Inexpensive "inflatable" pools- how much work?

[susykt4]

For years, my daughter has begged for one of those swimming pools they sell at TRU, WM, etc that you inflate the top ring and fill with water. I always used our big old dog as an excuse to not get one, but he is gone now, we have a large fenced-in yard, the kids are tweens and can swim... I'm running out of valid excuses! Are they a lot of work to keep up? Are the extra costs phenomenal? Any input positive or negative would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I've had two neighbors try these. One had good luck, and the other could not keep the water from turning green - sunk rather a lot of money into chemicals.

 

[Kellydelly]

We've had an Intex-like pool for 3 yrs (it is a Toys R Us brand). This will be the 4th yr if it is still in one piece when dh puts it up this week. We've had good luck with it. You do have to add chlorine and keep the water chemicals balanced, but it's not hard to do. I think your kids are probably getting too old, you better get one before they get any bigger! I have four kids, 7, 7, 9, and 11.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Get the Intex with the steel frame. Mine is only 12' x 30" and it's super simple to take care of and keep the chemicals in check!

TC

 

[jackemail]

I had great luck with the mid-sized one, but had a terrible time when I switched to the larger one. I worked with the chemicals, but I think the extreme heat down here did not help and it kept turning green.

he mid-sized one wasn't that much trouble, but I always made sure to run the filter every single day for several hours.

 

[FredinFL]

Get the Intex with the steel frame. Mine is only 12' x 30" and it's super simple to take care of and keep the chemicals in check!

TC

I got one of these, 16' round, came with the salt water filtration system. OMG!!! It is the easiest thing EVER. No more chlorine to mess with...it's the best thing since sliced bread to my mind.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Just do yourself a favor and check out the rules for your area. In our town any pool more than 1 1/2 ft deep needs a permit and has to follow all of the codes. There's a town next to mine where the code enforcement officers drive around looking for these and write up fines when they see one.

 

[Kat77]

Just do yourself a favor and check out the rules for your area. In our town any pool more than 1 1/2 ft deep needs a permit and has to follow all of the codes. There's a town next to mine where the code enforcement officers drive around looking for these and write up fines when they see one.

^ This. Our city allows the metal framed ones but not inflatable ringed. The walls must be 48 inches high to meet fencing requirements.

Does anyone remember how much one of these pools effected their home insurance rates and if seasonal coverage is available?

 

[susykt4]

Ooh, thank you! I had considered the insurance, but not that a temporary relatively small pool might be illegal. I will check.