Hello, I am Lydia and I live in Central Texas. I want to apologize, in advance, for the lengthy post, but I need help and I am here to learn. This is my first post so forgive me if I should post this elsewhere. If that is the case, please tell me where this post is more appropriate. I’d rather ask questions beforehand rather than taking steps that end up causing more problems in the future. I pray that you understand.
I am a newbie and I just purchased the Intex Ultra XTR frame 18’ by 52” pool set with 110-120v Krystal sand filter pump (2100 Gph). I have fibromyalgia and along with it, 24/7 chronic pain. For that reason, it is virtually impossible for me to do more than basic exercises (steps and yoga) because it significantly increases my pain level. I am desperately trying to increase my exercise capability by installing and using the pool to allow me to engage in warm water exercises. Based on numerous medical and health studies, etc., it unlikely to increase my pain level.
I am blessed to have a dear friend who has volunteered to spend his July 4th weekend helping us to install the pool. He is no expert but has installed a pool in the past. I am in the process of getting everything prepared and want to provide everything needed to avoid experiencing the rusting and leaking complaints that I’ve read about. However, in all honesty, I am stressed and confused with all of the options.
With that said, this is what I have figured out:
(1) preparing the area is the most important task. The plan is to clear the area, which is gratefully not as hard as it could be here in the Texas Hill Country since the pool site was cleared some time ago and is overlain with weed block and mulch. Once the area is prepared, 12” by 12” paver blocks will be used to support the legs of the pool, followed by (a) mortar sand, (b) an 18’ pool liner, (c) Blue Wave NL102-18 48 in. Peel and Stick Above Ground Pool Cove, (d) Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8" x 48" x 100'
I am trying to have every ready for him when he arrives next week and taking steps to minimize my pain is a major consideration. Anyway, based on this article ( https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=Intex_Pools#Grease_your_Intex_connections ,
I want to add rust proofing and waterproofing materials to the various parts of the pool. It also talks about “greasing” where the parts are connected which appears to be a separate step. It then suggest spraying with Rust-Oleum and then enamel paint (which I assume is for waterproofing?) The article also recommends silicon for the end caps, I think, vinyl flaps and foundation coating for the outside of the pool.
My first question: is all of this necessary in light of the various steps that we plan to do, e.g., the pool cove and the cell pool wall foam? If so, which products do you recommend? Is there any one product to meet both objectives? There are many different Rust-oleum products and I am uncertain which to buy. I also stumbled upon Valspar Gloss Anti-Rust Armor Base Enamel Tintable Oil-based Interior/Exterior Paint and Flex Seal but have no clue whether either is appropriate. Honestly, I have come across numerous products and lacking the experience and expertise, I am more confused than ever. In addition, it would be of help to me to have a single product to use to accomplish both waterproofing and rustproofing. Furthermore, what should I buy to “grease” those parts where they connect?
Having said all of that, (1) which adhesive should we use to adhere the pool foam to the wall of the pool and (2) what product(s) should we use for the rustproofing and waterproofing, silicon, enamel and foundation coating.
In addition, as a newbie, the whole pool testing and chemicals requirements is foreign to me. I welcome any suggestions regarding what pool kit to buy that will make the task as easy as possible. (I don't know if this matters, but our area has extremely hard water. For reference, last year, before we replaced our non-functioning water softener system, our water hardness tested over 90 grains!). Finally, if you have recommendations for a pool vacuum that is easy to use, as lightweight as possible, and does not cost a fortune, I welcome those suggestions as well.
I know that I have packed a lot into this post and I think that this covers my initial plea for answers, but be forewarned, I will be back.
Thank you for your time and I am grateful to you for sharing your advice and wisdom.
Blessings and thanks,
Lydia
I am a newbie and I just purchased the Intex Ultra XTR frame 18’ by 52” pool set with 110-120v Krystal sand filter pump (2100 Gph). I have fibromyalgia and along with it, 24/7 chronic pain. For that reason, it is virtually impossible for me to do more than basic exercises (steps and yoga) because it significantly increases my pain level. I am desperately trying to increase my exercise capability by installing and using the pool to allow me to engage in warm water exercises. Based on numerous medical and health studies, etc., it unlikely to increase my pain level.
I am blessed to have a dear friend who has volunteered to spend his July 4th weekend helping us to install the pool. He is no expert but has installed a pool in the past. I am in the process of getting everything prepared and want to provide everything needed to avoid experiencing the rusting and leaking complaints that I’ve read about. However, in all honesty, I am stressed and confused with all of the options.
With that said, this is what I have figured out:
(1) preparing the area is the most important task. The plan is to clear the area, which is gratefully not as hard as it could be here in the Texas Hill Country since the pool site was cleared some time ago and is overlain with weed block and mulch. Once the area is prepared, 12” by 12” paver blocks will be used to support the legs of the pool, followed by (a) mortar sand, (b) an 18’ pool liner, (c) Blue Wave NL102-18 48 in. Peel and Stick Above Ground Pool Cove, (d) Blue Wave NL1973 Gorilla Guard Above Ground Closed Cell Pool Wall Foam, 1/8" x 48" x 100'
I am trying to have every ready for him when he arrives next week and taking steps to minimize my pain is a major consideration. Anyway, based on this article ( https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=Intex_Pools#Grease_your_Intex_connections ,
I want to add rust proofing and waterproofing materials to the various parts of the pool. It also talks about “greasing” where the parts are connected which appears to be a separate step. It then suggest spraying with Rust-Oleum and then enamel paint (which I assume is for waterproofing?) The article also recommends silicon for the end caps, I think, vinyl flaps and foundation coating for the outside of the pool.
My first question: is all of this necessary in light of the various steps that we plan to do, e.g., the pool cove and the cell pool wall foam? If so, which products do you recommend? Is there any one product to meet both objectives? There are many different Rust-oleum products and I am uncertain which to buy. I also stumbled upon Valspar Gloss Anti-Rust Armor Base Enamel Tintable Oil-based Interior/Exterior Paint and Flex Seal but have no clue whether either is appropriate. Honestly, I have come across numerous products and lacking the experience and expertise, I am more confused than ever. In addition, it would be of help to me to have a single product to use to accomplish both waterproofing and rustproofing. Furthermore, what should I buy to “grease” those parts where they connect?
Having said all of that, (1) which adhesive should we use to adhere the pool foam to the wall of the pool and (2) what product(s) should we use for the rustproofing and waterproofing, silicon, enamel and foundation coating.
In addition, as a newbie, the whole pool testing and chemicals requirements is foreign to me. I welcome any suggestions regarding what pool kit to buy that will make the task as easy as possible. (I don't know if this matters, but our area has extremely hard water. For reference, last year, before we replaced our non-functioning water softener system, our water hardness tested over 90 grains!). Finally, if you have recommendations for a pool vacuum that is easy to use, as lightweight as possible, and does not cost a fortune, I welcome those suggestions as well.
I know that I have packed a lot into this post and I think that this covers my initial plea for answers, but be forewarned, I will be back.
Thank you for your time and I am grateful to you for sharing your advice and wisdom. Blessings and thanks,
Lydia
Mine started in my late teens and I'm now in my 40s. It's gotten exponentially worse this decade! I'm doing an above-ground pool soon and looking forward to water workouts in my back yard as well.