If you are considering an above ground pool, but you still can’t decide on what to buy, there are some basic considerations you may have overlooked that could help you make that final choice. Besides personal taste, the styles available, and of course cost, there are other factors you should also think about. Try these five easy steps to work through the process.

First, consider how you will be using the pool. Will there be a lot of people using the pool, or only a select few? Will young children or people who may have difficulty negotiating deep water be using the pool ?

If you have a large family, you won’t want a small pool, and vice versa. If you have children, the elderly or the physically challenged using the pool, a shallower 48” pool is a good choice because it may be safer.

Take a look at your property, get a tape measure and mark out the space you are considering for the pool. Check for obstructions such as tree roots, rocks, or service lines for the property. Flower beds, sprinkler systems and gardens can all affect how much space you actually have for a pool.

Leave at least 3 feet of space around the entire pool and never plan a pool beneath electrical wires. Don’t forget to add in the size of a deck, if you are planning to build one. Once you have the area plotted out, take a look at the pool dimensions. Some pools have buttresses to support the structure which extend outside of the finished pool size.

By now you have likely reduced down the possibilities quite a bit. Some will be too large or too small; some will be too shallow or too deep. Now you need to look at the materials and the expectations you have for the pool.

Steel is affordable, strong and permanent. It is not susceptible to warping and stays well-seated due to the weight of the members. It is still a good choice for durability.

Resin is lightweight, weather-resistant and easy to transport. Resin frame designs are the most interesting and can have unlimited style. Resin is also corrosion resistant and may be designed to be salt water friendly.

Aluminum is lightweight, weather resistant and easy to transport. Aluminum pool structures never corrode and are without doubt the strongest most reliable pool that can be built.

The bottom line when making a decision is the price. Normally, the models differ in price because of the size of the top rail and verticals. The price goes up as the size increases. You may also pay more if a model is “buttress-free” as there are additional structural supports built into the pool.

Besides the looks and size of the pool, always consider what kind of warranty is offered. A good pool will offer a pro-rated warranty that will protect your investment for years to come if you maintain it properly.

If you walk through each of these steps you should find a pool that is right for your needs and suitable for your property without being a burden on your pocketbook. Your pool will give you years of relaxation and fun and you can rest assured that your decision was a sound one.