Take Those Lines Downand Dry Them Out
Okay, the last thing anyone wants is cracked pipes that need a total replacement. But whether or not you have to worry about freezing pipes in the winter, clearing and storing your pool lines will make them a lot easier to set up again in the spring.
Ready to make it happen? All you have to do is disconnect the lines, allow all the water still lodged in them to run out, then let them air dry outsidewe dont want any uninvited guests, like mold, to appear on pool opening day. Once theyre completely dry, store your pipes in a dry, shaded area. Oh, and word from the wise: dont do this while your circulation system is on, or even connected to power. Nobodys going for a mad scientist look.
What Not To Place Around Your Above Ground Pool
While stones and different materials like plastics and plants can add to the overall beauty of your pool they are some stones, materials, and practices that should be avoided at all costs.
Placing mulched plant life too close to the pool liner or water area can seem like a great idea but can have severe adverse effects on the integrity and durability of your above ground pool.
Pool liners are made from cellulose and mulch plantation is known to attract insects like termites and carpenter ants that can eat away your pool liner requiring you to constantly replace it which can be quite expensive.
Mulch plant life can also get tracked into your pool water that can lead to more maintenance and upkeep which any pool owner can certainly do without.
Long grass around your above ground pool is also not a good idea as the soil that the grass grows on is generally acidic and can damage the bottom track on your above ground pool over time. Trimming the grass with a weed whacker too close to your pool can also cause accidental damage to your pool wall.
It is also not a good idea to use grey or white stones around above ground pools. These stones are more common in driveways and are generally made from limestone that can corrode the metal liner around your above ground pool.
These stones are also generally not barefoot friendly and are not as aesthetically desirable as compared to the more popular choices of stones listed above.
Maintenance Is A Breeze
It’s all depending on the size of your Above Ground Pool, but in typical Above Ground models the water usage is much lower than standard ingrounds. This can mean that your Above Ground will require less chemicals and your equipment and sanitation system wont have to work as hard saving you time, and money!
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Location Of Current Things And Future Things
Sheds, playground sets, dog kennels, dog runs, gardens, and abandoned engine blocks can all take up some space in your backyard. When choosing a good site for your pool, make sure you have room for these structures and the activities that go along with them. With a shed, make sure there is still room to get that lawn mower in and out. For obvious reasons, you wont want your new pool to be too close to that swing set. And keep that engine block in view. You dont want to crush your teenage kids dream of one day rebuilding it.
It Will Damage The Value Of Your Home
Burying an above ground pool definitely wont increase the value of your home. Savvy home buyers know that sinking an above-ground pool into the ground is not the same thing as building an in-ground pool. The look is not the same, either. If they are aware of the danger involved, they will avoid buying your home, and the money saved will become a loss.
If anything, this probably makes your property look worse. It is very easy to tell that your installation was not done properly, and if anything it will become a burden for the next homeowner to remove. There are gallons of water to remove, as well as a large hole to fix. This seems like an awfully large price to pay for something that wont even replicate an in-ground pool in the first place. In this situation, it is best to accept early the limitations.
If you like the look of an in-ground pool, pool manufacturers advise that an above-ground pool can in some parts of the country besafely sunk up to two feet below the surface. However, this is not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer. Leave it to a pool professional or licensed contractor who knows what he is doing and is aware of the risks involved.
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Drain Part Of Your Poolor Dont
So you didnt opt in for the skimmer cover and youre expecting a tough winter, huh? Hey, you do you. Lowering your water level will help big time to prevent freezing damage, but dont lower so much that your pool walls are extremely exposed and could crack. Just under the skimmer should do the trick.
All you have to do is lower the water level of your pool with a submersible pump. Be sure to watch it working, so you dont accidentally remove too much water. That would be seriously, ah, draining.
Be sure to check with your local authorities about where that water you drain should goespecially since its just been chemically treated. The last thing you want is fees and environmental damage on your hands.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Crack In A Fiberglass Pool
Fiberglass Leak Repairs
Fiberglass pool repair costs $300 to $400 for a gel coat that restores dinged, scratched and cracked surfaces. Expect to pay up to $800 more to repaint after doing the repairs. You also have to cover the cost of draining the water, refilling the pool and applying the right chemicals.
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Can You Put Above Ground Pools In The Ground
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Also question is, how do you prepare the ground for an above ground pool?
Yard Preparation
Also Know, how much can you bury an above ground pool? If you like the look of an in-ground pool, pool manufacturers advise that an above–ground pool can in some parts of the country be safely sunk up to two feet below the surface. However, this is not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer.
Furthermore, where do you put an above ground pool?
As a general rule, pools should be 8-10 from trees. If removing trees and stumps happen to be in an ideal location for an above ground pool they should be pulled and removed before the pool is installed. Stumps being ground down can cause major problems with the pool liner in the future.
Can you move an above ground pool?
While it may not seem convenient, relocating a pool isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Follow these tips to effectively take apart and move your above ground swimming pool, so you can enjoy it for many more sun-filled days at your new home.
What To Put Under Above Ground Pools
After youve decided where to put your pool, its time to decide what under pool mat you will use for your Intex pool. The right material can extend the life of your pool.
Heres a list of the most popular materials to put underneath an above ground pool, whether its on grass, pavers, gravel or concrete.
- Interlocking Foam Tiles
- Easy to Install
- Cost
Having a breathable material will help prevent mildew and mound which is caused by trapped moisture.
Some materials are naturally tougher than others, such as commercial under pool pads. This is more important if you plan to put your pool on grass or dirt.
Having the right material just feels nicer on your feet. Some people dont mind it but having stones sticking into my feet isnt my preference. Going for a thicker material or combining two materials together will produce a better feel.
A material that is easy to get to lay flat is also beneficial. This will mean that the bottom of your pool will be wrinkle free making it easier to clean .
Lastly, when deciding on what to put under an above ground pool you want to consider how easy the material is to work with and the cost. Although carpet could be free , its not easy to cut and could be quite a lot of effort to install.
Interlocking foam tiles can be found here and at Walmart, Home Depot and many other stores.
They provide thick padding and will feel great under your feet. Provided you install them on a level surface, the bottom of the pool will feel nice and smooth.
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Gas Heaters For Above Ground Pools
For the quickest heating, and keeping the heat going even as the temperature starts to drop below 50 degrees, you can add a gas-fueled heater to your pool.
GOOD TO KNOW: as these are gas-fueled heater you will need a propane or natural gas source and a gas line, as well as an electric source, running to your heater, which can make installation a bit more involved.
Can You Put An Above Ground Pool Into The Ground
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Furthermore, how do you prepare the ground for an above ground pool?
Yard Preparation
Subsequently, question is, can I backfill an above ground pool? Although most pool manufacturers do not recommend it, homeowners and contractors frequently use an above–ground pool as an in-ground pool. The pool must be filled prior to backfilling to prevent pool wall collapse and the water level in the pool must always be higher than ground level by at least 1 foot.
In respect to this, how much can you bury an above ground pool?
If you like the look of an in-ground pool, pool manufacturers advise that an above–ground pool can in some parts of the country be safely sunk up to two feet below the surface. However, this is not a job for the average do-it-yourselfer.
Should I put sand under my Intex pool?
I use a little sand under Intex pools, to cushion the bottom, but not for leveling. You can then just use a ground cloth over the dirt or you could cover the area with an inch or so of sand. A twenty four foot pool would probably use about 3 tons of sand.
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Trapped Moisture Is A Big Enemy With Above Ground Pools
A few decades ago, it was a common practice for people to put Visqueen or plastic sheeting down just underneath an above ground pool liner. This would often cause the inside of the wall of the pool to start and eventually rust out.
This is because a vinyl pool liner will transfer moisture or sweat moisture through it when theres a temperature difference.
In a normal situation, the moisture that transfers under the liner will just move away and into the earth and eventually dry or move away from the pool bottom. If something like plastic is placed under the liner though, this moisture can get trapped and have nowhere to go.
Eventually, the moisture will make its way over to where the ground meets the pool wall, and some of it will hang out against the metal wall. If this moisture cannot go anywhere, it will stay next to the pool wall and will soon get past any protective coating the wall has. Once the coating is lifted by the excessive moisture, the metal wall will begin to corrode. This is not at all good.
Can I Install An Above
The short answer is yes! Many above-ground pools are designed to do just that. They provide all the materials you need to build and situate the pool, and they work whether you use a simple ladder or build a deck around them.Youll need to consider:
- Your pool size Above-ground pools come in a variety of sizes. Choosing the size will depend on your commitment to provide upkeep and the space you have.
- Permits and zoning restrictions Neighborhoods will most likely require a permit for pools over a certain size and have restrictions for where to place them.
- Pool materials and framing Above-ground pools have rigid sides or metal framing with soft sides. Your choice will be based on budget, size, and permit restrictions.
- Terrain Youll need a flat surface to place your pool or youll need to spend more time and money creating one.
Once youve made your decision, chosen your location, and gotten the required permits, you can begin your installation.
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The Pool Is Built On A Hillside And The Homeowner Wants To Leave The Downhill Side Exposed
This is actually a great idea as long as no part of the pool is more than 18 inches above grade as discussed previously and some method of erosion control is used on the downhill side to prevent washing out of the backfill material and hillside.
Some materials that might work would be mulch, stone, plantings, etc.
Heat Pumps For Above Ground Pools
For the easiest installation, we recommend a heat pump since they operate through thermal transfer instead of by burning propane or gas. This means all you’ll need to do to install one is add it to your pool’s existing plumbing and then provide a power source. Plus, as a bonus, many heat pumps also have a “chiller” option – which allows you to lower the temperature of your pool water should it get too hot from the summer sun!
GOOD TO KNOW: since heat pumps rely on the transfer of ambient air, they loose most of their effectiveness when the outside air drops below 50 degrees.
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Consider Shade Versus Sunlight
Do you have trees in your backyard? Trees are great. They are pretty, attract singing birds, sound nice in a breeze, and provide shade on hot days. They also drop these cute little organic things called leaves. This can be a pain as these pesky leaves have no concern for your nice clean body of water below. A few leaves landing in the pool are OK for most, but a lot of leaves can cause a pool maintenance nightmare. Its usually alright to have your pool close to a tree, but the rule of thumb is to avoid having tree branches hanging directly over the water.
Want to get a little tan while youre in your pool? Of course you do! Track where you get direct sunshine in your yard during the summer and make sure you install your above ground pool in that spot. Direct sunshine is the number one requirement for a good spot for a pool, but you may not get much considering how many trees you have and what direction your yard is pointing. So, plan on installing in a nice open area.
Also, in the summer a swimming pools water that doesnt get enough direct midday sunlight can always be a little too cold. The opposite is also true as the water of a pool with too much direct sunlight can always be just too warm. This depends too on the individual as to what water temperature he/she likes, but it is still very much worth considering when selecting a location for your pool.
Flooring Underlayment & Carpet Padding
Flooring underlayment, also known as padding is a spongy flexible foam sheet that comes in rolls. It is usually installed between laminate flooring and the subfloor.
Carpet padding is thicker than flooring underlayment. Its also a cheap option to put under your above ground or Intex pool.
If youre not sure what to put under your inflatable pool, this could be a good option. Its cheap and easy to work with. However both are quite thin and wont provide a lot of protection.
Youll likely need a few layers otherwise youll feel rocks or stones under your feet when swimming. Foam tiles are a better choice if you want to avoid this.
Pros Easy to cut and work with Widely available
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A Grand Idea Gone Bust
As much as I would’ve liked to have provided a pool for my kids this summer, the reality is that I was never comfortable with the idea of having one in the first place. There’s a reason homeowners insurance rates tend to spike when a pool gets thrown in the mix — the potential for personal injury is just so much higher.
And also, as much as my kids might enjoy a pool, the reality is that since I work full time, I don’t have the luxury to sit out in the yard for four hours a day supervising them while they swim.
Not that my kids would want to spend that much time in a pool anyway. We joined a local pool club in town two summers ago as a means of weekend entertainment, and we found that most days, our kids were done after one or two hours — so if your plan to install an above-ground pool this summer isn’t working out, don’t stress about it. Chances are, it would’ve kept your kids busy for a couple of hours a day at most.
As for us, we have a new backup plan — a sprinkler system and homemade waterslide setup. Because we have a hill on one side of our house that’s prime for sledding, we figure we can run a tarp down it, put a tiny catch pool at the bottom, and voila — instant water slide. Or, maybe we’ll take advantage of the above-ground pools our friends put in if it’s safe enough to do so.
