Metal Frame Pool Owners - setup/general questions

[zebfam]

Ok, I think we decided to start out with a 18x52 Intex metal frame pool and plan to pick it up tomorrow. I have a couple questions

1- How long does it really take to set it up? They say it is easy/fast but what is the real deal? Any tips/advice?

2-Should we try to upgrade the pump/filter to something like a small hayward sand?

3-Can we do BBB with a metal frame? What about getting the Intex Chlorine Generators

4- How many season's should we expect the pool to last?

Thanks

[JohnT]

Leveling the site is hard in all but the softest soil. Level means level. Don't think "good enough" or you will regret it. The rest is easy, and a less than one day job.

The advantages of BBB are bigger with these pools than with larger ones due to the lack of crud introduced by adding powdered chemicals.

A bigger pump would be my first priority when dealing with one. It will keep the water clear, let you recover from a mistake and allow you to use a real vacuum.

I used one for 6 seasons, which included two liner replacements and 2 pump motor replacements.

[thebumble]

I have an Intex 18' x 48' metal frame pool. We have it covered right now for the winter, but we're going into season 2 with no problems.

As far as set up, try and get the soil as level as possible. Mine has a slight tilt in elevation but still works fine.

It should take 3 adults no more than an hour to put the pool up. It'll take all day to fill, though.

I suggest upgrading to AT LEAST the Intex 2500/3000 GPH filter, if it doesn't come with the pool already. The lower filters do nothing! Plus, you'll be able to use a real pool vac through the skimmer.

The ladder's also a bit small, but sturdy enough. You'll enjoy this pool as we have last year! I run the filter about 8 hrs. a day (while I'm at work, set to a timer), and rinse the filter cartridge at least every 1-2 days, while changing it every 1-2 weeks.

We also plan to use the BBB method this year, as we had the Baquacil last year and it was too expensive, etc.

Good luck with your new pool!

P.S. The cover they give you sucks - it rips easy!

[zebfam]

Thanks for the feedback

The cover they give you sucks - it rips easy

What cover have you used instead that worked well?

[Kimrst]

Good level ground prep is KEY. Dig up ALL the grass and rake up EVERYTHING. Then rake some more.. We had to dig down about 4 inches on one side to get a flat area for our pool. Then we added sand for a few inches.. Inspite of all our prep we still had weeds trying to grow thru our ground cover. This year I'm doing a week of round up. (as soon as the snow melts.:-( )

We have a solar cover that we use instead of the cover that came with the pool. I like it better and it keeps most of the stuff out of the pool. Intexcorp has a website that I've orderd replacement parts from that was very usefull and quick. Buy lots of extra filters when you see them because one swimming season hits the right filter becomes extinct. We have a outside timer on the pool that we set to circulate the water and run thru the filter. By using the sprayer attachement you can drop your alk if you need to.

We have a piece of fake grass as a mat to wipe your feet on before getting into the pool. The foot bucket just drew wasps to it. Its a great pool to get into the wet of things. Welcome to the group. Kimrst

[Kimrst]

PS.Hubby and I usually put the pool up our elves, but its nice if you can get one more to help. Makes connecting the polls go quicker. Make sure everything is aligned right before adding the water. We climb in and push it into place and then add H2O. Follow the diections and you will be fine. Line up the filter holes near where you want to plug in your filter to keep your elec cord the shortest. Kids like to trip on them. Kimrst

[darenjones]

I have a 18x 48 metal frame, take a look at my pics. I have recently done away with my "upgraded" 3000gph pump, and put in a hayward-sta-rite combo sand filter. LOVE IT.
Still working on the cover, but I am going to bend and get a real one!
This is my second year on the pool, and figure I can get a few more yet!

[ssweaser]

One thing I would add to the set up of these pools is the purchase of visquene (very thick black plastic) available at your local home improvement store. It's expensive, around $60, but kept ALL of the weeds and grass from growing through my liner.

I put it down right on top of the grass/weeds, laid the intex ground cover over it, and then the pool. This was all topped off with a nice layer of ornamental bark and about 10 stepping stones to form a pseudo-patio in front of the pool.

We also use a 4x4 post attached to a 4 leg base with large nails driven into it at various heights and intervals to hold our towels and pool accessories. Very handy.

[Kimrst]

This is the 3rd year of our frame set pool.We have set up time down to about an hour with just DH and I. We had to replace some of the plastic pins and the rubber gaskets that cover the pins aren't looking as pretty as before. I patched one corner and replaced the ground cloth after using 1year grass killer on the area twice. Also had a major pump/filter leak day one as we were setting up the pool 2 days before Grad party. That solution was to buy a new pump for $100. Now I have spare parts for the new filter. I love this pool but can't wait for a "real" pool. But on a 90* day it feels just as good as a real pool. :-) Kim