Category: From The Blog

Surprisingly there is a little bit of maintenance required with an above ground pool. It isn’t as simple as just filling a pool with water and jumping in. Of course, being able to cool off in summer and watching your family and friends enjoying themselves in the summer it is all worth it. For sparking water that is clean and healthy there are things you will need to do.

1. The filter and pump can be considered the heart of your above ground pool as it helps keep your water clear. Pumps provide the force to circulate the water pushing it through the filter. You should aim to push ALL the water in your pool, through the filter every 8 hours. The best time to run your pump and filter is during the day for an 8 to 12 hour stretch. It’s very important that the water circulates around the perimeter of your pool. Water that is in motion makes it harder for algae and bacteria to form and directs debris into your skimmer where it can be captured by your filter
2. Your filter is there to catch and remove both microscopic particles and debris. Cartridge filters have a cartridge inside that can be removed and washed using a garden hose, however, your cartridge will need to be replaced eventually to ensure your filter is working correctly.
3. Above ground pools have different areas with little or no circulation and these areas are breeding grounds for problems like algae, so the walls and floor of your pool should be brushed and vacuumed once a week. Even if you use an automatic cleaner brushing once a week is recommended.
4. Test your water regularly for both sanitisers and PH levels. By testing 2 or 3 times a week you’ll understand how rain and sun and chemical applications affect your pool water. Regular testing will ensure crystal clear water all season long. A digital test strip reader will make this job a lot faster. If you find it hard to maintain your PH, check your alkalinity to ensure it’s within the right range and adjust accordingly.
5. Chlorine tablets are the most efficient and common sanitisers to use in an above ground pool. These tablets are compressed so they will dissolve slowly to release chlorine to keep your water clean and wipe out any bacteria. Chlorine also comes in sticks and granules but whichever one you choose, you want a stabilised chlorine which is a process that protects it from the damaging rays of the sun – making the chlorine last longer and work more effectively.
6. Debris will build up in the water from hair spray, sun lotions and even perspiration and this can cause skin and eye irritation or odour. Chlorine is often blamed for this, but it can be the contaminants which are stopping the chlorine from doing its job. When this happens, you need to *shock* your pool once a week to oxidise contaminants and free up the chlorine to keep your water crystal clear. Regular treatments will also kill any resistant algae in the water.

An above ground swimming pool is a great addition to any home, it not only adds value to your home it’s a place where friends and family can hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Having a swimming pool doesn’t end with filling it with water, it is an investment and like any investment it needs to be maintained. One of the most important parts of your above ground swimming pool is the pool pump that keeps the water crystal clear and clean. The pool pump and filter circulates and filters the water to keep it moving and to keep it clean, a stagnant pool can promote the growth of algae which in turn will make your water green and sets up the perfect home for mosquitoes and other bugs to flourish.
Pool pumps and filters vary in size and power, so choosing the right pump and filter for your above ground pool can make a huge difference to your energy consumption and power bills. So, how do you choose the right pump and filter for your pool?

● The size of the pool determines how many litres of water it will hold, knowing this allows you to calculate the pools *flow rate* this is how much water can be moved within a specific time. The average pool needs to circulate the equivalent of all the water in the pool about every 4-6 hours at least once or twice a day.

● Power is also a deciding factor – while you want as much power from your pump as possible a pump that is too powerful can do more harm than good as it can prevent proper filtration from occurring. A pump that is too powerful can even damage your pools filter and heater and if too powerful it can even blow pipes and fittings apart.

● Size of the pump – if you choose a pump that is too large it can result in damage to the plumbing and equipment and can result in cavitation that can damage the pump itself. Cavitation is the formation of bubbles in the water near the impeller as the bubbles pop, shock waves are created within the pump, that not only make a noise but they can pop with enough force to damage the impeller and other pump parts. An over-sized pump can also cause excessive flow which can erode the systems piping

● The features of the pump and filter you choose must also match the features of the pool, horsepower and head flow of the pump are two important factors to consider. Always buy a pump with the right horsepower. A pump with average horsepower is great for a standard pool, small sized pools don’t need pumps with high horsepower. A pump with average horsepower will also save on your energy costs.

In summer, there is nothing Australian’s love more is than to head to the beach, or to spend long lazy hours at home in their own above ground swimming pool. Adding an above ground swimming pool to your home isn’t just an investment, it also adds a focal point for your family to enjoy spending time together, having fun and exercising.
An above ground pool is so affordable, you’ll wonder why you never got one sooner! Above ground pools are a fraction of the cost of an inground swimming pool and they do the same thing – provide fun and exercise and keep you cool in summer.
Above ground pools are the perfect choice –
● With an inground pool it’s easier for dirt, leaves, grass etc. to blow into the pool, it can be hard work keeping your pool clean especially when it’s windy. With an above ground pool it is above ground level so it’s harder for dirt and debris to enter the pool.
● Above ground pools are easier to cover with a pool cover than in ground pools are
● With an in ground pool small animals can easily fall in – from your pets to rodents
● Leaks are easier to fix in above ground pools
● Above ground pools are much safer for children, with inground pools it’s easy for small children and babies to fall into/crawl into the water, it’s a lot harder to get into an above ground pool when you remove the ladder
● Above ground pools are easier to install, in fact you can do it yourself. You can go from no pool to swimming in a few hours, rather than waiting weeks.
● You can choose above ground pools in different shapes and sizes according to your needs.
● The cost of heating an above ground pool is cheaper.

The Cape York Pool package comes with an optional standard or profiled deep end and now comes with resin top copings and braceless. The extra depth a Cape York pool gives you is perfect for a growing family with a depth of 1.32m or the deep end option that gives you a depth of 1.70m – you now have all the features of an inground pool without the price tag.

The Cape York range comes in 2 shapes – round and oval starting from 3m X 1.32m to 5.40m X 1.32 for a round pool or the wide pools starting from 3.0m wide to 4.5m wide, there is a pool size and shape to fit any yard.

Your complete Cape York package includes:
● BHP Colourbond wall in Sandstone
● Premium Heavy Duty liner
● Powder-coated Primrose Cream metal frame with 180mm heavy duty resin top seats.
● Large skimmer box
● Plastic moulded deck ladder
● Pump
● Choice of either a sand or cartridge filter
● Full manual Vacuum kit with leaf scoop, vacuum head, water test kit and CPR chart

When faced with the decision of what sort of pool to get, you have a couple of different options to choose from. One of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make when getting a pool is whether to get a regular chlorinated pool or a saltwater pool.

But do you know just why saltwater pools are so popular? You’ve probably heard friends or family talking about how they happily made the decision to go with a saltwater swimming pool and wondered what the difference was. Find out why everyone’s talking about the benefits of saltwater.

Easier to maintain than a regular chlorinated pool

Pools can require a lot of maintenance, which is why some households choose to go without. They can require almost daily attention, so if you don’t have the patience for chores they may not be for you. However, did you know that saltwater pools require less maintenance than a regular, chlorinated pool? That’s right. Because with a chlorinated pool you need to add chlorine to your pool regularly, this takes up extra time.

Since saltwater actually produces chlorine itself, you can happily skip the adding chlorine step. You’ll still have to keep your eye on the chlorine levels, however it’s a lot less time consuming.

Can be easier on the eyes and skin for those that are chlorine sensitive

Do you or your family get sensitive to chlorine when you go to the public swimming pool or around to friends’ houses for a swim? You’ll be able to tell by the red eyes or itchy skin whether you are sensitive to chlorine. With a saltwater pool, you will experience less irritation than a regular chlorinated pool. This also means that you’ll be able to stay in the water for longer, too.

No extra chemicals to add to your pool

It’s safe to say that none of us like to actually handle chemicals. They’re dangerous and you know that they are not good for you. So, avoiding having to handle chlorine is a great added bonus of getting a saltwater pool installed. Not only this, you can save on the ongoing cost of chlorinating your swimming pool over the years. This represents true savings on the ongoing cost of running a swimming pool.

Affordable Pools have a range of cheap above ground swimming pools available in both regular chlorinated or saltwater versions to give you the pool that you have always dreamed of. Because cheap above ground pools are so affordable, it means that everybody can get in on the action. Check through our range to see which above ground pool for sale will be the perfect one for your family.

Read More:
Which is Best: Chlorine, Salt or Freshwater Pools?
Our Chlorine/Freshwater Pools

When we become parents for the first time it is a really shocking experience. Here we are, given this small human life, and trusted with the responsibility to make sure that they grow up okay and that we keep them safe. It can be a very tough time trying to decide what’s the right parenting decision and what’s the wrong one. And nothing is ever clear cut!

That’s why the decision of when to get an above ground pool is such an important one. You may like to seek advice from family and friends on your parenting decisions, but when to get a pool is really a tricky one.

We are all very concerned with children’s safety around pools. The good news is that in Australia, pool safety laws are fairly strict, regarding fencing and gates and latches. This in effect means that it is extremely difficult for children to get into trouble around pools if they are being supervised effectively.

And as a parent, this is what you should always be doing – supervising effectively. This is important to remember and easy to put into practice once you get the hang of it.

So, back to the question at hand – when should you get a pool? It can be tempting to want to hold off getting a pool until your children are already confident in the water. As a parent, it is reassuring to know that your kids are able to pretty much fend for themselves in the water.

However, this is a little bit of a double edged sword. To get more confident in the water your kids need more practice in the water. Which means being around and in the water more.

In fact, parents are now taking their children to swimming lessons from the age of just a few weeks old. The earlier off that you start your kids in the water, the more comfortable they become more quickly in the water.

It is for this reason that we recommend getting a swimming pool either before you have children or as soon as possible after. Positive water interactions and proper pool safety taught from an early age will ensure that your child remains a strong swimmer and confident in the water. With the correct supervision and safety measure in place you can be assured of your child’s safety while in the pool.

Choose Affordable Pools for above ground swimming pools Australia. No matter what age your kids are, they can benefit from having their very own above ground pool in the backyard of their very own home. Water safety and awareness starts at home so get your kids started early. In a land surrounded by sea water confidence is of the utmost importance.

Thankfully the new styles of above ground pools look nice. Gone are the days when you didn’t have much choice – Blue, Blue or blue….in the past above ground pools were in a word – ugly. Today more and more people are installing above ground pools as they are more affordable than in ground style swimming pools – this means *anyone* can have a fully functioning pool in their own back yard!

In the past above ground pools were considered an eye-sore in your yard, just sitting there on the ground, today, this is where landscaping your garden properly around an above ground pool turns it into a feature of your yard. A large pool sitting there in the middle of your yard can look awful, but add some pretty landscaping and you go from drab to fab.

Add some shrubs, small trees, walkways, mulch or stones, a nice deck or border – with the right landscaping your pool can look amazing!

Landscaping works and looks best when done in a somewhat symmetrical way and with some careful planning.

● Give your pool a border – the bottom of your above ground pool should be maintained on the outside – all the way around, so you can start by creating a border of some kind 20cm away from the bottom track. There are so many borders you can use here from timber to stone, concrete or even plastic. Then add some mulch or rocks/stones for decoration, not only does it look good it will make for better drainage around the pool. Consider too where the pools pump or equipment is, if you can see it from the house you can also landscape around it with a border, mulch or rocks and even a small shrub to hide it. Don’t plant anything too close to the equipment as you will need access to everything.

● Add a walkway – it doesn’t matter how close – or far away – your pool is from the house a walkway is a great way to keep not only the pool cleaner – but your house as well. People walking back and forth over dirt and grass can make a much bigger mess than you’d think. Adding a nice landscaped walkway also adds to the overall look of your pool. There is so much you can do here – stepping stones, patio stones etc. and you can finish off by bordering the pathway using timber, rocks and mulch or even a few shrubs planted along the way. Your walkway will look perfect when matched in well with the pool border.

● Adding some trees – having trees or shrubs that are taller than, or as tall as the above ground pool adds dimension, and plants are fine if you don’t plant them too close to the pool, as, over time their roots will find their way under your pool. It’s not a huge deal but after a few years you may feel the roots under the pool liner.

When you live in Australia owning a swimming pool is second nature, thanks to our long hot summers the backyard above ground swimming pool has been a staple in yards for decades. Unfortunately, the pool has been the scene of many drownings and near drownings for just as long, today drownings can be prevented if you are vigilant and not only pay attention when your child is around water, but install the correct pool fencing and gates and make sure they are in perfect working order AT ALL TIMES.

Being able to come home from school or work and take a dip in your above ground pool on a hot summer day is a bonus and laying by the pool after a swim is a great way to relax and to enjoy the sunshine. It doesn’t matter how old your children or guests are and no matter how good a swimmer someone is, you should never become complacent about pool security.

● Prevent any possible injuries – having a pool is more than just keeping it clean and topped with water, you also need to have some pool safety *rules* to prevent accidents

● Be alert – always watch children when they are near the pool and NEVER leave children unattended – even for a few moments. It’s your job to avoid getting distracted and keep an eye on the pool.

●    Keep your pool locked – Have good quality pool fencing put up around your above ground pool, lock it of a night and don’t leave the keys where children can find them.

● Teach your children proper water safety – be sure that anyone – children and adults alike know how to swim and to understand they are NOT to swim without an adult present and not to run around the pool. Never leave children alone, even if there are other older children in the water with them – they won’t know how to deal with an emergency like you do. If you have children who can’t swim, or who don’t have confidence IN the water they should always wear approved floatation devices or vests.

● Have proper lighting installed – Light any path ways and the pool area with good lighting, this way all areas in and around the pool are visible.

● Make up your own pool safety kit – put together your own little water safety kit and keep it by the pool area, it should include a proper first aid kit and a pair of scissors that can be used – if necessary – to cut away any hair or clothing that may get caught in a flotation device or filter.

● Keep children away from filters – always keep children away from filters and pumps, tell them the dangers if they become trapped and that the area around a filter or pump isn’t a safe place for them to play.

Blocks of land are getting smaller and smaller, as developers try and get as many new homes onto a parcel of land that they can. This means the days of the big backyard pool – for many in new homes – is a dream that just won’t happen. The good news is – if you don’t HAVE a lot of space there are pools out there for you. Finally, thanks to above ground pools you can still have a swimming pool.

For many people, above ground pools were the only source of *entertainment* – of summers spent splashing around with friends and family. Thankfully above ground pools – especially the smaller space saver pools are making a comeback. Thanks to advances in designs, above ground space saver pools are more innovative, cost effective and convenient than ever before.

Above ground space saver pools can be installed directly on top of the ground, and combined with clever decking and landscaping you can create a resort-style pool at a fraction of the cost of a traditional fiberglass or concrete pool and above ground space saver pools can be installed in just days rather than weeks.

Space saver pools are more adaptable for small spaces compared to inground pools. If you have a strange shaped yard or limited space, consider an above ground space saver pool. It doesn’t matter if your yard is big, small, narrow, wide or sloping there is an above ground pool suitable for any yard.

There are two main styles of pools in the above ground pool market – narrow or small pools and resin pools. Thanks to the increase in salt chlorinators the above ground pool market had to adapt and change to accommodate salt water pools. This has led to the rise in resin pools – this reduces the chances of corrosion and rust in comparison to the older style steel pools.

Thanks to the higher levels of plastic in above ground pools resin pools don’t rust or oxidise, they don’t have the erosion problems seen in older steel post pools which means the space saver pools of today last longer.

Space saver pools have fewer parts and just clip together which makes them perfect for anyone renting, or for young families as space saver pools are easy to remove from the back yard as children grow older and have less use for a pool.

As backyards continue to get smaller there is a trend towards the space saver style above ground pools – people don’t want a huge pool taking up the whole yard, space saver pools are the perfect way to have the convenience of a pool without losing all your space.

Summer – and especially during the Christmas holidays is the perfect time for family get-togethers and parties, and if you have a pool, it gives you the perfect opportunity to have everyone around for a party.

Your above ground pool is probably in good shape but there are a few simple steps to ensure on the day it’s at its best.

Two days before your party use a clarifier to gather together any small particles to make it easier for your filter to remove debris – this ensures there will be no cloudy water to spoil the party, and test the water to ensure the balance is correct.

On the day of your party check the chlorine level in the morning and adjust it if necessary.

After your party restore the waters balance by using a maintenance oxidiser to eliminate any organic build-ups and run the filter overnight. Test the water again the following day and make any corrections to ensure your pool is like new.

How to make the most of your pool during the Christmas holidays…….

• Host a Christmas Pool party. Pool parties don’t have to be just something you do in summer, so why not show off the rest of your home and host a Christmas pool party in your above ground pool. Imagine how good your pool will look with all those fairy lights reflecting in the water, you can bring your party to life with ornaments, decorations and even a small Christmas tree. Some guests may not want to swap their party outfits for swimmers, but the pool is there if they want to take a dip. It will certainly keep any children amused!
• Why not go for a Christmas Day swim? Christmas Day is certainly about spending the day with family – overindulging on roast dinners, a BBQ, chocolates, pudding, shortbread and alcohol, but you can feel less guilty about the day ahead by going for an early morning swim. If you take a long and energetic swim, you’ll burn calories so you can enjoy your Christmas Day without feeling too guilty about piling on weight.
• Start your New Year’s resolutions early. After Christmas, many of us are thinking of making our New Year’s Resolutions – often (just following overindulging at Christmas) this means losing weight or becoming healthier. Well you can kick start those resolutions by making the most of your above ground pool. IF you start to get into the habit of going for a swim every morning before breakfast you can burn 500-600 calories for every hour you swim.

An above ground pool is a great back-drop for parties and a great way to get fit and have fun. From pool parties to keeping your kids fit and amused, enjoy the warmer months and spend time as a family this Christmas in your pool.

Solar DIY kits for your above ground pool are a great idea, they are so easy to install and you will be so glad you did. Here are just some reasons why a DIY solar kit is perfect your above ground pool:

• As a pool owner, you already know that having an above ground swimming pool is a great way to keep fit. Swimming is easy on your joints and it uses all the muscles in your body, it can improve flexibility and is wonderful for a cardiovascular workout. Public swimming pools can often be too chlorinated and it can be inconvenient to get to one. A DIY Solar pool heating system means you can swim at home longer throughout the year thanks to much warmer water.
• Heating your pool means you have use of your pool for longer, rather than just throughout summer and maybe some of spring and autumn, if it’s warm enough a DIY solar water heating kit means you can swim for up to 6 months of the year. As soon as the weather warms up you can be in the pool.
• Solar DIY kits are great for the environment – solar heating kits are perfect as you are drawing the energy needed that heats your pool directly from the sun.
• Pools can be expensive to maintain – so why spend money running an electric pool heater when you can run one for free using the sun.
• When you buy a DIY solar pool heating kit you’ll save a lot of money on installation costs and you won’t need to pay to have someone install the system for you.
• When you use a DIY kit you not only save money you also add to your own knowledge, the more you know about how your pool heating system works the better prepared you are to maintain the system and what to do if something goes wrong.
• Depending on where you live in Australia it can be hard actually calling in installers – especially if you live somewhere rather remote, so being able to install the kit yourself saves any worry about getting someone out to install it for you.

How does a DIY solar system work?

It’s a quite simple operation. Water is pumped from your spa or pool through a multi tube solar collector, this is generally mounted on the roof of your house or garage, and then back into the pool. As the water from your above ground pool or spa passes through the solar collector it is warmed by the sun.

Solar water heating kits are easy to install, and are powered by the sun, so there are no ongoing running costs, and they keep your pool warmer for longer.