- May 12, 2012
- 191
- Pool Size
- 31000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
After 7 months of building retaining wall, filling in with 500 tons of rock, mutiple loads of dirt, rain, rain and more rain, we finally have a pool! I had to learn about electrical, chemistry, grading of land, wall building, pool equipment, plumbing, landscape lighting, etc. but now I understand how some things work so I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned along the way that will help you in your first endeavor to be "pool people".
1. Buy a good test kit before you even begin your pool. Practice on your fill water till you get the hang of it. The TF-100 is a good one.
2. Read Pool School, over and over.
3. Search this forum for answers to your questions. There seems to be just about every imaginable topic covered.
4. Make a choice to either trust the advice on this forum or trust the pool store. You can't do both. I have trusted this site and my pool is beautifully balanced but if something should get out of balance, this site has all the info that I need to make it right.
5. Read through equipment manuals before you actually purchase equipment to see how everything is supposed to work.
6. Automation has become my best friend. :-D . I am still trying to get the hang of it, but I will be able to control lights, schedules, etc.
7. Don't forget to use good valves. Unfortunately, our PB used ball valves in places. We will be changing these out.
8. Don't be afraid to ask questions on this forum. Everyone is ready to help!
9. Don't obsess over your new pool (as I did). It's going to be OK.
10. Understand that your pool will have it's own personality. You will have to figure it out and find what makes your pool happy.
11. Add a little extra in your budget. Not just for the pool but all the other nice things you will want around your pool.
11. Did I mention to read Pool School?
We are looking forward to many years of enjoying our backyard, which is still a work in progress. A big THANKS to all those who contribute on this site. Your help is invaluable to all of us newbies!
1. Buy a good test kit before you even begin your pool. Practice on your fill water till you get the hang of it. The TF-100 is a good one.
2. Read Pool School, over and over.
3. Search this forum for answers to your questions. There seems to be just about every imaginable topic covered.
4. Make a choice to either trust the advice on this forum or trust the pool store. You can't do both. I have trusted this site and my pool is beautifully balanced but if something should get out of balance, this site has all the info that I need to make it right.
5. Read through equipment manuals before you actually purchase equipment to see how everything is supposed to work.
6. Automation has become my best friend. :-D . I am still trying to get the hang of it, but I will be able to control lights, schedules, etc.
7. Don't forget to use good valves. Unfortunately, our PB used ball valves in places. We will be changing these out.
8. Don't be afraid to ask questions on this forum. Everyone is ready to help!
9. Don't obsess over your new pool (as I did). It's going to be OK.
10. Understand that your pool will have it's own personality. You will have to figure it out and find what makes your pool happy.
11. Add a little extra in your budget. Not just for the pool but all the other nice things you will want around your pool.
11. Did I mention to read Pool School?
We are looking forward to many years of enjoying our backyard, which is still a work in progress. A big THANKS to all those who contribute on this site. Your help is invaluable to all of us newbies!