looking to purchase an above ground pool in the Hudson Valley, NY

[hotforpool]

Hello all-

I am looking to purchase an above ground pool in the Hudson Valley, NY.

Namco prices are calling my name for their Morada pool, but the local company sells doughboy and Embassy. I like that the local company will hold and do all the warranty work if ever needed, but they are about a 1000 more.

Doughboy dessert spring is $6700
Embassy Century 5200
Namco Morada 4500- but I could probably beat them down a little further. (I considered their meadows but it looks over built)

Any opinions, or having the search the forums option be usable would be awesome.

We are looking 24 round, and I dont mind spending a bit extra for reliability and quality but if all things are equal the lesser price will win.

Let me know your thoughts.

[CarlD]

Namco seems to be in financial trouble. They've closed at least 2 stores in my local area over in NJ. Doughboy is still "The Name" for above ground round pools.

Will the installer level and prep the site? That's frequently the most expensive part of pool installation. Plus, I grew up along the Hudson and it's pretty hilly terrain on both sides of the river.

[PoolDoc]

Membership updated . . .

[Watermom]

I would buy locally if you can. If you buy online and all goes well, it is not a problem. But, if it doesn't, then you will be much better off if the people who sold you your pool are right there to help fix it. I have always bought my pools from my pool dealer. I don't buy chemicals there other than the occasional container of CYA but I do buy equipment from them. If you show them the other pools that you are considering, they might be willing to drop their pool's price down a bit to get the sale. Just my $0.02. :)

[hotforpool]

Yeah, it seems Namco is always in financial trouble...Although considering they only sell you a pool and dont hold the warranty, nor service the warranty does that matter?

The yard is pretty level, however they would have to dig down a bit to get the pool to sit right with the deck. The deck that is exsisting was set up for a 48 inch pool not a 52.

If it cost 1200 to get the pool installed, well I guess that is okay.

It is just hard to purchase one of these things as the branding is different in every store. Also the sales people seem to be a bit transient.. Met a guy in one store last year, that hated the namco pools, although the Namco guy says the pool all come with 20 mil virgin vinyl now (as they were getting beat pretty bad on the net over the quality of the pool).


He also didnt like other brands that the local carrier had, but now that he works in a different store, they are all okay...

[CarlD]

Ultimately, the choice is yours. We can only "kibitz" and tell you what are various experiences are. Personally, I think a 20 mil liner is a bit thin and would want at least a 25 mil one.

Talk to people you know or meet who have above ground pools and find out who they used and if they are happy.

[hotforpool]

Went to Namco they got me out the door with their Morada pool for 3000 including their premium package, winter cover, chemicals, hayward set up. Local was over 1000 more. I tried to go local but I can't see a difference. Including the upgraded liner hung not overhang, 20 mil virgin vinyl.

Shipped to my house, no cost. Should I spring the extra 60 for their 2 stage pump.

I chose DE instead of the other options sand or cartridge...Any opinions on what I should have for that?

[Watermom]

I'll let someone else talk pumps with you.

I would not just automatically throw in whatever chemicals they included without posting here on the forum exactly what they are including all ingredients.

Another important purchase you need to make is getting a good test kit. You can use the test kit link in my signature below and order a Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (better buy). It is a critical component to taking care of a pool.

Congrats on the new pool! :)

[PoolDoc]

Shipped to my house, no cost. Should I spring the extra 60 for their 2 stage pump.

As far as I know, there's no such thing as a "2 stage pump" for pools. So, I don't know what they are selling, but I suspect them of playing 'fast and loose' with the facts.

[CarlD]

As far as I know, there's no such thing as a "2 stage pump" for pools. So, I don't know what they are selling, but I suspect them of playing 'fast and loose' with the facts.

Maybe they're using a big snow-blower for the pump? Those things come in single and two stage! :D

[hotforpool]

Maybe I used the wrong term? Variable speed?

[PoolDoc]

Dunno. You talked to the guy. But as far as I know, nobody sells VS pumps for AG pools.

[hotforpool]

http://www.namcopool.com/2-hp-2sp-horizonal-pump-and-motor-2867.html


This is what I could trade out too. Is this worth it? Oversized for 24 round? I was looking at a DE filter as well.

[CarlD]

Maybe I used the wrong term? Variable speed?

Looks like 2 speeds. Pumps do come in 2 speeds and if you get one, you'll never look back.

[PoolDoc]

Pick your filter, first -- THEN pick your pump. The 2 HP Waterway is too big for most AG filters:

http://www.waterwayplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/chart_perform_supreme.jpg

http://www.waterwayplastics.com/products/pool-products/pumps/above-ground/supreme-48-frame-2/

[hotforpool]

Filter is DE - EC40ac Perflex system by Hayward. Pump is a 2 speed 2 HP variable speed. Advised me to run it slow for filtration and high speed when vacuuming.

Thoughts?

Also, the installation company offered to install a bottom drain made by Hayward. Thoughts on this?

[PoolDoc]

You don't need a 2HP pump to vacuum.

[hotforpool]

Yeah I figured. Grew up with a 24 round and parent always has 3/4 horse to a 1 horse. It is the only variable speed pump they have.

I got him to throw a ton of stuff for free. Pretty much whatever we wanted. I was reading here that the VS pump was the way to go so I asked for one. If it will be detrimental I can just swap it out.

[CarlD]

If you ask for a VS pump, allow yourself to "settle" for a 2-speed. You'll not regret it and 2-speeds don't have fancy electronics that can be zapped in a T-storm.