Category: From The Blog

 

While your children may have grown and left home, when they start having children of their own it’s the perfect time to buy a pool for your home. You don’t have to spend a fortune; it is possible to buy cheap above ground pools. At one time it was a belief that only *wealthy* people could afford to own a pool and only a few years ago pools were both expensive to install and expensive to keep.

Today production costs are lower and there are far more designs available and pool buyers out there that you can actually buy a cheap above ground pool. Installation costs have come down while the number of people buying pools has increased and for this reason lower and middle income earners are now able to afford their very own pool.

 

So Why Buy a Pool?

For some it is still a status symbol – they have grown up always dreaming of having their very own pool, from watching TV or envying a friend when growing up. A man’s home is his castle, so why not have a pool? While you may not be able to afford the big mansion being able to add a pool to your backyard and *show off* to the neighbours is satisfaction enough. You do find, strangely enough, people who buy a pool as a status symbol or to have it *just because* often very rarely use it.

Other people just love to entertain, and having a pool adds a new level. Pools or pool parties are a great way to entertain groups of people. Kids can splash around in the pool while the adults can catch up and relax. For some people it’s the whole *social atmosphere* that surrounds having a pool that makes people relax more and want to jump in and have some more fun – just like they did as children.

For baby boomers having a pool in your yard after your children have left home and had families of their own, makes nan and pop’s place cool to visit. Children don’t want to sit around with grown-ups they want to play and in late afternoons and summer – the pool is a perfect place for the kids to let off steam. Not only are nan and pop the coolest grandparents on the planet – the kids have a fun place to go, so visiting nan and pop is no longer *do we have to* it’s *when can we go next*?

Others buy a pool simply for the therapeutic value. For those who work in a highly stressful job, what is more relaxing than coming home and floating around in your very own pool while soaking up some warm summer sun rays?

Of course there are those who buy a pool simply because they just love to swim!

 

 

Unfortunately for many families, it is an incredibly busy world, with many just not getting to see their children as often as they would like, and spending quality time together can be nearly impossible. The great news is, with summer fast approaching if you have a pool in your backyard it is possible to relax, have fun and spend time together as a family once again. With the days getting longer and warmer, who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing swim after a long day at work or at school.

 

Today there are so many fun pool accessories to buy that allow you and your family to spend even more time in the pool having fun and playing games. Swimming is great, it’s a healthy activity, but sometimes you want to do more than just swim in a pool….. Why just swim in when there are so many other activities you can do – right in your own backyard pool!

 

There are of course many pool accessories that are quite *common* – the good staples like goggles and swim masks, snorkels and flippers, floating water tubes, floating lounges and even pool noodles. Pretty much every pool in the country has one or some of these floating around in the pool. If you have never used any of these items before – or you’ve only just got your pool put in, you might want to consider looking into some of these items and trying them out with your family.

 

There are also some swimming pool accessories for your above ground pool that are less common. There are some pool games you can buy they aren’t very common but your family will have a LOT of fun playing with them. If you have pets who want to join in and enjoy swimming you can get little swim vests (floaties) for them and for those who have difficulty getting out of an above ground pool you can actually buy ramps they can use to walk out. Ramps are perfect too for larger dripping wet dogs that are quite heavy to lift!

 

If you find you have a lot of noodles you can get a noodle organiser, it’s a simple round or square shaped bin that will hold all your noodles upright and if you have a lot of children and a lot of noodles – it’s a great accessory to add when you are setting up your pool. If you have children who love to dive and spend time underwater but they end up suffering from burning or stinging eyes thanks to the chlorine, goggles are great for them to have. This way they can see underwater, enjoy their time in the pool, and not have to pay for it by having sore eyes later.

 

 

For many a backyard swimming pool is just part of living in Australia, thanks to glorious weather and long hot summer days. Unfortunately, with the need to fit more people into an area the average size of a block of land is getting smaller and this is making people wonder if they can even fit a pool into their small yard.

The good news is the answer is YES!

The success of a good pool design isn’t actually in it’s size, it comes down to other factors – good design, form and function. If a pool looks good and it works, then it doesn’t really matter what size it is. Of course having a smaller pool can restrict some functional elements – such as being able to swim laps, so when planning an above ground swimming pool, you may have to re-evaluate your expectations. When it comes to children though – give them some water and they’ll have fun no matter how deep or big that water is. For adults a comfortable area to sit in a small pool, under some shade with a glass of wine or a beer – it’s a great way to enjoy a summer weekend.

Read Also: Above Ground Pools are Affordable

When designing a small space for an above ground pool there are some things you need to consider from a functional, aesthetic and compliance point of view.

If you want a stunning and successfully designed pool in a small space –

• Always consult professionals – small areas are more challenging than larger backyards, so every centimetre counts – you need a great design! If you want to have a go yourself the following tips should help.
• Consider your space – be aware of your proportions so make sure your above ground pool will fit the space and area perfectly. You want your pool to look like it belongs, rather than completely dominating the area. The same goes for a large pool – you need to ensure the pool takes up the right amount of space so it doesn’t get *lost* in the yard.
• Position – where possible make sure your pool is located close to a boundary or boundaries with a sunny afternoon aspect to keep the remaining space clear and open.
• Pool fencing – by law you will need to have a pool fence installed, this may or may not detract from the functionality of the remaining space in your yard, both inside and outside the pool area. You may be able to use the pool wall as a boundary if the pool is 1200mm off the ground. All you may need is a pool compliant gate at the base of the steps that lead up to pool level and if you have the right boundary fences your safety elements may be covered.

A well designed above ground pool can enhance your family’s lifestyle and create lifelong memories. Don’t let having a small yard put you off getting a pool.

If you are looking for an affordable way to have a swimming pool – your best option is an above ground pool. They are easy to install over the lawn in your backyard. It can take months for an in ground pool to be installed and it is a huge expense, an above ground pool can not only save you money, but time as well. It is now possible for any home owner to enjoy the freedom and luxury of their own private swimming pool, without having to go through the hassle and expense of having a more traditional in ground pool installed. Above ground pools have become popular thanks to the low cost of both installation and maintenance.

 

 

 

Being easy to install and maintain, you’ll find that draining the pool is simple and doesn’t require much technical know-how for the pool owner and the installation of accessories like pool lights is also easier and quicker.

Read Also: Why Should I buy an In ground or above ground swimming pool?

With an above ground pool, you will find yourself dealing with less debris and that they are perfect for anyone with young children or pets around the house, as above ground pools are known for their safety due to their height. The probability of small children and pets falling into the pool is lower with an above ground pool, which will reduce your worries, especially if the pool is positioned in a place that is within your line of sight.

As with any purchase, choose wisely before you invest in an above ground pool, buying the very cheapest model on the market isn’t necessarily the wisest choice. Very low cost pools are usually made from an inferior material that won’t last long. Look for a high quality pool that comes with a good long-term warranty as this can save you a lot of trouble down the track.

The size of your pool is also another major consideration and will depend on the size of your back yard. Make sure that whatever pool you choose it will fit into your back yard and still look attractive. Once you have decided on the pool size, you’ll need to purchase filters and pumps, again choose carefully as oversized pumps and filters can cause problems, so choose the correct filter and pump size for your pool – you want things working smoothly. Where possible buy a complete package – pool with the correct size pump and filters.

Always use a good filter for your above ground pool, this will go a long way in ensuring your pool not only will last, but that it will be functioning properly.

An above ground pool is the perfect and affordable way to stay cool in summer and to keep your children happy. A good quality pool fence is also required and install in your children set pool rules and correct water safety.

You’ll often find that people are more excited to learn if a pool is saltwater over chlorine. But why is that? What makes people prefer to swim in a saltwater pool? The reason is that it’s lower in chlorine than a regularly chlorinated swimming pool.

Saltwater pools are more gentle on the skin and eyes than chlorinated pools. This means that people with allergies or easily irritated skin and eyes can happily paddle about for hours without adverse effects. If you or your family have ever got red eyes, or dry itchy skin from a chlorinated pool then saltwater is the obvious choice for your backyard.

At Affordable Pools we have two different models of saltwater pools available for customers to choose from. We know that adding more choice makes you guys happy! Each pool is specially designed for saltwater, so you know that it’s going to last.

 

The Palm Cove Pool

Our Palm Cove pool is the most popular choice for saltwater pools in an affordable package. This above ground pool can be installed as is, or sunken beneath decking to make it look like an in ground pool. The pool itself has a depth of 1.32 metres, plus you have the option of adding a profiled deep end to your pool if you’ve got some tall people in your household!

The Palm Cove pool is available in either a round or an oval shape, to fit in with the surrounds of your backyard. The pools start at $3090 for a round 3m diameter model. The round models come in the 3m, or 3.65m, 4.50m, or 5.40m diameters.

If you are looking for an oval shaped pool, these come in widths of 3m, 3.65m, or 4,5m. The lengths of the oval pools vary from 4.5m to a huge 11.8m.

Each pool has BHP colourbond Sandstone walls, a plastic ladder, skimmer box, wide top resin copings, and extruded resin vertical posts and rails.

You’ve got the option to upgrade to a complete package which includes a manual vacuum kit, a saltwater chlorinator, filter, and pump.

The Spacesaver Range

The Spacesaver Range is for those who have less space in their yards for a big pool. This range has a skinnier profile than our regular pools so you can still get the pool you want without making any sacrifices.

The Spacesaver saltwater pools come in either 1.2m or 1.32m deep varieties and come with a 20 year warranty. Pools come in either a 2.4m width or a 3.0m width, with lengths ranging from 3.6m through to 9.2m. These pools come with all the same inclusions as the Palm Cove range, with upgrades available for the complete package with pump, chlorinator, filter, and vacuum kit, too.

Saltwater pools are a great lifestyle choice for households who are easily affected by chlorine. If you would like to chat more to us about our range, or are interested in getting your very own saltwater pool for summer, call us to discuss your options for the most affordable range of saltwater pools in Australia.

At Affordable Pools, we pride ourselves on bringing our customers the best bang for their buck when it comes to chlorine or freshwater above ground pools. Our pools are Aussie built so that they can stand up to the fierce Aussie heat and sunshine! We have a large range of quality pools that won’t break the bank.

Either standalone, or submerged in decking, our chlorine/freshwater pools make a great choice in Australian backyards everywhere.

 

Billabong Pools

 

 

Affordable Pools budget range starts right here with the Billabong Pool. With variations for the model starting at just $1840, the Billabong Pool is an affordable choice for any family to cool down in the summertime.

Made from galvanized steel from BHP in the gorgeous Sandstone colour, the model also features a 40mm top rail, heavy duty liner, skimmer, and ladder – all in a braceless setup.

Available in round or oval varieties, each pool has a depth of 1.32m. Round pools are available in a 3m, 3.65m, 4.50m, or 5.40m circumference, and the oval pools come in 3.0m, 3.65m, or 4.5m width with length varying from 4.5m to 11.8m.

These pools have a warranty of 10 years.

 

Cape York Pools

The Cape York Range is one of our deepest pools. With the Cape York model, you can choose from the standard 1.32 metre depth, or choose to add a deep end up to 1.7m. This very popular model comes in either a round or an oval shape and is constructed with galvanized steel from BHP Colourbond walls in Sandstone, a cream metal frame, and tapered upright supports.

Round pools come in 3m, 3.65m, 4.50m, and 5.40 metre circumferences. The oval pools come in 3.0m, 3.65m, and 4.5m wide models with up to 11.8 metres in length.

You can choose the pool only version, or a package that comes with a manual vacuum kit, a filter, and a pump.

Prices for the Cape York range start at just $3090.

 

Spacesaver Pools

We also have a range of freshwater Spacesaver Pools, specifically designed for those who have smaller yards. These come in either a 1.2m or 1.32m depth, and there is a 20 year warranty on all models.

The pools come in a 2.4m width, with 3.6m, 4.8m, 6.0m, 7.2m, 8.4m, or 9.6m length, or a 3.0m width, with 4.5m, 5.6m, 6.8m, 8.0m, or 9.2m length.

Prices for the Spacesaver range start at $3700.

Looking for a new pool for the summer? Why not give us a call on (02) 8625 3656 to discuss your options for a chlorine or freshwater pool. Our range of affordable pools is sure to be just what you need to cool down in the hot summer months without blowing out the budget.

If you’re looking to add a gorgeous new feature to the outdoor entertainment area, then a pool is the perfect choice!

Nothing beats cooling off after a long day in your very own pool, but with so many options in the market how can you be sure which is best for you, your home and your budget? We pulled together these handy points to give you an idea on the differences between an above ground and semi-ground pool.

 

Above Ground Pool

 

What is an above ground pool?

Strictly speaking, an above ground pool is a separate structure that sits on top of the ground.

Are they affordable?

Above ground pools are often the most affordable to install for households because they require little more than a flat space to sit on.

Am I stuck with just placing an above ground pool in the garden?

Not at all, depending on the specifications, purchasers can choose to incorporate a pool into existing features – such as an elevated deck to create a faux-inbuilt look.

What are some of the benefits?

• As mentioned above, they are the most affordable on the market to purchase, install and maintain
• They are relatively easy to install
• Lots of homeowners are exploring the use of above ground pools for smaller spaced areas
• You don’t have to worry about underground pipes
• You can remove the pool at any time

What are the downsides?

• Unless you have the budget to design the entertainment area around it, above ground pools can be eyesores
• A cheap pool normally leads to cheap and flimsy parts that need replacing regularly
• The pools are quite small
• You need to have a completely flat surface to place the pool on

 

Read Also: Why Should I buy an In-ground or Above Ground Swimming Pool

 

Semi-Ground Pool

 

 

What is a semi-ground pool?

A semi-ground pool is a pool that is partially buried into your land. This means they are less obvious than an above ground pool and can be incorporated into tricky blocks.

Are they affordable?

Above ground pools are more expensive than their above ground counterparts, but far more affordable than in-ground pools.

How can I incorporate a semi-ground pool in the garden?

Lots of homeowners will use a semi-ground pool to create more useable entertainment space in a sloping block or a house design that uses elevated decks. Depending on your block and budget, you can splash out on some creative landscaping to create a dream escape right in your back yard!

What are some of the benefits?

• A semi-ground pool is affordable to purchase, install and maintain
• Installing a pool is less labour-intensive
• You are less likely to experience underground pipe and tree root problems
• They offer design flexibility for otherwise difficult blocks
• They lend themselves to more landscaping possibilities

What are the downsides?

• You need to factor in a design and installation budget
• You will need expert advice to install this type of pool safely
• There are limitations to pool designs and depths
• A cheap pool will often come with cheap and flimsy parts

 

A pool can quickly add value and style to your home; so don’t miss the chance to get a perfect addition to your entertainment area.

If you would like more information on what sort of pool might work best for you and your budget, please contact our experts at Affordable Pools or call 02 8625 3656.

Sweltering in our hot summer heat yet again? The allure of the swimming pool is calling. Once only the domain of the wealthy, pools have become a popular addition to many Aussie backyards around the country. If you’re debating about getting yourself the ultimate summer cooler, but don’t know whether to get an above ground or a below ground swimming pool, then read on as we explain the main differences between the two.

Pool equipment setup and replacement

What do we mean when we say pool equipment? No, not your blow up lilo and noodles, we’re talking about things such as your pump, filters, heater, cleaner, and chlorination system. Your general difference between in ground and above ground equipment is that the above ground equipment is, by and large, cheaper. The equipment is usually smaller and less powerful, and so more cost effective – both when you buy it, to run it, and if you need to replace it.

Installation

You might have figured out by now that installing an above ground swimming pool may be a lot less difficult to install than a below ground pool. Not only do you save on the cost of excavation services, you can place it anywhere you want – which can include areas where it just isn’t possible to dig. For some above ground pool kits, you’re even able to install it yourself.

Read Also: 6 Benefits of Choosing Salt Water Pool

Lifetime of the pool

Most below ground pools are designed to last pretty much forever, as long as they’re maintained well, so we’re talking a 15-40 years lifetime for this sort of pool. On the other hand, above ground pools are not designed to last as long. The average lifespan of an above ground pool will be between 15 to 25 years, as long as they too are maintained.

Overall cost

Above ground pools are definitely a cheaper option when it comes to purchasing your pool. Whereas below ground swimming pool costs can blow out to around $70k, and you are looking at around $40k as a kick off point, above ground pools start at around $2-3k – so they’re a good option if you’re a budget conscious shopper.

Hopefully you’ve got a little bit more of an idea about which pool is a good option for your area and budget. If you’re after an above ground pool that isn’t going to break the bank but is definitely going to be a summer hit, then give us a call today at Affordable Pools.