Above Ground Pool Pitfalls: Why Buying Local Beats Risky Online Deals Every Time

In this eye-opening episode of Backyard Bosses, your trusted trio — Billy, Joseph, and Big Tony — dive deep into one of the most critical consumer decisions of the summer: Should you buy your above ground pool online or from a reputable brick-and-mortar retailer? Spoiler alert: that flashy price on a website isn’t always the deal it seems.

With over 50 years of combined experience in the pool industry, we break down the real costs of chasing the lowest price tag from a faceless website. From delivery nightmares and missing parts to impossible-to-find proprietary components, we expose the risks consumers face when they shop from overseas manufacturers or shady third-party sellers.

We’re not here to bash online shopping — we get it, it's convenient — but when it comes to something as important (and expensive) as a pool, the stakes are high. You’re not buying a pair of shoes. You’re investing in a permanent backyard upgrade that involves installation, water chemistry, filtration, electrical systems, and safety. That’s where your local dealer matters.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The Online Trap: Why those slick photos and discount prices can be dangerously misleading. We share true stories of customers who thought they got a deal… until the “freight drop-off” left a 1,200-pound pallet in their driveway with no installation support or warranty coverage.

• Hidden Costs & False Promises: What’s the warranty really worth when the manufacturer is overseas or unresponsive? What happens when the liner doesn’t fit or the pump fails on day 10? We talk about the lack of accountability, after-sales service, and the replacement part nightmare that leaves many online buyers stranded mid-season.

• The Value of Local Support: When you buy from a certified dealer like us, you get a full team — not just a box. We provide installation services, water chemistry training, in-store troubleshooting, and parts stocked year-round. Plus, we only carry American-made pools with build lists and long-term part availability.

• Buy American, Buy Smart: We highlight how our U.S.-made pools are built for the long haul, with liners made in Georgia, filters manufactured in California, and parts that won’t vanish with a website redesign or overseas regulation change.

• Real Customers, Real Outcomes: Hear first-hand how brick-and-mortar support saved customers from thousands in losses after online disasters. From installation rescues to warranty replacements that actually got honored — these aren’t just anecdotes, they’re what separate pool pros from pool pain.

• Dealer Accountability: Unlike online sellers, we’re not disappearing after checkout. We have storefronts, service departments, and names on the door. When something goes wrong, you call us — not a chatbot or an outsourced email queue.

• Peace of Mind: We help you avoid lawsuits, injuries, or county violations by guiding you through proper permitting, electrical grounding, safety steps, and fencing codes. Something no .com has ever done for a customer.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away understanding why that local pool store down the street is your best ally in creating a safe, long-lasting backyard oasis. You’ll learn how we protect our customers from costly mistakes, and why professional service and support aren’t optional when it comes to pools — they’re essential.

Whether you’re just starting to shop or already eyeing a deal online, do yourself a favor — listen to this episode before you buy. Your wallet, your family, and your sanity will thank you.

🎙️ Backyard Bosses is your go-to source for no-BS, expert-backed insights on hot tubs, swim spas, saunas,