Youll need to keep total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million), and its important to be aware that this will drift upwards or downwards with your pH level as they strongly influence each other. Most acidic pools cause surface etching, but this isnt a problem with Intex due to their triple-ply polymer vinyl walls. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. Care for your Intex pool properly to enjoy swimming in crystal clear water all summer long. The cover keeps the floater in one spot - will that cause any damage? Tbars done. I doubt the pool will last forever since it requires the integrity of the vinyl liner, but we're on our second year and it's going strong! Question: What chemicals do I use to start the Intex metal frame pool? Pool maintenance kit (pH and chlorine testing kit), Pool cover to keep the pool clean/prevent evaporation of water. Your pH must be between 7.4 and 7.6, your total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and your chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm before you can safely use the pool. A pool calculator can come in handy too, as all you need to do is take some measurements and plug in the numbers. Question: Can I use the pool cover with the chlorine floater? The only safe way to heat an Intex pool is by using a solar blanket.
Intex offers two basic pool types: the "Easy Set" pool with an inflatable ring on the top of the pool and the metal-frame pools. I did the shock yesterday and the blue floor now is lost. At a value of 7.0 the water is neutral; at a higher value the water is basic and at a lower value the water is acidic. I bought a 10x30 prism metal frame. You can change your cookie preference, view the instructions in our, Swimming from spring to autumn in the SunnyTent, Warm and clean swimming water without energy costs. We also took ours down, and that potentially caused the liner to wear thin. Question: I just bought a 14 x 33 foot Intex metal frame pool and I was told to use the Clorox Ready To Use floater. Turn on the filter and pump system to the Intex pool. If you get temps and snow like we do here, leave it up. A small gap will be required at the top of the bucket opening so that the pump can pull the DE into the filter system. If the ground is level, you will be fine - the leveling is the hardest part of the process. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. If you continue to use this website we will assume that you are happy with this. The chlorine and other chemicals in a shock kit are fairly strong and I try to make sure the pool is full before adding them. The pool pump that Intex includes is usually on the smaller side, and in accordance to the size of the pool. The filter system works the same as any other pool, requiring both a pump and filter to circulate and clear the water of debris. Pool testing kits are inexpensive and come with complete instructions for use and for when shock is needed. Intex doesnt sell a heater, but due to the smaller size of their pools you can heat them very efficiently using solar power. Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on May 28, 2012: Hi Wolf - we set ours up for the second year and it is fine so far! Doing so will give your pool the ability to generate chlorine by pouring in regular table salt, and while this is still technically a chlorine pool, its noticeably less harsh on the skin. Shocking dosages are generally 1 lb.
on the top ring i dont over chemical the pool and use a uv wax every couple weeks on the ring but still this happens. i am trying to find out what it is, how to clean it safley and most importantly will it cause the ring to split, get brittle and crack as i lost another pool to that years ago and want to save this only 2 year old one! Alternatively, you can convert to a saltwater pool by installing an Intex salt chlorinator. Question: Where does tube A go into my pump?
I cant even vacuum the pool. Testing your pools water will be the most frequent maintenance task youll have to perform to keep the water in check. Answer: Most people run their pumps during the day, though there is nothing wrong with running the pool at night. Theyve long been the go-to above ground pool due to their ease of use, excellent quality, and low cost. But how does Intex pool care differ from maintaining a traditional inground or above ground pool? Shock treatments are commonly done once a week, and with Intex pools this should be no different. For smaller swimming pools, a swimming pool pump is actually not necessary. We once had a terrible problem with algae in our pool and the shock couldn't clear the green water. How do I heat my above ground pool is a question that is often asked. This process also increases the ratio of free available chlorine in the water, making it more effective at sanitation. Whereas sanitizing chemicals such as chlorine break down harmful pollutants in the water, the pool filter is what removes them from the pool itself. Small holes in the liner is usually an easy fix, as there are patch repair kits that Intex sells in case you spring a leak. poolonomics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Intex pools provide you with all the essential components, but you may want to make upgrades along the way. It is still in the water, but it is no longer available for disinfection. Is your pool up all year round? Bromine Vs. Chlorine: Whats The Difference. It is possible with the swimming pool domes from SunnyTent! There is a plus sign on the pump. The main difference is that the majority of Intex pools are smaller and have a uniform depth, so theyll be easier to clean. Does your township require the grounding/bonding for above ground pools as well as in-ground pools (our area excepts above-ground pools from nearly all of the in-ground requirements). This is usually done to oxidize chloramines (combined chlorine) and kill off any bacteria and viruses that may be present in the water. Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on March 06, 2017: Wow, PhillyToJerseyGirl! Ensure you have a salt system (filter/pump with electrocatalytic oxidation capabilities) before using salt in your spa - Intex manufactures systems specifically for their product line. To accomplish this: Intex pools are an inexpensive, affordable above-ground pool option for families on a budget. Then we stored it in the basement and just set it up again for 2012 and the boys have been swimming in it without incident. It doesnt look good. You can use a flocculant to solve this problem. HELP//. Answer: It is possible to buy a "start-up" kit at any big box store or online for your Intex pool. There are reports of pools falling over if the ground isn't level, but ours isn't perfectly level and it is fine (it's off by an inch or so this year, it was a little worse than that last year). When adding chlorine, you must always measure carefully to achieve a sufficient level of chlorine. Shock may be purchased at any big-box store that sells Intex pools and will also come with instructions for use. Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on May 30, 2012: Wow, TM! So, you should check your swimming pool regularly with the help of the test strips and read the guidelines that are supplied with the pH raisers and lowers. The triple-ply polymer liner that Intex pools use is very durable, but at times it may require repairing. This can also be measured with test strips. A box level can be placed on a long pipe or piece of timber to gauge whether the surface is even. The overall cost of an Intex pool is increased by the purchase of necessary accessories, but the expense is well below that of a permanent above-ground pool system. From tips regarding pH value to automatic cleaning. Children entering the pool , Clearing green pool water Do you feel like taking a refreshing dip, but your pool water is green? If the level of chlorine is already high, a non-chlorinated shock is used. Intex pool care doesnt differ much from most above ground pools, or even inground pools for that matter. Too low a pH value is bad for your health and skin. Please leave your valid email address below. Once the ground is leveled, it is wise to lay a weed-preventing cloth over the dirt. Its the total concentration of dissolved carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides and cyanurates in the pool water. Theres an endless amount of information on how to properly take care of a traditional inground swimming pool, be it concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl liner. You can run the pump with a pool cover on, but it is possible that the pump will cause water to pool on top of your pool cover and submerge it. Home Blog 7 Tips To Keep Your Pool Clean. I certainly want the pool to be safe, but paying an electrician every year seems like a lot for a 300.00 pool. The SunnyTent can be used perfectly for this. If you live in a climate that gets cool but not frighteningly cold weather, you may keep the pool assembled but youll still want to winterize it. Winterizing the pool must be done if outdoor temperatures drop below 5C. Leveling the ground can be back-breaking work if the soil is rocky or clay-filled: a rented roto-tiller will make this process much easier. If you decide to go the route of a solar blanket, a cover reel will make your life much easier. This is pool algae. There are many ways to heat your above-ground pool, but which way is best, most , Nothing is more annoying than swimming in cold water, between leaves and blades of grass. Some customers complain that the Easy Set pools develop a slimy film on the underside of the inflated ring and that the overall diameter of the pool is less than stated on the packaging (the top of the pool slants inward, so the labeled size is for the diameter of the bottom of the pool). This is a sizable upfront investment, but it works out much cheaper to sanitize and maintain your pool in the long-term. Black stains may appear on the inflatable ring of the Easy-Set pool: this is caused by floating sunscreen and is impossible to eliminate once it occurs. Answer: I always fill ours up completely before adding the chemicals to make sure the concentration is appropriate. Some types of grass (specifically, St. Augustine and Bermuda) have been known to puncture the pool liners of Intex pools. Youll next add winterizing chemicals to keep the water clean. The normal chlorine value is between 1 and 2 ppm / litre. I was grateful to see blue water again once we managed to get all of the algae out! A sand filter pump filters through sand or glass grains dirt the size of a sand grain from the water. Question: Can I use a saltwater system with my Intex spa? Setting up the Intex pool is easy, but the ground preparation prior to set-up may be challenging. Before purchasing a swimming pool pump, you should note the diameter of the hose and the connection. Your pool has a lot to endure when you use it often. Question: What vacuum did you use to clear out the algae from your metal frame pool? You also protect the pool material with a cover. Repeat this process as necessary to achieve a crystal-clear Intex pool. The pool assembly is very easy. We take ours down every winter just because it isn't guaranteed to withstand sub-freezing temps (and we also get inordinate amounts of snow that could knock it over). The location you choose is also important for the cleaning of your swimming pool.
This is when you may need a few more chemicals to lend you a helping hand in clearing up the pool water. If you are trying to dislodge the first horizontal bar (and it is not stuck to the liner), then try raising the vertical bars at an angle until you can slide one end of the horizontal bar out. According to everything I have read the Intex frame pool will collapse no matter you do. If you have heavy foliage in your yard, youll need to skim more often.
Liquid kits are a bit more involved and can rival a chemistry experiment, while digital kits are the most expensive but also the most accurate. Chlorine Free Pools: 7 Pool Chlorine Alternatives (Pros & Cons), Pool Maintenance Checklist: Daily, Weekly, Monthly (Schedule), Best Pool Skimmers: A Detailed Review & Buying Guide. To reduce the balance, you can add pH-plus to the water. It is possible to boost the efficiency of an Intex pool filter by adding diatomaceous earth (DE). Most Intex tubes connect the lower pool-side connector to the upper pump connector (with the + sign). Would recommend this very much.". Follow instructions that come with the kit you purchase, as the method may vary slightly depending on the specific manufacturer and chemicals included. Sand should not be used for leveling the ground under the pool, because the sand will shift once the water weight is added, creating an unstable and dangerous base. To add the DE to the Intex pool filter: Electric heaters should never be used with an Intex pool. Similar to acidic pools, alkaline water also irritates swimmers eyes, nose, and causes itchy skin. Dead algae often remain in the pool. Chlorine, alkaline pH adjusters, and acid are available at any local hardware or pool store. A sump pump may be necessary to drain the final few inches of water. Some swimming pools contain a cartridge filter or sand filter pump. Intex sells solar blankets (which look like bubble wrap), though these blankets do not have high user ratings. Pool water needs to stay balanced at all times. If TA doesnt stay in this range, you will end up with an acidic or alkaline pool. Store the poles and connectors separately, to prevent any punctures to the liner during storage. Running the pump for 8 hours out of a 24 hour period is generally sufficient to keep it clear. Im having this issue now and dont think the one I have is helping to clear it up at all. If you use a pool cover, it would be wise to have a way to keep the pool cover from preventing the free movement of the chlorine floater (by the use of inflatables or another method). The shock level has to be 10 times the amount of combined chlorine in the water in order to raise its free chlorine level and reach breakpoint. A small amount of DE is needed: approximately 1/4-1/2 cup of DE will help clear a large Intex pool from cloudy residue. We bought ours in June 2011, set it up, and used it for the entire summer. If access to well water is available, this can be a cost-saving option. I live in Western NY and our area doesn't require fencing for above ground pools because the consider the wall of the pool as a "fence." The colours on such a strip indicate whether the values are correct or not. These pools require an absolutely level surface prior to set up, or the pool may collapse and cause injury or property damage. You can often clean it more efficiently yourself. Whether youre setting it up from scratch, or just taking off the pool cover, youll need to start by balancing the water with the proper chemicals. Question: I keep my 16 Intex Pool Up year round. Answer: Is your tubing 1.5" diameter or 1.25" diameter? Of course, if you have to set the pool up all over again, youve already done it at least once so you should be familiar with getting the pool up and running. The danger of an electrical short is high and can cause death to any person inside the pool. Variations of solar blankets are solar sun rings, which work the same way but are individual rings that interlock via magnets, or liquid solar cover, which is a chemical additive that forms an invisible barrier on the surface of the water to lock in heat. A better solution is to purchase a solar cover independently: Midwest sells a high-grade solar blanket for about $40, and this solar cover receives 5-star reviews from customers. Answer: If you are unable to vacuum the pool, I would invest in a better pump. Once the pool is drained, youll break it down, and store it indoors where it wont be exposed to the cold temperatures. Every Intex pool comes with a drain valve: a hose may be attached to direct water to a convenient location for dumping. In addition, a high pH value is unhealthy for eyes and skin. I have replaced the pump once ( first one froze and cracked) and replaced valves 3 times. It was given to us without instructions. This website uses cookies to personalise content, to analyse traffic, for advertising and to provide social media features. In fact, we didn't even cover it for the past 2 winters. How to take apart the first horizontal bars tip or trick? Everything I read says the ground has to PERFECTLY level or it will collapse. The pumps job is to suck in water from the pool, send it through the filter, and then return water back to the pool, fresh and clean. if it is only cosmetic i cant care, A friend gave me a model b 14 by 42 intex pool. The most popular (and cheapest) form of pool sanitizer is chlorine, which can be found in either powder, granule, tablet or liquid form. The ease of setup and use is Intex pools calling cards. For Intex pools, the go-to approach is to place 2 to 3 chlorine tablets in a floating chlorinator for slow-dissolve release, topping up when they start to run low. You will get it with this solar blanket. Anytime youre adding chemicals to pool water, you need to know the volume of the pool for accurate dosing. We did drain it, clean it and refill it this year which is the only time we did this after initial setup 8 yrs ago. Do I need to use any other chemicals to keep the water clear or is the floater enough? The pool should be taken down in areas that expect freezing temperatures. I would definitely contact the company to let them know the pool liner was damaged by the shock treatment. Intex offers several pool sizes which last for a couple of years: perfect for a budget-conscious family with young children. Pool algae tend to occur in warm and , Swimming under a high-quality pool dome made in Europe? If the floor of the pool takes on heavy debris, you can vacuum it up using either a suction-side, pressure-side, or robotic cleaner. Since Intex pools are smaller than most, this can sometimes present challenges that you rarely find with inground pools. The Intex brand is perfect for the consumer who wants to "try out" an above-ground pool system without investing a lot of money. A correct pH value is very important and can prevent various problems. Question: I just bought one Intex 15 x 42 pool and I want to know if I can run the pump with the cover installed on the pool or without it? A swimming pool pump often only becomes relevant for swimming pools with a diameter of 183 centimetres or more. Thankfully, its not very hard to do and doesnt take up too much time. The water flows into the pump from the lower pool connector/upper pump connector, filters down through the filter, then flows out through the bottom pump outlet and back into the pool (through the upper pool inlet, which is typically fitted with a strainer basket). If these other substances or minerals come into contact with chlorine, they can mix with the water, causing it to discolour. Total alkalinity (TA) is another level you need to keep an eye on. The walls of the pool and the floor should be brushed down using a soft bristled pool brush that wont damage the pool liner material. If you have a SunnyTent, you can place the pool near trees, as the SunnyTent covers your swimming pool. If you are in the USA, the filter is available via prime on amazon. The SunnyTent is the best way to cover your swimming pool so that it stays warm and clean. Weve drained the pool and still cant get all the little debris out. It is possible your pump is not big enough to handle the load. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. I hope this information is helpful! We did find a replacement liners, but the replacement liners cost as much as buying the entire pool kit again! Too much chlorine can damage your health. The liner should definitely not be damaged by a single shock treatment, and with the pool being only one week old, a call to customer service is definitely in order! After about 2 years of use, it developed a few holes. The method of purification of these pumps differs. In principle, the lower the pH value, the better the disinfection of your pool, but the value must also remain healthy for your skin. Youll want to keep the chlorine level at around 1 to 3 ppm. Do I have to return it? Its also important to shock the pool overnight so the chlorine wont burn off too quickly (the suns UV rays eat it up). For us, it meant digging out a semi circle of land to get it even, and using some wood blocks to shim a few of the legs. A floating chlorine dispenser is not enough to keep bacteria levels down: occasional shocks are required to keep the water clean. Whether or not you opt for automatic cleaning depends to a large extent on the size of your pool and the extent to which you use it. Excessive chlorine can be counterproductive. When adding the start up kit, should I fill the pool completely or add the chemicals & then add the water? Other options include water-supply companies, which will fill the pool up in a fraction of the time using a truck with a pump. Jen, our area doesn't require a permit or grounding/bonding. Our township requires this but it seems like I would have to pay someone to do this every year. Together with Etan Trampolines, SunnyTent has its factory in Bosnia and . It is always safest to use tap water to fill your pool. However, you should use them with caution and follow the directions for use carefully. The horizontal bars are threaded through the sleeves at the top of the pool, and T-bars are used to connect each bar with locking pins. You may also find their competition (such as Bestway), but when it comes to longevity and material quality, Intex is the king of specialized above ground pools. The ground must be absolutely level prior to setting up the pool: an uneven slope may cause the pool to collapse and cause injury. Test strips are inexpensive and only require you dip them into a sample of pool water to get your levels. For example, you may suffer from irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. So, try to place the pool in as free an environment as possible, where there is often more sun, which makes swimming more pleasant. Everything that drops from the tree ends up in your swimming pool. We're only on our second year, so it is great to hear that yours is on its 5th year and still going strong! Any higher and the water will be too harsh on your skin and eyes. A pool water monitoring kit is necessary to adjust the chlorine and pH levels of the pool. My ground was slightly sloped, put drain on that side n had not 1problem w drainage of 20 x 48". Cleaning a sand filter can be as simple as backwashing, while cartridges require manually rinsing or replacement. Also my pool is not on level ground.so far so good. You will then have to add pH minus to lower the pH value.
The pH value measures the acidity of the swimming water is. We will cover it this year since water is somewhat fresh. Well water or ground water may contain minerals or other substances. Anything under 7.4 and the pool will become acidic, and anything over 7.6 will turn the water too alkaline (or basic). The filter motor is a intex krystal clear 637R. The Easy Set pools come in sizes ranging from 8' across x 30" deep to a rather large 18' across x 48" deep. A properly cared-for Intex pool will create a fun swimming environment for years! This will prevent any grass from growing into the pool liner. Answer: You will need to purchase a water testing kit and will also need to "shock"' the pool when the water values are off. This chlorine smells and causes irritation to eyes and mucous membranes. Bound chlorine is chlorine that has been used up. Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on June 29, 2012: I agree, Jen- we actually looked at a solar heater (it runs water through solar panels to heat the pool), but the cheapest system cost more than the pool so it just wasn't worth the system. Running the pump throughout the day will keep the pool at a more constant temperature and may minimize evaporative loss of water. per 10,000 gallons of water. This kit typically includes "shock" (this can be chlorine or non-chlorine, depending on the kit), pH test strips, clarifier, and metal control. Often, Intex gives a letter identifier to the size of the tube (you can find tubing size adaptors online).
Is it because there is enough space or just because the swimming pool has always been there? Once the pool has begun to clear, remove the filter and spray it with a hose to remove the DE. DE can be purchased at any local DIY store or pool supply store and will help to keep the water in an Intex pool sparkling and clear. So be cautious with chlorine, too high a concentration can have unpleasant consequences. Before draining, always make sure you fully clean the pool with a skimmer net, pool brush, and if needed, a vacuum. Which tube (A vs. B) shoots the water back into the pool? It is good to know that you have had success with leaving the pool up year-round! Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on October 18, 2015: Stacy, we had some difficulty removing the horizontal bars, too. Solar blankets are your best bet, as they rest on the surface of the water when the pool isnt in use. Is it recommended to get a bigger pump? The pump does not need to run for 24 hours straight. We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. The following pool accessories are necessary for maintaining an Intex pool: For those who live in areas where the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the Intex pool may be left up year-round. We did carefully level it, though. This includes the pool shell, pool pump, pool filter, hoses, and a few other accessories depending on the model. I set up my 18'ft metal frame intex pool 5 yrs ago and never took it down. Do you also catch leaves with a fishing net every day? The downside of this method is that the pool is unusable for a couple of days until the chemicals dissipate. These are things like additional shock or algaecide, and youll have to run the pump for a day to fully distribute them throughout the pool. The Intex metal-frame pool options come in sizes ranging from 10' across x 30" deep to a whopping 24' across by 52" deep. I pulled out my pool from the side of my house, and realized a large rat chewed large 4x4 holes, at least 10-15 Im wondering is there somewhere I can purchase just the vinal pool without the hardware, pump, poles, etc,.? If there are algae in the swimming pool, the chlorine level may be increased to 3 ppm / litre. I have the pool for just a week. Anyone have an electrician ground and bond the pool? If its not in a neutral state, the water will become dangerous for swimmers, and pollutants (such as algae) will thrive. Therefore, always follow the guidelines, as supplied with the chlorine products. Intex pools are essentially an all-in-one above ground pool, providing everything you need to get your new backyard pool up and running. Is it ok if I leave the pump running all through the night with the pool covered? We are currently without an Intex pool. Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on September 08, 2020: Hello, Jonnut - you may buy this filter from amazon or directly from the Intex site. Simply type in the filter type into the search bar and it should pop up for you (it did for me). The pH value of your swimming pool is relatively easy to check with the help of test strips. It is slightly off - maybe by an inch or so (like it was last year) but is very sturdy. Level the ground before setting up an Intex pool. You will need a test kit to make sure the pool's pH is within the right limit (typically around 7.4). By doing so, you can prevent many problems, no dirt such as leaves and insects get into the water. The liner, however, may be punctured by sharp objects: it is wise to lay a ground cloth prior to setting up a metal-frame pool.
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