New guy and new to pool ownership here

[Ken B]

Hi gang, wife and I were weighing the pros and cons on buying a pool last year, since we may move in the next 3-5 years we went through the season undecided. This year we decided to try one of the Intex Easy Set pools 18 x 48. This way we could determine if we are really going to use and maintain a pool with the regularity needed AND it isn't too much on an investment if we do move in a few years. Its our learning pool I guess you could say.
I have not put the pool up yet. I need to do some leveling as out back yard slopes slightly. May get started with that this weekend.

I've been doing some reading and after looking at various reviews came to the following conclusions and ordered upgrades.....

1) the ladder that comes in our pool kit isn't adequate so we have ordered a Confer Plastics A-Frame 7200 Above Ground Adjustable Pool Roll-Guard Safety Ladder.

2) the filter that comes with our pool kit - 1500 gallon per hour water filtration pump water filter cartridge isn't adequate so I have ordered an Intex 2,650-Gallon Sand Filter Pump

3) people were also not satisfied with the skimmer that comes with the kit so I have ordered an INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer.

they were the upgrades that seemd commonly added.

other things oredered.....

it is stated that this type of pool dosen't recommend a sand base but simply level ground and the tarp provided in the kit.....I will level a 20 - 22 foot diameter circle and make sure it is free on rocks and roots. Tamp it and lightly water it down to ensure a more solid base. I have also ordered 2 "Gorilla pool bases" each 18' round to then place one on top of the other over the dirt and will then place the tarp provided and then set the pool.

chemicals.......

I have never owned/maintained a swimming pool. Based on what I have read (all of this BEFORE finding this site) I have ordered the following.....

1) HTH Sock It Pool Shock-N-Swim - 5 x 1-lb. bags.

2) Flippin' Frog Friendly Mineral Pool Care Sanitizer (flip over once the chloring is gone) with 8 replacement chlorine compartments.

3) I have NOT ORDERED anything for the Ph balancing or any other chemicals yet because I don't know what I need.

I put all this out here for you more experienced folks to let me know if Im on the right path here or if I have ordered some things wrong. Also to find out what else I might need and tips on going forward would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

A little overwhelmed here but glad I found what appears to be an excellent forum!

thanks,
Ken B

[Ken B]

Ok, guess maybe I offered too much information. I'll assume I'm on the right track.

Can anyone tell me what would be needed for a NEW POOL first fill (not well water) other than chlorine. There seem to be dozens of additives.

[PoolDoc]

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...p-routine-care.