Usually, landscaping includes lots of plants and strategic water features. When you have an above ground pool, the focus is reversed. Your swimming pool is now the central design element, and the surrounding features are only intended to highlight the water.

There are many different options when it comes to beautifying your pool, and you can work within any budget. Keep in mind that cheap swimming pools can be elevated if you use strategic decor. You can create a high-end ambience if you use the right plant cover, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it.

One quick way to add some class to your pool is to install a pergola. You can place it over the entire pool, which can be quite beautiful. It’s not advisable though because while it will give your pool a romantic aura, it will also increase your work load. The vines circling the pergola will routinely shed leaves and flowers into the pool, which means you spend more time cleaning. All those leaves are also likely to clog your filter.

Instead, set the pergola more to the side, so that it makes a cosy enclave where guests can share some poolside drinks and conversation. In addition to this fragrant shaded area, put in some lounge chairs and recliners so that swimmers can bask in the sun when they feel inclined.

Also Read This: Why you should install a pool this spring

Your pergola can have some benches incorporated into it, but you can also have an outdoor picnic area with a few chairs and tables. This makes for a great meal area, especially if you’re having a pool party or barbeque. Choose seats that are waterproof. Vinyl is better than fabric, since it’s easier to clean, though it heats up quickly and can burn, so keep vinyl seats in a shaded area. Foldable canvas chairs withstand weather better.

The floor around your pool also offers some great decor options. Most people settle for your basic brick and concrete, but you can add some style by using natural stone instead. There are plenty of affordable options, so it doesn’t have to be pricey. Plus, the stone is cooler to the touch than concrete or cement, so it will be gentler on swimmers’ bare feet.

A pool surrounded by tropical forestry is a landscaper’s dream, but it may take some time for your little poolside jungle to grow. Your landscapers can install palm fronds and bamboo reeds to beautiful effect.

An easier option is to incorporate potted plants into your pool design. Your landscaper can advise you on the best varieties for your pool. They’re generally fine with daily watering and all little weeding. That’s probably something you can manage without external help.

If you’re ambitious and are looking for more extreme decor, install additional water features beside your pool. You could have a pond, fountains, or waterfalls. To top it off, surround your pool with trees and flowers, so that it looks more like a blended piece of nature.

Whichever form of pool decor you select, be sure to keep your water clean and well chlorinated or salted. This prevents natural micro-organisms from causing murk and breeding infections. To get in touch with Affordable Pools for more information, call us on (02) 86253656.

Winter is over, and the ground is starting to dry up. Pools that had been closed for the rainy season are opening up, and as you see your neighbours prepare for sunny days, you may be tempted to join in. It’s a natural impulse. After months of doom and gloom, sunning yourself by the pool feels like paradise.

That’s probably why every spring comes bursting with dreams of cheap swimming pools. It’s both a reaction to months of chilly weather and preparation for the sunny days of summer. After all, a Christmas party by the pool sounds like a divine way to end the year.

Installing a pool in the spring has lots of advantages. The ground is still soft from all that winter precipitation, so it makes excavation faster and cheaper. You do need to be extra careful though and make sure your pool builders do a good job. They have to secure the pool platform and ensure it’s firm and stable on all that soft soil.

Also Read This: Our most popular models

Another benefit is that this rich, moist, rain-soaked soil is great for landscaping. You can put in beautiful foliage and flowers to accessorise your pool, and since the soil is primed for planting, your greenery will root much faster.

Many pool companies close for the winter because there isn’t much demand. Of course, if you’ve bought an affordable above-ground unit, you can get some handy help, watch some online videos, and install it yourself, so you still win.

Depending on the kind of pool you’d like to install, your yard can get quite busy. An above-ground pool can be completed in a day or two, while an in-ground pool could take several weeks. Either way, installing your pool in spring gets it ready in plenty of time for summer.

Affordable Pools has a massive stock of pool equipment and accessories, and we’re on hand to help, whether you want to do the work yourself or hire our team to install it for you. Whatever your poolside needs, get in touch with us today on (02) 8625 3656.

We realise buying a pool is a big decision, you want to get the best pool for your money, you don’t want to spend money on a cheap pool that you’ll just be pouring more and more money into overtime. Above ground pools are a great option for the family who wants all the fun and benefits of having a swimming pool in their back yard without the huge costs of installing an in-ground pool.

Above ground pools are perfect for those who move a lot, who are renting, or see a pool as a short-term project for *while the kids are little*. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular above ground pools.

Chlorine/Fresh water Cape York Pools

This pool range now comes with resin top coping, and are available in optional standard or profiled deep ends. Coming in a depth of 1.32m (4’4”) the Cape York has all the features of the Sanctuary Cove pool with a top ledge of 180mm (7”) a sandstone colour bond wall, cream metal frame, fully galvanised steel and elegantly tapered uprights. If you combine all this with a deep-end design option you can increase the depth of your pool to an amazing 1.70m.

This pool is available in both round and oval shapes to suit any yard.

The complete Cape York Package consists of:

• Pump
• BHP colour bond wall in Sandstone
• Your choice of either a Sand or Cartridge filter
• Powder-coated Primrose Cream metal frame with 180mm heavy duty wide resin top seats
• Full manual vacuum kit – leaf scoop, vacuum head, CPR chart and water test kit
• Premium heavy-duty liner
• Plastic moulded deck ladder
• Large skimmer box

Also Read This: We are the experts when it comes to building affordable pools

Saltwater Pools – The Space Saver Range

These pools have been specifically designed for smaller back yards and come in a range of sizes, from 2.4M wide – in sizes from 3.6M to a huge 9.6M. Our 3.0M wide pools are available in sizes from 4.5M to 9.2M. All pools are a standard 1.32M deep.

The complete saltwater Space saver range package includes –

• Premium heavy-duty liner
• Large skimmer box
• BHP colour bond wall in Sandstone
• Your choice of a sand or cartridge filter
• Pump
• Extruded Resin vertical posts and rails
• Plastic moulded deck ladder
• Full manual vacuum kit – leaf scoop, CPR chart, water test kit and vacuum head
• 20gram P/H Saltwater Chlorinator
• 180 wide top resin copings

Above ground pools usually come in 3 standard shapes – round, oval and rectangular. Depending on what you want a pool for the shape can make all the difference. If you want to exercise, then a rectangular pool will allow you to swim laps, if you just want it for fun/recreation then the shape really doesn’t matter. You also need to pay attention to the space you have available.

When it comes to installing an above ground pool for your home, the team at Affordable Pools are the experts. All our pools are manufactured in Australia at our factory located in Sydney; we have been building pools for over 25 years and have the knowledge, skills and expertise to install an above ground pool that’s right for you, we are wholly Australian owned and operated. We pride ourselves on only using the best materials guaranteeing you many trouble free years of pool ownership.

Not only are our products of extremely high quality – but we also offer a wide range of pools to suit any home, yard size and budget. All the pool frames and walls we use are made from the best quality galvanised BHP Bluescope steel. We back our quality with a 20 year pro-rata warranty on both the pool frame and walls. The walls in our pools are constructed of a multi-layered colour bond which is painted on both sides giving ultimate protection to the steel, so it is safe no matter if you have opted for a salt water pool or a chlorinated pool.

Also Read This: How to prepare your yard for your above ground pool

To keep you and your family safe we have designed a covering for the underside of the coping – this is to prevent bees, wasps and spiders from nesting. These copings are our very own square design multi-ribbed internally for added strength and made from a super strong extruded resin.

Our copings are a cream colour this not only makes the pool itself look nicer it also helps deflect the sun’s rays to stay cooler than the old-fashioned metal copings, which get extremely hot in summer. The cream colour is a neutral colour that blends well with the colours of most boundary fences.

At Affordable Pools, we don’t use middlemen; we sell directly to the public so we can pass those savings onto you.

Sadly, there are some cheap imported pools for sale on the Australian market – don’t be dazzled by low prices, buy a good quality Australian built pool. Because we have been manufacturing pools in Australia for over 25 years we have the experience to know what works best for our customers and what doesn’t when you buy our pool, you are also buying our knowledge.

Our team provide you with a personal service, a well-designed and Australian manufactured pool, with a reputation that is second to none, it’s our goal to provide our customers with a pool the whole family can enjoy.

When you have a pool installed in your back yard you are a creating an exciting and fun space for your family to gather and spend time together – all without leaving the back yard. You’ll be making memories that will last a life time – from teaching your children to swim to enjoying barbeques and pool parties.

Our team can give you the pool of your dreams!

Above ground, pools offer a lot of conveniences, which is probably why they’re becoming increasingly popular. You can install them in a smaller space than in-ground pools, and they’re usually cheaper to erect. They have an even depth from end to end, so they make good lap pools. And they’re available in chlorine and salt-water options.

Once you’ve settled on the type of pool you want, start by getting the right pool people. Affordable Pools Australia has been in business since 1986, so with 25 years’ experience in all kinds of pool installation, we definitely fit the bill. And our prices are good too! We deal with all kinds of great value above ground pools, from vinyl to metal lined versions.

As we work with you to put that pool in, there are several steps you need to take. Getting your yard ready for a refreshing splash takes some effort. You can do it on your own, or you can call us in to help. We’ll be glad to do it, and if you call us early enough in the week, we can make a special weekend appointment for your installation.

Also Read This: Best pool shapes for 2017

An above ground pool needs a solid, steady surface. Otherwise, it can sink and cause a lot of damage. So as you choose your site, don’t just rush to that spot you can see from your kitchen window. We know this is a primary decider if you have kids, but ground stability trumps ease of supervision.

Find an area that is naturally level, since this will give you less preparation time. The space should be far away from septic tanks, power lines, and water lines to avoid leakage and accidents. Local regulations can advise you on mandatory distance, so check them carefully.

It might be hard just by looking to see if you have enough space for the kind of pool you want. You need three things to confirm sizing: a sharp stick, some string, and a can of spray paint. Go to the ‘centre’ of the pool, dig in the sharp stick, and tie a string around it.

Tie the spray can to the other end of the stick. Now walk around the intended edge of the pool, using the spray can to map it out. This will help you see how it stretches all around, and whether the boundaries affect any water pipes of obstructions. The edge should be 6 inches wider than the planned dimensions of the pool.

Remove all vegetation and stones from the space inside your spray can perimeter. Flatten the base of the pool by digging out raised areas so that they match lower areas. To make sure it’s level, use a flat wood plank pivoted with a nail or metal stake and spin it around the area on the pool. Use a carpenter’s level tool to ensure the wood is lying flat.

Once you have a flat area, fill it with limestone 1 or 2 inches deep. Use the wood to flatten the limestone, then remove it and fill the wood space with limestone as well. Check the whole base to make sure it’s completely flat and level. Your pool area is now ready for installation.

If you’d like more advice about pool installation, or if you want to make an appointment with us, call (02) 8625 3656 today.

Buying an above ground pool is a big decision, one of the first few things you need to consider after budget and location is the shape of your pool.

Your above ground swimming pool provider will be able to assess the size of your yard and show you how different shapes can work for you, they’ll also be able to advise you against the shapes that won’t work. They can show you a range of shapes and style you had probably never even thought of, they can also offer suggestions of decking and landscaping designs that could suit your pool.

Also Read This: Researching your above ground pool

In 2017 there are a huge range of pool shapes and designs –

• Square – a square pool gives your yard a more formal look and feel – they can be added to by the addition of a water wall or a square shaped spa can be added and attached to your pool.
• Rectangle – a classic shape that is still in fashion today, the straight lines give you a formal looking pool, and while you may think a long pool (especially a lap pool) is outdated you need to think again. An easy way to make a rectangular pool look less formal is to round the corners for a softer look.
• Circle – round swimming pools offer a softer and less formal looking swimming pool and they can still make good use of your space. One trend with circular swimming pools is creating a perimeter over-flow pool which adds an infinity pool look, that can still be enhanced with the addition of a spa or water wall.
• Oval – as with a round pool, oval shaped pools are less formal, are still a good use of space and can be enhanced by decking, a spa or landscaping.
• Kidney – the kidney shaped pool is similar to the oval in design but with a curved indentation on one side. Kidney shaped pools not only look *more natural* they also provide you with the natural positioning for a deeper end.



• Freeform – think curves, freeform pools are fully customisable and can be designed around your yards natural elements, so they blend into nature. With indentations in place they are perfect for adding a spa, a water wall or some landscaping. Freeform pools are modern pools that let you have a completely different look to the rest of the pools in your area.
• Geometric – this style is an off-shoot of the freeform pool, it allows you to customise the different square or rectangular sections of your pool, for you own unique layout.
• Figure eight – you get the functionality of a lap pool, along the middle, but with rounded portions on both ends – that don’t have to be the same size, you can use your backyard space accordingly. One end can be shallower for children and the other end deeper.

Perhaps you are thinking of an above ground pool for your yard for next summer? Now, is a great time to start thinking about a new pool. Above ground pools are the perfect alternative to the costs involved with an in-ground pool, and they still give you all the same benefits!

Shopping for an above ground pool can be confusing with so many sizes and options available. If you are thinking about a new above ground pool here are some things to look at and consider.

Also Read This: How Old Should Your Kids be Before You Get a Pool?

• SIZE – before you even start looking for an above ground pool, you need to get out the tape measure, there are a range of pool sizes available, and it helps if you know what size you are looking for. Is you yard suited to a round pool or would an oval pool fit in better? Oval shaped pools are great for a narrow yard but you have less volume and less swimming area. Oval size pools are also more expensive to buy and install, round pools offer better value for money. Once you know what size pool will fit – then you can find out what size pools are available for you.
• WHAT IS THE POOL MADE OF? – above ground pools often come in 3 types, steel, aluminium and resin plastic. When searching for your pool you want the pool that fits your budget, so you need to compare what each pool is made of….. ALUMINIUM – while they won’t rust, over time they will corrode and oxidise, but the aluminium wall panels are softer and more flexible. STEEL – steel walls can hold up to the environment they are dipped and coated in protective layers so look for hot dipped Zinc, galvanised steel, the top uprights should also have this coating to maximise protection against corrosion. Steel is naturally tough and rigid which will give the pool great structural integrity. RESIN PLASTIC – Resin pools have their pros and cons… they need to have a good UV coating as they are outside but the top rails aren’t as hot to touch as aluminium and steel top rails are when sat in the sun.



• ABOVE GROUND POOL PACKAGES – unless you are replacing an existing pool, you would be looking at a pool package which includes a pump, filter, ladder, etc. Affordable Pools has a range of options, so choose the one that gives you best value for money. Always look at what comes with the pool, this is the way to choose the best value.

Pools and pool packages vary, so look for the best pool and the best package for your needs. The *off-season* is a great time to buy your pool, to take advantage of deals and specials and book an installation.

Today Affordable Pools is going to look at that age-old debate – which is better an above ground swimming pool or an inground swimming pool? There are 4 things to consider when weighing up between an above ground swimming pool or an inground swimming pool – they are:

• 1. COST – in most cases your inground pool will be the most expensive choice, whether it is a vinyl pool or concrete or fibreglass. On top of the cost of the pool itself you need to consider all the extras – electrical hook-up for lights, landscaping around the pool, decking or concreting around the pool, extra costs including a cover, pool heating, filters etc. When buying an above ground pool there are 3 main costs involved – the price of the pool – or kit itself, the price of installation. And the price of any pool surroundings you may want to add – such as decking. Your above ground pool is the cheaper option and in some cases the pool is cheaper than the decking or landscaping you choose to put around it.

Also Read This: Swimming pool Vs a lap pool

• 2. SIZE – As strange as you may think this sounds an above ground pool can be every bit as large – if not larger than an inground pool! However, with an above ground pool you are generally limited to one uniform depth. With an inground pool you get the choice of depths from shallow to deep which is perfect for anyone with a young family, children can move from depth to depth as they grow older and more confident.

• 3. MAINTENANCE – when you compare the two styles of pool, there really isn’t a LOT of difference when it comes to maintenance. Although if you don’t have a deck around your above ground pool it can make it a lot harder to get around the pool to vacuum it properly. Both styles of pool need filters and water still must be tested and treated, surface water has to be skimmed of leaves and other debris. You need to care for both styles of pool in a similar way.



• 4. LIFE SPAN – the average above ground pool, when cared for properly will last anywhere from 7 to 15 years before the structure of the pool gives out completely. Pool liners have a shorter life span – generally 5 to 9 years before you will need to replace them. When it comes to inground pools how long they last is often down to the type of pool. For example, a fibreglass pool should last well over 20 years, while a vinyl pool has a structure that lasts well, the liner will need to be replaced every 6 to 11 years on average. Concrete pools should last a long time, but even they need to be resurfaced every 9 to 13 years and that can become quite expensive.

Today Affordable Pools will compare the two styles of common backyard pools, the above ground *family* swimming pool and the lap pool. What is the difference?

Above ground swimming pools are defined by their size and their purpose. They are generally round in shape and sit on top of the ground. Above ground pools inject some FUN into your yard, they are used for recreation and are a great way to spend time with your family.

Also Read This: Choosing the colour of your pool

• Benefits include keeping your children active, social – inviting their friends around and safe supervised fun. These pools are also great for entertaining – pool parties, for a little exercise, for swimming, splashing around, playing games, cooling off or enjoying a relaxing dip.
• Features of this style include – they are not *permanent* and can actually be moved if you find the location is no longer convenient. If you move to a new house you can take the pool with you. Above ground pools are not *invasive* so if you are renting and have the landlord’s approval, you can have one and when you move minimal damage is done to the backyard. They are cheaper than having an in-ground pool installed.
• This is a classic style of pool, that a lot of aussie kids – now with families of their own, will remember splashing around in when they were younger. These pools are also a lot easier to care for these day, better filters, choices of salt water or chlorine, heaters and so much more.

Lap pools are typically inground pools and they are longer and thinner than above ground family swimming pools. A lap pool can measure 10 X 2.5 metres.

• The benefits of lap pools include – they are a great way to keep fit. These types of pools often take up a smaller area of your yard and the area where you swim laps is generally free from ladders and steps. The sides of a lap pool are straight and not angled which allows the swimmer to move their arms around freely when swimming into the sides.
• Features of lap pools include – extra underwater lighting – great for early morning or evening swims, heating so you can train all year round and water jets to help with resistance training.
• Some of the trends in lap pools include – extending the lap pool underneath bridge walkways or even into the home. Adding garden walls and rock features to remove the *starkness* – breaking up the length of the pool, making it a feature of the back yard. Buyers can often combine a lap pool with an outdoor spa, or even an above ground swimming pool to cater for all members of the family.

Pools are great for exercise and fun, it just depends which pool is right for you.

At one stage getting a pool was *easy* but today, with so many pool colours to choose from it can be a hard decision, what is the right pool colour for your backyard? Buying a pool for your backyard is a big investment and it is there for all to see, so you really want to get the look *right* and this includes choosing the right colour for your pool. One of the best ways to decide is to visit an Affordable Pools display centre and look at their range of above ground pools for yourself. Here you can see a range of not only the most popular pool colours, but also any upcoming trends. These colours may not be *cool* right now, but give it time…..

Also Read This: Choosing the right depth for your pool

There are a few things you should consider when choosing a colour for your above ground pool.

● What look and feel are you wanting to create in your backyard? Are you planning on a chic and cool place, a lagoon or resort style feel? A tropical oasis or a Tuscan haven? You should also consider the colour of your home, once you have decided on a theme for your backyard it will guide you towards colours to work with.

● Depending on the size of your swimming pool, you may be planning to place it right in the middle of your yard – creating a centre-piece. Of course, like any centrepiece it needs to compliment your yard while adding that *wow* factor.

● Other factors you should consider when choosing a pool colour are *the theme of your backyard * what will be surrounding your pool *water temperatures of a pool with a lighter colour can reflect the sun’s heat – this will result in cooler water *Reflection of the water – a lighter pool colour will draw your eyes to the bottom of the water making it look more inviting, but you will need to ensure you keep the bottom of the pool clean.

● Safety is another important factor – you need to consider how slippery any pool surrounds may be when they get wet, so perhaps select a pool surround that is textured.

● Dark pool surrounds can attract and retain heat, during summer, when it’s hot, surfaces like that may be too hot and uncomfortable to walk on

● Pool surrounds should be darker than the pool, if you have chosen a light-coloured pool, some good complimentary colours include – *Dark wooden decking *Bluestone, *Dark slate, *Sandstone with red, brown and orange earth tones, *Dark limestone, *Dark granite, Dark brick or * Travertine with chocolate and caramel tones.
If you try and keep these factors in mind when choosing a colour for your pool, you should be able to easily achieve the look and feel you are going for. Visit Affordable Pools today for more information and advice.