1. Are above ground pools easier to maintain than in-ground pools?
In many ways yes. An above ground pool can offer you fun and enjoyment in the summer with an overall investment that is much less than with an in-ground pool. Above ground pools are usually easier to service because the plumbing is more accessible. And if you move, you can take your above ground pool with you and have it back up in no time at all. Many of our happiest clients realize that we have a short summer season here in Atlantic Canada so the larger investment for an in-ground pool was difficult to justify. An above ground pool offers all of the fun at an affordable price.
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2. Should I buy a resin or steel pool?
Both steel and resin pools offer a number of advantages. Our staff can assist you in determining which type of pool will best suit your needs but here are a few main points:

Steel
The advantages of steel are price and weight. A steel pool is very sturdy and the material is more affordable. While steel will eventually rust, modern day manufacturing methods create pools that last 20 plus years.

Resin
Resin won't rust. That seems to be its most notable selling feature. Additionally, resin pools are more flexible when it comes to ground shifting and are more durable. These advantages will make the price point of a resin pool a bit higher than a steel pool.
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3. Do I need a building permit? Where can I get one?
You are required by law to obtain a building permit to install your above-ground pool prior to the installation. Your municipal office can assist you in obtaining one. Click here for a list of municipal offices.
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4. Are round pools more sturdy than oval shaped pools? What should I own?
Any pool that is installed properly by a certified technician will be a sturdy pool. Many times the layout of your land will dictate whether round or oval is the best pool for that area. Additionally, many of our clients choose oval for swimming longer lengths of their pool. Aside from the shape, the largest difference is the method of construction required for each.

Round
Round pools are self-supporting with no external bracing needed. If you are installing the pool yourself, it may be easier as there are less parts.

Oval Pools
Oval pools require angled braces along the long sides, with steel straps running under the pool connecting the braces on opposite sides. These angled braces are called Buttresses and can take up an additional two to three feet on either side of the pool. McBurney oval pools use a Narrow Buttress System (NBS). There are no visible angled braces, everything is underneath allowing for a pool that is more visually appealing and allowing for larger pools to be installed in smaller spaces.
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5. How should I prepare my land? Should I build up or Dig Down?
The decision to build up or dig down is usually determined in the McBurney land consultation. If you are building up the land, you may require additional materials such as crashed stone and a retaining wall to ensure the land is stable and secure. Usually it is advantageous to choose the lowest spot as a starting point and bring the grade down as the land has already settled there, reducing the potential for shafting later. Ultimately, the decision will be made by you, your excavation team and the McBurney pools staff to choose a method that will provide you with years of worry free enjoyment.
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6. Do I need a full fence where I live?
Each municipality sets its own regulations in this matter. It is best to check with your local municipality office prior to any building. Click here for a list of municipality links.
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7. Should I use a winter cover or a leaf cover?
Both covers are designed to protect your pool from debris and the natural elements. We recommend using a leaf cover in the summer and switching to a winter cover after the leaves have stopped falling. The winter cover offers far more protection for your liner if any branches or other debris falls into your pool. However, your winter cover will require some monitoring. Excess weight from snow can add additional tension on the rails so you may have to clean off your cover or loosen the wench to accommodate. Using both a winter and a leaf cover for your pool can reduce the overall maintenance and prolong the life of your pool.
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8.What is the difference between a cartridge filter and a sand filter?
At McBurney pools, we recommend the use of an sand filter. In fact, all of our above ground pools include a sand filter. Many filter cleaners cannot be used with cartridge filters, making their upkeep a bit more difficult. Replacements can be difficult to find and very expensive to buy. Filter sand can be expected to last three to five years with proper maintenance. We carry the latest in filter media - Zeobrite which offers the long lasting qualities of sand but offers a better cleaning and reduces backwashing as much as 50%.
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9. How much should I allocate for pool chemicals?
This will be dependant of the size of your pool and your diligence in balancing your water chemistry but you can expect to invest between three to five hundred dollars annually in chemicals. We offer free electronic water testing in both McBurney locations.
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10. What are the types of liners available to me?
There are three main liner types available for above ground pools: overlap, v-bead, and hangbead. We use full print v-bead and full print hangbead in our Cornelius pools. Click the photo below for a description.

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