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When we purchased our pool it came with free installation, which was great because we did not want to install it ourselves. So we intended to pay for installation if needed. Which meant that a few weeks later the entire pool that had been completely filled had to be drained, fixed and refilled. The next problem was that the pump was missing an O-ring. After that was fixed, there was a leak in the sand filter.
It took four different service calls, two months, and three different pool guys to figure out to replace a part that was cross threaded. Problems went on and on and on…. And then we had more issues with the chemicals. In other words — ask questions, read reviews, get referrals from your friends. If I had it to do over again, that would be the one thing I would change. But this company was so difficult I felt like it was worth it to share our experience with those who are considering buying a pool. For almost 4 years, we had a metal frame above ground pool from Target.
We used chlorine in it and found it easy to maintain. When we went to buy this pool, Family Leisure sold us on the PermaSalt system. We asked about a salt water pool, and they sold us that instead. Their claim was that it was much easier to maintain, just pour a bag and bottle of chemicals in the pool once every two weeks and it would keep your water crystal clear.
But after repeatedly calling and getting the run around about not having clear water, it never worked for me. I honestly felt like they blamed me for not taking care of our pool. But in all those calls probably a dozen or so , Family Leisure never once thought to actually check the system itself. The day it was removed, we started chlorine chemicals and the next day we had a crystal clear pool. So we decided to go bigger — much bigger — from an 18 ft.
Honestly our pool is wider than our house. We chose a 52 inch tall pool so we would have 46 inches deep of water. There are much larger pools, and much smaller. But I do know that a round pool has more swimming area than an oval pool does. Figuring out how to deck all the way around the pool was tricky. We did learn how to get boards up under the lip of the pool, by framing it in as shown above and then using a jigsaw to cut out exactly what we needed to get the decking boards under the top plate of the pool.
We also had to figure out how to frame around the pump. Cartridge filters fall next in line right after sand filters. The concept of a cartridge filter is pretty simple. Water passes through a filter material located inside your filter tank. The cartridge element captures debris from the circulating water. They act very similar to the water filters you use under your sink. Cartridges have a larger available area to filter than sand filters and therefore can last a little longer before having to clean it than sand filters.
On the flip side, cartridges are more expensive than sand to replace. Still, from a maintenance standpoint, it is a lot less work. Cartridge filters are designed to run at lower pressure than sand. This puts less pressure on the pump and as a result, you end up with better flow rates. Generally, the cartridges have to be cleaned once or twice a season, depending on the size of the cartridge and how dirty your pool water is.
To clean them, you simply remove the cartridges from the tank and hose them down with a hose. Another advantage is this type of filter does not require a multiport valve. Both sand and DE filters require multiport valves. Although a very handy tool, over time it can cause leaking and pressure issues. Similar to cartridge filters, D. E filters provide the overall best filtration for your pool. Replacement grids should be cleaned every few months and are more expensive than the cartridges or sand.
Although they are the best filtering option, the overall maintenance is greater. Remember when I said that without an operating pump, your water would get pretty dirty? Well, the second important step to maintaining a perfect pool after a working pump and filter is to sanitize your pool water properly.
Sanitizers kill bacteria, prohibit algae blooms, and kill any other contaminants that you might not want to interact with. Chlorine is the most common and cost effective way to sanitize your pool, but there are other options for your pool. Today, you can choose to sanitize your pool with salt or mineral packs. Chlorine tablets, which look like hockey pucks, are the most common form of chlorine used in swimming pools today.
They usually come in one and three inch sizes and are used in conjunction with a chlorine feeder or floater. So, if you thought you simply toss the tablets in your pool the answer is no.
One of my favorite ways to dispense chlorine is a chlorinator. A chlorinator is simply a chlorine dispenser that allows you to manually regulate the speed the tablets dissolve. If you have ever swam in a salt water pool before, you immediately feel the difference when you get back into a chlorine pool. Some even say salt pools are easier to maintain. The chlorine sanitizes your pool and then reverts back into salt. Another alternative you have to chlorine are mineral packs. This is a very convenient way of reducing chlorine use and hassle. Most pools do not come with ladders or pool entry systems.
They are typically purchased as an add-on item.
Well, if there were any add-on items you should consider, it is a ladder for your above ground pool. Ladders are especially important if your children and their friends will be using the pool. There are several different swimming pool ladders for your above ground pool. The A-frame pool ladder is the more common of our ladders. The A-frame will allow entry into and out of your swimming pool. We also sell ladders that allow entrance just into your pool. This type of above ground pool step can be attached to your deck. Purchasing a ladder or pool entry system also helps preserve your pool parts as less stress is placed on these parts when getting in and out of the pool.
If I have a filter and a chlorinator, do I still need a pool cleaner? Is it absolutely necessary? To be honest, anything that is typically not offered in a pool package is not necessary for the operation of the pool. However, pool cleaners provide benefits and a certain level of convenience that pool owners need. Because pool filters will not remove debris, leaves, and any other large articles that may have fallen into the bottom of your pool, you will need to actually remove those objects.
There are three different types of cleaners: Robotic , Pressure , and Suction. To read more about which cleaner may be the best for your pool set-up, please check the links below. Suction or Pressure Side Pool Cleaner? Pool lighting, though not necessary, helps bring your pool full circle. Unlike inground pools where lights are installed in the wall, above ground pool lights have the ability to float or simply to hang over the top railing of your pool. Above ground pool lights are easy to install and reasonably priced. Heating your pool is a wise investment for your and your family.
One of the major benefits of a heater is that it extends your swimming season. Without a heater, your pool season may end in August while a heater may extend it to November. In some areas, a pool heater allows your to swim all year long. Differences in Swimming Pool Heaters. As mentioned earlier in this blog post, purchasing an above ground pool is a big deal.
Above ground pool deliveries are large and take time which makes returning one, for the lack of better word, annoying. Before making a purchase, make sure you check off all the things you absolutely need for your pool. Make sure you have a licensed installer who is comfortable with above ground pool installations.
To help avoid you making a purchase that may not be in your best interest, If your family is ready to purchase an above ground pool, we highly . because they only filter down to a particle size of microns. . When you select the pool model that strikes your fancy, we provide a selection guide for. Jul 14, Five Tips For Buying An Above Ground Pool. We have the best quaility above ground pools in Raleigh and Greensboro North Carolina. Above ground pools with decks (20+ Awesome Photo) - an essential guide for.
You might consider adding some cost data for the type of pool or filter for example that you are discussing. I desperately want a pool, but do not have more than maybe 5k to invest in one, so I was looking at spools or cocktail pools just a tiny, plain pool versus an above-ground one.
What people like about the Intex Metal frame pool is that it is easy to set up and install. Above ground pool lights are easy to install and reasonably priced. Thus, walls and floors of above-ground pools have to be brushed and vacuumed once a week to keep pool water clean and fresh. Treating pool water with chemicals can help maintain pH levels creating a safe and healthy pool environment. Always keep an eye out for bundle deals as these can often be more cost-effective. Most above-ground pool come in three shapes; oval, circle and rectangle.
For pricing, give our Above Ground pool section. When you select the pool model that strikes your fancy, we provide a selection guide for pumps, filter, chlorinators and other accessories. Thank you for all this information! It was very helpful. I have an appointment scheduled for electrician to tell me how much it will cost to run electric from the house to the pool.
That might also help determine where you place the pool. We live in northern Illinois and typically swim about 5 nights a week. There usually anywhere between 10 and 25 people sometimes more. The ages range from 1year old all the way thru 45 years old. We are a huge group with mostly young boys.
My mother-in-law had a oval pool not sure on the size. What size pool would you recommend. Step I- Selecting a Pool At first glance, this step may seem like a given. Round or Oval Depending on the size of your back yard and the regulations placed by your local ordinances on above ground pools, you have to decide whether a round or oval pool is most appropriate for your set up.
Depth How deep do your want your pool? Size For above ground pools, size does matter.