Newbie AG

[Vickie]

I'm so glad I found this site! I have been reading threads for the past hour and have gained a lot of valuable info, although I still don't quite know where to get started. I'm purchasing an Intex 18' by 38" AG that should be delivered in a few days. From the posts I've read I think I should begin with purchasing a test kit. Suggestions on best one and where to order from? Then not quite sure where to go from there. From what I've read I think I should stick with the 3 B's (bleach, borax, and .... forgot the other one). Any info to get me started will be much appreciated! Thank yall so much! I love this site! :)

[Watermom]

baking soda! That is the other "B." Welcome! Glad you found us. You are doing the smart thing ....... reading BEFORE you get your pool. Also go and read at our sister website www.poolsolutions.com. Lots of good info there, too.

Yes to getting that good kit! If you order it now, hopefully it will be here in time to help you start up the pool. The one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (same kit, larger bottle of some reagents). If you buy it through the Amazon link in my signature, the Pool Forum makes a little money on the sale which helps us keep this form online. Only buy if the seller is Amato Industries, however. Some other sellers are substituting the K-2005 which you do NOT want.

Order the kit, keep reading and then come back with questions. By the way, I deleted your other two duplicate posts. New members have to have their posts approved before they appear on the forum. That is why you didn't see it immediately when you posted. When you post, your post goes into a moderation queue until one of us reads it and mods it in. Most times, at least one of us is online, so hopefully you won't have to wait too long after submission.

[CarlD]

Hard experience talking: The BIGGEST thing newbies don't realize is that you need a level surface for the pool. An Intex Donut can tolerate a LITTLE more out of level than most pools, but 2" is pushing your luck and 3" is trouble. Best to be no more than 1" out of level. So if you haven't leveled a site, you will need to....been there, done that, have the tee-shirt!

If you are lucky and have a VERY level spot it's easier. If not, it's better to dig down than try to build up. Less work, less chance of the weight causing a problem. You have, what? 5,000 gallons? That's about 20 TONS of water!!! Really! So your site is VERY important. (5000/7.48gallons per cubic foot. Each cubic foot weighs either 62 or 65 lbs--I used 62...)

Added note: It's actually 62.4 lbs/cubic foot. Or simply 8 1/3 lbs per gallon.

Carl

[PoolDoc]

One more issue: this season it seems like everyone with an Intex that's posted here is on well water.

That can be a REAL problem, if you have water with metals (iron or manganese, usually) present in the water.

Ben