About to install 22x14 costco pool - Should I get something smaller?

[cowdog360]

Hello,

I have an area in my backyard I cleared and made level and topped off with mason sand. The area is about 24' W x 15' D and basically extends from my retaining wall into the yard. Looking at things before installing the pool, I'm wondering if this is going to be possible since there really won't be much distance from the wall to the support beams to maneuver around the pool with that wall there (maybe 1-2 feet max). Is this a bad idea? Should I instead go grab a smaller 16 x 10 coleman ppol from walmart?

 

[Newdude]

You won't need to get back there often and 1 to 2 feet should be plenty at those times if you turn sideways.

Every time someone gets a smaller pool, a kitten gets hit by a car. Please think of the kittens.

 

[Decoy205]

Looks like you can climb up to the top of that wall too which could be helpful if you need to. As long as it all
Fits on that pad should be good

 

[RLP]

"I really wish I had a smaller pool...."

Said no one. Ever.

 

[cowdog360]

We ended up getting a 20x10x48” at Walmart instead so that it’s still similar in size but gives me more room for setup and maintenance. Now I just need to find a good filter for it. I’ve heard the intex sand filters are garbage, and I know these little cartridge ones they include are pretty bad too.

 

[RLP]

I used the intex cartridge filter for 3 years. Never had a problem with it.

 

[Newdude]

I’ve heard the intex sand filters are garbage, and I know these little cartridge ones they include are pretty bad too.

They're all horrifically undersized. If the pool sits with light usage, everything is fine. If you have a party or a swamp, it's going to take a long time to clear.

It is what it is. It's foolish to spend many times the cost of the pool on traditional above ground equipment. But when there is a problem it will suck.

I'd check FB marketplace and the offer up app occasionally. There are whole systems for sale on the cheap anytime somebody loses a pool, or at the end of the season when people don't want to store is all again. I sold my Hayward pump and 200lb sand filter for $100. Go that route instead of spending to buy bigger, but still way to small, intex equipment.