New 16 x 48 Coleman (Intex) pool install. Some ?'s. (level, equipment)

[Speedfreak11]

Hello,

I'm completely new with above-ground pools (and pools in general), but my wife and kids have talked me into one. I picked up a 16' x 48" Coleman (Intex rebrand I believe). I've learned a wealth of information so far on TFP, but I've got a few questions that I haven't found a good answer for.

I plan on leveling the ground and topping it off with landscaping fabric and 1/2" Extruded Polystyrene, taped together. I'll tie-wire a border around the pool legs and landscape 2' around the pool with smooth pea-gravel. For equipment I'm ditching the factory cartridge pump and going with a SandPro 75D 3/4hp pump with sand filter, Hayward through-wall skimmer and Intex SWG.

1. Anybody see any issues with this combo?

2. Is there an optimum place for the thru-wall skimmer to be mounted? I can't find anything definitive in my searching, so it might not be crucial to performance.

3. My yard is NOT level. It slopes 5 feet across it's 113 foot width. After 3 days of digging, I have a nice and level spot approximately 20' around to leave some room for landscaping. I've read what seems like hundreds of threads about leveling the ground, but I haven't seen one that had to cut out quite as much. As seen in the pic, I've got a 10-12" ledge (disregard my digging helper). I'm looking for ideas on what to do with that ledge short of pouring a 4" wide concrete retaining wall.

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to our first Florida summer with a pool.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

1) Sounds like a good upgrade to the equipment. A 2-speed pump would have some advantage to save on electrical costs.

2) Not that I know of. You want to create a circular flow pattern.

3) I think you could just use a course or 2 of castle block to make a retaining wall. I have seen that done before.

BTW, I recommend the use of house wrap tape (like Tyvek or the Lowe's version) on the Styrofoam base. It is waterproof, thin, and very sticky.

 

[Speedfreak11]

Thanks for the welcome and the response! This place appears to be an incredible resource, and I've learned quite a bit just reading others' posts!

1. A 2-speed pump would have been ideal, and it's something I may spring for next season. For now, I wanted something that would get the job done compared to the inadequate factory pump.

2. Awesome. That makes it easier!

3. I hadn't thought of using the castle blocks, but I stopped by Lowe's today, and I think that's the way I'm going to go. Thanks for the suggestion!!! I'll be sure to post progress pictures along the way!

I initially picked up metal tape, but I like your idea better for the Tyvek tape. I'll swap it out when I go to pick up the castle blocks I ordered. Thanks again!