Pools for Dummies (pool, cheaper, winter)

[SoFLGal]

I highly recommend getting a saltwater pool. Better for your hair, suits, etc. Other than that, I concur with all the recommendations on keeping the deep end at 5' or so.

I also recommend Casa Pools as I believe the Sunshine's do as well.

[nphomeowner]

Our dog says he's the luckiest dog in north port.

[mr&mrssunshine]

yes casa are highly recommended....but be warned prices are up about $1-1500 a pool due to cement increases

[mooselips13]

We recently had our pool done with Superior pools.
We did have the 6 foot deep end put in, as we didn't know any different, but we sure like the way it is, although the 5 foot throughout the pool sounds nice.

I am just learning about chemicals, as we have the Nano salt pool also.
Much more comfortable (than 2 weeks ago)with the PH readings, and chlorine readings and what/when to add acid or soda.

The only thing WE find difficult right now, is cleaning the filter. IT'S huge! And you have to be pretty strong to turn the do-hickey to even access the filter.
We clean it once a week, and thinking MAYBE we can do every other week, since we're just the two of us...(until company shows up...again.)

We also added the automatic bottom pools cleaner, little pop ups, that automatically turn, and shoot water throughout, as each one pops up at different intervals. So no brushing, no vacuuming.....nice.

Altho' the edge tiles will need cleaning, and a brushing through out maybe every other month...not sure of that yet.

We also had an additional rail (down the steps) placed for our old age...when we get there.....lol

VERY VERY happy with our splash pool.

Altho' on second thought I would have had it turned slightly, so there is more room to use the cage door, and also may have had the pool a tad larger.
Our pool is 13 by 23.............

[MikMal]

Is the pool inside of your cage? If it is, I would think that you should be able to clean the filter less often than every week. If you're not getting a lot of dirt off of it when you rinse it, try two weeks between cleaning. Unless, that is, Superior instructed you to clean it every week. If that's the case, I would follow their instructions so if you have any sort of warranty work done they can't claim it's from your actions (or lack of).
BTW, I only clean my filter once a month and have no problems.

[nphomeowner]

Hubby cleans our filter at least once a week but that is because our golden retriever swims with us daily. Lots and lots of hair even though I keep him brushed.

[mr&mrssunshine]

you brush your husband ? lucky guy :-)

[nphomeowner]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

you brush your husband ? lucky guy :-)

Oh funny!!! No, he's kind of balding so doesn't need much brushing.......

[Harbor Hopper]

Filter cleaning once every 3-4 weeks is fine (assuming no pets). You can put a little petroleum jelly on the filter housing threads to make it easier to turn.
Also, consider getting a Filter Flosser. LOVE mine! About $20 on Amazon, or the pool stores have them as well.

[mooselips13]

Well, we're going to give it a every other week try...We do have a Golden but she doesn't swim too often, MAYBE once a week she'll go in, and that's IF she's encouraged.
But she hangs around in the cage, and Goldens are hairy, and I think any breeze just blows it in the pool anyway....

And how dirty, is dirty?
It's hard to get a good idea, as to not having this type pool before..
.(I.E. had an above ground, and jacuzzi)

But there IS Golden hair, and it takes me a good 5 minutes of direct jet hose to get it clean.

Yikes, yesterday I forgot to place the O ring around the little drain cup, and for some reason could not get pool to prime....duh.

Another question:
How many hours do you run your pump/heater for?
We were at 12 hours, and have now cut back to 9 hours, from 12 to 9 p.m.