Advice on AGP purchase!! Please help!!

[PoolMammy]

I am trying to decide between two pools. I like them both one cost a little more and the only difference size is 2 inches but there seems to be other differences and I’m just so overwhelmed with that right now. Thinking maybe I could put some screenshots up here and someone with more expertise and knowledge could help me decide between these two pools. I’m ready to pull the trigger any day especially while the pools are on sale. Please hurry!! Thanks
18 x 54 Millenia round pool from The Pool Factory
18 x 52 Mt. Loch round pool from Pool Warehouse

 

[Bama Rambler]

I apologize in advance for not being much help.

I initially considered the 54" pool as 2" more depth is a bigger difference than you think, and they offer better equipment, however that pool is about $1,000 more than the 52" pool. So, it all boils down to is 2" More depth and a slightly larger filter worth that much money? I'm not sure that it would be to me.

 

[PoolMammy]

Thank you for your reply. Any help is better than none. You have no idea how much better I already feel that I have someone that I can semi-talk to you about this. Lol what do you mean when you say it has a slightly larger filter. The filter is not included in my prices L I have a brand new filter in a box already. It’s the same size as the one that was running my 18 x 48 pool. I wonder if that will be too small now. 12in Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, 2100 gal Pump Flow Rate

 

[PoolMammy]

Thank you for your reply. Any help is better than none. You have no idea how much better I already feel that I have someone that I can semi-talk to you about this. Lol what do you mean when you say it has a slightly larger filter. The filter is not included in my prices L I have a brand new filter in a box already. It’s the same size as the one that was running my 18 x 48 pool. I wonder if that will be too small now. 12in Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, 2100 gal Pump Flow Rate

The Melenia ( costlier one, has a 50 year warranty in it I’m wondering which one is structurally more sound in your opinion?

 

[Bama Rambler]

I looked at the filter that's included with the Melenia and matched the one closest to it with the Loch and the Melenia has a 120 sqft compared to the largest cartridge filter option (100 sqft) for the Loch. However, if you don't include the filter and pump then you can save yourself a good bit of money. Having said that, I would seriously consider getting at least a 100 sqft cartridge filter. The small sand filter you have really isn't big enough for that pool.

Given the latest info, that puts the price a lot closer to each other. Given that, I would definitely recommend the Melenia. I would also highly recommend adding a filter and 2-speed pump to whichever package you decide on.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Having said all the above, I don't think you'd go wrong with either pool above.

 

[zea3]

My steel wall AGP rusted and had a catastrophic failure before it was 10 years old. My sister had the same pool I had and it also had a catastrophic failure. She tried to make a warranty claim on her pool, which had a 25 year pro-rated warranty. They agreed to replace the steel wall and damaged uprights, but she would have to pay for shipping. She would also have to repair the filter and pump, replace the ladder, get a new liner, find an installer and pay for installation as the warranty only covered the pool wall and uprights. Shipping was around $500-700. Add in the other costs to repair the pool and she was better off just buying a new one. I would not base my purchase on the warranty they offer. We had bought our pools from the same local retail pool store 1 year apart. They did not do the warranty claims for the pools, we had to contact the manufacturer (Vogue Pools). You could ask each company how they handle warranty claims but they will probably refer you to the manufacturer.

I am interested to see if the layers of coatings on the 52" pool prevent rust problems from developing. As far as filters and pumps go you want a large filter and a 1 hp 2 speed pump. If you can find a 3/4 hp 2 speed pump that would be even better, but they are hard to find. You can go with a sand filter or cartridge filter. Cartridge filter usually takes less water to clean but you have to take the cartridges out to clean them. Sand filter is easier to clean, but it wastes a good bit of pool water. If you google the gorilla pad, foam cove, pool light, and fountain they can all be found for $10-20 less each online. That can save you some money if you don't buy them as part of a bundle.

 

[PoolMammy]

My steel wall AGP rusted and had a catastrophic failure before it was 10 years old. My sister had the same pool I had and it also had a catastrophic failure. She tried to make a warranty claim on her pool, which had a 25 year pro-rated warranty. They agreed to replace the steel wall and damaged uprights, but she would have to pay for shipping. She would also have to repair the filter and pump, replace the ladder, get a new liner, find an installer and pay for installation as the warranty only covered the pool wall and uprights. Shipping was around $500-700. Add in the other costs to repair the pool and she was better off just buying a new one. I would not base my purchase on the warranty they offer. We had bought our pools from the same local retail pool store 1 year apart. They did not do the warranty claims for the pools, we had to contact the manufacturer (Vogue Pools). You could ask each company how they handle warranty claims but they will probably refer you to the manufacturer.

I am interested to see if the layers of coatings on the 52" pool prevent rust problems from developing. As far as filters and pumps go you want a large filter and a 1 hp 2 speed pump. If you can find a 3/4 hp 2 speed pump that would be even better, but they are hard to find. You can go with a sand filter or cartridge filter. Cartridge filter usually takes less water to clean but you have to take the cartridges out to clean them. Sand filter is easier to clean, but it wastes a good bit of pool water. If you google the gorilla pad, foam cove, pool light, and fountain they can all be found for $10-20 less each online. That can save you some money if you don't buy them as part of a bundle.

Thank you. Guess I’m still researching then.

 

[PoolMammy]

Having said all the above, I don't think you'd go wrong with either pool above.

Thank you for the advice. I’m gonna keep researching a little bit.

 

[Geordie]

I have been out of the loop for a while and am just jumping back into pool ownership with my own new 18 ft round agp. So no expert- but basic steel wall pools aren’t much different than when I had one. I would go with the Melenia for the height and included liner. It comes with a 20 gauge liner and if you want 25 you can upgrade. Once you add the liner to the Loch pool there isn’t too much price difference. I think the difference between the steel walls of those pools is negligible. I would not “bury” either in dirt at all, however. Anything steel will rust out eventually but if you install the pool carefully and maintain it well, you should get 5-10 years out of an inexpensive (relatively speaking) steel walled pool. I do agree your current pump and sand filter is not big enough to handle a 7500 gallon pool. You might manage it for a while if $ completely prohibits getting a larger pump and filter. I am ornery and cheap and would probably limp along that way for a while. If your budget can handle getting a new pump and filter with the pool- that is the best plan. You can look for a working used pump and filter if you’re patient.

 

[PoolMammy]

I have been out of the loop for a while and am just jumping back into pool ownership with my own new 18 ft round agp. So no expert- but basic steel wall pools aren’t much different than when I had one. I would go with the Melenia for the height and included liner. It comes with a 20 gauge liner and if you want 25 you can upgrade. Once you add the liner to the Loch pool there isn’t too much price difference. I think the difference between the steel walls of those pools is negligible. I would not “bury” either in dirt at all, however. Anything steel will rust out eventually but if you install the pool carefully and maintain it well, you should get 5-10 years out of an inexpensive (relatively speaking) steel walled pool. I do agree your current pump and sand filter is not big enough to handle a 7500 gallon pool. You might manage it for a while if $ completely prohibits getting a larger pump and filter. I am ornery and cheap and would probably limp along that way for a while. If your budget can handle getting a new pump and filter with the pool- that is the best plan. You can look for a working used pump and filter if you’re patient.

Thank you for your input. Much appreciated

 

[Selenap]

My pool is coated aluminumminum rolled wall. () I don’t know a thing about steel walls. Resin track and top caps. I’ve experienced no rust. My pool is 54”. I’d have gone deeper if I could but it’s an oval.