Frequently Asked Questions

Above-Ground Pool prices run the gamut. Short-term, soft-sided swimming pools may be found for hundreds of dollars. Long-lasting, hard-sided swimming pools cost more. That said, Doughboy Pools come in a wide variety of sizes and price points – we offer a pool for nearly every backyard and budget! To find out exact pricing, use our Dealer Locator to find an authorized Doughboy Dealer in your area. They will gladly go over your options and prices.

Doughboy Pools sets an industry standard for above-ground pools that are bigger, better, stronger, and last longer. We achieve this, in large part, by manufacturing every product we sell in-house – the only above-ground pool manufacturer in the world to do so. We start with raw-materials, allowing for a stronger final product. Our dedication to pool safety is something else that sets Doughboy apart. We devised our comprehensive safety promotion program in collaboration with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and include a Safety Packet with every pool we sell. We’re also industry leaders when it comes to distribution. Read this to learn more about the Doughboy Difference.

Yes! All of our products, including pools, filtration systems, skimmers, and related accessories, are made in our 660,000-square-foot factory in West Helena, Arkansas

By producing all of our products in-house from first-rate, raw materials, we maintain a more stringent standard of quality on every component of our swimming pools. Our vinyl liners, for instance, are made with our exclusive Therma-Seal™ Technology, making them exceptionally durable and flexible. The steel that goes into our pool frames, top rails, and verticals is a better-than-industry-standard gauge (about 50% heavier than the steel used by competitors) and goes through a 7-step coating process for optimal strength and corrosion resistance. This level of quality is applied to every component of the pool, from the walls to the pumps, allowing for exceptional longevity.

Yes! We provide installation videos and instructions to help you install your above-ground pool yourself if you so choose. With the proper tools and a few helping hands, you can install your Doughboy pool within a few days.

• Cleaning the pool regularly to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
• Testing and balancing the water chemistry.
• Checking and maintaining the pool pump and filter.
• Checking and maintaining proper water levels.

Our steel frame above-ground pools have either 48-inch or 52-inch sidewalls, depending on the model. Doughboy resin frame above-ground pools have either 52-inch or 54-inch sidewalls, depending on the model.

Yes! Thanks to our expandable vinyl liners, you can have a deep swimming area of up to 7 feet installed in your above-ground pool. Read this to learn more about deep ends and other options you may not have known about.

There are several terms used in the pool industry to describe and categorize above-ground swimming pools.

• Soft-sided pools: Pools with inflatable or flexible walls made of vinyl, PVC, or other materials.
• Steel Wall Above-ground pools: Pools with walls that are entirely above ground level. The steel walls provide a strong and durable structure, allowing these pools to last longer.
• Steel Wall On-ground pools (a.k.a semi-inground pools): Pools with walls that are partially above ground and partially below ground. They offer a compromise between above-ground and inground pools. They can be a good option for homeowners who want the look of an inground pool but do not want to fully excavate their yard and are also a great solution for homeowners with a sloped yard.

While soft-sided pools are often the most affordable type of above-ground pool and are relatively easy to set up, their vinyl or PVC walls make them less durable and, thus, more prone to wear and tear. Hard-sided pools, on the other hand, are more durable and longer-lasting than soft-sided pools because of their rigid structure.

With an above-ground swimming pool, all of the pool walls are completely above the ground. With an on-ground pool (or semi-inground pool), a portion of the pool is in the ground while the remainder is above-ground. Doughboy’s Hydrosphere Series is a prime example of the on-ground/semi-inground pool variety. Read this to learn more.

One of the most popular methods for making an above-ground pool look like an in-ground pool is to build a deck around the pool. In this case, the deck floor is either slightly above the top rails or tucked directly underneath the top rails.

Alternatively, all Doughboy branded pools are strong enough to be recessed into the ground. This includes both steel frame and resin pools. Recessing your above-ground pool into the ground is an effective way to make it appear as an inground pool. Doughboy also carries the Hydrosphere semi-onground pool which essentially functions as an above-ground pool with an in-ground look. Its super-strong, steel structure makes it a great choice when you want to recess your pool 2 or more feet into the ground.

Read this article to learn more.

Winterizing an above-ground swimming pool involves taking steps to protect the pool and its equipment from cold weather, ice, and snow. Here are the basic steps:

• 1. Contact an Authorized Doughboy Dealer: Winterizing your pool incorrectly can lead to damage with correlating expensive repairs. To avoid harming your pool, be sure to contact your authorized doughboy dealer for precise winterizing steps.
• 2. Clean the pool: Before winterizing the pool, it’s important to thoroughly clean the pool and remove all dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This will help prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria over the winter months.
• 3. Balance the water chemistry: Test the pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels of the pool water and adjust them as needed to ensure that they are within the recommended range. This will also help prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
• 4. Drain SOME water: Draining all the water from your pool in winter will leave the liner exposed to errant debris and bacteria which can ruin the liner. The liner would then need to be replaced, this can be an expensive repair. Rather, let the water drain to a level about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. This will help your winterization chemicals maintain contact with the pool liner, keeping it healthy in the colder months.
• 5. Disconnect and store the pool pump and filter: Turn off the pump and filter. Then, disconnect them from the pool, and store them in a dry, protected area to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
• 6. Cover the pool: Protect the pool from snow, ice, and other winter weather, with a durable pool cover. Be sure to securely fasten the cover to the pool to prevent it from blowing off or being damaged.

Salt systems are not recommended, and using a salt system with your Doughboy Pool will void all warranties.

You can find a Doughboy Pools dealer in your area by using our Find a Dealer tool. Simply type in your zip code, set the distance at which you want to extend your search, and click the Search button. You’ll see a list of nearby dealers who can help you add a Doughboy above-ground pool to your home.

Warranties vary by pool model. The Palm Shore Steel Frame Pool, for instance, carries a 100% Lifetime Warranty on the bottom rails and a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all other metal components. The Desert Spring Resin Frame Pool carries a 100% Lifetime Warranty on the bottom rails, a 100% Lifetime Warranty on resin components, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all other metal components. To read more warranty information on each pool, click on the “View” button located beneath the model description on our Pools page.

Doughboy’s steel and resin above-ground pools are equal in quality. There are only some subtle differences in their compositions. Our steel frame pools consist of better-than-industry-standard gauge steel in the top rails and verticals. In our resin frame pools, resin is used to create the entire frame, including all top rails and verticals. Whether you choose steel or resin, your above-ground pool will look and perform well for many years to come with proper care. Read this to learn more about steel vs resin for your pool.