New to AGP's

[Tpope]

o.k. I hear a lot of talk about compacting and using blocks and such. I live in sand nothing else around just sand for about 5-10' then clay. is compacting and setting blocks necessary with a deep sand base? I will prob just pay for the install to learn how to do it I just don't think it will be that complicated but I am new to this so what do I know. heh

[matt4x4]

You will need something a bit firmer than sand, unfortunately, sand likes to move, so I would recommend patio blocks under your uprights just to help hold everything in the proper place.
I built my own pool too, and it is a lot of work, however, not nearly as complicated as one would think - ground prep is key here, get it perfectly level either by using a water level - cheapest, or a transum.
WRT compacting, you can compact your sand, I would recommend it, using a rented gas plate compactor and water. Only you can decide whether or not you feel up to the job, but it is relatively easy from an instructional aspect, just pretty hard physically.

[Islander2C]

We paid 1200 for installation on our 27' AG Pool and I believe it was worth every penny!! Three guys came in and each one had his own job to do....it was amazing to watch. It was also very comforting to know that if anything went wrong, it was their problem to fix it. They did the ground preparation and everything! Highly recommend it!

[Tpope]

ok so here is my delima. I have read in a few places that the chemicals are not necessary to buy from dealer. all that is needed is bleach boric acid and baking soda. is this correct? if I don't have to buy the expensive pool chemicals that come in the package then I could just buy the pump/filter a test kit and put more to another pool. help me here if I am wrong... thanx

[CarlD]

TPope:
YES! You CAN run your pool with Bleach, Borax, Baking Soda, Muriatic Acid and Cyanuric Acid. AND NOTHING ELSE. Most of us do that now. I've been doing it for years. The ONLY chemical you need from the pool store or the pool section is Cyanuric Acid, called CYA, or Chlorine Stabilizer, or just Stabilizer.

See the Chlorine forum for the B-B-B thread.

Getting a good test kit will be the best investment you can make in maintaining your pool. There are 3 or 4 we can recommend. Get a test kit, not test strips. It's a little daunting at first but with practice, it's easy. My kid keeps fish and the water tests are far more complicated and he runs them with ease--and he's 11!

Site preparation cannot be neglected. It is the single most important part of pool preparation for ANY Above Ground pool, from a tiny 8' EasySet donut to a 45' long monster. You may THINK your ground is level, but if it's more than 1/2" off over that 30', you can have troubles. If it settles, you can have troubles. Have them do it, have them warranty their work in writing, and consider it worth it.

I'll bet that doesn't include electrical work either, does it. If it does than it is the BIGGEST bargain! Most codes require that the electrical be done in a very specific way.

Once you decide, talk to us about your pump and filter options too, and maybe we can help.

[matt4x4]

all AG installs i've seen have NOT had electrical included, that seems to always be the homeowners responsibility to get done. Probably because of teh permit involved.
Since the pool is not a permanent structure, up here, permits are not required, making the install of one a simple matter. Electrical is different though...

[Tpope]

well my dad is an electrician so that part wont be the problem. the pump is a 1hp w/ sand filter. is second under the DE filter where I am purchasing.