My questions are for those with Easy Set or Frame Pools in the 12-16’ range. I’m wondering what the upkeep effort is on a smaller pool in this range, and if a 9 and 12 year old would get any enjoyment out one?
1) How long does it generally take to clean one out, when it gets leaves and bugs in it?
2) Are covers easy to put on and remove without filling the pool with debris? With the goal of keeping it covered when not in use?
3) Does anyone have older kids that enjoy these smaller pools? (say 7-13 years)
4) Are they fairly easy to set up in the summer and take down for the winter?
The reason I’m asking is because last summer we bought an 18’ round Coleman Ultra Frame pool to “try out” pool ownership. We figured if the kids used it and the care wasn’t too burdensome we’d invest in a more permanent pool. Well, after two seasons I can say that my kids do not use it enough to justify the amount of work I put into it! Especially because we live in the country an it gets dirty so easily. I have to scoop out bugs multiple times a day. A tiny bit of wind and its full of leaves. Covering it is only for vacation as its too difficult to cover and removing the cover dumps debris in it. I’m sure a pool with a better intake system might alleviate some of smaller debris clean up but its not worth the investment. After the first month this summer my 11 year old hasn’t wanted to swim. The 8 year old does but only if the 11 year old will come out with him, so he hasn’t been either. I’ve told them I’m taking it down at the end of the season but am honestly finding this really hard to contemplate. Not because I enjoy taking care of it, and I haven’t used it much myself, but because I put so much time, energy, and money into it already and I’ve got it all figured out and calling it quits seems like such a waste! I’m going to take it down for the winter and while I wait for next summer I want to consider if having a smaller pool for less frequent use is a reasonable option that would be easier on me or if I’m just done, because I’ll have to decide if I’m selling all the equipment or keeping some.
1) How long does it generally take to clean one out, when it gets leaves and bugs in it?
2) Are covers easy to put on and remove without filling the pool with debris? With the goal of keeping it covered when not in use?
3) Does anyone have older kids that enjoy these smaller pools? (say 7-13 years)
4) Are they fairly easy to set up in the summer and take down for the winter?
The reason I’m asking is because last summer we bought an 18’ round Coleman Ultra Frame pool to “try out” pool ownership. We figured if the kids used it and the care wasn’t too burdensome we’d invest in a more permanent pool. Well, after two seasons I can say that my kids do not use it enough to justify the amount of work I put into it! Especially because we live in the country an it gets dirty so easily. I have to scoop out bugs multiple times a day. A tiny bit of wind and its full of leaves. Covering it is only for vacation as its too difficult to cover and removing the cover dumps debris in it. I’m sure a pool with a better intake system might alleviate some of smaller debris clean up but its not worth the investment. After the first month this summer my 11 year old hasn’t wanted to swim. The 8 year old does but only if the 11 year old will come out with him, so he hasn’t been either. I’ve told them I’m taking it down at the end of the season but am honestly finding this really hard to contemplate. Not because I enjoy taking care of it, and I haven’t used it much myself, but because I put so much time, energy, and money into it already and I’ve got it all figured out and calling it quits seems like such a waste! I’m going to take it down for the winter and while I wait for next summer I want to consider if having a smaller pool for less frequent use is a reasonable option that would be easier on me or if I’m just done, because I’ll have to decide if I’m selling all the equipment or keeping some.