Pool question.....HELP!!Update...I am now draining it & starting again

[wdwnutze]

I have spent the day setting up my kids new pool. It is a 12'x36" Intel easy set pool. My question is about care of the pool. How much chlorine do you put in and how often? do you have one of the vacuums that go with it? Any other helpful hints? My yard isn't level so it took me most of the day and 850lbs of sand to get it somewhat level. Needless to say, I've just about had it with the pool. It is filling now and the kids are anxious to get in it tomorrow.Not sure when to add the chemicals or run the filter.

 

[Disney Ella]

We just put up a 15' x 42" Intex pool a few weeks ago. I didn't know you had to use shock to get the chlorine at the correct level for a new pool. I just put the chlorine tablet in the floater, but the chlorine level always registered as low. Once I shocked the pool, the chlorine was at the correct level. You can buy shock at a pool store or KMart. The directions will tell you how much to put in based on the gallons in your pool. My pool holds 3110 gallons. Once I shocked, I also needed to add PH increase as my PH level was low. So far, I haven't had to add alkalinity increase. Do you have the test strips to test your chlorine, PH and alkilinity? I have also been adding the algacide once per week. We run the filter from 5 to 8 hours during the day. The pool is partially under the trees, so we have a lot of stuff dropping in it.

We got lucky setting up our pool. Our yard is pretty level. One side is about two inches lower than the other, but it hasn't caused any problems. The kids are having a lot of fun in the pool, but it's still a little cool for me.

 

[kinlaw6450]

I have the same exact pool. We shock once a week with shock-it, only a 1/4 cup then we also use 3 1-inch tablets in a chlorine floater. This was prescribed by the aquatics store down the street. When (and if) you buy the shock make sure you get the one designed for vinyl pools.

We don't use a vacuum, haven't needed it. We skim daily though and don't really have a dirt problem since the pool is surrounded by grass.

We also don't replace the filter every two weeks. We just clean the one that's in there. We have had this pool for two years and are only on the 3rd filter. (3rd season)

Feel free to ask if I've missed something!!

 

[wdwnutze]

Thanks so much for the help. I bought chlorine and a tester kit but didn't buy any shock-it. I'll go do that today. Should I let my kids swim in it today and then shock it when they are done tonight? How long do you run the filter for?

 

[kinlaw6450]

We always run the filter since there is always someone constantly in it. I found last summer when I didn't the water didn't stay clear even with the chlorine so I was also using a lot of clarifier. The shock-it raises the chlorine level really high, so doing it after swimming is a good idea. but only once a week.

 

[wdwnutze]

Well, my pool saga continues! I left it filling for a couple of hours last night and when I shut the water off it was dark out. When I checked it this morning, the pool is totally still not level. The pool is all warped. I now have to empty it and try to level the ground again. This pool has caused me so much grief that I am ready to toss it. I will have to wait til I get some help to get it done. My dh is not the most helpful person and if I waited for his help, the pool would still be int he box. I now determined to get this done the right way. For today, I will begin draining the pool and I will go swimming at my s-i-l's house. It will be too hot today to keep worrying about it.

 

[Lynn CC]

If it gets cloudy they sell clarifier balls (it's a big pink ball that you just puncture the top and put it in the pool, it's slow release). It clears things up overnight. They sell them at any pool supply store. You can also bring your water to be tested at any pool store, they usually test it for free on their computerized kits. This way they can tell you exactly what chemicals to add and how much. This is our 14th season with our pool (the inground money pit LOL).... They are so much fun though!

 

[faith]

We used to have a regular pool when the kids were young. They are a lot of work and sounds like your small one is going to be too.(Especially with no help from your DH).
Yesterday, I bought a small inflatable three ring pool for the grandkids. An air compressor blew the rings up in no time, and it filled quickly. I did add hot water so they could play in it comfortably. Just a thought, but if your children are young they may have just as much fun splashing in something small like that...and save yourself a ton of grief. The little pools empty so easily. Good luck and take it easy in the heat.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

(the inground money pit LOL)....

That's funny because that is exactly what I call ours!

It's great for the kids though. We have a slide and a diving board and most of the neighborhood kids are over at our house for at least part of the day.

This week I've learned how to replace all the gaskets and seals on the pump if anybody has any questions..... :lol

 

[Disney Ella]

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with the pool, particularly since you spent so much time getting your ground level. Based on the opinions I've read on Amazon.com, you are not alone. It seems like half of the people have no trouble setting up the pool, and the others have tons of trouble.