New pool owner - need recommendation

[moso1988]

This forum is amazing! I have been reading through the posts for the last week and have learned so much! Pool arrives next week and have been busy learning in preparation. One issue I am stuck deciding on how to proceed: Maintenance, specifically vacuuming. With it being an above ground pool (52") with no pool deck planned for this year, and I am only 10" taller - I'm thinking that manual vacuuming will be somewhat difficult from standing outside the pool. So, I'd love to hear your suggestions for solving this - do you stand on the ladder? Set up a "catwalk" around perimeter of pool? Or invest in an automatic or robotic vacuum? If so, would really like to find something for $300 or less - that will work best with the equipment listed in my signature. Thanks in advance!

 

[kimkats]

hi and welcome to TFP!!!

AWESOME job on the siggy! THANKS! Just look at that wonderful test kit you have!! You are off to a wonderful start already!

I know you said under $300 but Lil Kim is only a bit over so you might want to take a look at her: Pool Rover Junior review-aka Lil Kim

 

[moso1988]

hi and welcome to TFP!!!

AWESOME job on the siggy! THANKS! Just look at that wonderful test kit you have!! You are off to a wonderful start already!

I know you said under $300 but Lil Kim is only a bit over so you might want to take a look at her: Pool Rover Junior review-aka Lil Kim

Kim - It was a previous post of yours that encouraged me to set my signature! I have read your comments on Lil Kim and I am considering it. In my search, I came across this robot, which seems to be new: Amazon.com : PAXCESS Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner, Rechargeable Robotic Cleaner for Swimming Pool, Battery Powered Pool Cleaner, Up to 60mins Working Time, Easy Cleaning for in Ground and Above Ground Pools : Garden & Outdoor Anyone have an opinion?

 

[kimkats]

Well I have never seen this one before! I have not see it on the boards yet...................you are the first one to post it.

With it being Amazon I would think about getting it. If it does not work send it back............you can be our Guinea pig! pretty please??? LOL

Kim

 

[moso1988]

So, I actually found a similar one, runs 90 mins charged vs 60 mins ... and it's cheaper! This is the one I ordered and I would be happy to share my opinion later on! Amazon.com : OT QOMOTOP Robotic Pool Cleaner, Cordless Automatic Pool Cleaner up to 90mins Working Time with Rechargeable Battery for In-Ground/Above Ground Swimming Pool : Garden & Outdoor

 

[moso1988]

Another question: We are having the sod removed from designated spot in yard, adding 3' feet in each direction beyond the pool perimeter. I've read a lot about different options of "base layers" for under the pool. My plan currently is to lay the following, in order, on top of leveled ground: Concrete Curing Blanket (Kaps Tex Kt-it1220 Concrete Curing Blanket, Orange, 12' X 20' - - Amazon.com) , 1"x4'x8' insulation boards (taped together extensively on both sides) and top layer of 10x20 tarp (https://www.amazon.com/10x20-Multi-Purpose-Medium-DRY-TOP/dp/B0002Z3NAM). Appreciate any feedback now if I should change this plan. Thanks!

 

[kimkats]

Have you seen and felt the concrete blanket? Is looks thick. My worry is it is kind of thick THEN you add the foam boards on top of it and you will end up have a gap from the bottom dirt to the top of the foam. I worry the liner might try to sneak down between the board/blanket and wall BUT if you put foam cove on top of the boards then you should be safe from that worry. I think the blanket may be overkill. What I would do is over mix some week killer to make it "hot" and spray it on the ground and let it sit for a bit to soak in good.

Tarp-I hope you are able to cut and tape better than I and can get it cut just right and tape it down so it will not move at all. If that is the case then it may hide the tape on the boards.

Kim

 

[moso1988]

My worry is it is kind of thick THEN you add the foam boards on top of it and you will end up have a gap from the bottom dirt to the top of the foam.

I haven't felt the concrete blanket yet, but description says 3 mil thick with closed cell foam inside. Would I be ok to just lay the concrete blanket - no foam, no ground tarp?

 

[kimkats]

closed cell foam

Still a little worry about it over time.............will it decompose over time? The floor foam seems to hold up well over time and makes for a nice smooth bottom. I have not even seen that concrete blanket used before so I really can't say good or bad. I am just saying what my guts say may/could happen. I almost want you to do it to be the Guinea pig for it! It is much cheaper and would be oh so easy to use!

 

[moso1988]

Found this article about concrete curing blankets (What Do Concrete Curing Blankets Do? – Concrete Sealer and Blanket). Sounds like it should hold up pretty well to the elements/water. I'm also hoping we might glean some benefit from it protecting the pool if the ground freezes and maybe helping warm the water in summer. I might just go for it!

 

[kimkats]

I say go for it!! I would have GOOD tape ready to tape up where you cut it to fit in in the pool walls.

I will tell you most of the heat is lost from the top of a pool so I would not count on it for heat retention.