I've been lurking and learning from all of you this past summer--what an invaluable resource you've been for this novice pool owner. Despite having grown up around an 18x30 in-ground as well as sharing a house/pool with friends for 2 years, this year was my first ever year of actually taking charge.
A young family of six, with kids ranging from 18 months - 7 years, we opted this blistering summer in Southern Ontario to indulge in a metal frame Intex "starter" I'm calling it. 12' x 30" ~1700 gallons.
Our intention here was to have a dipping pool available that we & the kids (even the toddler) could splash in and get ourselves started in pool ownership. Having had first hand experience with the dreaded green swamps that can ensue, I wanted to ensure we were doing things correctly from the start. Things have worked out great this summer with everyone enjoying our decision and our water has been pristine all summer thanks to some daily attention and the guidance from you fine folks. [emoji4]
We (I) have full intentions to upgrade to a larger AGP after next season once the little guy is a bit bigger. Plans now include adding a secondary pool level deck to our existing deck complete with gate, to extend our outdoor living area to include clean access to said pool.
Next years plans include relocating our starter pool further from the mature shade tree that cover half the yard, levelling the new area and laying down foam sheets to smooth and soften the pool bottom. I will likely end up cutting in larger inlet/outlets as well to accommodate the larger pump.
This year saw many starter DIY projects surrounding the pool including a solar heater build which resulted in 8 degree F daily gains through August. [emoji106] Cool nights were no match! We also found a year-end clearance on an upgraded Intex sand filter & pump which doubled our flow capacity over the "aquarium" filter the pool shipped with. We managed to rig up a skimmer attachment as well as hook up a vacuum hose and pre-filter sock to vacuum with the filter quite successfully--all with plumbing parts found at Lowe's.
Now that baseball playoffs have started (Go Jays!) it's time to look at a close to season one. It's a shame to drain this baby as she's sparkling away as I type this and at an incredible 74 degrees at the moment. Our last swim day of 2016 judging by our weather forecast for this coming week. If it weren't for the relocation planned for next year I probably would just winterize instead of drain and pack.
Here's to 2016 and and early start to 2017's pool season[emoji482]. Hoping the Canadian winter melts early and fast next year!
Thanks for all the guidance and inspiration! Even though I've not surfaced before now, I was helped by many reading through your experiences.
-Ashton
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A young family of six, with kids ranging from 18 months - 7 years, we opted this blistering summer in Southern Ontario to indulge in a metal frame Intex "starter" I'm calling it. 12' x 30" ~1700 gallons.
Our intention here was to have a dipping pool available that we & the kids (even the toddler) could splash in and get ourselves started in pool ownership. Having had first hand experience with the dreaded green swamps that can ensue, I wanted to ensure we were doing things correctly from the start. Things have worked out great this summer with everyone enjoying our decision and our water has been pristine all summer thanks to some daily attention and the guidance from you fine folks. [emoji4]
We (I) have full intentions to upgrade to a larger AGP after next season once the little guy is a bit bigger. Plans now include adding a secondary pool level deck to our existing deck complete with gate, to extend our outdoor living area to include clean access to said pool.
Next years plans include relocating our starter pool further from the mature shade tree that cover half the yard, levelling the new area and laying down foam sheets to smooth and soften the pool bottom. I will likely end up cutting in larger inlet/outlets as well to accommodate the larger pump.
This year saw many starter DIY projects surrounding the pool including a solar heater build which resulted in 8 degree F daily gains through August. [emoji106] Cool nights were no match! We also found a year-end clearance on an upgraded Intex sand filter & pump which doubled our flow capacity over the "aquarium" filter the pool shipped with. We managed to rig up a skimmer attachment as well as hook up a vacuum hose and pre-filter sock to vacuum with the filter quite successfully--all with plumbing parts found at Lowe's.
Now that baseball playoffs have started (Go Jays!) it's time to look at a close to season one. It's a shame to drain this baby as she's sparkling away as I type this and at an incredible 74 degrees at the moment. Our last swim day of 2016 judging by our weather forecast for this coming week. If it weren't for the relocation planned for next year I probably would just winterize instead of drain and pack.
Here's to 2016 and and early start to 2017's pool season[emoji482]. Hoping the Canadian winter melts early and fast next year!
Thanks for all the guidance and inspiration! Even though I've not surfaced before now, I was helped by many reading through your experiences.
-Ashton
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
