My first post, total pool noob
I figured will start with a smaller one since I have 4yr and 7yr old at home who are still learning to swim. Just bought Intex 12'x36" Ultra Frame from Target ($190). Also got two heavy duty 12'x16' brown tarps from HD (10mil thick) and thinking about getting a few of those 4'x8' foam insulating panels (I figured 5 of those @ $13). My thought it to lay down one tarp, than foam panels side-by-side taped together, and than another layer off tarp. Is that a good idea to sandwich is like that? Or should I not bother since pool is small? Been also thinking of getting a dozen of small pavers under each leg of the pool? In theory, it’s a small pool, should be less than 2k gallons, so again not sure if its necessary?
Next, started to think about leveling of the area. I marked 4 corners of the area where I'm planning to put this pool with small rods in the ground, connected with a string and used one of those string bubble level sliders attached to a string to check how leveled it is. Seems to have 3 corners dead on and 4th corner of that square area about 1/4" lower. So far so good, BUT this is part of my backyard still covered with grass. There are so many instructional videos on YT where they just unfold the pool right on the grass without any worry in the world. Considering 12"x36" size of the pool and underneath sandwich of two heavy duty brown tarps and insulation panels, should I just assume the grass will die out and leave it as is?
I did look into building a small concrete patio in the back of our house, but for 16'x16' the best contractor bid I got (here in Jersey) was $2k. Without pavers to level the ground its $1.5k. Just an insane price for $190 pool.
So any advice or suggestion is appreciated!!! I have read a number of posts in this forum, but seem nobody talks about anything smaller than 16'. Thanks!
I figured will start with a smaller one since I have 4yr and 7yr old at home who are still learning to swim. Just bought Intex 12'x36" Ultra Frame from Target ($190). Also got two heavy duty 12'x16' brown tarps from HD (10mil thick) and thinking about getting a few of those 4'x8' foam insulating panels (I figured 5 of those @ $13). My thought it to lay down one tarp, than foam panels side-by-side taped together, and than another layer off tarp. Is that a good idea to sandwich is like that? Or should I not bother since pool is small? Been also thinking of getting a dozen of small pavers under each leg of the pool? In theory, it’s a small pool, should be less than 2k gallons, so again not sure if its necessary?
Next, started to think about leveling of the area. I marked 4 corners of the area where I'm planning to put this pool with small rods in the ground, connected with a string and used one of those string bubble level sliders attached to a string to check how leveled it is. Seems to have 3 corners dead on and 4th corner of that square area about 1/4" lower. So far so good, BUT this is part of my backyard still covered with grass. There are so many instructional videos on YT where they just unfold the pool right on the grass without any worry in the world. Considering 12"x36" size of the pool and underneath sandwich of two heavy duty brown tarps and insulation panels, should I just assume the grass will die out and leave it as is?
I did look into building a small concrete patio in the back of our house, but for 16'x16' the best contractor bid I got (here in Jersey) was $2k. Without pavers to level the ground its $1.5k. Just an insane price for $190 pool.
So any advice or suggestion is appreciated!!! I have read a number of posts in this forum, but seem nobody talks about anything smaller than 16'. Thanks!