Resin Above Ground Pool: 7 Important Things You Need To Know!

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What Does Resin Above Ground Pool Mean?

An above ground pool is made up of a structural frame in which a plastic liner is placed to hold the pool water. The structure is installed on a flat, level base that can take the weight. The structural frame and other components can be made from steel, aluminum, resin or a combination. So what is a resin above ground pool?

Majority of the components of a resin above ground pool are made from a tough polymer using extrusion or injection molding. The components made from resin can include the vertical legs, horizontal beams, leg & beam joints, leg caps etc.

Resin has good weather & chemical resistant properties. Resin components will not rust or corrode. Resin structures are light yet strong. As a result it is quite easy to install the resin above ground pool.

There are pros and cons of using a resin above ground pool. But before you decide to invest in a resin above ground pool there are 7 important things that you need to know.

What Is a Hybrid Above Ground Pool?

Sometimes hybrid above ground pools may be referred to as resin above ground pools, but there are important differences.

A hybrid above ground pool, as you may have guessed, combines the best properties of  resin and steel. Typically components that are exposed to sunlight or pool chemicals in the water are made from resin. Load bearing structural components, such as the vertical legs or the pool wall, are made from galvanized steel.

In principle a hybrid above ground pool should be better and longer lasting than a resin above ground pool or a steel above ground pool. However, it really depends on the quality of the resin and the quality of the steel used.

Should you decide to buy a hybrid above ground pool make sure to buy a reputed brand with warranty.

Are Hard Sided Resin Pools Better Than Soft Sided?

Hard sided resin pools have a much longer life as compared to a soft sided resin pool. They will last a couple of decades opposed to just a few seasons for the soft sided pool. Of course, hard sided above ground resin pools are more expensive!

A soft sided resin above ground pool is designed such that the tough vinyl pool liner acts as the pool wall too. On the flip side, if the pool gets a leak you just need to buy a new one.

A soft sided above ground resin pool can be ordered from online stores for less than $1000. Soft sided resin pool is a cost-effective option. It can be placed on the patio or in the garage in a jiffy. The kids can begin to splash around almost immediately.

A hard sided above ground resin pool comes with vertical legs, horizontal beams and a pool wall. The vinyl liner sits within this enclosure to hold the pool water.

A hard sided above ground resin pool becomes a part of the backyard landscape as it lasts for a couple of decades. You need to prepare a level & stable gravel or concrete pad to install it.

If and when required you can change the pool liners without the need to change the pool structure itself.

Do Resin Pools Crack?

In general, resin has high UV resistance and will not fade on prolonged exposure to sunlight. As there are several types of resins that may be used, low or medium quality resin components will become brittle with time. 

Ultimately the resin component can develop cracks and may even fail. The life of the resin above ground pool can be considered to be over when load bearing components start failing.

An above ground pool that uses ordinary resin for most of its components may last for 5 to 10 years. On the other hand a good quality hybrid pool can last between 20 to 30 years.

Does a Resin Above Ground Pool Need to Be Bonded?

Most local authorities will require an above ground pool, including a resin pool to be bonded and grounded. 

Bonding requires you to electrically connect all metallic parts, such as metal panels or uprights, of the resin pool using #8 copper bonding wire. Correct bonding ensures that all metal parts of the pool are equipotential.

While bonding is the first step you need to ground the pool too for electrical safety and code compliance. Grounding ensures that any current leakage to the metal parts will be diverted to the neutral earth.

EXCEPTION: Authorities will usually exempt a “Storable Pool” from bonding and grounding requirements. A “Storable Pool” is an above ground pool that is less than 42” deep and has a double insulated pump. However, double check with the local authorities as rules may vary.

How Do You Install a Resin Above Ground Pool?

You can install a resin above ground pool as a DIY project. You will need some help from your family members. It is also better to call an experienced and qualified electrician for electrical wiring & set up.

Start the process by selecting the location of the pool in your backyard. The location should be close to the plumbing, drainage and electrical outlet. 

While minimum distance from the house is required by code, visibility and accessibility from the house is desirable. Avoid locating the pool under a lot of trees. This will keep the pool area sunny and reduce the debris falling into the pool.

Before you start digging to make the pad, ensure that there are no underground pipes or cables. Prepare a structurally sound and absolutely level pad for the resin above ground pool. It is critical. 

Use fine sand for the top layer of the pad to protect the pool liner from abrasion.

Start by laying out and connecting the bottom rail. Roll out the pool wall and install the uprights, stabilizers and the top rail. It is a good idea to install foam on the floor and the pool wall. 

Next, place the pool liner within the enclosure and carefully spread it out. Pay special attention to removing the wrinkles and making the pool liner as smooth as possible.

Once your pool is set up you’ll need to connect the accessories and the pool equipment. It is best to avail the services of an experienced electrician or a pool installer for work related to bonding, grounding, wiring, etc. 

You should not take any chances. Safety comes first!

How Much Is a Resin Above Ground Pool?

The price of a decent resin above ground pool can vary between $1,500 to $4,000. You can get INTEX pools from Amazon at lower prices but they typically have a life of just 1 – 3 years.

The price of course depends on the pool size. For a given size the price of a resin above ground pool depends on the ratio of resin components and steel components in it. The price is of course a function of the brand name and therefore the quality & expected life of the pool.

PoolSplash is an online specialty pool retailer with a wide range of pool products. As an example check their range of 24’ diameter above ground pools by clicking the link below:

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.