pieces of aluminum. When you compare the differences, you begin to understand why the24 round is the most popular and the best above ground pool choice. What this is though is the more common pool makers that have been around for at least a while. Inventory is Limited. The steel wall on their least expensive pool is just as good as their most expensive pool. Wilbar makes a bunch of models under at least five different names, so I cant say which to choose. Ill know ten years from now (If Im still doing pools). They were all metal walled, all had terrible pumps and filters, and most just had overlap liners. The most trusted source of Premium Above Ground Pools for over 75 years. Not attractive. What do you think of the spirit and diamond star by Wilbar? Share your top picks with a dealer near you for an estimate on a Doughboy pool package. This company sells above-ground pools, inflatable water toys, floats, lounges, swim gear, and just about everything needed to entertain in your backyard and on the water. All of them! Save on In-Stock & Ready to Ship Above Ground Pools. Many decent pool makers come and go fast. Based on my overall experience of installing over 6,000 pools of all makes and models, Wilbar is the overall winner. Come visit our showroom and see why we rock. hbspt.forms.create({ These are my top ten favorites based on strength and durability. Once a pool gets built, you could remove all the top-rails and vertical uprights, it would stand just fine! This page is designed to make you a smarter, more educated above ground pool shopper. The best above ground pools will last 30-50 years. The great thing about above ground swimming pool kits are that homeowners are able to install them. Made of thickest extruded aluminum. My opinion and that of every installer I have ever talked with agree, the best above ground pool is the Buster Crabbe / Aquasports Pools LLC Aluminum Slat wall pools (#1 and #2). He was pissed that they did not cover the cost of labor or the vinyl liner. 2022 Royal Swimming Pools Inc All Rights Reserved. They primarily screwed over Wilbar, which was their largest supplier of swimming pools to the tune of millions of dollars. I certainly have a conflict of interest but I am hoping you know enough now to decide for yourself. Founded in 1975, Aqua Leader is located on the south shore of Montreal, Canada. In my eyes, the old brand was a dealer of trashcans for pools that they lined with garbage bags for pool liners. They were kind of throw away pools that seemed like just a glorified and deeper baby pool. CaliMar Above Ground Pools are best described as Bigger, Better, Stronger, Longer Lasting above ground pools; featuring the best warranty in the Industry. If this is you, then youve 11 things an above ground pool retailer will tell you that just arent true. For me, this type of pool is really closer to a vinyl liner inground pool than an above ground, but I have to mention them here because they compete as a semi-inground pool. 8 Year Full Warranty. Thats mainly because they have the biggest part of the above-ground pool market. }); 2020 Ambassador Pools | 800-752-9000 | All Rights Reserved. I did like the way theyre assembled and thought the idea was good. How close can you get an above ground pool to an existing deck. The truth is that Hoffinger enterprises now own Doughboy Pools. I am not knocking them, just this is not the place to discuss splash pools. These Intex/Coleman pools will hold water for a season or two, then off to the dump for their final resting place. In the real-estate market it is location location location With Above ground swimming pools its wall, wall wall. PlayGoPools.comis a leading pool manufacturer with over 40 years experience. The most popular name in traditional above ground pools. However, what they dont realize is that an aluminum above ground pool wall is thicker than steelpool walls. Today, this type of above ground pool is more popular than any other. They build pools with over-sized top rails to make them look stronger, and so China cant compete. The majority of above ground pools are a single sheet of steel or aluminum. I have been installing, repairing, and re-lining above ground pools for 36 years and counting. I can not speak highly enough about the second and third generation of this company. There are many different models under the Sharklineand Atlantic Brands. I began in the pool industry, and looks like I will finish my working life in the pool industry. They decided a long time ago not to sell garbage. There is one thing that I know right now. Silly marketing people. Have Holiday, Birthday, Graduation and any other type of party you can think of at your place around the pool setting.You control the atmosphere.You celebrate the enjoyment of having your family and friends close.Take some time and educate yourself on the inground pools we offer and let us help you take the plunge. For as long as I can remember, these pools have been around. Your email address will not be published. Like a 1 or 2 degrees difference make them worth all the money. Fair enough? I dont know why Wilbar hasnt bought or didnt buy Cornelius, but they are somehow still on their own. That said, included decking makes a Kayak rectangular pool have an enormous footprint compared to a circular pool. Required fields are marked *. Currently (Im writing this in late 2020), Garvin is a good example of this. Come home relax and unwind like never before. An installer who builds all above grounds like me will have some issues with Doughboys. Ambassador Pools is proud to bring you the most durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance swimming pool and a backyard vacation the whole family is sure to enjoy. For that then, look at the Vogue and Aqua Leader models. Just realize you end up losing $4000.00 to save $500.00. Big disappointment that they do not have a slat wall model or even an aluminum option. Just sayin. All Rights Reserved. There is no Chinese manufacturer of metal-walled above ground pools, but any businessman can certainly go over there with some specs and have one built and then shipped over to sell. He sent me the pictures above. We offer round and oval shaped pools with many different sizes to choose from. We sell and ship our swimming pools all throughout the USA, however we only install them locally. Ambassador Pools is a full-service company and is there for all your needs before, during, and after installation. Until now, of course. We have many different types of above ground swimming pools to choose from, including steel pool and resin pool frame sets. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Over the years, things change with Wilbar. Simple Shapes + Simple Installation + Simple Designs = Inground quality at affordable prices. I think people who dont know much about above grounds at all are familiar with this name. portalId: "5834159", Orders can be placed over the phone and we ship nationwide for our dealers. Abovegroundpoolknowitall.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Propools only offers the best swimming pool safety covers on the market today are from They are of the highest character. From an installers standpoint, Im not a big fan of Doughboy pools. Parts are usually compatible with other brands but do your research to make sure it fits or is returnable if it doesn't work out. There are too many. While Intex above ground pools are a great value, and I included them in my video. Hi. There is no dodging the conclusion that the best above ground pools have panel or slat walls, and are superior to those made of rolled coil stock. Thank you! Oval 18 X12, 20 X12, 24 X12, 28 X12, 32 X12, 24 X16, 28 X16, 32 X16, 34 X18, 38 X18, 41 X21, Round: 8, 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32 We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. View our pool collection from over the years. Your email address will not be published. While most other swimming pool companies have different quality pool walls, Buster Crabbe only sells one. More difficult to make work with a permanent, elevated wood deck. They all have a marketing agenda, trying to sell you only what they offer. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. manufacturer's like Merlin Industries, Loop-Loc, Pacific Performance Pool Products and Arctic Armor. I put above ground pools in three categories. They arent too bad, but when you can compare them to other manufactured pools, they fall short on the ease of assembly category. Plus, I have worked on, and repaired above ground pools that were built before I got in the game, so I know better than most what to look for, and what pools stand the test of time. A true semi-inground pool will have slatted aluminum walls that hook together like the Aquasport 52 or the Oasis/Burmuda model by Wilbar. No problem, the Aquasport 52 pool is the most design-friendly most robust above ground pool you can buy. Ambassador Pools is a full-service company and is there for all your needs before, during, and after installation. Offered Ambassador Pools has local installers and never users subcontractors. Better water flow provides less dead spots for algae to form and allows the skimmer to catch more debris, which means a cleaner floor too. 800-752-9000. Hours of OperationMonday - Sunday (8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). There are literately several hundred pool models you could choose. Also, water walls are aluminum with plastic core, not steel like the ones mentioned here. Each of these manufacturers makes 12 to 20 models alone, combining for hundreds of pools. All rights reserved. They are made in Japan and arent as good as comparable pools made in North America. Oval 18 X 12, 20 X 12, 24 X 12, 28 X 12, 24 X 16, 28 X 16, 32 X 16, 34 X 18, 38 X 18 and 41 X 21, Round 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32 This is also the type of above ground pool that I generally build and is what any guy who considers himself an above ground pool installer builds mostly. I do like Vogue pools a lot if that helps. I hope you will forgive that I have ranked many of the pools I sell as the best. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal. Learn what pool building steps can by done on your own, what is commonly subcontracted out, and how to find contractors near you! This is an important distinction because most seasoned installers will have only mainly built what their local retailers sell. In recent years, they have been an innovator in "recessed" pools, which provide the look and feel of an inground swimming pool without the cost. Includes factors like the cost of the pool, labor, decking, fencing, and other materials to give you a good overall idea on the complete cost of an above-ground pool. Im not a fan of them though because they are sooooo cheaply made. Introducing the Champlain and Rockwood On Ground Swimming Pools. It may have something to do with the great liner that used to come with them all. We make backyard dreams come true in Virgina Beach, VA! Im not sure that is possible anyway as they come and go so fast. Like everything else, above ground pools have come a long way. Also, I will discuss some popular pool brands and offer my opinions and insights. The Best Pool Brushes for Sparkling Clean Water, Here Are the Best Pool Filters for Clear and Healthy Water, The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners That Will Keep Your Pool Sparkling. I remember when a Sharkline pool was just a line of Wilbar pools. Overall, Im ok with Lomart pools. This is by no means a complete list of all the above ground pool manufacturers. Brands are listed in alphabetical order. This may just be the norm across the broad distance between who designs and engineers versus who installs or builds in the real world. Namco is an East Coast swimming pool superstore that had been around since the dawn of the above-ground pool days1962and sells above-ground pools, supplies, accessories, decor, inflatables, and pretty much everything you need that is related to backyard swimming and entertaining. Bestway USA is located in Arizona and was founded in 1994. FYI The thickest above ground pool liner you can buy is 20 mil. Doughboy has been manufacturing above-groundor "portable" swimming pools since 1954 and is one of the oldest above-ground companies still in existence. The walls are like 2 1/2 inches thick. Aqua Leader is part of the Wilbar Group. I have nothing against Japanese products. The 7 Best Above-Ground Pools for Hours of Backyard Fun, 26 Above-Ground Pool Ideas to Beautify Your Swimming Spot, The Best Pool Heaters for Year-Round Swimming. What is your opinion regarding these 2 pools? Chlorine Shortage 2021 What You Should Do Now, Discussion of size and shape as it relates to. With the largest selection of models and types of pools to choose from, you can be assured to find the one that fits into exactly what you are looking for. In some cases as with aluminum premium above ground pools, the wall is almost twice as thick, making the aluminum just as strong if not stronger than thinner steel models. They also tend to have small inefficient filters and weak ladders. The equipment is just sitting in their parking lot rotting away as I right this. Yeah, who knew right?! "Lou, New York, "We constantly have BBQs, parties, and fun in our own backyard. Polygroup makes a variety of pools, from quick setup ring pools to frame pools, which come in assorted shapes and sizes. Every year, there are some great pools made and not from the above list. I remember Vogue pools before Wilbar bought them. "Now that we have THE RECTANGLE POOL our backyard is like our own private paradise! Oval 18 X 12, 20 X 12, 24 X 12, 28 X 12, 32 X 12, 24 x 16, 28 X 16, 32 X 16, 34 X 18, 41 X 21, Round 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32 But you are certainly correct, they are expensive! }); We are looking for demo homesites to display our new, virtually Maintenance-Free Award-Winning swimming pool. - (8am - 4pm CST). portalId: "5834159", At 92 and 100 degrees, the FitMax iPool is warmer than most swimming pools but cooler than a spabasically, the ideal temperature to exercise safely.Some models even come with chair lifts. Since youll want to show off your beautiful new Kayak swimming pool anyway, its a great way to enjoy some real savings in the process. China suppliers need to ship via containers across the ocean. Its junk at any cheap price. We will be replacing our current above ground pool, which we have had for 30 years. Generally, I seem to be at least slightly more impressed with pools made in Canada. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. They dont even make good coolers. When talking about above ground pool manufacturers, there are really two big ones that make most of them. Rectangular usually come with the aluminum deck/fence installed (which made passing inspection in Maryland SUPER easy). While you may opt for a professional installer, they are designed to be easy to set up. I have installed more Wilbar pools than any other maker. Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. Our service area includes all of New England, NY, WV. The long and short of it is that the best above ground pool will have the best pool wall. Radiant pools are just coming back onto the market after a 20-30 year hiatus. Many very knowledgeable customers I speak to on the phone point out that steel is stronger than aluminum. So whether you are searching for pool manufacturers or the best above ground, semi in-ground, or in-ground pool companies, look no further thanPlayGoPools.com. Depth ranges are from approximately a 36" shallow end to an 8' deep end, depending upon the pool. I met with a Radiant Dealer at the 2016 pool and spa show in Atlantic City, who had several pools with ice damage. I will be offering a personal guide to purchasing a pool, but thats not yet available. Have Holiday, Birthday, Graduation and any other type of party you can think of at your place. Then it might be Intex) and this is the type they make. Buster Crabbe / Aquasports Pools LLC is offers the best products dealers and warranty. There is also the even more expensive semi-inground paneled wall pool like a Radiant pool. We are the leaders in the swimming Pool and Hot tub industry, offering everything from installation to service. Your email address will not be published. Please fill out the form below and a representative will be in touch.We may be able to answer your question online. With above ground pool accessories like the ones listed above, they have the option to package good, better, or best from each category. hbspt.forms.create({ The Radiant design used to be sold as Dover Pools back in the day, and they were sold only as an inground pool then. The strength and durability of these models are in a class by themselves. We guarantee the cheapest price on all above ground pool models listed above. I have no use for the Atlantic or Sharkline models. Maybe your not a fan of prefab aluminum decks? Their pool is high-end and lasts a long time, especially now that they have gotten away from their wood decks. Take some time and educate yourself on the in ground pools we offer and let us help you take the plunge. Anyway, what that means for people in Massachusetts is that the Gibraltar family has a monopoly on the pool, as the Wilkes company protects the Gibraltar brand, by not selling parts or pools to anyone in New England :(. Im sure it always was. All Sharkline pools are made in the company's 160,000 square foot facility in Long Island, New York. All rights reserved. Also, your package will have a great pool liner, energy efficient pool pump, a large filter, and other great accessories. Please see our FAQ section for more information. I have weighed out the walls of these pools against the other manufacturers, and they weigh less. Their pools include filter pumps, and there's even a choice of graphics for the pool walls. These are models sold to possibly retailers but mainly distributors. From the makers of Doughboy and Lomart pools. Good for you Leslies for selling out while the getting was good and buyer beware now. And that is if you come across a metal-walled above ground swimming pool made in China, dont get it. Inground pools are like having a theme park all of your own; with the games, floats, toys and slides its no wonder your backyard will be known as the place to be in the neighborhood. To that I say good for you. The 24 is also easier to maintain. - Fri. (7am - 5pm CST) Sat. also good components and Frog mineral system is almost idiot proof. If you want thebest value pool, you should know, you will always get more pool for your money if you buy a round pool. I used to be a dealer of Doughboy Pools, so I know a few things. THE RECTANGLE POOLcan be installed above, semi or fully in-ground and has 3" thermal insulated wall panels with an R-14 insulation factor and a 2 lb. I will now review each of the above ground pool manufacturers whos pools are in my top-10 list. With excavation, installation, and setup you will have to add $1600.ish depending on your part of the country. The extremely inexpensive soft-sided pools did catch on though, and when Walmart started selling the Index pool, millions were sold. Hours: Mon. photographic journey of pool construction, Ultimate 14' x 30' Grecian Above Ground Pool Kit | Brown Synthetic Wood Coping | Free Shipping | Lifetime Warranty | 61016, Ultimate 16' x 32' Grecian Above Ground Pool Kit | Brown Synthetic Wood Coping | Free Shipping | Lifetime Warranty | 61017, Pretium 12' Round 52" Steel Wall Pool | Pool Assembly Only with Skimmer | PPREGLX-1252SSSTSSFBO, Ultimate 15' Round Above Ground Pool Kit | Brown Synthetic Wood Coping | Free Shipping | Lifetime Warranty | 61002, Laguna 18' x 33' Oval Resin Hybrid Above Ground Pool with Standard Package | 52" Wall | 59631, Pool Krete Pre-Mixed Vermiculite | 40lb Bag | UM-2, 12' x 22' Kidney Shape Rockwood On Ground Pool Kit, Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus PLUS Robotic Pool Cleaner | 99996403-PC, Pentair SuperFlo VS Energy Efficient Variable Speed Pool Pump | 1.5HP Single Phase 115-230V 50-60HZ | EC-342001. Customer Support is below average and that is saying something because all pool companies customer support is weak at best due to high demand and limited supply during the summer, us included. I havent seen many metal walled above grounds made in China. The Pool Wall. Above Ground Pools are the perfect vacation destination and we offer a wide assortment of quality pools to choose from with the primary differences being wall height, product component structure and thus warranty. This is how Ive seen the few that Ive seen and they are horrible pools. "Vito, Connecticut, "Now we stay home and play in our own yard instead of traveling to vacation. Add about another 2k. Many pool owners (especially those in the North) are able to make these cheaper pools last for some years. Especially the nicer upgraded models. Are you taking the proper steps to make sure your friends and family are safe in your backyard? If you are thinking about installing an above ground pool, consider above ground swimming pool kits. A QUICK FAVOR??? Ill list them here. Since when has styrofoam been a structural component? These pool walls are rolled out and then the two ends are mechanically connected together with screws. You celebrate the enjoyment of having your family and friends close. This was the case for me in the first 6-7 years of building pools. Not sure what you want, but know you want a pool? density strength. The frame of the pool is nowhere near as important as the wall. Review what youve selected is what you want and make sure you have everything you want! This company has been buying up a lot of pool companies/brands but has itself only been around since 1986. A couple of manufacturers came out with a much more legit soft-sided pool made to last for years and cost as much or more than a metal walled pool, but they never became very popular. This can only occur when installing many different models and makers over a long period of time, which is what I have done. If you are enjoying all the information here, PLEASE take a second to scroll to the bottom and click the Like button. And if they are, it will be very hard to get parts for their pools. All Pool types are The on ground pools are available in Round, Oval, Kidney, Keyhole, Octagon and Emerald Shapes. If I were to get an above ground pool, it would be a Wilbar pool for sure. Vogue had a really great oval design that got slightly bastardized a couple of years after Wilbar bought them. Not ideal for a pool staying up in a backyard. THE RECTANGLE POOLdoes not require concrete for above or semi in-ground installations and is recognized as one of the best above ground, semi-in-ground and in-ground swimming pools in the swimming pool industry. As an above ground swimming pool installer for three and a half decades, I have built almost every model ever made by almost every manufacturer that ever made above grounds. Your email address will not be published. Finding this article usually means that you have an above-ground swimming pool with an existing (usually wood) deck and are about to replace the pool with a new one. The Japanese pools are lacking with that. I have installed a couple hundred of them and they are nice looking and made with a decent design. Also as a one-stop-shop supplier, we offer additional pool accessories. Select a pool from our wide variety of shapes and styles. Sharkline makes steel, aluminum and resin pools in 48-, 52- and 54-inch heights. Round 8, 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28 We pride ourselves on superior products, easy installation, and great prices. In the world of all things sold, selling above-ground swimming pools isnt that hard. The thing I like about them is you know what you are getting for your money. As a member of our VIP insider program you will receive monthly savings coupons, vouchers and exclusive insider promotions. If you already own an above-ground pool and have had difficulty tracking down the company or its website, it may have joined forces with or been acquired by another company. They only gave him replacement panels, ouch. Everyone is looking for that guy who really knows what he is talking about and has an unbiased opinion. When dealing with water, you need to use good raw materials. shipping. Thats a good thing because the few that I have seen were awfully designed and made very cheaply. With a finished water hight of 44 inches, I find it very shallow. Now its considered a manufacturer. Oval pools require buried straps or buttresses to support the straight side walls. An above-ground swimming pool seems like a great idea, but how can you find out more about the different manufacturers? They sold the lowest quality Waterway filters, and pool pumps to unsuspecting, ignorant consumers. Believe it or not, even the best above ground pool is half the price of a cheap inground pool. I also like the Optimum above ground pool; they are just a bit over-priced when you compare them to the Aquasport 52 which I consider being far superior. I was sad about that, but they still make a nice and sound pool. The company began in the founder's basementand is still owned and operated by the same family. A 24 round is larger than a 15 x 30 oval by 55square feet. The elite pool walls are formed by joining together small panels. quality while saving money. The following is a frequently updated list of above-ground pool manufacturers. formId: "42253707-1ee4-4166-a280-db698f17f1d3" Wilkes gave Gibraltar the whole New England territory. Want a 1632? No more waiting in lines, no admission, its always open so you can watch with satisfaction as the children laugh, play and have a good time.