Ordering a pool really soon - need some help

[Jacob99]

Here's what I plan to buy. Please let me know what I'm missing.

30' Tahitian Pool Only (made by Wilbar) http://www.royalswimmingpools.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=10&Product_Code=Tahitian-30

25GA Beaded Liner

I'm thinking of just getting the bundled skimmer/return that usually comes with the pool, but should I opt for a different type?

Hayward S244T 300# Sand Filter

Hayward Powerflow Matrix 1hp 2 speed pump SP15922S

Grand total comes out to about $3,800. What else would I need to get this pool up and running. I'm thinking about $1,000 in electrical, and another $750ish in delivered pool water (can't use hose). Then $1,000-$1,500 for installation. Am I missing anything?

[Watermom]

You may want some type of pad under the floor of the liner like Happy Bottom or a cove around the bottom perimeter. You can do a search to see what they are. Also, a ladder.

[Jacob99]

Will look into that thanks. Also, anyone have recommendations on a ladder? I have the option of Evolution A Frame which seems pretty popular but the reviews on it are terrible.

Besides that, do I have everything else covered? How about a solar cover. From what I hear most people who get them use them a few times then roll them up and leave them in the shed the rest of the summer.

[BigDave]

I love my solar cover. I find it most useful in keeping the heat in the pool overnight. It is a pain but my pool is in shade most of the day and would be unswimmable without the blanket and, of course, the solar panels.

[Jacob99]

I do get shade there in the afternoon, I'll look into one. Any recommendations?

How about vacuums? I assume I'll need one...what's a good one?

[Watermom]

You need a telescoping pole and a net. You will definitely need a vacuum of some sort. You can either buy an automatic one of some type of just a manual vac that you attach to the pole. You'll need a pool hose.

One very important thing you will definitely need that hasn't been mentioned is a good test kit. The only one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (better value). You can order it through the Amazon link in my signature. Only buy if the seller listed is Amato Industries. Some other sellers are substituting the K-2005 which is not the one you want.

[BigDave]

For the solar cover, I'd look for one that comes cut to size and shape - some are delivered rectangular and you cut it yourself. I don't know if heavier plastic really makes them last longer, any thermal cover will suffer wear and tear and need to be replaced every so often. Color - I don't know if any color works better or worse, I bought blue because water is blue. 30' is pretty big, you may want to cut it into smaller pieces to facilitate handling.

Another thing to get - floaty toys!

Definitely get the K-2006. Much eaiser to read then other kits I've owned.

[Jacob99]

I'm looking at a Magniclear solar cover through the same site selling the pool. It's clear, and comes cut to size. I've heard over and over that it's a pain to put on and off, but I will use it and drag the wife or kids outside to help me. I figure If I actually get in the pool, it would be easier...?

Also, what do I need as far as winterization stuff goes. Obviously won't need that for a few months, but I prefer to buy everything at the same time. I guess these newer pools don't have to be drained below the skimmer anymore, there's skimmer covers, etc. How about covers/clips/wall bags, etc? There's mesh or scrim covers, 8 year and 20year and all kinds of different ones. Air pillows? How many do I need and what size? Plugs? What do I do with my filter and pump in the winter? Too many options out there.....

[Watermom]

Some of us don't even bother with covering the pool in the winter. It is a big hassle.

With a big solar cover, it is hard to manage as all one piece. I recently bought something called a Solar Roller Cover Stick. (google it) I just got it but haven't even opened the box yet. I have a thread in the AG pool section called Watermom's New Pool Adventure. After I try this thing out, I'll report back in that thread how it works.

[BigDave]

I like the looks of the solar cover stick and if WaterMom's experience is positive, I'll be buying one as well.

[Jacob99]

Hmmm....I'll look out for the review too. So if I was to divide the 30' cover would I cut it into 4 pieces? How about using the liquid solar cover in addition to an actual solar cover, or maybe use the solar cover every other day or something....would that cause any issues?

[BigDave]

I would avoid liquid solar cover. Putting unknown stuff in the pool water will produce unknown results - ususally un-good, probably very un-good. A dark color liner will do alot more for capturing the sun's heat that falls on your pool - with no mystery goop. The biggest advantage of haing a solar cover (think thermal blanket) is keeping the heat in overnight - especially when it's cool and breezy.
Someone on this forum (I can't find it now) solved the solar blanket storage issue by cutting the round solar blanket into quarters and rolling each onto a length of capped pipe.

[Watermom]

Someone on this forum (I can't find it now) solved the solar blanket storage issue by cutting the round solar blanket into quarters and rolling each onto a length of capped pipe.

That would be me. I'll see if I can dig up the thread and link it here. It worked better than anything we've done in the past, but I'm hoping this Solar Roller Cover Stick thing I just bought is even easier.

EDIT to add link. http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?12970-Solar-Cover-Reel

[Jacob99]

It's official. I took the plunge (pun intended), and I'm now a Pool Owner! Ordered everything today. 30' Round Wilbar/Sharkline Tahitian, with a 25ga beaded Liberty liner, Hayward S244T 300# Sand Filter, Hayward Powerflow Matrix 1hp 2 speed pump, 8mil solar cover, dirt blaster vacuum along with manual maintenance kit, A frame roll guard pool ladder, Taylor K2006-C (from your sig).thermometer, and winter cover. I'll figure out the other winterization items in a few months.

I also decided to try out the solar reel stick, so I guess I can also give a review on that once I start using it. Should have everything in about a week, giving deposit to installer tomorrow, then going next week to pull a building permit from the town (required). Hopefully, I'll be swimming sometime in May.

Time to get this BBB stuff figured out. My local pool store has 5 gallon jugs of liquid chlorine for $16 (actually $22 but you get $6 back when you return the jug), so I may go that route instead of Clorox. Just have to see if it's worth lugging it around, etc....

Thanks to all for the help. I'm sure I'll need more of it.

[Watermom]

How exciting. Congrats!

[Jacob99]

Pool is in! Couple of questions. It's a 30' pool with a 1HP full rated 2 speed pump, and a 300# sand filter. It came with one widemouth skimmer/return. Do I need more than one? I don't have any trees near the pool, so I think it'll mainly be picking up bugs, etc.

Also, I haven't really opened up boxes yet, but does the sand filter, pump, if skimmer/return come with any connection hoses or are those usually bought separately? If separately, what will I need and where would I find them?

Last but not least, should I go to a Pool Store to get the sand for the sand filter, or can that be picked up at a hardware store, etc. I know it's not the same sand as sandbox sand, but not sure if Home Depot, or Lowes would carry whatever kind it is that I need as i'm sure it'll be cheaper than the pool store.

Time to schedule my install!

[Watermom]

I think one skimmer will be fine but one of our installer members may think differently. I have a 27 ' pool and one skimmer. Hoses are typically bought separately and you'll probably have to get them from a pool store. I'm not sure if Lowe's or Home Depot sell pool sand. I haven't looked. Someone else will chime in here who may have looked recently.

You're getting closer to swimming! Very exciting!

[Jacob99]

I think one skimmer will be fine but one of our installer members may think differently. I have a 27 ' pool and one skimmer. Hoses are typically bought separately and you'll probably have to get them from a pool store. I'm not sure if Lowe's or Home Depot sell pool sand. I haven't looked. Someone else will chime in here who may have looked recently.

You're getting closer to swimming! Very exciting!

Getting there. Thanks for your help! One more thing. My installer is ready to install my pool asap, but the temps have been around 55-60. We have some higher 60 temps coming after this weekend, but I was under the impression that liners should only be installed during warmer temps?

He also talked about using clay for the pool bottom & cove instead of sand, and he's guaranteeing no wrinkles in the liner which I'm not getting from any other installer in the area. I just don't know if clay is a good material to use?

I've been keeping an eye on your pool adventure too - looks to be a fun project...lol.

[Jacob99]

Sorry to bump my own thread but my installer is planning on coming out this Thursday. Forecast looks good for install, but the following 3 days are in the 50's, with lows in the 30's. Should I be concerned about those temps?

[Watermom]

The following three days meaning after the pool is installed? Are you asking if you should be concerned about temps in the 30s with water in the pool or what?

[Jacob99]

The following three days meaning after the pool is installed? Are you asking if you should be concerned about temps in the 30s with water in the pool or what?

Yes, sorry if that wasn't clear.

[BigDave]

Run the pump all night if you think there's a chance you'll have frost but 50s day 30s night shouldn't freeze your new pool.

[Watermom]

Dave is right. Briefly dipping to 30 isn't usually a big deal. Now, if it went to the mid-20s for any length of time, you might have a problem. If you have any concerns, then just run the pump overnight or put it on a timer to kick it on briefly a couple of times during the night. It wouldn't have to run very long.