Q: I hear about all these different warranties like 20-, 30-, 40- year or even lifetime warranties. I'm planning on moving within the next 10 years, so why should I spend the money for a pool with a 40- year warranty?

A: It's best to read the "fine print" on all those different warranties; that way you can be sure you're comparing "apples to apples." Most pool warranties offer "prorating." Many pools on the market are covered for 100% of the purchase price for a specific period of time from the purchase date. After that date, the warranty is "prorated," which means that before long, the reimbursable amounts for components diminish. If a pool manufacturer offers a 40-year warranty, be sure to find out whether it is prorated. And remember, a warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it, so also be sure to take the reputation of the company offering it into account. Even though you may consider only having the pool for 10 years or less, it still makes sense to purchase an aluminum pool, since it will retain its value. You can sell it, take it with you when you move, or leave it behind as added value when you sell your home.

Q: I am considering putting a deck around my swimming pool. Do you have any recommendations?

A: There are two common types of above-ground pool decking: wood decks and extruded aluminum decks. An aluminum deck is recommended because, unlike wood, it is virtually maintenance-free. The wood used in the construction of wood decks is usually pressure treated with chemicals like arsenic, that, in a swimming pool environment, can be harmful to your family. Wood decks also require the hassles of seasonal paint treatments, the worry of nails popping up, and the danger of splinters in your feet.

Q: Why are there so many different pool heights on the market?

A: For the safety of your family, the American National Standard (ANSI/NSPI - 4 1992) specifies that the depth of the water in an above-ground pool be no deeper than 48" at the wall. Traditionally, pools were 48" in height, which gave you only about 44" of swimming depth. About 5 years ago, a leading manufacturer developed a 52" swimming pool which gave the home owner a true 48" water depth, which conforms with the ANSI specification.

Q: How can I achieve a swimming depth of greater than 48"?

A: There are two ways to create a "deep area" in an above-ground pool. One way is to use an overlap liner which is stretched into the pool by the weight of the water, so that the vinyl will expand to the shape of the pool. An overlap liner may be used if the homeowners want a deeper area in the pool, such as the middle of the pool. It should be noted, however, since the deep area is not a traditional deep end which would have ropes and floats signaling a change in depth, a child may have difficulty recognizing where the water depth changes. Another way to create a deep area in an above-ground swimming pool is to use a form fitted liner. Typically used in oval swimming pools, a form-fitted liner is installed into a pool that has one end excavated, similar to the deep end of an in-ground swimming pool. Therefore, the liner is custom-made to fit the exact shape of the pool - just like an in-ground swimming pool liner. The deep end of an oval pool will have ropes and floats so that children are aware of the change in depth.