New Intex Easy Set 15' x 48" owner - first time pool guy

[burmjohn]

One other question I forgot to ask, is this kit comes with the Intex Pool Maintenance Kit which looks like a cheap / small vacuum. Is there a better alternative to sucking up the debris on the bottom of the pool then this? I'm not to sure how effective this is considering I think its powered by connecting to a garden hose....

[Watermom]

Sounds like you have done your homework and have a good grasp on what you are going to do to start your pool. PoolDoc wrote that sticky as an easy way for people to start their pools, and most of those people will not have done their homework as thoroughly as it appears that you have. It doesn't mean every Intex pool has to be opened and operated by that plan.

Once you get your CYA up to 40-50ppm you can switch to using a non-stabilized form of chlorine such as bleach.

Sorry but I can't answer your question about the Intex vacs.

Hope this helps and welcome to the Pool Forum!

[burmjohn]

Thanks, yeah I spent wayyyyyy to much time reading the past 24 hours, pool overload.

I was checking out this thing - > http://www.amazon.com/Skooba-Vacuum-.../dp/B001RPRXNO

Might be a better option for sucking up the junk on the bottom...

[burmjohn]

Anything else I need to do to get approved as a regular user and put this thread in the intex category for more exposure by others with experience?

Thanks
John

[Watermom]

No. It just takes time. There are currently about 31 threads that need moved. Ben is stretched pretty thin. In addition to getting the never-ending stream of registrations completed (and just as soon as he empties out this getting started section, it fills right back up), he also is busy answering posts, writing various guides such as the one he posted yesterday about intex pools, and maintaining some local pools where he lives. Plus, being a dad and a husband! So, his plate is pretty full, but never fear, he'll get your registration finished and your post moved just as soon as possible.

One other comment ----- Ben, the mods and the Pool Forum Support Team are the ones who can see this section of the forum, so the ones who have pool experience are already able to see your post here anyways!

Hope you enjoy being a part of the forum!

[burmjohn]

Sounds good, thanks for the reply.

FYI - The pool was just delivered! On the way home from work I'll pickup the bleach and borax.

[BigDave]

Great planning!

You already know this but I'll say it - Level, very level, measured level. I can tell you from experience (had to drain and rebuild / refill our first donut pool) that "looks level" and "I'm sure it's level" and "is level" are different.

I think dichlor is a great way to start your pool. A total of 3lbs will get you to the 50ppm range - all you probably want. A total of 2lbs should get you to around 30ppm - OK if your pool has plenty of shade. Don't add that much at once, follow the dosage guide. You can dissolve it in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool then stir up the pool if the pump's not on yet. Adding it to the skimmer is not an option with your filter.

The dichlor will push the pH down so have Borax on hand to bring it up.

Since you'll have the k-2006, you can dose based on what your pool has used rather than daily and swim sessions. Test chlorine and pH often (several times a day) at the beginning as the sun will burn through your FC quick with very little CYA. Make sure you stay above the minimum FC level on Ben's Best Guess Chart at all times.

There are only a few CYA tests in the kit so do that one sparingly. If you keep track, you can move to the second band of Ben's Best Guess Chart after the first 3/4lb of dichlor and to the third after the first 2lbs total dichlor.

That pump may be OK but stay ahead of your water. It's real hard to clean up algae with one of those. Personally, I don't trust the electrical isolation in these pumps and I didn't allow anyone in or around the pool when it was plugged in. I ran the little pumps 24/7 when no one was in the pool.

The Skooba Vac looks pretty neat. I bought a AG robot cleaner during the first summer of our first donut pool (we are surrounded by trees) and have been very happy. It also helps to filter the pool as the intex type filters are pretty weak.

Good Luck, You're gonna have a great time!

[burmjohn]

Well I have to stop spending money, but this was a good deal. And after reading about how crap the cartidge filter is I snagged the 1600 sand filter for $137.99 w/free shipping off Amazon. It shows as 189.99 but if you look to the right there is a seller offering it for 137 w/the free shipping. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...sr=8-1&seller=