I wish the liners would come down in price, as it is very wasteful to have the poles and hardware thrown away when an entirely new pool kit is purchased. I did the shock yesterday and the blue floor now is lost. A pool water monitoring kit is necessary to adjust the chlorine and pH levels of the pool. Chlorine, alkaline pH adjusters, and acid are available at any local hardware or pool store.
The frame includes vertical supports and side rails while the sidewalls and bottom of the pool are made of durable plastic, vinyl, PVC, or, in some cases, resin. The added strength of the steel supports a larger, deeper pool. Pools of this size require a filter or chemicals to maintain a healthy swimming environment. These models also require more ground preparation than an inflatable model. Intex Recreation Corp. provides consumers with a variety of above-ground swimming pools options.
A heavy-duty PVC frame supports the vinyl pool, which comes in four sizes, the largest holding 1,883 gallons of water. The frame locks together and can be set up by two adults. With its length and 33-inch height, this pool can hold a few adults and kids ages 6 and older. The price includes the frame and pool only, so you will need to buy a filter, pump, ladder, and a few other items to get it up and running. But the pool’s frame is covered in a UV- and rust-resistant coating, adding durability and resistance to scuffs, scratches, and dings. When the fun is over, a flow control drain valve provides a controlled release of water.
Our overall impression of the Intex Ultra Frame Pool Set was that it’s rock-solid. The powder-coated steel frame was sturdy and did not collapse when kids clung to the sides. The frame does have some flex, but it was engineered that way. When you are splashing and creating mini-waves, the corners of the frame will slide to absorb the force of the water. This reduces the chance the frame will break in the middle of a vigorous game of water volleyball. Filling the pool takes some time and varies depending on your source of water.
We found that the most challenging part about installing this rectangular above-ground pool is site preparation. Some yards may only need light leveling, while others require more work. We live on the side of a mountain, and our yard is sloped, so we had to excavate to create a sloped area. The site also must be compacted and capable of supporting the weight of the water inside the pool, and you should avoid areas with sand or mud. It’s a fact that any pool needs some form of chemicals to keep the water safe regardless of the pool size and original water purity. The Intex model you’re interested in comes with a simple non-chemical filter.
Replace the cartridge filter at least once a year, or when you open and close it if you store your pool during the off season. Also replace it when it’s worn, torn, or as recommended by the manufacturer to make sure your water is as clean as it can be. On a hot summer’s day, it’s hard to beat the feeling that comes with jumping into the cold, crisp waters of your own backyard swimming pool. You could try jumping into one of those Scrooge McDuck-style money vaults, we suppose, but we hear that’s more painful than refreshing.
A ground cover may help prevent certain types of grass from growing through. Between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the size of the pool. Occasionally, petroleum jelly may be applied to the ¡§O-Ring” located in the top filter cover to minimize seal cracking. No other maintenance is necessary. The price for this product is set by the individual retailers and varies among them.
The larger ones have many of the same features as the Ultra Frame Pools, but the frames aren’t as robust and will rust a little faster. The Prism Frame Pools will last for four to five years, while the Ultra Frame Pools will last six to seven years. The Prism Frames run about one-third less than the Ultra Frames. Others are as large as the Ultimate Frame Pool line, with several sizes available in between. We have the 14’ X 42” and find that it fits our needs nicely. Find the size that fits your yard and your family the best.
You may also want to consider a sturdier ladder and better quality cover. The ladder is wobbly, and the cover is thin and tears easily. If you’re looking for an economical pool to fit your tight budget, we recommend purchasing the kit as it comes, and upgrading the intex baby float next year. You’ll have to be more careful on the ladder and spend more time manually skimming debris off the top, but you’ll still get many hours of entertainment. The Prism Frame Pools come in such a wide variety of sizes that they’re affordable for almost anyone.
Easier to assemble, easy to store, will not rust, no sand needed, no ground prep is required and minimum tools required for assembly. Though it’s easy to pick a cheap pool and feel good about saving on your summer budget, consider more than just the up-front purchase price. If you choose a low-cost pool, odds are it will require replacing next season. Therefore, a “cheap” pool becomes expensive when it only lasts one summer. Small pools, such as wading sets for children, often don’t require maintenance.