Setting up our new 16x48

[rlmommy]

We purchased a new 16x48 Intex and while putting together this weekend, noticed the rope is not tied together. What type of knot should we use and how much slack do we leave while filling with water? Do we tie before, during, or after filling?

[BigDave]

Intex's instructions say the rope is optional but I would definitely use it. Thread it through the loops on the pool and around the legs. Tie it taut enough that legs stay straight. The bowline is a nice secure knot for a loop at the end of a rope under tension - you could tie one in each end looped through each other. Don't use a square knot - it's a great symbol but a poor knot that will come loose (sailors call it a reef knot because if you use it, your boat will end up on a reef). This is only my opinion - I've never had a metal frame intex my self.

[rlmommy]

Thanks. I got nervous filling the pool with the rope left untied, so I used the Carrick Bend.

Last summer we had a 12x20 oval, this year we went with the 16' round pool, so we had to level a small amount on each side of the 12'. It all read level. But now that I have 9" of water in it i can tell the pool is unlevel by 1/2". Not sure if I should leave it or drain and re level.

[BigDave]

I don't think 1/2" over the entire diameter of the pool is going to be a problem but you have to decide on you're comfort level. Do the instructions say how level they expect level to be? Where is the pool situated, what happens if it spills all the water out?