Small 1000 gallon pool - looking for feedback / recommendations

[eljay0]

Background:
Last year, I had this small inflatable 10x6' pool that kept deflating every other day. It served its purpose well though and I learned a little about what it takes to maintain it and kept the water nice clean with granular chlorine throughout the summer and a simple tarp over it and just a hand skimmer to periodically clean debris. I used this 530gph filter pump with hoses submerged over the sides.
This year, I'd like to improve my setup and experience and "upgrade" to a steel frame Intex of similar size (can't go much bigger), so I ordered this one: Amazon.ca
Then I'd like to add this Intex Deluxe Wall Mount Surface Skimmer: Amazon.ca
The skimmer specs says that it requires min 800gph pump, so I guess I need to get this Intex 1000gph cartridge pump: Amazon.ca
I would like to add a solar cover, but don't see any the size for this pool and I don't feel like buying an expensive big one and then cutting it to size. Any options?
Then I hope to add some kind of heat to extend the number of splash hours. Passive solar is my only option, so I'm thinking of building two panels with black hose behind some acrylic panel to maximize heat gain/retention.
Lastly, I plan on this debris cover: Amazon.ca

My other question revolves around SWG. I am tempted to give one a try to give the little one a bit more pleasant water experience. They are relatively expensive for my small setup: Amazon.ca
Given that I managed to keep the water clear last year with granulated chlorine, should I just stick with it? From reading here (great resources!), I do understand that SWG chlorine is slightly less harsh than dissolved granules.

In summary, my list is this (all prices in CAD$):
1. Pool - $258
2. Skimmer - $40
3. Pump - $120
4. Solar cover - TBD, but $60?
5. Debris cover - $35
6. DIY solar heater - $150
6. SWG - $350
-------
~$863+tax = $1165 (yes, things aren't cheap in Canucklandia)

Finally, this whole thing is another year of experimenting to see how much use we get and whether my ambitious plans for a small semi-inground plunge pool for our small backyard have some merit.

Thanks for any feedback and improvements to my list.

 

[PoolStored]

Couple thoughts...you didn't include a test kit.

Here is our guide to temporary/seasonal pools...

Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools

Smaller seasonal pools can see just as much enjoyment as their larger counterparts. In this guide we'll show you how to maintain your temporary pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[eljay0]

Thank you!
Yes, I guess I need a salt test kit on top of the usual one.
I went through that guide as well. Very good info.

Any thoughts on going with SWG vs sticking with granulated chlorine?

 

[PoolStored]

You have a small pool. You probably use 3-4FC daily. You could calculate out the cost of both and compare. When your CH or CYA get too high, you will need to dump the pool and refill.

 

[ladycaruso]

Congrats on the upgrade! I did a similar thing this year, went from a 10'x30" to the 14'9"x7'3"x33". It's lead to another deep dive in pool research to deal with the bigger volume, and I finally discovered TFP!

One thing I "discovered" that might be a no-brainer, but that has me very excited is to buy "spa" sized chemicals for my pool. I'm getting liquid chlorine by gallons (using a cartridge filter), but I decided to try the methods I learned about this year on TFP instead of just sprinkling some shock in now and then. I found pH down and granulated chlorine in small bottles (like this) that actually have measurements in reasonable amounts. They're more expensive per unit, but the cap is 0.5oz, so even if you use the TFP pool math calculator, you don't have to struggle to figure out how to measure, and you don't have 5lb bags of chemicals that might go bad before you get to use them up. Lol, SO excited that I discovered that this year

Good luck, and happy swimming!

 

[eljay0]

Well, it's finally time to set up this pool, but my chlorinator is still in the mail.
I think I will set it up anyway and use my chlorine granules from last year and when it arrives, I'll dump the salt in, measure levels and turn on the chlorinator. That should work right?

Also, another question about solar heater. Instead of buying a new panel for $200, I realized that I have a 50-foot 5/8" garden hose that I'm not using for anything. It's grey, not black, but it should work for a DIY solar heater methinks.
If I curl it up on a black plywood piece, put some edges on it and cover it with some clear corrugated PVC panel would that give me something close to those panels? Should I spray paint the hose black too?
I'd rather find a used solar heater panel, but since I have the hose, I figured, I'd use it.

 

[eljay0]

Are we're up and running!

I set up the pool last week and had our first couple of days of dips in it. I ended up finding a clear solar cover intended for a large round pool, so I cut it to size. Wow. It does make a big difference in warming and keeping the water warm.
So far, I stuck with my 530gph pump from last year. The skimmer arrived today, so I'll give it a try although it says it needs 800gph pump. We'll see. I haven't had a lot of debris yet. Also, my debris cover arrived yesterday and looks to be working fine.

And here's my trouble: the Intex QS400 SWCG isn't working. I started a separate thread on the issue here: Intex QS400 - only flashing 00
So, now I have a saltwater pool and I'm still using my granulated chlorine to keep up with it.

Regarding chemistry, my pH and TA were low and I was able to raise both with baking soda addition. Right now, I'm here:
FC - 3
pH - 7
TA - 80
CYA - 50
Salt ~ 3000

If I keep using the chlorine granules, will that raise my CYA too high over time? It's this one and the label says "stabilized" chlorine: Aquarius Pool Stabilized Granular Chlorine

 

[mknauss]

If I keep using the chlorine granules, will that raise my CYA too high over time?

Yes. Start using liquid chlorine as needed.

 

[eljay0]

Yes. Start using liquid chlorine as needed.

Thank you. Can I keep using the granules while watching the CYA and switch to liquid only once I'm somewhere around 70 on CYA?
I still have quite a bit of the granules and I also have granulated stabilizer I used to bring up the CYA levels. I know I could switch to liquid and then correct CYA with the stabilizer if needed. I just don't want to waste what I have if it can serve me well for our short season.

 

[mknauss]

If you are going to use the solar cover, I would stop the CYA level at about 50 ppm. Then switch to liquid chlorine.