Now, if you like the sciency, nerdy aspect of this chore like we do, you’ll probably enjoy the drop kit. Some pool accessories are just for fun, some are for convenience, but some are absolutely essential. What we have here are the ones you must have from the very beginning. We always recommend shocking your Intex pool at a minimum of twice a month, but preferably once a week.
First of all, you’ll want to research maintenance requirements. Most above-ground pools utilize an electric pump that circulates the water and keeps the water relatively clean. Some of the pools come with a pump and others you need to buy the pump separately. The big things that can’t circulate through the filter, you can easily clean with a mesh net. These are usually mounted on a long rod so you can reach across wide pools. In addition to the daily maintenance, at the beginning of each season, pools will require a shocking agent to get rid of all the algae that grows during the offseason.
This pump also includes a handy auto-timer, which allows the user to preset 2- to 12-hour cycles, eliminating the need to turn the system off and on manually. When the filter cartridge is full, simply remove it and replace it. The SkimmerPlus also comes equipped with a built-in removable straining basket that removes larger debris.
In fact, we didn’t even cover it for the past 2 winters. No rips, holes, collapses but liner is starting to wear along the top where liner wraps around the rim bars. We did drain it, clean it and refill it this year which is the only time we did this after intex baby float initial setup 8 yrs ago. Oh and did I mention that I bought it used from someone on Craigslist who lived in Philly and used it 1 summer. We will cover it this year since water is somewhat fresh. If you get temps and snow like we do here, leave it up.
That means at the end of swim season, you will need to deflate and store the pool. And watch out for sharp objects, including small rocks kicked out by your lawn mower, that could cause permanent damage to a less pricey option. These pools don’t have to be taken down during the winter. They can be partially drained to allow ice to expand, and winterized.
While these models are cheaper than robotic cleaners, they sometimes require a booster pump to have enough power to operate, which can add to their cost. Unlike in-ground pool filters, which are more complicated to install and often require professional installation, most above-ground filter installations are simple. Many models feature filters integrated with pumps, eliminating the need to make connections between the two pieces. Above-ground pool filters vary in their ease of use. Filters are more complex, requiring the user to adjust the filter to different settings to backwash, rinse, and even winterize the filter. The frame of this pool has a durable and rust-resistant steel design.
If you add too much, you risk counteracting your chlorine’s effectiveness, not to mention you’ll have to dilute the water and sort of start all over. You can also choose liquid or granular chlorine, which serves the same purpose. You’ll just have to add it manually according to dosage requirements.Add enough chlorine to raise your chlorine level to at least 3 ppm. We suggest you add it slowly and test in between to keep from adding too much. Adding sanitizer to your pool isn’t too difficult. You’ll need the size of your pool and the instructions for your chemicals.