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

[burmjohn]

Just a quick update... That deal turned out to be to good to be true... I get an email from Amazon stating 4-6 weeks delay in delivery due to backorder. I canceled the B/O and went with the 2650 which I figured could be used for when I get a bigger pool. Perhaps way, way overkill for what I need (which could be good, I can run the filter less hours?). Total cost was ~197 with free shipping. Now with this size filter / pump setup how many hours a day should I run it?

[BigDave]

I'd seriously consider buying better cartridges for your new filter and setting up a cleaning regimin. See Ben's post #7 in this thread for detailed steps. If your new filter uses size B carts, you can find better quality carts here:

Unicel C-5315 Replacement Filter Cartridge for 15 Square Foot Intex B Filter @ Amazon

[burmjohn]

No need for the cartridges any more, the sand filter is on the way

[BigDave]

Ah, my bad, I didn't realize the 2650 was sand.

[burmjohn]

Hi All,

Well setup went awesome... I had to move the pool from where I really wanted it because of a slight slope, oh well. The spot its in now is closer to the patio and on level ground, the setup and fill went perfect.

First water test was done last night (Just TC) which was 13.5. This mornings test was TC: 13, PH: 7.2, TA: 20, CH:20. I added some borax to bring the PH up a little and will test later on today again.

Pics:






So, so far so good... I do have a question, what is that gray thing that came with the pool? Its shaped like a sail and made of PVC and vinyl?
The ladder that came with this thing isnt the sturdiest... Any alternatives out there? I'd prefer to get something better.

[Watermom]

Maybe post a picture of the gray thing you are talking about so someone can help you identify it.

The water looks inviting! You don't want the chlorine so high, however, with no CYA in there. also, you'll probably want to bump the alk up with some baking soda. It will help make your pH more stable. Aim for around 80-100.

[burmjohn]

Its high because of the initial shocking process I was taking. I'm going to work on the Alk tomorrow. Suggestions for amount of baking soda to bring it up to that 80 mark with the 3800 gal pool?

I went in the pool today, little cold, but man it felt gooood.

[BigDave]

Beautiful install; it looks like the picture on the Intex box!
The gray plastic "sail" may be intended to be installed on the ladder inside the pool to prevent swimming under the ladder and getting stuck under water.
How are you planning to add CYA?

[Watermom]

He states in his first post that he is going to use dichlor for awhile which will give him the needed CYA. (I had to go back and reread to find that info as well because I, too, had forgotten his plan.)

Regarding baking soda additions --- each half pound will add about 10ppm to your alk. Don't try to get to your target with one big dose. Do several small ones instead waiting a few hours between additons. I'd probably add a lb. at a time.

Dave --- I bet you're right about the gray sail thing. Makes sense.

[burmjohn]

Thanks.

I added a about a pound and 1/2 this morning, I'm going to test it later tonight. Went in again today, wow it was nice after doing some yard work!