Get your very own swimming pool at discount prices by purchasing an above-ground pool kit at a fraction of the cost of installing an in-ground pool. As you plan for cool dips on hot summer days, remember that swimming pools present a serious drowning hazard for children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if possible, postpone put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are age 5 or older. Also follow these tips:
- Never leave your child alone in the pool.
- Put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least four feet high around all sides of the pool.
- Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
- Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
With your swimming pool safety plan set, consider any of the following inexpensive above ground swimming pools for your yard. All of these are available for purchase online and come with detailed instructions for installation.
Yorkshire 18-Foot Round Above Ground Pool
Overstock.com sells the Yorkshire Above Ground Pool (pictured below), an 18-foot round pool made of galvanized steel. The pool measures 52 inches high and has a white frame with a 6 -inch ledge and blue walls. Price: $1,099.99. As always, shipping at Overstock.com is $2.95.
Three-Foot-Deep Dolphin Swimming Pool
If a three-foot deep pool suits your family, consider the Dolphin Above Ground Pools (see photo below) from Arthurspools.com. The pool’s galvanized steel walls include a cute vinyl port hole. A pool ladder and a Dirt Eater through-the-wall filter system come with the pool. Price: $529.99 for 12-foot round, $649.99 for 15-foot round. Limited free shipping.
Intex Ellipse Inflatable Pool
The Easy Set inflatable pools made by Intex are popular offerings at toy stores and giant retailers every summer. Simple to set up and take down and larger than your average temporary backyard pool, the Intex company boasts that it sells more above ground pools than any other company. Thepoolzone.com offers a variety of Intex pools including the 4-foot high, 12-foot by 20-foot Oval Ellipse pool (see picture below). This large pool sets up like any Easy Set pool—just inflate the top ring and fill with water—but adds metal frame supports to create a larger swimming area. Price: $854.99 with free shipping.
Intex Ultra Frame Pool
Another Intex product is the Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool, which combines easy set up with a strong metal frame to create a traditional pool shape. Toys R Us sells the 18-foot by 9-foot by 52-inch high pool, which includes a filter pump, installation DVD, ground cloth, pool cover, ladder, deluxe maintenance kit, and surface skimmer. Price $799.99. Shipping and handling varies, but can run over $300. Check your local Toys R Us store to see if it’s available in the store.
Barbados 48-Inch Pool and Liner Kit
Family Pool Fun offers a sturdy, traditional 12-foot round, 48-inch high steel pool with a 7-1/2-inch top ledge for added stability. The Barbados Pool and Liner Kit comes with a free liner, skimmer, and installation video. Price: $751.98. Shipping is free.
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