Pool Buying Guide
If you are thinking about purchasing a pool, it is important to understand the different types of pools available in order to determine which pool is right for you. We talked to Julie Pettis, owner of Pettis Pools located in East Rochester and Greece, NY (chosen as Rochester, New York’s number one pool store 12 years in a row and rated as one of the top 100 swimming pool retailers in the U.S) to get the inside scoop on each pool type and what to consider throughout the pool buying process.
How to determine which pool is right for you?
Now that you know about the different types of pools, it’s time to determine which pool is right for you.
- First, start with determining your budget. Once you have done this, you will be able to narrow down your search (above ground being the least expensive and in-ground being the most expensive).
- Next, consider how your yard is shaped. For example, if you have a significant slope in your yard, you may want to consider a semi-inground pool. If you need help determining which pool type is appropriate for your yard, consider a home estimate from a professional. Most companies provide this service for free, and they can help guide you towards your perfect pool type, size, and shape.
- Check out your local communities set-back requirements. These are distances specified in zoning ordinance to provide adequate space between wind turbines and roadways, adjacent property lines, and buildings. In relation to pools they can affect what type of pool you can purchase, if you are allowed to have a pool at all in your zoning district, the size of your pool, surrounding fence requirements, and more.
- Consider why you want a pool. Do you want a pool mainly for relaxing and entertaining, or are you primarily interested in using it for swimming and exercising? This will help you determine which of the three types, as well as what size and shape, are right for you.
When is the best time to start the pool buying process?
The best time to start looking at pool options is in February, March, and April. This is because there are usually closeout sales and pre-season specials, meaning you could possibly get your pool at a discounted price. In addition, when beginning the process in the late winter months, you will be able to secure a spot at the top of the retailer’s pool installation list. The closer it gets to summer, the more difficult it will be to secure a top spot on this list, meaning you may not have your pool installed until the end of summer or even the fall. Remember, it not only takes time to determine which pool is right for you, but you have to consider the construction time as well.
Pools are an investment in your home, and in order to make their cost worth the investment, it is important to plan on living in your home for at least two years after the pool is installed. If you have picked out your dream pool, but are lacking the proper funds to make the purchase, consider a personal loan from Mariner Finance. In addition, we work with multiple reputable pool dealers throughout the United States, including Pettis Pools. Give us a call or visit your local Mariner Finance branch today to see if we can connect you with a pool contractor in your area.
†We offer personal loans from $1,000 to $25,000, with loans terms from 12 to 60 months. Minimum and maximum amounts dependent on an applicant’s state of residence and the underwriting of the loan. Loans between $1,500 and $15,000 may be funded online. Loans greater than $15,000 or less than $1,500 are funded through our branch network. Specific interest rates and fees are determined as permitted under applicable state law and depend upon loan amount, term, and the applicant’s ability to meet our credit criteria, including, but not limited to, credit history, income, debt payment obligations, and other factors such as availability of collateral. Not all rates and loan amounts are available in all states. Additional fees may apply to some loan offers; some state required and/or permitted fees may be treated as prepaid finance charges. Any such charges shall be in addition to the loan amount requested and/or approved and shall be fully disclosed to the applicant on his/her loan agreement. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rates or larger loan amounts, which may require a first lien on a motor vehicle not more than ten years old titled in the applicant’s name with valid insurance. Our loan by phone and online closing process requires a compatible mobile or computer device on which you can access your email and electronic documents. Not all loan types are eligible for loan by phone or online loan closing.
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For any stated annual percentage rate (“APR”), the APR represents the cost of credit as a yearly rate and will be determined based upon an applicant’s credit at the time of application, subject to state law limits. A range of APR’s may be applicable, subject to state law limits and individual underwriting. Not all applicants will qualify for a lower rate. APR’s are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle, and the lowest rates typically apply to the most creditworthy borrowers. All terms and conditions of a loan offer, including the APR, will be disclosed during the application process. As an example, with an amount financed of $5,000.00 the borrower receives $5,000.00 at an APR of 29.99% and an interest rate of 28.77% which includes a finance charge of $3,640.96. Under these terms, the borrower would make 48 monthly payments of $180.02, for a total of payments of $8,640.96. The amount financed may not be the net proceeds paid if charges other than interest are included in the loan.
*The process uses a “soft” credit inquiry to determine whether a loan offer is available, which does not impact your credit score. If you continue with the application process online and accept a loan offer, or are referred to a branch and continue your application there, we will pull your credit report and credit score again using a “hard” credit inquiry. This “hard” credit inquiry may impact your credit score.
