Author Topic: Need help buying a pool  (Read 2465 times)

BJC

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 28
Need help buying a pool
« on: July 03, 2017, 10:02:22 PM »
Hi all,
I'd like to build a pool,  but have never had one  and don't know what I need. I spent a few days clearing and leveling the yard.  Now I know I need a pool and some sand (what kind)...  What else do I need to buy ?...  Filter,  pump, chemicals?  Cover? Ladder?
Any info or good resources would be appreciated

lthenderson

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2252
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2017, 10:00:35 AM »
I'm assuming you are referring to an above ground pool? All you need is Youtube. There are about 100 videos on building above ground pools.

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2017, 10:55:04 AM »
I've had pools from 1.5' X 5' to 4' x 18'.
The last one came with a house I bought, but I moved the pool so I could build a deck from the back door to the pool.
Different pools have different set up instructions.  It will say what kind of sand, if any. 
Ring pools, also known as “float to fill,” are by far the easiest to put up.  They get their name from an inflatable ring at the top.
If the pool is big enough, it will come with a filter and ladder.  Until I built the deck, we put a kiddy pool at the base of the ladder for rinsing dirt and grass off feet.
If you get a big pool, get one locally so you will have service for the components.
If you get a ring pool, you can extend it's life with 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant (spray).
You will also need chemicals (chlorine is just one option) and a test kit for the chemical you choose to use.  You will need the daily sanitizer and shock.  And a floating dispenser.
You will need power for a filter.  Possibly on a GFCI.

You need to check the laws where you are; some places require a fence with a locking gate.
You will need to check your homeowners policy - you may need to get a new policy.

And pool noodles.  I don't think you can have to many.  You can easily make things from them with cord and/or zip-ties. See youtube.
Glow sticks come in many sizes and are really fun in the pool at night.
If I had a pool now, I'd definitely also have bluetooth speakers - loud enough so they don't have to be close to the pool.

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2017, 03:25:30 PM »
Glow sticks - great idea!

Inflatable ring:
+Easiest to put up (literally roll it out and fill with water)
-Inflatable ring can pop
-lots of wasted space with sloped walls.  Pool is at least 2 feet smaller at top vs bottom.
-harder to keep clean

Does it really matter that the inflated ring pool walls are sloped?
How is it harder to clean?

The metal wall pools have a flat 'ledge' all around it - very handy for putting pool toys etc. out of the pool but accessible.  Though some bugs like hide under there.

My 'greatest' pool idea was; Put the kids to bed. Put the big cooler on the deck.  Put the TV on the cooler.   
Connect VCR (now it'd be DVD player) to the TV. Put small cooler with drinks of choice at the edge of the deck. Put the floating lounge chairs in the pool (can be made w/ noodles).    Enjoy drinks and movie w/ SO under the stars.   Just don't watch Jaws or Titanic.

HipGnosis

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2017, 11:35:54 AM »
A 'trick' for any round pool;
Every few uses, at the end of use, walk around the wall of the pool a few times.  Slow at first, then a bit faster.
That swirls or vortexes the water. The centrifugal force moves all loose 'dirt' to the center of the pool, making it easy to vacuum out (once the vortex subsides).
Our kids did it at the end of every day the pool was used.  Note- if you get it going fast, it will make getting out of the pool a challenge (which the kids loved, of course).

BJC

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 28
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2017, 08:33:50 AM »
Thanks for the responses. I know I have YouTube for building help,  I was really looking for buying help... Don't want to get upselled as a newb.
Definitely want a hard side pool,  as that should last for years.
Any recommendations on type of sand filter,  cover, ladder? Which chemicals do I need?

Milspecstache

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 538
Re: Need help buying a pool
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2017, 04:56:19 PM »
I got a metal-sided 10,000 gallon pool from Wal-mart for $700 several years ago in August.  It was last year's model and they wanted to get rid of it.  Found it on the internet and they shipped it to my local store.  I did spend almost that much total again in sand and a saltwater treatment device.  I have a tractor so I was able to level the site for free doing it myself.  The sand was to finish leveling it out.  I also placed concrete blocks (already had them onsite from a demolition job) that I put under all the legs.  To fill it I am on a well so it took a couple of days but no real cost noticed.

Salt is maybe $50 a year.  We took it down one year but was difficult to put back up.  This winter I left it and spent the few days in the spring cleaning it back up.  I do make my own tarps from 10 mil plastic that I install tent rings on to connect to straps.  This keeps the trash out and also increases the swimming time period by warming it up in the spring and fall.

If my kids get sick of it I will take it down and get rid of it.  I enjoy it maybe a few hours per month so not really worth the many more hours I spend keeping it clean.  However, it was for my children and the youngest still loves it.  Almost have him swimming by himself.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!