Investing in an above-ground pool is a huge commitment. Whether you’re interested in their life expectancy because you want to envision growing old with your above-ground pool or curious about how long you’ll need to buy the chemicals, the answer may surprise you.
Pools should last between seven and twenty years. The support surrounding the base or deck around it and the overall climate will determine how long your pool will last. Additionally, the amount of care and maintenance received from the owner will affect the integrity of the pool.
Some may find that their pools last longer, while others may have lost their pool within two to three years. Pools are a huge commitment because their life expectancies depend on you. Below, I’ll go over different life expectancies for the various materials, supports, and weather situations.
How Long Above-Ground Pools Typically Last
How long your pool lasts is going to depend on a few factors:
- The materials your pool is made from.
- The supports you built around it (such as its base or a deck to protect it).
- The weathering prevention you have in place.
- The climate you live in.
- How much time and effort you dedicate to pool maintenance.
Your pool should last at least seven years. However, it still may last even less if you’ve neglected the pool or kept sharp objects around it. Ten to twenty years is a good estimate for those who provide an average amount of pool maintenance and supply sufficient weathering supports. Even then, it depends on a few things.
Different Materials
The kiddie pool you ordered online isn’t going to last nearly as long as a professionally-made and expertly crafted above-ground pool. That concept is simple enough to understand. It can be hard to understand why steel, aluminum, and resin pools all have different life expectancies. Pool companies push all three equally. Wouldn’t they want you to have the pool that lasted the longest?
Of course, we want you to have a pool that lasts the longest. However, we want you to have whatever fits within your budget and lifestyle, too. Steel, aluminum, and resin pools all have different pros and cons, their life expectancy being just one of those factors.
Steel Pool Life Expectancy
Steel pools should last on the longer end of the spectrum. These pools are made with steel and, for that reason, are stronger than you might expect. The downside to steel pools is that the metal doesn’t mix well with water and can rust or erode over longer periods. This means you’ll have to be on top of your pool maintenance.
Aluminum Pool Life Expectancy
Aluminum pools are often more expensive, but they last about the same amount of time as steel and can erode in the same way. You can also expect your aluminum pool to last between 15 and 20 years. If you look after it properly, your aluminum pool should last a long time.
Resin Pool Life Expectancy
Resin pools are the most luxurious and expensive, much more so than steel or aluminum pools, but they have the shortest life span. Your resin pool will likely last between 5 and 10 years. Even resin pools include metal in their design, though, so they may eventually rust in the same way as other types of above-ground pools.
Different Supports
If you build a deck around your pool, it’ll protect your pool a bit better. However, these are some costly add-ins, and they might not fit everyone’s budget. Additionally, it could be difficult for DIY pool users to get through the deck to the pool. Be sure when building your deck that you create an access point for any pool maintenance.
Bases can also be a big determinant factor. Whether you use sand, concrete, or a pad, this will react differently with the material used on your pool.
Different Weather
Weather is also a big factor in how long your pool will last. You have less to worry about if your area enjoys a mild climate. However, if you have storms rolling in every other weekend, snow in the winter, and high heat in the summer, your pool will likely take some beating throughout its lifetime.
It’s important to invest in proper supplies for adverse weather. You’ll need a snow cover, possibly some weatherproofing for the outside of your pool, and a way to shut it down when it isn’t in use. Checking in on the weather is also a common need for a pool owner. Instead of waiting until the snow is coming down to cover your pool or waiting for the storm to come through, you should be ready to jump in before it happens.
How To Extend the Life of Your Above-Ground Pool
If you want your pool to last those twenty years (or longer), you’ll have to hold up your end of the bargain. To do this, leave no stone unturned. Make sure you:
- Add the right amount of chemicals.
- Replace your vinyl pool liner every six years.
- Perform routine maintenance.
- Do as much weather protection as you can.
- Fix something as soon as you notice it needs fixing.
- Be careful of sharp objects.
- Be observant of water levels (to be sure there is no leaking).
- Check routinely for signs of rust.
Even if you’ve opted for a more budget-friendly pool, you’ll be surprised how much these simple tips can help your pool last. The initial cost of these things may be higher, but they’ll save you money in the long-term, considering you’ll get your pool’s full life expectancy without needing to install a new one.
Conclusion
Your pool will last from seven to twenty years. It will last at least seven years by default, but that is by no means an excuse to let nature run its course for seven years. Leaks and chemical imbalances are possible at all stages of your pool’s lifetime. You can extend the life of your above-ground pool by being attentive.
Additionally, perform maintenance as often as your pool needs it and do your research on different bases and decks. Sometimes they can be helpful for pools; other times, they make things worse. It depends greatly on your situation and budget.