Above-ground swimming pools

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32439, 28 October 1970, Page 11

Above-ground swimming pools

Prefabricated aboveground swimming pools have recently become a popular alternative to inground installations. Over 3,000,000 above-ground pools are in use today in the United States.

Their popularity has increased steadily as manufacturers have extended the variety of sizes and designs available. The pools range from the basic “tank” type with equal depth throughout

(usually 4 feet) to models that include perimeter decking and either a sloping bottom or a deep-end hopper requiring a partial excavation. Sizes vary from 12ft diameter circular pools to 20ft by 40ft rectangles. Shapes are limited to circles, ovals and rectangles. Construction material usually consists of durable galvanised steel or aluminium walls with interior vinyl liners. The outer panels may feature attractive colour designs. Decking ranges from a side-top rim for seating to a fully fenced-in area round the pool, wide enough to include patio furniture. Prices for above-ground pools vary from less than $4OO for the minimum sized, equal-depth pools, to a cost approximately the same as

a small iri-ground pool for the large, fully-decked models. Filter units, diatomaceous earth, are specially designed for this type of pool. Skimmers are floating lily-pad units or in some cases are recessed into the wall structure. Maintenance chores are simple, and the pools can be easily winterised. The height of the pool from the ground is a builtin safety feature. Removeable ladders or access steps that swing out of reach effectively keep children from the area when the pool is not in use. Installing an aboveground pool from a pool kit can be an enjoyable family project. The pool can be disassembled and removed to a new location, an added attraction for mobile families.