Note that, according to the manufacturer website, the pump and filter won’t completely prevent algae growth. In order to do that, Intex suggests purchasing an Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System, which runs about $140 on the low end. A saltwater system will help maintain the correct chlorine and pH levels in the pool, which is necessary not only to prevent algae issues but also to kill any harmful bacteria that may be looming in the pool.
A small gap will be required at the top of the bucket opening so that the pump can pull the DE into the filter system. Care for your Intex pool properly to enjoy swimming in crystal clear water all summer long. During winter, the brand recommends draining, disassembling, and storing the pieces in a safe location. To drain, remove the cap from the valve on the exterior pool wall and hook up a hose. I’m also not super thrilled that the cover Intex sells as an accessory, blows off in the slightest of winds; a problem if you don’t want to clean leaves and bugs out of your pool each day. However, the kids didn’t listen to me and yet the pool stood firm.
I live in Jersey where it gets mighty cold and we receive our fair amount of snow and I have had my 16′ Intex pool up for 8 years possibly 9 years and have never taken it down. intex baby float In fact, we didn’t even cover it for the past 2 winters. No rips, holes, collapses but liner is starting to wear along the top where liner wraps around the rim bars.
Stacy, we had some difficulty removing the horizontal bars, too. If the bar is stuck to the actual liner, turning it will sometimes help loosen it. If you are trying to dislodge the first horizontal bar , then try raising the vertical bars at an angle until you can slide one end of the horizontal bar out. It is a tricky thing to do – but once the first one is out, the rest of the bars are easy. There are a number of similarly sized above-ground pools that compete with Intex’s 12-foot set, and one of the top options is the 12-foot x 33-inch Summer Waves Active Frame Pool.
Intex sells solar blankets , though these blankets do not have high user ratings. The Intex metal-frame pool options come in sizes ranging from 10′ across x 30″ deep to a whopping 24′ across by 52″ deep. An “Ultra Frame” pool style is also available and boasts a stronger liner and an easier assembly method . While not large enough to feel intrusive in the yard, this pool is still big enough to accommodate a lot of kids. They wouldn’t be able to float as the little ones did—the water is too shallow—but they’d be able to hang out in it while cooling off and taking selfies, which is all our teenagers want to do anyway.
However, my husband did not share in my joy as he was fully convinced that assembling it would be a weekend-long project that would end with me in tears and him in frustration. According to everything I have read the intex frame pool will collapse no matter you do. Everything I read says the ground has to PERFECTLY level or it will collapse. So in other words If you buy one it is going to collapse sooner or later anyways.
It is important to choose the right place for the pool. The location should be a flat surface cleared of sharp objects, with four feet of space all the way around. And yet, it needs to be within a reasonable distance of an outlet and water source. The manufacturer site warns that sand should not be used to level out the ground, as it could intex frame pool shift, putting pressure on the frame or causing it to become unstable. Would the neighborhood youths flock to our yard like flies on honey for a dip? And, most importantly, how hard would it be to clean after a serious swim session filled with rambunctious kiddos jumping in, out, and back in again while covered in grass and dirt?
Once the ground is leveled, it is wise to lay a weed-preventing cloth over the dirt. This will prevent any grass from growing into the pool liner. Some types of grass (specifically, St. Augustine and Bermuda) have been known to puncture the pool liners of Intex pools. The Easy Set pools come in sizes ranging from 8′ across x 30″ deep to a rather large 18′ across x 48″ deep. These pools require an absolutely level surface prior to set up, or the pool may collapse and cause injury or property damage. The Easy-Set pools may also fail due to a puncture of the top inflatable ring.
If access to well water is available, this can be a cost-saving option. Some city water and sewer lines charge a “dumping fee” for excessive amounts of water used, but waive the fee for water used in swimming pools. It is a good idea to contact the local water utility to ask about a “dumping fee” waiver, if applicable.
Anyone have an electrician ground and bond the pool? If yes, what do you do each year when you put it back up? Our township requires this but it seems like I would have to pay someone to do this every year. Turn on the filter and pump system to the Intex pool. There are a number of other differences between the two pools, though.