My family and I are considering purchasing an AGP for this upcoming summer. The plan is to get atleast a 20ft pool. For climate reference we live in southern WI. I have 0 knowledge about pools and everything online looks like complete jibberish to me. Is there a dummies guide website, a thread, anything you know of that can basically explain to me exactly what is needed for an AGP as well as upkeep and maintenance. I feel like I'm in over my head reading up about chemicals and drain pipes and all the rest. Maybe it's just easier once you've got it in front of you. Any help or advice is well appreciated.
Anyone have a dummies guide to AGP šµāš«
- Thread starter camason88
- Start date
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,080
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Start here
Pool Care Basics
Pay special attention to this article
www.google.com
& get yourself a proper test kit before your install so youāre ready for fill day
Test Kits Compared
If youāve gotten a quote on a particular pool package post it up & we can help you sort out what you do & donāt need or might want.
Main things to avoid when purchasing:
You donāt want the frog system
You donāt want perma salt system
You donāt want the pristine blue system
You donāt want baquacil/soft swim
Or really any other āsystemā unless its a true salt water chlorine generator that is rated for at least 2xās your poolās volume.
(A 20ā round pool would hold approx 10k gallons)
If any of these systems on the no no list are āincludedā you can haggle to swap them out with something else like an equipment upgrade or simply $$ off.
The other decisions are about the make up of the pool - resin, steel, aluminum etc.
& how large & what type of filter & pump.
What type of steps/ladder etc .
Do you intend to bury this pool?
Most packages have a vac, pole, & skim net included for basic maintenance.
you do need to have good drainage that directs water away from the pool area if thatās what you mean.
If you have questions just post em up & weāll help you sort it out
Pool Care Basics
Pay special attention to this article
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.
www.google.com
Test Kits Compared
If youāve gotten a quote on a particular pool package post it up & we can help you sort out what you do & donāt need or might want.
Main things to avoid when purchasing:
You donāt want the frog system
You donāt want perma salt system
You donāt want the pristine blue system
You donāt want baquacil/soft swim
Or really any other āsystemā unless its a true salt water chlorine generator that is rated for at least 2xās your poolās volume.
(A 20ā round pool would hold approx 10k gallons)
If any of these systems on the no no list are āincludedā you can haggle to swap them out with something else like an equipment upgrade or simply $$ off.
The other decisions are about the make up of the pool - resin, steel, aluminum etc.
& how large & what type of filter & pump.
What type of steps/ladder etc .
Do you intend to bury this pool?
Most packages have a vac, pole, & skim net included for basic maintenance.
you do need to have good drainage that directs water away from the pool area if thatās what you mean.
If you have questions just post em up & weāll help you sort it out
Last edited:
- May 23, 2015
- 25,728
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
@Casey was a long time AGP owner and operator. She may also have some insights even though she has an inground pool now.
VinnyinNJ
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 20, 2022
- 1,053
- Pool Size
- 13500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
As a owner of an AG pool who dreaded getting one 20+ years ago its not that difficult once you get the hang of it.
I will assume your doing this "legally" with the proper permits vs just putting one up. Go to your local building office and get info on what their requirements are. There may be setbacks from property lines and distances away from the house. Electrical codes will be in their info as well. Once you know that, look at where you want to put the pool in your yard. Try to get a space that limits debris into the pool and is as much sun as possible. We took down trees to get a spot in our backyard. There is a need for electricity at the pool, per electric code a filter can't use a long extension cord for power. Look for where you want to place the filter, thats where the electricity needs to go (hint - try to hide the filter behind the pool if you can). Filter - consider hard plumbing vs hoses. I lived with hoses on our last pool ... we now have PVC piping and its so much better. Think about entering and exiting the pool for ladder placement.
I strongly suggest if you're thinking about a hard sided pool to have it professionally installed vs DIY. It costs money but they'll get it up in a few hours vs days and they've done 100's where you've done (?).
Get a good test kit as was mentioned. You can use bleach, pool chlorine or opt for a salt water generator for chlorine. I used bleach mostly for our last pool but the cost of bleach has risen significantly.
I grew up with a AG pool that was a nightmare IMO which is why I dreaded it. We put it up and took it down EVERY year! I was a child and it left permanent scars about pool ownership!
It also turned green almost immediately after putting it up. Today, after owning an AG pool for over 20 years those scars have vanished and not having my pool turn green makes it enjoyable! There is some work involved but nothing too strenuous.
Any questions, just ask!
I will assume your doing this "legally" with the proper permits vs just putting one up. Go to your local building office and get info on what their requirements are. There may be setbacks from property lines and distances away from the house. Electrical codes will be in their info as well. Once you know that, look at where you want to put the pool in your yard. Try to get a space that limits debris into the pool and is as much sun as possible. We took down trees to get a spot in our backyard. There is a need for electricity at the pool, per electric code a filter can't use a long extension cord for power. Look for where you want to place the filter, thats where the electricity needs to go (hint - try to hide the filter behind the pool if you can). Filter - consider hard plumbing vs hoses. I lived with hoses on our last pool ... we now have PVC piping and its so much better. Think about entering and exiting the pool for ladder placement.
I strongly suggest if you're thinking about a hard sided pool to have it professionally installed vs DIY. It costs money but they'll get it up in a few hours vs days and they've done 100's where you've done (?).
Get a good test kit as was mentioned. You can use bleach, pool chlorine or opt for a salt water generator for chlorine. I used bleach mostly for our last pool but the cost of bleach has risen significantly.
I grew up with a AG pool that was a nightmare IMO which is why I dreaded it. We put it up and took it down EVERY year! I was a child and it left permanent scars about pool ownership!
It also turned green almost immediately after putting it up. Today, after owning an AG pool for over 20 years those scars have vanished and not having my pool turn green makes it enjoyable! There is some work involved but nothing too strenuous.Any questions, just ask!
ABGs are not difficult, but you cannot just wing it either.
The people here can help a lot.
The first step is deciding on what size and shape, and what can fit on your property
Then comes budget
Site prep is important
Give us some ideas of what sort of yard you have, and we can give you ideas.
The people here can help a lot.
The first step is deciding on what size and shape, and what can fit on your property
Then comes budget
Site prep is important
Give us some ideas of what sort of yard you have, and we can give you ideas.
hwy17
Well-known member
I think there's some argument to be made that it's a good idea to start with an Intex or other softside pool. For not a lot of money you can find out in a year or two whether you're going to enjoy taking care of the water or not.
The problem is the equipment that comes with them can be inadequate to set you up for success. I got the costco bestway kit with the sand filter and it was adequate.
The problem is the equipment that comes with them can be inadequate to set you up for success. I got the costco bestway kit with the sand filter and it was adequate.
VinnyinNJ
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 20, 2022
- 1,053
- Pool Size
- 13500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
There's also something to be said about having an Intex type pool after your "regular" AG pool gets taken down. We could have bought a Intex or equivalent for about 1/10 the cost to put in another 24' round pool ... maybe even less. And we would have been free from all the other stuff associated with putting in an AG pool especially since we had all the equipment.