Hire a company that specializes in aboveground pool installation for your project
Installing an aboveground pool is an exciting home improvement project, but hiring the wrong professional can bring frustration and expensive repairs. It’s best to hire an aboveground pool installer who specializes in pools rather than a landscaping company that handles pool installations on the side. Make sure your installer holds a general contractor’s license, which is required by most local municipalities for legal pool installation.
There are a few key reasons you’ll want to hire a specialized pool installation company for your aboveground pool, including the following:
They hold the proper licenses: Most municipalities require a permit for aboveground pool installation, and they only allow individuals with a general contractor’s license to pull them. A company dedicated to pool installation is almost guaranteed to have the proper licensing, which means your pool will be permitted and legal.
They often include warranty coverage: You might not get a warranty if you hire a general contractor or a landscaping company to install your aboveground pool. However, most dedicated pool installation companies will include a warranty, potentially saving you from added costs down the road.
They’re less likely to make mistakes: Companies that focus all their time and energy on pool installation have more experience and are less likely to make mistakes during the installation. Again, this could help prevent repairs or replacements in the future.
They tend to provide more options for your pool: Some companies that handle pool installation on the side—like some landscape design companies—will only be able to tackle standard shapes and aboveground pool sizes. Dedicated pool installers are more likely to provide options that allow you to customize your backyard oasis.
They’ll help you with proper pool placement: With more experience comes more knowledge, so a pool installation company will go above and beyond to ensure your pool placement isn’t above buried utility lines or a septic tank. Installing your pool over these structures can be extremely costly if the weight of the water crushes the lines or ruptures the septic tank.
Aboveground pool installation costs between $800 and $3,200 in most cases, so a DIY installation might seem tempting. If you know how to install an aboveground pool, you can do the work yourself if you have a perfectly level yard. However, it’s not recommended.
Installing a pool requires experience to avoid pool collapse and damage to the pool equipment, including the shell, liner, filter, and other mechanical components. Improper installation can also lead to flooding and water damage in your yard. It’s often best to leave the job to a professional aboveground pool installer near you. Hiring a pro means you’re less likely to run into issues, and many manufacturers will void your warranty if you install your pool yourself.
It’s especially important to hire an expert if you’re installing an aboveground pool partially underground or on uneven ground. You’ll save time not excavating or leveling your ground yourself, and the risk of a problem during and after the installation will be significantly lower.
Many landscaping companies, specifically those that offer landscape design services, will be able to install an aboveground pool. However, we recommend going with a pool installation company instead for a few reasons.
First, some landscaping companies will subcontract pool installation to a pool professional and charge a fee on top of what the installer charges, meaning you could end up paying more for your installation. Even if the landscaping company handles the installation in-house, they will almost certainly have less experience with pool installation, which means a higher risk of running into a problem. They may also only be able to install certain sizes and types of pools.
Additionally, not all landscaping companies hold a general contractor’s license, which is often required to pull a permit and legalize your pool. If you do hire a landscaper with less experience, double-check that they’re pulling permits for your project to avoid violations and monetary assessments for an illegal installation.
Aboveground pool installers will customize the installation based on your property and the pool you want, but they will typically follow a standard process:
Pull permits for your project and approve the installation site by checking for underground utilities
Run electricity to your installation site, if necessary
Clear away debris and level the ground where the pool will sit
Lay down a base of pavers, gravel, and sand to support your pool
Install and stabilize the pool walls
Install the pool liner
Fill the pool
Install a base for your pool equipment to sit
Install the filter, skimmer, pump, and other mechanical parts of the pool
Install the top rail and ladders/steps
Following the installation, some pool companies will also be able to teach you how to clean your aboveground pool and troubleshoot issues you might run into. Some will even be able to offer ongoing pool maintenance, which landscaping companies and other less specialized providers may not be able to do.
