Salt water and stairs....

[Kailuamom]

Hi all - thanks for the forum! I've been lurking for a while but now it's time to ask questions...

We have an easy set 48x18 at our weekend place. We are typically up there at least twice per week, but never there for more than three days in a row. So far, the chemicals seem to be ok but we have some upcoming travel and I'm concerned that we won't be able to take care of the pool properly.

As such, it's making me think of getting the intex sand filter with saltwater system. Am I correct that this will require less daily chemical maintenance?

Also, completely unrelated, the ladder that came with the pool is too wobbly for my super large teenager. What is the most recommended after market set up? I would like to have something more stable.

Thanks for your help!

[Watermom]

A SWCG will require less daily maintenance. If you do get one of those units, disconnect the copper electrodes. Most people think it is high chlorine that stains things and causes blonde hair to turn green but in fact it is copper that does so. You do NOT want copper in your pool!

I can't help you with the ladder question. Hopefully someone else will come along who can give you some advice about that.

Welcome to the Pool Forum! Glad to have you join us!

[PoolDoc]

An SWCG helps on an unattended pool . . . but I wouldn't use an inflatable soft side pool that way. Birds, squirrels, and cats kills those doughnuts pretty regularly. You're likely to return to a drained pool and a burned out pump! Get a frame pool!

[Watermom]

Good catch. It didn't occur to me that it was a soft-sided pool when I read that post.

[Kailuamom]

Thanks for the feedback - but here's the thing. This is what we have right now. So- if we are going to replace the pool, then perhaps we will do things differently. But... For now, it's installed and full of clear water now. I'm trying to figure out how to best manage what we've got.

Thoughts?

[PoolDoc]

Suit yourself.

An SWCG will work if you can get it hooked up. Personally, on doughnut pool, I'd use a trichlor floater to cover the 3 days you're away, and save the SWCG money for the replacement pool.