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Help with a quick set up above ground pool?

prairiemoon2 z6b MA

16 years ago

Hi,

We brought home one of those supposedly 'quick set' pools. It is a 14ft diameter pool. First problem we noticed when we opened the box, was that you have to put the whole filter together and there is a large instruction booklet to do that.

I thought this was going to be easy?!

Next, I had heard that you have to have a very level area and we do have a cement paver patio that is as level as any other area of our yard. It is about 15ft square so it would just about fit. The concern I have is that I wonder if the sharp edges of the pavers could put a hole in the pool. Someone suggested we lay down cardboard under the pool to prevent this. Is this a good idea?

After these concerns are addressed and provided we are able to put the filter together, I guess next would be filling the 'rim' with air, which shouldn't be a problem, if we can find our electric air pump. Then I imagine you just lay out the pool and fill it. Attach the ladder and filter.

There were no overall directions for setting up the pool except for on the outside of the box. Only detailed directions for the filter and ladder. I hope this is right.

Another concern, is that the patio area that is level enough is directly behind our garage and very close to the house. I am concerned that if there was an accident of some kind, the water coming out of the pool could flood our basement. Is this something I really should be worrying about or not?

Last concern, is that I would like to avoid chlorine if I can. I seem to remember a neighbor had an above the ground pool that had some kind of natural chemicals that were supposed to be better for you. Anyone know anything about this?

So, if there is anyone out there that has some knowledge or tips about how we can go about this as easily as possible, I would be very grateful, as we are completely inexperienced and doing projects like this is not usually easy for us.

Thanks very much :-) pm2

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Comments (3)

tinamccullagh
16 years ago
HI WE USED TO HAVE ONE OF THESE AND I have to say my son really enjoyed it. FIRST OF ALL IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE IT ON LEVEL GROUND AND YES IF YOU PUT IT ON CEMENT OR CONCRETE YOU WILL NEED SOMETHING UNDER IT TO PROTECT IT BUT ALSO TO STOP TOES GETTING STUBBED.( oops! sorry about the capital letters)
you could use an old piece of carpet or some of that outdoor carpet that looks like grass. I think cardboard will get awfully soggy and mushy. Spread out the pool and inflate the ring then start to fill it when it has an inch or so in it someone needs to get in and smooth out the wrinkles and get the bottom as smooth as possible. If you don't the wrinkles will get on your nerves as they will trap dirt and the bottom won't feel as nice.If anyone sits or stands on the top ring then the side will collapse and you will have gallons of water running out of it ( trust me it happened to us) So make sure the kids use the steps and NEVER sit on the side.You will have to sanitize it and test the water like any other pool.Really chlorine is the simplest .Hope this helps, GOOD LUCK.
tball4ga
16 years ago
We use Baquacil instead of chlorine and we love it! It is very safe, doesn't give the water a strong smell and won't discolor your clothes or anything. It cost slightly more than chlorine but is well worth it!It is very easy to use also.Once a week you just stick a test strip in and add the amount of sanitizer indicated.Once a month you pour a bottle of shock in and some algecide.I will never use chlorine again!
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prairiemoon2 z6b MA
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks tina...and tball. We actually took back the pool. We started to put it together and reading the directions it said not to place it any closer than 10 feet to a building. Our paved patio was right up against the house. We were afraid it would collapse and flood the basement. We haven't another part of the yard that is that level. We do have an area that could be leveled in a day, I suppose, so we are thinking maybe next year, we will try again.

Baquicil! Yes, that is the name of the product I was trying to remember.

So..any time between now and next April, if anyone has a story you can share about setting up a Quick Set Pool and what you had to do to make the ground level and how it all worked out...I will get the posts in my box and will appreciate them. Good or bad stories..any stories.

:-)

thanks!

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