Greetings from Cedar Hill (18 miles south of Dallas). I share my home with a Miniature and four Giant Schnauzers. The Giants are excellent swimmers, and would LIVE in a pool if they could. The Mini HATES water. I am planning/budgeting for a new pool. I'm here to learn about pools BEFORE I take the plunge. As my yard and budget pretty much limit me to above-ground pools, I'm looking into wood walled pools, as well as a couple of steel ones (although I prefer the wood wall pools from an aesthetic point of view). I've posted links in the above-ground pool section of this site, so if anyone is familiar with wood pools, I'd really appreciate any feedback.
Also, if anyone has BIG dogs, what are the pros/cons of an above-ground pool (i.e., liner problems?), or a vinyl-liner in-ground pool? For perspective, my male Giant is 125 pounds, my adult female is 85 pounds, my year old P&S pup is 65 pounds, and my rescue pup is about 55 pounds at six months. (pics attached)
If I wait another year or so, I can probably do in-ground, but it's hot as heck here -- it got up to 97 yesterday! The dogs killed a 10' Intex bubble pool within a day. They had a plastic kiddie pool, but it barely lasted a season before it became a chew toy. The pool is mainly for the dogs, but I will swim daily if I have one. Any objective insight is most appreciated. The cost of the wood ABG installed may be close to $7/8K; steel installed around $5K. OR I could wait a couple of years and go with gunite or fiberglass. I'm know the latter options are the best investment, but I also have to factor in my sanity and the dogs' comfort in 100+ degree weather. So pleeease feel free to give your input. I need all the help I can get!
Also, if anyone has BIG dogs, what are the pros/cons of an above-ground pool (i.e., liner problems?), or a vinyl-liner in-ground pool? For perspective, my male Giant is 125 pounds, my adult female is 85 pounds, my year old P&S pup is 65 pounds, and my rescue pup is about 55 pounds at six months. (pics attached)
If I wait another year or so, I can probably do in-ground, but it's hot as heck here -- it got up to 97 yesterday! The dogs killed a 10' Intex bubble pool within a day. They had a plastic kiddie pool, but it barely lasted a season before it became a chew toy. The pool is mainly for the dogs, but I will swim daily if I have one. Any objective insight is most appreciated. The cost of the wood ABG installed may be close to $7/8K; steel installed around $5K. OR I could wait a couple of years and go with gunite or fiberglass. I'm know the latter options are the best investment, but I also have to factor in my sanity and the dogs' comfort in 100+ degree weather. So pleeease feel free to give your input. I need all the help I can get!