Author: jeffm

Nothing says summer like kicking back by the pool with a cold beverage in hand. Make the most of the sunshine by installing an above ground pool in your garden this year. It’s the perfect time of year to make the purchase before the colder winter months kick in.

What are the benefits of getting a pool?

Let’s face it – living in Australia is a life of paradise. We’re spoilt with fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and a high quality of life – and we really shouldn’t complain about it! But, sometimes, the heat can get too unbearable temperatures. Many people live within walking distance to the beach, but for those who don’t, it can be challenging to cool off outdoors.

One of the most significant benefits of having an outdoor pool is the fact that you can jump right in whenever you need to cool down. You don’t have to think twice about going for a swim when you have a pool, as there’s no need to get your beach gear together and make a long car journey or walk in the heat.

Also Read This: Our Chlorine/Freshwater Pools

One of the most appealing things about having an outdoor pool is the privacy that it provides. Sure, you could head down to your local swimming pool, but chances are you’ll be fighting for a lane and your personal space in there. When you get your pool, there’s no need to pre-plan or schedule in your swim – you just do it! Even when you just need some chill time by the poolside, you can rest assured that you can read your book in peace in your very own tranquil space. Bliss!

Is it affordable?

An outdoor swimming pool is an investment. Just think of the money and the time that you’ll save on transport with trips to the beach or your local swimming pool. Plus, the convenience and luxury of having your private pool will far outweigh the costs. Given Australia’s warm climate, the amount that you use your swimming pool will soon take over from the initial price – especially in the summer months.

There’s often an option for interest-free payment plans so that you can work with your budgeting needs. If you’re looking for cheap swimming pools or something on the lower price end, you don’t need to be concerned about the quality of the pool. Even the most affordable pools are built using premium materials.

When can I start?

Now! Summer is the perfect time to invest in a swimming pool, as you’ll get the most use out of it. Plus, there are a number of summer specials on offer during this peak season. Don’t think twice – just jump right in! There are so many great above ground pools to choose from, so you can select the perfect size, style and price range for you. Once you invest in an outdoor pool, you won’t be able to imagine life without it.

Affordable Pools has super affordable swimming pool choices for our customers – that’s what we are known for! Our chlorine/freshwater pools are our most popular options, they come in 3 different customisable styles that are ready to install in your yard. Big or small, we’ve got you covered when it comes to cheap swimming pools. Check out these three designs that we have available in our chlorine/freshwater range.

Cape York Design

The Cape York is one of our premier pool designs that comes in a 1.32m deep option – and you can choose to add a deep end up to 1.7m to keep you fresher for longer. This model also features a top ledge that’s 18cm wide, very comfortable for leaning. It’s made from galvanised BHP steel for sturdy solid construction, with an outer wall in Sandstone Colorbond. It’s attractive and functional and comes in a vast range of sizes and widths so that you can go with a skinnier pool all the way through to round pool design. Current prices of the Cape York design start at just $2,770 for the pool only package. All Cape York models feature a 20-year warranty so you can be assured of longevity.

Also Read This: Our Summer Specials

Billabong design

Our Billabong model is a more standard type of above ground swimming pool – you’ve probably seen our style in backyards around the country! The Billabong is super affordable, easy to construct, made again from galvanised BHP steel and still finished in the Sandstone Colorbond colour. Each pool comes with a 4cm top rail with optional 18cm seats on either side of the pool. Again, there are various widths that the Billabong design comes in, from 3m to 4.5m, with varying lengths, as well as round pools too – and they are all 1.32m deep. Prices start at only $1,840 making this pool an extremely affordable choice. With our Billabong pools, you have a 10-year warranty.

Spacesaver design

The ideal choice for smaller backyards, our Spacesaver range ensures that you don’t have to miss out on a swimming pool just because you don’t have a huge backyard. Spacesaver pools come in 1.2m or 1.32m depths, and widths start from just 2.4m – so it can fit into squeezy spaces. The pools feature Sandstone walls, metal frames and heavy duty liners. Pools in our Spacesaver range start at $3,430 and go up from there. This range carries a 20-year warranty for peace of mind.

Flick through our chlorine/saltwater above ground pool collections to get an idea about the size, shape, design, and cost of each. You will be surprised at how affordable our range is! Make sure to get in contact with us for any questions you may have or to get started with installing your very own pool.

Heading into summer without a swimming pool? Uh oh! Why not try and beat the heat and get in quick for one of our summer specials. We have some real bargains lined up just in time for the most scorching part of the year, ready to go directly out to your home for installation. Get in quick and get them before they are all snapped up – go on, treat yourself!

The Palm Cove and Cape York pool designs

Two of our most popular designs are on special just in time for summer – the Palm Cove and Cape York. Both pools are available in no less than 6 different sizes:

• 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m
• 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m
• 4.9m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.5m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 8.2m x 4.5m x 1.32m
• 9.4m x 4.5m x 1.32m

This way, no matter what your yard dimensions are, you’ll be able to find something that fits. Each pool comes with your choice of a sand filter or cartridge filter (21” sand or 75sq.ft. cartridge filter and 550watt pump for the smaller models, 25” sand or 100sq.ft. cartridge filter and 750watt pump for the larger models), and either the saltwater package (including automatic salt chlorinator) or the chlorine/fresh water package. The saltwater package for each pool is just $500 extra. Prices for these pools including everything you need start at $3930 for the 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m chlorine pool, through to $6450 for the 9.4m x 4.5m x 1.32m saltwater pool. Each of these includes a leaf stop cover, a coloured liner, vinyl safety ladder, a large skimmer box, manual vacuum kit with leaf rake, vacuum head, hose, water test kit and CPR chart, plus a Colorbond outer wall. You can choose to upgrade your package to include pool lights or a solar DIY kit.

Also Read This: Key Differences Between an Above Ground and a Semi Above Ground Pool

The Billabong pool design

The Billabong is also on spesh this summer, with five different sizes available:

• 4.9m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 6.2m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.5m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.0m x 4.5m x 1.32m
• 8.2m x 4.5m x 1.32m

These are available only in the cartridge filter style with chlorine, and range in price from $3150 to $3970 – super affordable! Each model includes ladder, liner, skimmer box and a vacuum kit. You can choose to upgrade to a sand filter, a heavy duty later, or to a more energy efficient pump.

Also available is the Billabong Spacesaver – a smaller pool but at a truly bargain price. For our smallest model of 4.5m x 3m x 1.32m, this starts at $2540.

Check out these specials plus more and get yourself a super affordable above ground swimming pool this summer! At Affordable Pools, we make pool ownership cheap and easy for everyone.

Pools are a wonderful addition to the back or front yard that can help keep you cool with a dip during the warmer months of the year. If you are looking to purchase a new pool, then you have some important decisions to make. The first decision to look at is what type of pool to buy – and you have three different types here to choose from. They are in ground, above ground, and the semi above ground pool.

You will probably know by now of in ground and above ground pools already, and the semi above ground pool is a bit of a different take on an above ground pool.

Here we outline the key differences between the two.

Surrounds of the pool
This is where the biggest difference between an above ground pool and a semi above ground pool lies. With a regular above ground pool, the pool itself is completely free standing. It will extend over a metre high, just from the ground itself, and it will have a ladder attached so that you can enter the pool easily. A semi above ground pool will be either partially or completely hidden by some other structure. This may be the ground, a deck, or other materials.

Also Read This: How long should an above ground pool installation take?

Cost difference
Above ground pools are less expensive overall that semi above ground pools. This is because the landscaping surrounding the semi above ground pool is an additional cost to the pool.

The outer shell
If the pool is surrounded by dirt around the edges (i.e. the ground has been dug out, or sloped up surrounding the pool) then the pool shell may need to be made out of a different shell than an above ground pool. It may need to be sturdier as it will need to be strong enough to without the force of the dirt next to the shell. If the shell is surrounded by space (i.e. it is built into an elevated deck), then there may be no difference between the shell of the semi above ground pool and an above ground pool.

Above ground and semi above ground pools are both far less expensive than in-ground swimming pools. A semi above ground pool is a popular choice for a landscaped look, and a regular above ground pool is a popular choice for the most affordable model on the market.

Whether you’re after an above ground or semi above ground pool, we have what you are looking for at Affordable Pools. We help homeowners to purchase their very own pool for their house at a very cost efficient price. With both chlorinated and salt water models available, there is something for everyone in store with us.

There is no doubt about it, there is NOTHING like spending summer by (or in) the pool. It doesn’t matter whether you live by the beach or somewhere *inland* having a pool provides a range of advantages –

• It’s a safe place for you and your family to relax
• It increases the amount of time you spend outside
• It increases your levels of fitness
• It increases the value of your home

For families a pool helps alleviate summer holiday boredom and gives your children a safe place to play and have fun, if you can’t get to the beach you can still enjoy the fun of water and sun, right in your own backyard – you also avoid all those crowds!

People choose to build an above ground pool because they are fast to install, affordable and easy to maintain. Above ground pools are every bit as safe and fun as an in-ground pool. Depending on your yard, and your installer you can have your pool up and running anywhere from 24-72 hours later. Above ground pools are also easy to remove.

With the days getting longer and the weather warming up, spending time around the pool is one thing the whole family will love to do – don’t let another summer pass without a pool.

Also Read This: Why above ground pools are still so popular?

Above ground pools are an excellent alternative to an in-ground pool, most above ground pool kits come with their own assembly and installation instructions for those who want to install the pool themselves. If you have enough help and you prepare sufficiently it can take less than a day to install some above ground pools.

If you would prefer, your pool supplier will be able to arrange installation of the new pool for you.

Prepare the ground – in most cases you will need to prepare the ground under your pool. This could include removing sod, levelling the soil and installing a foundation of sand. This procedure alone can take several hours depending on the location of your pool.

Assembling the frame – the pool’s frame needs a solid foundation to sit on. This foundation can be pavers, patio stones etc – as long as they are embedded flush into the ground. While this is being done, have others start assembling the frame. With enough help this should take a few more hours.

Installing the liner – this is the most delicate part of the installation, take care not to rip or tear the liner. The liner should be carefully examined for any damage.

Considerations – if you have only one or two people helping plan on making it a weekend to install the pool. Before filling your pool, your fencing should be in place, if not wait till your fencing is erected before filling the pool.

Above ground pools are the perfect option for homeowners who want a swimming pool but aren’t ready for the expense (and work) of putting in an in-ground swimming pool. Many of us growing up had the 3-foot-deep above ground pool in the backyard, as adults, we want the same for our children. For this reason, there are still a lot of benefits to owning an above ground pool.

The main reason above ground pools are still so fashionable is because they are so affordable. They are less expensive to buy and install than an in-ground pool. They are also perfect for the homeowner who isn’t sure he or she wants to commit long-term to an in-ground pool, or perhaps they just feel that where they are living isn’t going to be for long. If you are unsure if the kids will use the pool, how long you’ll be living there, and finances are a concern an above ground pool makes terrific sense.

Above ground pools are considered as temporary structures, but you will still need council approval – including a fence, this is a necessary added expense for the safety of your family and any visitors. Don’t forget most above ground pools can be taken down and moved to your next home. All you need is a new liner, and your pool can be quickly re-installed.

Also Read This: It’s time to prep your pool for Summer!

Parents of young children (babies in particular) like above ground pools as they need to be climbed into, it’s not something a baby can crawl and fall into, these styles of a pool are not easily accessible for young children. For those with young children an in-ground pool is at a level that is dangerous, it will require close supervision, and children think they can just lean over to retrieve a wayward ball, with an above ground pool they need an adult to help.

If your backyard isn’t level, again above ground pools are a perfect choice. It can be both expensive and difficult to install an in-ground pool in a yard that has an uneven surface; an above ground pool just needs the uneven patches levelled, and away you go!

With summer fast approaching, if you are dreaming of relaxing in your very own swimming pool – an above ground pool is the answer to your prayers. In-ground pools can take months from approval to installation, with above ground pools once you have approval, the pool can be set up in no time.

As above ground pools continue becoming more popular manufacturers are coming up with new trends and ideas for above ground pools and their accessories – you’ll easily find the pool that’s just perfect for you and your family.

Did you close your pool for winter? Even if you left it open and indulged in a few laps, Summer is coming, so it’s time to get the water ready for a whole lot of splashing, especially if you intend to have fun-filled barbeques and Christmas guests.

Above ground pools and in-ground pools have similar maintenance patterns, so reviving them for summer follows the same necessary steps. If you haven’t installed your surprisingly cheap swimming pool yet, it’s not too late. Get in touch with us here at Affordable Pools, and we can discuss the logistics of installation. But if you need to re-open your existing pool, here are some suggestions.

Opening the pool is more work than you’d think, so enlist the help of a few friends. You can always pay them in barbequed treats, and it’s certainly a good excuse for a party. Most people open their pools around the same time, but you should plan to open yours a few weeks early.

When you open your pool early, you might get pool gear at discounted ‘new season’ prices. It will also be easier for you because the weather won’t be uncomfortably hot yet. Concerning cleanliness, the hotter it is, the more algae grows, so it’s useful to open the pool before more algae sprouts beneath the pool cover.

Go to the pool store and buy all the supplies you need. You will need a pool opening kit, which usually contains pool chemicals like chlorine, alkalinity products, and chlorine stabilisers. For an above ground pool do be careful not to go overboard on chemicals. Regarding tools, you will need a telescoping pole, a pool brush, a skimmer head, a vacuum hose, and a vacuum head.

Also Read This: Our DIY Solar Kits in focus

Test strips are essential as well. Pools respond in different ways, depending on water content, duration of the closure, contaminant levels, and atmospheric conditions. The colour of the water could range from clear to mossy green. You’ll need to clean the water, then do basic maintenance, cleaning the floor and sides with a pool brush and skimmer basket.

Start by removing the pool cover, then turn on the pump and filter, and keep them running until the pool water reaches its usual clean colour. Once the water’s natural tone is restored, put the filter back into a cycle of 10 to 12 hours per day. The colour of the pool isn’t an indicator of its health. To find that out, you need to run a test.

For your test results to be accurate, you need to take a proper sample. You shouldn’t dip the test strip into the pool or scoop a cup from anywhere in the pool. Instead, stretch your hand over the pool, away from the return line. Invert the cup so that it’s upside down, then lower your hand into the pool until the water reaches your elbow.

Turn the cup back upright and raise it out of the pool, full of water. Dip your test strips in the cup to check the levels of chlorine or salt, depending on what pool sanitizer you use. You will also check for pH, alkalinity, calcium, chlorine hardness, or cyanuric acid.

If possible, take the water sample to the pool store instead of checking it yourself. Since this will be the first test after opening the pool, having it done professionally will give you more detailed results. Make sure to mention the type of pool you have as above ground pools have different requirements to concrete pools, and so on. Once you have your results, you’ll know what chemicals to add or reduce.

Your pool should be at around 7.2 pH. You can also put in some algaecide to get rid of anaerobic plant growth.Your pool is now ready to use. Clean your pool cover, store it, and dive in.

For more information on all kinds of swimming pools, call us today on (02) 8625 3656.

Above ground pools in Australia are a must have when it comes to our scorching summers. During the warm months, we live in the water, especially when the kids are home during the holidays. Nothing beats a barbeque with the family when the weather is fantastic, and the pool is refreshing and clean.

Being environmentally conscious is the way of the future. And using the energy of the sun has become more and more popular in recent years.

Here at Affordable Pools, we have made it possible for you and your family to enjoy year long swimming without the heavy cost of fuel. Wouldn’t it be amazing to use your pool all year, without having to pay an arm and a leg to keep it heated in the colder months? This is where our Solar DIY Kits come in.

The Solar DIY Kit works by pumping the cold water from your swimming pool and circulating it through conductive tubes which are situated on your roof. It then returns the heated water into your pool.

It only heats up the pool when the sun is hot enough, and it will keep the temperature within 1% of your desired water temperature.The Solar DIY Kits can be used in spas as well as other combined systems.

It only heats up the pool when the sun is hot enough, and it will keep the temperature within 1% of your desired water temperature.The Solar DIY Kits can be used in spas as well as other combined systems.

The Solar DIY kit adds 6-10 degrees to the water of your pool, meaning less freezing water and lots more pool enjoyment.

With almost zero running costs, the Solar DIY Kit is a long-term investment. One which you’ll reap the rewards of for many years. It increases the value of your home, and basically, never needs any form of maintenance. Time, money and inconvenience are all saved when installing this fantastic, environmentally friendly product. Our Kits are comprised of Australian made components, keeping it local and without extra costs. And with a ten-year warranty, it’s a win-win situation.

The value of your pool will increase through the additional swimming months gained each year. Late night swimming can be a regular occurrence, and a winter pool party is something to think about. Water aerobics can also be enjoyed year long, it’s a great form of exercise, and you don’t have to drive to the gym to get to a warm pool.

Please note that additional plumbing will be needed to connect the solar collector mat from your roof to your swimming pool.