Enter your keyword

Highland® Above Ground Pools FAQs

Highland® Above Ground Pools FAQs

1. How do I decide what size above ground pool I should buy?
Answer: Above ground pools range in size from 12′ to 36′ round or 12′x24′ to 21′x43′ oval. The most common size above ground pool that is sold is a 24’ round and second most common is a 27′ round. The best above ground pool for your family is often determined by your budget and space. Be sure to also consider the size of your family, how often the pool will be used and how you want to use it. Note that it is easier to keep the chemistry balanced on a larger pool with low chemical demand,than a smaller pool with great chemical demand.

2. Is a round pool a better deal than an oval?
Answer: You will want to consider how large your yard is and how big a pool you want. Typically,the best value is a round pool, because they have less parts and are easier to install. However, oval pools are especially great for narrow yards. A 24’ round above ground pool and a 15’x30’ oval above ground pool hold about the same amount of water (15,000 Est. Gallons) but the 15’x30’ above ground pool will cost more, and require more effort to install.

3. Can I take care of an above ground pool myself?
Answer: Yes! Above ground pools are easy to maintain and there are affordable tools that make it easier, such as automatic vacuums and simple water test kits.

4. Are the pools online the same quality as the ones sold at the pool store?
Answer: Not all above ground pools are the same and it is impossible to determine quality simply based upon pictures online. A quality above ground pool can last for many years but a poor quality above ground pool may last only a few years. Typically, your local dealer has knowledge of different brands, has seen many samples at trade shows, and has samples or display pools in his showroom. He has done his research on which brands are built to specification, ship complete, and stand behind the warranty. Using your local dealer’s industry knowledge can end up saving you thousands of dollars.

5. Will my local dealer install a pool I buy online?
Answer: Most pool dealers will not install an above ground pool that has been bought online. Common problems are missing parts that are either difficult to find or expensive and time-consuming to replace. Parts can also be damaged if the pool is not protected carefully in shipping. Our best advice is always to choose a local swimming pool contractor who you can hire to stand behind the purchase of your new above ground pool.

6. Why should I buy from a local pool professional?
Answer: When you buy an above ground pool you’ll have many questions, you will need advice and you will want to get various accessories for your pool. Your local pool dealer will provide personal attention and has the experience to help you through the purchase. They can also answer any questions you have after the sale.
We strongly suggest that you work with a local pool professional. They are equipped with the proper tools and experience to take on the task of getting your above ground pool ordered and built properly. The most important decision of a new above ground pool purchase is which local swimming pool retailer you are going to buy from. Nothing else is more important.

7. How do I choose the best above ground pool dealer?
Answer: When weighing your options on above ground pool dealers, professional experience and location are two important details to consider. How long have they been in business? Ask for references, check the better business bureau, and do your homework- as you would do for most home renovations. Will they be involved with the installation process or is there a subcontractor? What happens if you have any challenges along the way? Dealers in your market will also know the best above ground pool and equipment for your area. Water quality, proximity to the ocean, soil type are just a few factors that your local dealer will consider when recommending an above ground pool.

8. Do I need to hire a professional to install my above ground pool?
Answer: You can certainly install your above ground pool yourself. However, there are advantages to having a professional to do the job. A professional above ground pool installer will have the equipment, crew and experience to install your pool quickly and can deal with any unique challenges that may come up. They can also speed you through the process of acquiring permits and build the above ground pool to follow local installation regulations and codes. If you install it yourself it will typically take several days.

9. How long does it take to install an above ground pool?
Answer: If you use a professional installer, your above ground pool can be installed in one day in most instances. Exceptions might be weather delays, larger above ground pools or challenging installations.

10. How do I take care of an above ground pool?
Answer: You have several options for above ground pool maintenance. You can have a dealer fully service your pool, or your dealer can help you get started on your own maintenance schedule.You’ll need to test your water weekly to balance the water chemistry, run your pump as recommended by your pool dealer, and do some basic care like vacuuming out leaves and debris. To make cleaning up debris easier, you can also purchase an automatic pool vacuum.

11. Do I need a permit to install an above ground pool?
Answer: The requirements vary. You will need to check your local regulations for installing an above ground pool. Most regulations are based on safety objectives such as the electrical installation and to ensure the location of the pool is a certain distance from a property line. This is generally a very easy process and your pool dealer can assist.

12. Do I need a fence around my above ground pool?
Answer: The requirements vary. You will need to check your local regulations on fencing your above ground pool. This information will be supplied when you apply for a permit and when you talk with your above ground pool dealer.

13. What are the electrical requirements for an above ground pool?
Answer: Most regulations require you to have a dedicated and grounded 110 volt / 20 Amp plug for your above ground pool. Please consult your permit guidelines and/or consult an electrician for local requirements.

14. Do I have to use chlorine in my pool?
Answer: Chlorine has been used for several decades for above ground pools, and is the best method for maintaining your pool. Your local pool company will be able to explain all of the options to you and help you find the best maintenance system for your budget.

15. How many hours a day do I run my pump and filter?
Answer: Many pool owners run the pump 24/7, but at a minimum it needs to run about 8-12 hours a day. You should review all instructions and run according to your dealer’s recommendation.

16. Does the brand of equipment matter?
Answer: Quality and performance can vary on above ground equipment like pump and filter systems. Saving a few hundred dollars on a pool may seem good now, but not if you end up replacing parts and accessories in the first or second year after installation. Your above ground pool professional can help you select the best brands for quality and performance.

17. How long will my above ground liner last?
Answer: The average life of a vinyl pool liner is seven years. Though some make it 10 years or longer, seven years is the expectation. If you live in a cooler climate where the pool is covered six months of the year, it may last twice as long as one in Texas that is exposed to the sun 12 months out of the year. You can extend the life of your liner by keeping the PH and chlorine levels in the proper range. However, after seven years of exposure to sunshine and chlorine, it will most likely be time for a new liner.

18. How hard is it to replace an above ground pool liner?
Answer: Installing an above ground pool liner is a common do-it-yourself project. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and consult with your local dealer first. They can give you measuring tips and sell you the right liner for your above ground pool. They can also advise you on the best options for installation.

19. What is the difference between an Overlap, J-Hook and Beaded Liner?
Answer:
•Overlap: Overlap above ground pool liners are less expensive and often are plain blue. The top rail must be taken off of the pool to replace the liner and the liner is pulled over the top of the frame. The liner is often visible on the outside of the pool. This style has been used for decades but typically are now only used on economy models.
•J-Hook: J-Hook above ground pool liners have a built-in J-shaped hook on the top of the liner that hooks over the top of the pool wall. This kind of liner fits your pool perfectly and allows for custom prints and borders. It will require the top rail to be taken off of the pool for replacement, but the j-hook provides a positive seal around the pool wall to prevent rust.
•Beaded Liner: A beaded above ground pool liner has a bead welded to the top of the liner. The bead is designed to fit into a special bead receiver that hangs over the top of the pool wall. To replace the liner, you pop the old beaded liner out of the track and put the new liner in the track. The top rails do not need to be removed.

20. Can I move my above ground pool?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to move your above ground pool. The first step is taking photos of the pool in detail as you disassemble it. Ideally, you would also have the original installation manual.You’ll need to buy a new liner and be sure to note any parts that may be missing or should be replaced. Carefully roll up the wall and organize the parts. Reinstallation is just like building a new pool.

21. Can I build my above ground pool partly in the ground?
Answer: It is not recommended and would likely void your warranty. The largest risk is corrosion of the wall, frame, and hardware because of direct contact between the moisture of the ground and the metal in the wall and frame. If this is something you are interested in, it is highly recommended that you consult a professional installer to ensure your installation meets local codes and safety regulations, and most importantly to make sure your investment is secure and safe.

22. Can I use a salt water chlorine generator on my above ground pool?
Answer: We do not recommend the use of salt water chlorine generators for above ground pools because of the risk of corrosion from the high-salt environment. As with any sanitation system, you will need to monitor your pool chemistry. If the amount of salt in your pool is incorrect, your system will not work properly and it can speed up corrosion of the metal components. Corrosion created by the use of salt water systems can dramatically shorten the life span of your above ground pool and damage sustained from the use of salt water chlorine generators is often not covered under the pool warranty.