Decoy’s Above Ground Pool Saga

[ghall6292]

Just a couple things to consider... 1. Going back to your question about the eyeball (post #19), I found that a 1-1/2" plastic putty knife from the hardware store fits that 3-piece eyeball threaded part perfectly. Only costs about a buck, does no damage if you drop it, won't rust, and is easily kept poolside by hanging it via the hole in the handle. 2. When hard plumbing that skimmer to pump connection, an inline shut-off valve of some type is a godsend when emptying the pump basket, working on the filter valve, etc.

Great job on the new build!

 

[Decoy205]

God tip on the putty knife! I did have the flat tool so that was good. I got a 1 1/2” tub drain plug and that worked great to stop the skimmer. I used one of those rubber grips for opening cans to open the return fitting. I also picked up a pvc/oil wrench tool to help tighten and loosen the unions. I’ll use it on the return if nothing else works but don’t like putting metal in the pool.

Finished the backfill under the deck. I kept it as low as possible on the back wall. When I’m able to work on the deck I’ll see if we can get a small retaining wall to block erosion and guid the water around the pool. I think it will work well.

Electrician coming Friday.

I’m also waiting on a day from the fence guy. My chain link needs to be 48” all around and 1 3/4 chain. He had to sleeve some of the posts to get it up to code. Also need a new gate latch.

Got almost 4lbs of CYA in the pool at this point, also added some borax and of course more LC this am.

Here are my current numbers as of 5pm pump runs from 10-5.

FC 4
CYA it was between 40 and 30 so call it 35?
PH 7.1
TA 70
CH 50
CC .5 < the water was pink not red when I put in the reagent. But one drop made it clear so I figure .5?

Tomorrow I will try and vacuum and May backwash.

 

[Newdude]

CYA it was between 40 and 30 so call it 35?

Always round up to the next 10. As such, only fill to the 10s and save yourself the trouble of discerning a 36 if it's gonna be 40 anyway.

CC .5 < the water was pink not red when I put in the reagent. But one drop made it clear so I figure .5?

 

[Decoy205]

Thanks! So if I fill to 40 and the dot is cloudy but still somewhat visible I’d count that at 40?

 

[kimkats]

Nice work!!! Love how it all came out so far!!

CYA test-GLANCE in for the googly eye. Do not look for it. Just GLANCE then look away. Pour from line to line. GLANCE in at each line. If you see it at a GLANCE then keep going to the next line.

 

[Decoy205]

Thanks Kim! Cool then I def think I’m at least 40 then.

 

[Stump]

I`m so glad we live in the country and have no Municiple codes to follow. It`s a shame for an individual to have to 2nd guess other`s actions.

 

[Decoy205]

Yeah part of me wishes I didn’t open the permit can of worms! Now I’m trying to time out the inspections to get the fam in this thing asap.

The worst thing is this is going to be a heat wave week and would be awesome to actually use this thing. What a tease!

I’m trying to decide if I should fix the deck enough to get the ladder on and get inspections done then redo all the deck issues, or just try and plan the whole deck repair before building inspection.

The deck was already here and had a closed permit but I’m concerned that the gap fix plus the issues with the deck not being up to code will force me to open that as well.

 

[JoeSelf]

Getting inspections will help with any future homeowners claims. As i've read on here.

 

[Decoy205]

Yeah I definitely want to do things right, but I do also feel like some things are over the top or just cash grabs. My last town was way more lenient so this expensive overly strict town is just not what I’m used to.

 

[Decoy205]

Fence has been repaired and now 48” all around with new 1 1/34 chain and a new latch.

Next up is electrical tomorrow! The electrician said they would manage the inspections so that’s great!

After that I’m trying to temporarily address the deck gap so I can get the ladder on to use the pool.

Where having a heat wave this week and there’s no ladder so we can’t use the big shiny new pool. Worst tease ever kids are dying to get in there. (Me as well)

Here’s the gap:

This deck is old and was flush with the original 48” pool. Now it’s about 4-4.5” away from the rail and about 2” below.

So my plan (just so we can use the pool for my daughters b day party on the 30th) is to close the gap with a 2x8 to get it about an inch away from the rail and hook up the ladder.

Get through the party, then redeck the top and update the railings and steps. Then get the building inspection. I’m hoping that will work.

With the old ladder I have to scrub it clean. It has some kind of rocks used to way it down. Little black pebbles. I’m hoping that doesn’t create algae. It didn’t last year but it had been sitting in the shed now for months, but I’m gonna scrub down the outside of the ladder and put it in.

Should I invest in a ladder pad? I don’t want to mess up my nice new liner.

More to come!

 

[kimkats]

We went with a ladder pad and it was more trouble than it was worth to LEAVE it in. With you having kids and a party I say get a clear bath mat with the sucker feet on the bottom. Put it in when there is going to be heavy use. Take it out and store it in out of the sun until the next time. We found ours collected algae if we left it in.

Deck to pool for ladder- make sure it is bounceable as you and I both know that is what they will do as they come in and out. Good luck and let us know what you come up with!

 

[Decoy205]

Thanks Kim! I made a slight correction to my last post. The current deck is 2” BELOW the rail and about 4” away now.

When you say “bounceable” do you mean the ladder is able to bounce from where it connects to the deck?

We will definitely be watching people as we cannot have any issues.

 

[Decoy205]

Great tip on the bath mat! I also know they hold mold and stuff so taking it out is probably also a good call

 

[kimkats]

What I am seeing in my head is a board going from the deck to the pool in some way and someone trying to "bounce" on it. That part does worry me.

 

[Newdude]

Thats what i'm seeing too. Like a sideways diving board that won't have alot of meat holding it to the deck. Great for a trim piece so nobody falls through the gap, but kids will kids.

 

[Newdude]

Theyll be all 'Hold my Capri-Sun'

 

[kul]

Agree with the above. My kid would be up for the challenge of overcoming safety obstacles. Hmmm wonder what could work….

 

[Steve-D]

This deck is old and was flush with the original 48” pool. Now it’s about 4-4.5” away from the rail and about 2” below.

So my plan (just so we can use the pool for my daughters b day party on the 30th) is to close the gap with a 2x8 to get it about an inch away from the rail and hook up the ladder.

What I am seeing in my head is a board going from the deck to the pool in some way and someone trying to "bounce" on it.

Are you planning to fill that gap flush with the existing deck or flush with the top edge of the pool (sounds like the latter)? Either presents somewhat of a tripping risk. If the plan is to lay the 2x8 across the front/pool edge affixed to the top of the deck you may want to also consider some temporary posts (2x4?) to resist any flex from someone pushing off at the very edge...don't want to see the screws/nails for the back edge of the 2x8 pulled out.

Will the existing deck support the weight of an additional 2" layer to bring it up to the top edge of the pool? If you post some pictures of under the deck we could probably offer suggestions for a fix.

 

[Decoy205]

It’s definitely only for one day to get in and out but yeah I take your point. I may be able to sure up the center piece to the joist to ensure it doesn’t bounce.

It’s not staying that way long and our kids are good and won’t jump in. I will be watching like a hawk that day!!! My main concern is safety and protecting the giant investment I just made is also top of mind lol.