Just got our 24ft installed today! A couple of questions....

[jlyfshhh]

What do you guys do for landscaping around yours? Our yard was pretty unlevel so it’s lower in the front and raised in the back in comparison to the surrounding ground. This brings me to my other question: how uneven can it be before I should be concerned? Measurements I just took were 13” at the back, 12.5” in the middle, and 14” in the front.
Lastly, they set my pump up in a way that doesn’t seem super stable to me, with part of it hanging off the edge. Can I just scoot it over? I’m sure I’ll have so many more questions during this whole process but I am so excited!

 

[Newdude]

Hey GV and welcome. My dad was a career veteran and pretty grumpy. (Unrelated) i like you already sir !!

how uneven can it be before I should be concerned?

1 inch is the acceptable maximum so you are good there. If you focus on the waterline it will probably make you grumpier, so instead look down at the beautiful TFP water.

Can I just scoot it over?

I dont like the backside of the slab either. If the hose that connects the skimmer to the pump allows for some movement, you could scoot the whole thing foward. I would also want to shore up the void, possible by tamping gravel under that corner.

 

[jlyfshhh]

Thanks! I’ll keep an eye on it as it fills to make sure it stays within an inch. Tomorrow I’ll see if the hose has any slack so I can move it over a bit. I may build a little retaining wall around that little mound.

 

[Newdude]

Thanks!

No problemo. Thats what we are here for. Tons of us day and night. Some days might be slower than others, but still, we got you.

I may build a little retaining wall around that little mound.

Its a smart move if you are able and up to it. The mound definitely looks like its not staying longer than a few good rains.

Have you read the premise and drank the 'Pool-Aid' here ? (Credit to @LooLooPoolNoob....... GENIUS!!!). You need a reliable test kit for your water. Its an upfront investment that will keep you from the pool store and its expensive potions. The first time you dont go there it will double its money back for you. After that its all gravy in your pocket. See Test Kits Compared. Save yourself the trouble and just get the TF-100, its the age old penny wise, pound foolish debate. The speed stir is a must also and i have yet to see one person say otherwise. Everybody who finally breaks down and purchases it kicks themselves for struggling the hard way to save $40. Every last one of them, sometimes for years.

Read through ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry. It takes a few tries for most of us but its easy stuff once all the lingo makes sense. You can post up your test results and get all the help you need until it clicks.

When new issues/thoughts arise, post them in the appropriate forums to get more detailed answers from the pros who hang out in their specialty.

 

[Teald024]

Hello and Welcome to TFP! Congratulations on the new pool, very exciting and I really like how it looks.

What is the blue "mat" around the pool? Is this under the entire pool?

Did the installer or mfg recommend backfilling around the base to prevent washout?
I ended up using some round river rock around the perimeter of the pool. I didn't want grass so I didn't have to worry about mowing and trimming up close and potentially damaging the wall. Mulch can be difficult since it can get tracked into the pool with bare feet. Before you landscape, make sure the electrician does his bonding loop around the pool.

For the pump & filter, you can move it around as needed. Don't go too close to the pool with it though. You want to have access around the pump & filter for maintenance and you don't want to create a climbing hazard.
I see the installers didn't do you any favors by omitting valves. If the pool isn't full of water yet, you should consider adding the valves before the water reaches the skimmer and return. Without the valves, you can't open the pump basket without water gushing out and the lid will be difficult to put back on.

I absolutely agree with getting the TF-100 test kit from TFTestkits. I may cost more than the wally world kits, but it is definitely worth it.
How do you plan on chlorinating the pool?

 

[jlyfshhh]

Everything sticking out is under the entire pool. They used the Gladon Perfect Pool Bottom which I think is just plexiglass and foam. The installers didn’t mention anything about backfill. Once it’s full, the guy from the pool store comes with our chemicals and explains everything to us, so that should be happening sometime tomorrow. I already have a huge list of questions to ask.

 

[Teald024]

A big point of advice, make sure you get a detailed list of the chemicals they want to add. Nothing with copper in it, many times marked with "Blue" in the product name.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the pool or chemicals. I would highly recommend reading the links below:
ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
Non-recommended Pool Chemicals
Pool Circulation Systems