Soak Up The Sunscreen And Bodily Oils
I just saw a program on the tee vee about this enormous sponge that soaks up crude oil above and below the water after a catastrophic spill.
This Scumbug oil-sucking sponge must use the same technology. It absorbs 40 times its weight in sunscreen oils, so if you slather your kid like I slather mine, this handy, bug-shaped sponge will suck it out of the water to help keep the kiddie pool clean and the water clear.
So Whats Considered A Kiddie Pool
So, what constitutes a small inflatable or plastic pool, and what is considered a larger inflatable or plastic pool? Do you have to buy this filter business separately, or is a larger inflatable pool one with a filter already built in, and therefore okay to disinfect with chemicals?
Thoroughly confused, I searched for kiddie pools on Amazon and scoured the first three pages of results. The smallest kiddie pool was 32 inches in diameter and eight inches deep, with a capacity of 45 gallons. The largest rectangular kiddie pool I found was a little over 10 feet long, six feet wide, and 20 inches deep, for a total capacity of 350 gallons. The vast majority were between those two extremes.
Happily, my friends over at Pool Solutions who also lament that theres no standard definition of what a kiddie pool is have created their own. Not only that, but theyve also created a calculator that helps you figure out the capacity of your pool and the proper formulation of chemicals youll need to keep it clean. Ill link you to that shortly, but first, for their chemical formulation purposes, these are the factors that make a kiddie pool a kiddie pool.
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A capacity of 200 to 4,000 gallons
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A depth of three feet or less
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Sides no longer than 15 feet across or in diameter
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Either no filter, or a small pump/filter combo
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Easy, at-home installation
Trick : How To Keep The Water Clean For A Couple Of Days
Its sometimes impractical or impossible to empty andsanitize the pool every day as explained above.
This is especially true for full-sized inflatable pools.
Here you can combine these 2 beneficial methods.
Method 1: Use Chlorine tablets to sanitize the water
You might be aware that chlorine tablets are a powerfulantidote for algae and other elements and you can add them.
There are several ways of introducing the chlorine tablets:
You can, for instance, put the tablets in a chemical floater.
Youll be taking out the dispenser during swims andreturning it between swims in case you have opted for a dispenser.
For optimal sanitization, shock your pool about once perweek with the indicated dose of chlorine to keep bacteria andalgae at bay.
Overall, the tablets work best but you can still use yourhome bleach as you wait for the delivery of the tablets.
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Backwash Your Filter Bi
While regularly cleaning your filter is a top priority, theres one other thing you can do to keep it running at peak performance.
Backwashing.
Its more of a quick fix for keeping things in order, but doing it regularly helps prevent debris buildup. And the less buildup, the longer your filter stays clean.
When you backwash your filter, youre essentially pumping your pool water backward into the filter.
Think of it like rinsing your mouth with Listerine the concept is pretty much the same. Its a quick way to rinse off any loose debris in the filter media and prevent clogging/buildup.
For the best results:
- Backwash your pool filter at least once a week
- For busier month, backwash twice a week
Will Pool Noodles Keep Pipes From Freezing
Even better, a pool noodle can help keep your pipes from freezing and causing damage in these frigid conditions. Slice one lengthwise, wrap it around your problem pipes, and youve got instant foam insulation to keep your water pipes from bursting. Pool noodle crafts are a hot winter-time project to keep them busy.
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Heating Your Intex Pool
Warming up the water in your Intex pool is easier than you might think. Although options like gas heaters arent suitable, there are plenty of great alternatives.
Since Intex pools are MUCH smaller than inground and permanent above ground pools, theyre more affordable to heat.
The best ways to heat Intex pools are:
- Pool heat pumps
Upgrade To An Intex Salt System
Why settle for a pool when you can rule your own tiny sanitized sea? Stop adding chlorine to your pool and convert your Intex pool with a salt generator system.
The Intex saltwater system is a two-stage mechanism that pulls the salts chlorine out in the first stage, and then creates powerful, pool-sanitizing oxidizers from salt water in the second.
With this system installed, you add salt to your pool instead of chlorine. The salty water then runs through the generator, producing a steady flow of chlorinated water. The second stage, called electrocatalytic oxidation, pulls compounds out of the water that work in concert with the chlorine to kill bacteria and algae. Poseidon himself would be hard pressed to do a better job.
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How To Set Up An Intex Metal Frame Pool
The first thing you need to do before setting up an above ground pool is to level the ground where it will be placed. Dont worry. Its not as hard as it sounds!
Most of the time, you can find fairly level ground to place it on. And keep in mind that it doesnt have to be perfect. A little sand in some low spots and a shovel to chip away any high spots and youre probably all set.
Also, try to rake the ground and make sure there are no sharp objects or rocks that could cause lumps in the bottom of the pool.
Next, place the ground cover your pool came with or a tarp large enough to cover the area on the level ground. Spread it out evenly and then place the pool directly on top.
Youll also need to spread the pool liner out evenly. It helps to let it sit out in the sun for a couple of hours to warm it up and make it more pliable.
Now youll just follow the instructions for inserting all the supports into the tee joints and fasten them with the provided pins and washers. Youll do this around the entire parameter of the pool.
Once those are all connected, youll attach the metal frame supports to them. Its important in this step to make sure youre passing the vertical supports through both the belt and lower rope as shown here in this pic from Level Ground Pool:
Photo credit:
All thats left to do now is to fill it up with water, attach the pump, and add your chemicals .
Check Your Calcium Hardness
When you hear people talk about hard or soft water, this is what theyre talking about. This level should be between 100 and 300 ppm.
Water thats too hard has a calcium hardness level thats too high. It can dry out your skin and leave calcium buildup on your equipment.
But if its too soft, it can feel slimy and make your skin feel itchy and irritated.
The regional water supply tends to dictate how hard or soft your pool water is. So if you already know your local water leans one way or the other, youll have a better idea of what chemicals to keep on hand.
To increase the calcium hardness, you can use a calcium increaser . But the only truly effective way to decrease it is to dilute the water.
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Intex Pool Cleaning Guide: Intex Pool Chemicals Startup
Intex swimming pools are great for people who dont want to set up a permanent above ground pool in their backyard. They are budget-friendly, easy to set up, and can last for a decent number of years.
But as with all swimming pools, an Intex pool must be constantly maintained to ensure clean and safe water. That means cleaning it regularly and adding the right chemicals. Plan on spending a few hours per week caring for your pool and keeping it in splash-ready condition.
We have prepared a comprehensive Intex pool cleaning guide that explains how to keep your pool clean and which chemicals to add to guarantee germ-free water and safe swimming. Lets start!
Skim Brush And Vacuum Weekly
That handful of leaves and twigs sitting on the pool floor may seem harmless, but something major is happening in the background.
Any debris that stays in your pool, no matter how big or small, eats away at your sanitizer and throws off your chemical levels. And the longer they stay there, the cloudier your water gets.
Thats why making an effort to skim, brush, and vacuum your pool each week is essential.
- Enjoy a consistently clean pool
- Spend less on chemicals
- Reduce your pool cleaning time more and more each week
- Keep your swimming pool crystal clear
For the best results:
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Think Carefully About Where You Place Your Pool
How do you determine exactly where you should place your pool? Is it because there is enough space or just because the swimming pool has always been there? The location you choose is also important for the cleaning of your swimming pool. For example, do not place your pool under or near a large tree. Everything that drops from the tree ends up in your swimming pool. So, try to place the pool in as free an environment as possible, where there is often more sun, which makes swimming more pleasant. If you have a SunnyTent, you can place the pool near trees, as the SunnyTent covers your swimming pool.
What Happens If You Leave Water In A Kiddie Pool For Too Long
Leaving pool water out too long or not cleaning the pool appropriately between uses increases the risk of infection by a recreational water illness,’ pediatrician Colin Orr, M.D., tells Romper via email, which can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
If youve never heard the term recreational water illness before, consider yourself blessed. The term refers to those nasty bugs you can pick up from places like public pools, the beach, or the water park. Try as you might, itâs bound to happen at least once during your kiddoâs childhood, and it can be downright disastrous to endure.
These infections are caused by E. coli, Shigella, and Cryptosporidium are easily spread, pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares tells Romper. This is particularly true when kids swallow or come in contact with water in kiddie pools. There is an even greater risk of exposure to these germs when is used by more than one child at a time, she notes.
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Do Pool Noodles Absorb Water
Pool noodles are used commonly as water toys, as they are very light and float on water. The material they are made from, polyethylene foam, does not absorb water. Due to this, they do not deform when in contact with water. They are made of polyethylene foam, which is what makes it possess most of its features.
The Ultimate Guide To Intex Pool Care
On a hot summers day, its hard to beat the feeling that comes with jumping into the cold, crisp waters of your own backyard swimming pool. You could try jumping into one of those Scrooge McDuck-style money vaults, we suppose, but we hear thats more painful than refreshing.
But if you dont have the room in your yard, or the gold coins in your McDuck vault, for a traditional swimming pool, Intex pools offer a budget- and space-friendly alternative. Want a pool thats easy to set up in the spring and then store when summer ends? Explore pool ownership without a life-changing commitment.
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Consider Yourself An Intex Pool Insider
Look at you, balancing beauty, price, and performance with versatility. Youve unlocked the secrets of Intex pool ownership and customization. Forget the backhoes and the budget-busters. Youre ready to turn your backyard into a white-hot supernova of DIY swimming fun.
Youve got everything you need to choose, maintain, and enjoy your Intex pool this seasonand in the years ahead. Come on inthe waters fine.
Happy Swimming!
Intex Pools Vs Traditional Pools
Compared to inground or above ground models, Intex pools require less investment and zero construction. Options range from basic inflatables to steel-framed models you can convert to a permanent part of your yard. They often include a ground cover and debris cover.
Intex pools often include cartridge filters and pumps as well, which makes it easy to get swimming sooner. The filter pumps capacity varies with the pool size you choose. Intex pumps also have a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter that automatically shuts down the pump if any electrical current is exposed to water.
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Put Your Pool In The Right Spot
How clean your pool stays depends heavily on where you put it.
Why? Put it under some trees, and youll always have leaves in your pool.
You want to put your pool in an open area in your backyard. While landscaping and trees are beautiful, you want some space around your pool to keep leaves and debris out.
Start With Total Alkalinity
While most startup pool chemical guides suggest starting with pH, we recommend balancing total alkalinity instead.
And heres why: alkalinity is what stabilizes your pH.
Alkaline prevents your pH from fluctuating, which makes balancing your water MUCH easier. So by getting your Total Alkalinity levels right first, youll be able to adjust your pH faster.
Proper levels for Total Alkalinity range between 80 to 120 ppm.
To increase your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity increaser . Baking soda also works for increasing alkalinity, although its not as effective.
To decrease your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity decreaser . In emergency situations, small doses of muriatic acid can also be used for lowering pH.
Once your alkalinity is within the 80-120 ppm range, its time to start adjusting pH.
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Get A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Want a more simplified way to clean your pool? Get a robot.
Just like those home robot vacuums youre probably familiar with, a robotic pool cleaner works in the same way.
An automatic pool cleaner has an electric motor that creates suction to remove dirt and debris from your pool. When debris is sucked up, its stored in a separate filter bag attached to the cleaner.
Robotic pool cleaners also save money and energy. For one, they require a low voltage to run so they dont use up a ton of energy. Compared to other pool cleaning equipment, a robotic cleaner could cut down as much as 82 percent on your energy bills.
A robotic cleaner also has a wide range of capabilities.
For instance, our rechargeable cordless swimming pool cleaner has a 2-liter waste capacity and moves freely around your pools floor. And you dont even need tools to lift it out of the water.
Test Water And Balance Chemicals Weekly Minimum
All pool owners know that testing their water is just a regular part of owning a pool.
But ask yourself:
How often do I test and balance my pool water?
Maybe youre someone who squeezes it into your schedule once or twice a month. Or maybe you only do it when you expect to swim.
And although either can work for a little while depending on how often you swim , one thing is certain:
Its not enough.
Its important to keep your pool properly sanitized and chemically balanced for a few reasons:
- To fight off bacteria and protect your health
- For cleaner and clearer water
- To reduce chemical costs over time and
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Upgrade Your Intex Pool Filter Cartridge
The standard filter cartridge that comes with your Intex pool is perfectly functional. But you might see improved performance with an after-market filter cartridge.
These filters may have a longer functional life, with improved filtration materials that allow you to change your filter less frequently during the season due to wear and tear.
Can You Put An Above Ground Pool On Grass
While you could place your pool directly on top of your grass, that isnt the best idea. The grass isnt a firm base since it is alive and growing. The most common materials to use as a base for above ground pools include concrete pads, commercial pads, sand, solid foam, carpet padding, and flooring underlayment.
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Can You Shock A Pool Without The Pump Running
How to keep an inflatable pool clean without a filter. The pool should be cleaned daily, so while your doing this just take. Moreover, the inflatable pool needs regular draining and refilling of water. Use 55% to 62% chlorine to kill those dangerous monsters lurking inside the pool.
Inflatable kiddie pools are easy to blow up and use, but leaving water in an inflatable kiddie pool isnt the best idea. How to keep an inflatable kiddie pool clean when it comes to maintaining kids inflatable pools, things get somewhat simpler. To keep it clean, you should first empty the pool, clean it and raise or decrease its ph appropriately.
The filter pump will circulate the water cleaning out debris for you throughout the day. A flocculant will group impurities floating in the water. If your kids pool is pretty small, and draining and refilling it doesnt feel like a colossal waste of water, then the best way to keep the kiddie pool clean is to drain it when the waters dirty, scrub it down with a plain old kitchen brush and some mild dish soap, and refill it.
If youre trying to fix already slimy or green pool water, save yourself the time and multiple chemicals and start with fresh water. Or pour down the sink drain with a bit of baking soda to freshen. If you want to keep the pool filled for a couple of days, or your inflatable pool is a little too large that emptying and replacing the water each day isnt practical, keep the water safe with chlorine tablets.
