AGP built in ground?

[libelula456]

Hi all, I purchased my home a year ago with the pool already installed. I assumed it was an in-ground pool because it is... well... in the ground. Going through some papers the previous owner left I found out it is actually an AGP built in ground. It is completely sunk in the ground and surrounded by a poured concrete pool deck like an in-ground pool would be. I think it is a Wilbar International Sharkline pool, but I am not sure. It was installed 8 years ago by what appears to be a reputable company (the previous owner left behind all the permits and inspection reports from when it was built).

I guess what I want to know is- does it being an AGP change anything? Is the maintenance different? Does it have a shorter life expectancy than an in-ground pool? I read that an AGP that is completely sunken runs the risk of the walls caving in if it is ever fully emptied, such as to change the liner. Is this true? We were hoping to change the liner in the next few years (we would hire someone, not do it ourselves if that makes a difference- we are not as good DIYers as some of you!).

Also, we have a Waterway Hi Flo pump, meant for AGP, but it is located at higher ground than the pool. That’s a no no, right? We are having some issues with the pump priming and someone suggested that could be the issue.

Sorry for the wall of text- I was thrown for a loop by my surprise AGP discovery and appreciate any insight you might have!

 

[splashpad]

Can you contact the company and request the pool info that you need?

If the pump is an AGP pump, it is supposed to rely on gravity to get water to it, not actually pull water to itself.

 

[libelula456]

Can you contact the company and request the pool info that you need?

I can certainly try reaching out to them! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[scout123]

I think the maintenance would be the same as a vinyl inground pool. My cousin has an inground pool and I can't think of anything she does that I don't do with my AGP. I wouldn't expect a buried above ground will last as long as an inground. My cousins pool was build in the mid to late 70's and is still going strong without having had any major issues; just liner changes a few times. I don't think an AGP will last that long, but I'm sure lots of them get many, many years of good use. I've seen a couple comments on AGP being 20 years old and still in pretty good shape. Liner changes on a buried AGP risk wall collapse. To minimize the risk, you do liner changes when the ground is dry and no rain is forecast. You also want to do it in a day and not let it sit empty for days. And, yes, since it's buried, I'd think you'd need a pump designed for an inground pool. Any pics of this pool?

 

[libelula456]

I think the maintenance would be the same as a vinyl inground pool. My cousin has an inground pool and I can't think of anything she does that I don't do with my AGP. I wouldn't expect a buried above ground will last as long as an inground. My cousins pool was build in the mid to late 70's and is still going strong without having had any major issues; just liner changes a few times. I don't think an AGP will last that long, but I'm sure lots of them get many, many years of good use. I've seen a couple comments on AGP being 20 years old and still in pretty good shape. Liner changes on a buried AGP risk wall collapse. To minimize the risk, you do liner changes when the ground is dry and no rain is forecast. You also want to do it in a day and not let it sit empty for days. And, yes, since it's buried, I'd think you'd need a pump designed for an inground pool. Any pics of this pool?

That eases some of my concerns, thank you! We really do love the pool, I was just super taken aback when I realized what it actually was and was concerned that it was some slapshod way of getting a pool in cheap that would cause us issues in the future. Now that I know buried AGP is a thing I feel more secure. Pictures included!

 

[scout123]

Wow, that looks really nice! I would have never suspected that to be a sunken above ground. And yes, they are definitely a thing...I've been wanting to sink one for 2 years! LOL