Best-In-Class Above Ground Pools

Why These Are “Best-In-Class” (and what that means for you)

When we call these CaliMar models “Best-In-Class,” we’re not talking about a single feature—we’re talking about the full package working together: structure, materials, liner quality, warranty coverage, and long-term durability.  The ARE the BEST POOLS.
These models below rose to the top based on a standard we built over decades of real-world pool experience. 

54" Wall CaliMar Models - (All 3 core models are the same pools but with different color and wall pattern)
Coronado	Coronado w/ Step	Chesapeake	Chesapeake w/ Step	Tahoe	Tahoe w/ Step

52" Wall CaliMar Models - (All 3 models are the same pools but with different color and wall pattern)
Laguna	Oxford	Sierra Nevada

The quick takeaway: these are designed to feel more solid during installation, stay straighter over time, and hold up better through seasons of use—especially in the parts of the pool that typically take the most stress.

How to read the “Scorecard” (Popularity • Longevity • Quality)

• Popularity reflects what customers most consistently choose when they want a premium above ground pool (the “safe bet” pick).
• Longevity is our durability expectation based on the build platform: uprights, rails, wall structure, and how well the system resists the slow “wear” that shows up after years outside.
• Overall Quality Score is the combined view—materials + structural design + warranties + how the components work together as a system.

If you’re stuck between models, use this rule: choose by wall height + aesthetics first, then let the scorecard confirm your decision.

52” vs 54” Wall Height: what you actually feel in the water

The difference between 52” and 54” doesn’t sound big—until you’re in the pool. A 54” wall typically gives you a little more “real” water depth and a better swim feel (especially for teens/adults). If you’re choosing for lounging and play, both heights work great—so it becomes more about backyard layout, budget, and preference.

What makes these pools “bigger, better, stronger” in plain English

Here’s what we think matters most, and why it shows up in the real world:

• Top rails that are truly substantial: These models use true 8" resin top rails, which adds rigidity where many pools flex over time (especially during install and seasonal expansion/contraction).
• A liner you can measure (mil vs “gauge”): The 52" wall pools ship with true 15 mil liners (not “gauge”), and the 54" wall pools ship with true 20 mil liners, so the liner construction is positioned for long-term seam integrity and a Lifetime Warranty.  The Factual Truth About Above Ground Pool Liners.
• Bottom rail and connection-point engineering: Premium bottom-rail design and precision punched connection points reduce variance during assembly, which helps the pool build straighter and stay tighter.
• Wall build and corrosion defense: The wall platform is described as heavier than common industry standards with layered protective coatings intended to defend against corrosion and condensation.
• Uprights built for stability: Uprights are positioned as thicker than many competing platforms—this is one of the quiet differences that affects long-term wall stability.

Which model should you pick? (simple guidance)

• If you want the most popular “do-it-all” premium pick: Coronado (54").
• If you want premium build with a 52" wall height: Oxford (52") or Sierra Nevada (52").
• If you want the deeper 54" platform with a resin-hybrid build: Chesapeake (54") / Tahoe (54") / Coronado (54").
• If you’re going oval: plan for the support system—ovals include Compac Oval Supports (Buttress-Free), and you’ll want to verify yard layout and clearance before choosing size.

DIY install: yes—if you handle the foundation correctly

If you’re reasonably handy and can follow instructions, a DIY install is absolutely realistic. The biggest success factor isn’t “how hard the pool is,” it’s how clean and level your base is. Most installation issues we see later trace back to base prep, not the pool components themselves.

Pro tip: take extra time on leveling—because you only get one chance to make the pool sit correctly.

Shipping expectations (so you can plan the project)

Plan your site prep first, then schedule delivery so your base is ready when the pool arrives—this keeps boxes from sitting outside longer than necessary and keeps your install timeline smooth.

Coronado Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 54" Pool Popularity - #1 Pool Longevity - #1 Overall Quality Score - #1	Laguna Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 54" Pool Popularity - #1 Pool Longevity - #1 Overall Quality Score - #1	Chesapeake Resin Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 54" Pool Popularity - #1 Pool Longevity - #1 Overall Quality Score - #1
Oxford Resin Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 52" Pool Popularity - #2 Pool Longevity - #2 Overall Quality Score - #2	Tahoe Resin Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 54"  Pool Popularity - #1 Pool Longevity - #1 Overall Quality Score - #1	Sierra Nevada Resin Top Rails - True 8" Resin Pool Warranty - 8 Year Full + Pro-Ration Liner Warranty - Lifetime Wall Height - 52"  Pool Popularity - #1 Pool Longevity - #1 Overall Quality Score - #1

Made with the exact same materials and same exacting standards as Doughboy pools are known for the CaliMar pools are also made. We’ve taken the best of the best of what we know to work hand in hand with H.I.I. to architect and design a series of above ground pools that break the mold and set new standards in the pool industry.

All oval pools come with Compac Oval Supports as shown below.

Analyzing the Pool Components:

• Top Rails

The Oxford, Chesapeake and Sierra Nevada above ground pool models all are stronger empty than many other above ground pools are when they’re full. The top rails are a true 8” across measuring from edge to edge. Other manufacturers that claim to be 8” wide are measuring around the circumference of the top rail. If the Oxford, Chesapeake or Sierra Nevada top rails were measured using the same method, they would be 12” wide.

Cross Section of Resin Top Rail

• Liners

The liners that come standard in the Oxford, Chesapeake and Sierra Nevada models are True 15 mil liners, not gauge. Gauge is a matter of subjection and any manufacturer can set their gauge to whatever suits their marketing needs. Mil is an exact international precise measurement for measuring thickness. Measurement is done with a micrometer and all of the liners packaged with the CaliMar pools are a True 15 Mil Thickness. The liners are about 20% heavier than other liners on the market because of the true nature of the virgin vinyl material and zero use of plasticizers and fillers. Due to the superior strength and integrity of these liners we offer a 20 year 100% Warranty against seam separations.

• Bottom Rails

Engineered with True-Fold design and thicker Premium Steel with a high end coating all Oxford, Chesapeake and Sierra Nevada above ground pools have a 100% Lifetime Warranty*

• Component Connection Points

All connection points on Oxford, Chesapeake and Sierra Nevada pools are precision punched holes so there is only one way the pool can be assembled, making assembly quicker and easier. Other above ground pools have “oval” shaped holes which allow too much variance causing imperfect fit and weakens the strength of the pool.

• Walls

Made from heavier copper bearing steel than industry standards making them 30-60 lbs heavier than other manufacturer models pools. Zinc clad hot-dipped galvanized steel walls receive several protective coatings and a specifically designed epxy coating providing the best defense against corrosion and condensation. Industry’s thickest corrugation offers industry’s greatest strength and flexibility.
Layers of wall protection shown below

• Vertical Uprights

Oxford, Chesapeake and Sierra Nevada's steel thickness is 25% thicker than the competition providing extra stability and strength to the pool wall.

• Skimmer

Large skim surface area removes surface debris faster than any other skimmer on the market.The tall mouth construction allows for greater pool water height fluctuations with a basket twice the size of many competitors.

Vacuum port built into the lower face of the skimmer makes connection of vacuum hose or automatic pool vacuum much easier. Includes skimmer winterizing components and “skimmer door”.

Oxford, Chesapeake, Tahoe and Sierra Nevada above ground pools ship from the Memphis, TN area, home of Doughboy pools.

Express Shipping

• Orders ship within 36 hours, delivery approximately 3 business days
• Unparalled shipping capabilities in the pool industry
• Centrally located less than 75 miles from Memphis, TN.
  (Distribution capital of the US)
• Committed to superior shipping services

Yes.  If you are relatively handy and can follow written directions then installing an above ground pool should not be out of the question.  Of course, if you’ve any questions along the way, you are more than welcome to give us a call and we’ll ‘walk you through it’. 

CaliMar above ground pool installation videos:

Additional CaliMar Above Ground Pool Information & Installation Tips