How to Create a Basic Above Ground Pool Package

How to Build the Perfect Above Ground Pool Package

Building an above ground pool package at ThePoolFactory.com has never been easier with our ‘Customize This Pool’ button! We designed our website’s customization page with you in mind, making the process as simple as possible. All the information needed to build the perfect above ground pool package is just a couple of clicks away.

Selecting Your Pool Size

The first thing to do is measure the space in the yard where the above ground pool will be installed. This will give an idea of the pool size that can fit in the available space. Keep in mind that all pool sizes indicate the inside dimensions of the pool. Additional space will be required for installation depending on the model and shape.

For example, a 12’x24’x52” Bristol Oval above ground pool requires 15’2”x25’ of space. Round models typically require one extra foot of space. This means a 24’ Bristol Round pool needs 25’ of space to be installed. All of this information about the space required is readily available on our website under each pools “Specifications” section.

Oval Outside Dimensions

Round Outside Dimensions

Choosing The Correct Pool Model

Now that the appropriate above ground pool size has been determined for the yard, the next step is selecting a model that fits specific preferences. Asking a few key questions can help narrow down the available options.

Questions such as:
1. Would a saltwater system be a good fit with the pool? Click here to read our article comparing Saltwater Pools vs. Chlorinated Pools.

2. Do you want to install an above ground pool or a semi-inground pool?

Above Ground Installation

Semi Inground Installation

Should the pool have a durable resin top ledge, or is a more budget-friendly steel top ledge a better choice?

Resin Top Ledge on Quest Pool Model

Steel Top Ledge on Boreal Pool Model

Should the pool be the standard 52” height or the slightly taller 54” model?

52" Hampton Round Pool

54" Melenia Round Pool

We have the perfect pool for every backyard and every need! After clicking on the link to shop Above Ground Pools, use our filtering options on the left hand side of the screen to compare options. Filtering options include pool size, pool shape, pool model, saltwater compatibility and more!

Creating a Custom Pool Package

Once the pool size and model are selected, the next step is to build the package. Simply click the “Customize This Pool” button next to the chosen pool to open the Pool Customization Page. There, all available items that can be added to the pool are displayed. All options on the customization page are designed to fit the selected pool size – it is not possible to make a mistake.

Trusted Customer Reviews of Our Pool Customization Experience

“I LOVED the detailed descriptions, the dimensions included online as well as the instructions for setup so you know what you need to get and do before the pool arrives! I loved that every option to customize was matched with the pool and known to work for the pool you selected!”

- Julia S., verified Shopper Approved Review

“Very easy to customize your options depending on your funds available. Definitely one stop shopping!”

- Linda C, verified Shopper Approved Review

“The Pool Factory made it easy to choose a pool. They offered different pumps, liners, accessories, etc. so I was able to customize my pool. They also had information on all the pumps and systems to ensure you make the best choice for you.”

- Cora S., verified Shopper Approved Review

Features within our Pool Customization Page

Product Details – If more information is needed about an item, click the magnifying glass to the right of the Product Title to get a more detailed description.

Help Me Choose – Not sure what the difference is between products categories such as Overlap Liners vs. Unibead Liners? Simply select the “Help Me Choose” icon which appears at the bottom of that category. That will show the differences between the items/categories.

Begin to Create your Custom Pool Package

Once the yellow “Customize This Pool” tab is clicked, The Pool Factory simplifies this process for the customer by only including accessories that are adequate or more than adequate for the pool they are customizing. The first product to choose once entering the Pool Customization Page is your pool liner. All the pools we sell INCLUDE a 20 gauge blue liner, but here you have the ability to upgrade your pool liner to a thicker gauge and also choose a print that you like.

• On a desktop - scroll your mouse over the pictures to see an enlarged view of the print.
• On a mobile device - click the magnifying glass to see an enlarged view of the print.

Add a Filter System

Every above ground pool needs a filter system to clear out debris in the water. There are 3 types of filter systems to choose from, but it is only necessary to choose one.

• Cartridge Filters - With Cartridge Filter Systems pool water passes through a filter that captures the dirt and debris. Cartridge Filters are a great choice for Above Ground Pools. They are low maintenance and economical. They are very simple to clean using a standard garden hose. Backwashing is not necessary with Cartridge Filters, eliminating water and chemical loss.
• Sand Filters - Sand Filters use specially graded sand to trap particles and debris. They are effortless to operate and maintain. The filter sand can last 5-10 years between changes giving you a very economical filtration system.
• D.E. Filters - D.E. Filters use a special powder called Diatomaceous Earth. This powder is used to coat the inside of the D.E. filter and trap very fine particles as small as 5 microns. D.E. Filters provide superior water clarity but require more maintenance than Cartridge or Sand Filters.

Add a Ladder or In-Pool Step

In order to get in and out of a pool, a ladder is required. Choosing a ladder depends on how the backyard setup is configured. If the pool is kept above ground and there are no plans to build a deck around it, an A-frame ladder is a suitable option. If a Pool Deck will be built around the swimming pool, either an In-Pool Step or Deck Ladder is recommended. If the features of In-Pool Steps are preferred but no deck will be installed, a Ladder-Step Combination is an effective solution.

Chemicals

You will also need pool chemicals to properly sanitize your pool water.

The Frog Pool Tender System SPECIAL is a highly recommended sanitizing system. Frog Pool Tender is a Mineral Water System that uses minerals and small amounts of chlorine. Reducing chlorine use up to 50% means less swimsuit fading and the water is easier on your skin. Lower levels of chlorine also help prevent damage to pools surfaces and equipment. The Frog Pool Tender System available with The Pool Factory can also be used with a saltwater pool model, providing a way to achieve lower maintenance without the added expense of a saltwater system (chlorine generator).

The Frog Pool Tender System SPECIAL includes (1) Pool Tender Chlorine Chamber, which lasts approximately 2-3 weeks depending on weather and filter run time. It is recommended to also purchase the Frog Pool Tender Chlorine Chamber - 6 Pack, which provides a sufficient amount of chlorine replacements for the swim season. The Chlorine Chambers are the only chlorinated products that you will need to use with this mineral system.

In addition to the Frog Pool Tender Mineral System, you will also need water balancing chemicals. It is highly recommended to purchase the 8 Piece Pool Maintenance Chemical Kit with Test Kit. This kit includes all of the necessary chemicals needed to help maintain and balance your pH and alkalinity levels.

Another option would be to purchase a Deluxe Chemical Package that includes Chlorine Tablets and all the basic water balancing chemicals.

Pool Cleaning

The last essential part of a pool package is cleaning equipment, which can be found when clicking on the “Pool Cleaning” section. A great option is the Deluxe Pool Cleaning Kit 5-Piece, an economical option that provides all of the necessary equipment to keep a swimming pool clean of leaves and debris. This kit includes a vacuum hose, vacuum head, leaf net skimmer, telescopic pole, and a vinyl liner wall brush. Another available option is a Robotic Pool Cleaner. We offer several choices, including rechargeable cordless cleaners and corded robotic cleaners that can operate for an extended period of time.

Additional Accessories

This is where the fun begins! There are many other additional items that can be added once items are being selected on the customization page. Popular additions include LED Pool Lights for nighttime ambiance, Pool Heaters to extend the swimming season, and Winter & Solar Covers. Alternative sanitizing systems will work with any pool while Saltwater Systems should only be used with our saltwater compatible models. Saltwater-friendly pool models available at The Pool Factory include the following: Saltwater 5000 Lazer, Saltwater 8000, Saltwater LX, Saltwater Edge, Saltwater Titan, Saltwater Twilight, Saltwater Aurora, Saltwater Defender, and Intrepid.

Why Choose The Pool Factory?

With over 30 years of industry experience, The Pool Factory has been helping families create the perfect backyard oasis. We offer the best above ground pool products on the market, built to last and designed for enjoyment. On top of that, our customer service is unmatched, guiding every step of the process to make choosing, customizing, and installing a pool simple and stress-free.