► Pad Or Hard Bottom?

What would be best to put on the bottom of our Above Ground Pool 24’, have heard about a hard bottom along with the Gorilla Pad?

L. S., 8/27/2007

A hard bottom would probably be instead of a pad or on rough ground.  If you start with a smooth, level base, a pad should be all you need.  Just make sure there are no erosion issues to be concerned about.  Enjoy the pool!

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 8/28/2007

► Unsuitable Base?

Dear Alan, a friend phoned and said she had requested sand to be delivered and the delivery was construction sand.  I told her she could not use it because of the texture of it, i.e. small pebbles in it.  Wouldn't that kind of sand cause holes in the liner after water got in it and people started walking around, or would the weight of the water possibly push the pebbles down enough for the pool liner to be smooth after filling it?  I most certainly agree with you about a liner remaining empty for a while.  I wish I had a video of my family trying to use a liner which had been standing in an empty pool for about three days.  We tried every method any of us could possibly think of.  Every time we would get it about filled, the liner would leave the wall.  We placed drums filled with water to try and keep the liner in place.  It could not be done.  We spent about three weeks of filling and pushing liner, etc.  I finally had to buy a new liner.  Just let everyone know "never let your pool remain empty"  for any length of time.  Without sifting the construction sand, are there any suggestions for using construction sand as the base for a pool?  My advice was "don't do it, but I am not an expert.  Thank you for your reply.  Sincerely.

Martha D., 6/21/2004

You and I are on the same page.  If they try and use that sand as a base, it could lead to a problem.  The safe and smart thing to do is to remove the sand and replace it with a layer of suitable sand or vermiculite.  It sounds like you had "fun" with the liner and you probably didn't get as far as lining up the cutouts for returns and skimmers.  Have a good summer.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 6/21/2004

► Losing The Minerals Battle?

We have a vinyl pool that holds about 6000 gallons.  We filled it with well water and we use a paper filter system.  We filled it and we were fighting hardness.  We got that under control.  Recently, we have been fighting very cloudy water that settles down overnight and  then I vacuum the pool floor in the morning.  The floor looks very dirty and you can see where you walk, and where you vacuum I clean until the cloudiness is so bad I can't see to clean anymore.  When I rinse the filter out it washes out sort of green/brown.  I keep my pH about 7.6-7.8, although it does want to be a little high sometimes.  My chlorine is also checked daily and added accordingly.  Alkalinity is about 90.  Please help if you can.

Nameless, 8/1/2007

You have a filter that is inherently inefficient.  To make matters worse, you are using well water.  This sediment is probably passing right through the filter.  There are accessories that you can attach to the return line and could help remove the silt and sediment, that is passing through the filter.  This improvement, in the removal of fine particles, and the maintaining of proper chemistry should make a big difference.  Better filtration is only part of the solution.  Well water can contain metals and minerals of all sorts.  Using the METALTRAP FILTER or the PURESTART PREFILTER can make a huge difference.  These products attach to a garden hose and remove the problem-causing metals, before they get into the pool.  If you simply recirculate the water using a garden hose and a small submersible pump, you can slowly remove the metals from the pool water.  This is better than adding chemicals, which sometimes break down and allow a return of the problem.  Nothing beats removing the source of the problem!  I hope that this information will be helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 8/1/2007

► Needing A New Pool Wall?

Alan, need a little help I was installing a new liner in my 15' x 30' x 4' above ground pool make unknown.  When I discovered my rolled wall was rotted at the ground line and wanted to change it while I'm right their but I can't seem to find anyone who sells walls they all want to sell me a new pool. The wall is aluminum 46" wide x 77' roughly.  I will measure it exactly, if I have a source for a new wall.  How about some help.  Thanks

Louie T, 4/21/2003

Without a pool brand it is a bit difficult.  I suggest that you go to the local dealers with a photo.  One of them might have sold this type of pool.  Good luck.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 4/21/2003

► On The Level?

Hello,  I purchased a 10' round splasher pool, is three feet tall, and the manual that came with it says that I have to place it in a leveled ground and pour sand below the liner. The thing is that I don't have ground to level, I have a concrete patio with a gradient of more or less 1.5" in ten feet from one side to the other in both directions. What do you suggest? is it too much inclination? In the manual says no more than an inch.  Also, do I have to put sand below the liner or a plastic sheeting will be fine?  Thank You

Mary Jo from Houston, 3/13/2003

If you don't install an above ground pool on level ground, you will be putting extra stress on some of the vertical supports and that may impact your warranty.  In addition, the water level will not be on the level!  I suggest that you consider the following.  Make a square frame of 12' lengths of pressure treated 2" X 6" lumber.  Add sand or pool base and level it out.  Place the pool on top of the level base and fill it up.  Afterwards, top off the exposed sand with gravel, marble chips or wood chips.  If you place the liner directly on the concrete you will probably wear a hole in it.  I hope that it works out for you.  Enjoy the pool.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/13/2003

► No Longer Level?

Our 24' round above ground pool is 6 years old and over the past few years we have noticed the south end of the pool is getting deeper (approx 2" difference now) when we topped off the pool with water. Do we basically have to start over?  What are your recommendations for fixing this problem? Sincerely.

Kurt, Illinois, 4/8/2004

Sounds like the ground has settled over the course of the past 6 years.  Erosion or drainage could have caused the problem, as well.  In any event, there is no solution, other than properly preparing the site for drainage and leveling it.  Taking the pool down could result in the liner shrinking and it would be difficult to get back in place.  Make sure that it doesn't dry out.  If you do nothing, you might risk some structural damage.  I suggest that you seek the opinion of a local dealer or installer, who might be able to do an inspection.  Good luck and I hope that I have been of some help.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 4/8/2004

 

► Thank You!

I recently bought my first pool. It's 2400 gals and mostly for my 7 year old daughter and her neighborhood friends. I have learned everything I need to know from your site and can't thank you enough! I don't even have a question after reading through your answers to others. I feel as though I've gotten a solid education in pool maintenance in one day, as well as an excellent problem-solver and reference for answers to those unexpected situations. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your work. You are doing a great service to others!

Heather M., Barrington, NH, 6/1/2004

Thank you for your gracious comments.  Enjoy the summer!

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 6/1/2004

 

► Double Up The Liners?

Great site:  From Ottawa, Canada - Simple question (probably know the answer), but: can I just put a new liner over the existing one in my 24' above ground pool?  Existing one is 14 years old and one small hole.  Thanks.

Greg, Ottawa, Canada, 5/3/2003

I would think that you are better off removing the liner.  You don't want water collecting between the two liners.  It will also allow the sand to be reshaped, if necessary.  Good drainage is important for a number of reasons.  Good luck with the change and enjoy the season.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/3/2003

 

► Benefits Of A Main Drain?

I bought an above ground pool and the installer suggests a center drain.  What are the advantages or disadvantages to a center drain.  Thanks for your time in this matter.

Charleen O., 3/24/2009

Main drains are not common, with above ground pools.  They can be prone to leaks and can freeze, if not winterized properly.  On the plus side, they do help improve circulation and help remove sediment.  However, there is a simple, affordable way to improve circulation, enhance filtration and eliminate the dead spots that favor algae growth.  The Circulator is a device that fits into each return jets and greatly improves circulation, heat distribution and chemical dispersing.  Good luck with the new pool and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/24/2009 

 

► How Long Can My Pool Last?

My above ground pool is three years old.  It has metal walls and supports - steel I believe.  How long should such a pool last?

Phil K., Bloomfield, NJ, 7/23/2003

I am no expert on this subject, but it will certainly last for many more years.  How well you care for the above ground pool and the pool site can play a role.  Make sure that the area around the pool is well drained.  All equipment should be used and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.   Take reasonable care to prevent damage to the walls, structural members and vinyl liner.  Winterizing is very important in your area, as freeze-thaw damage can destroy or damage the pool, equipment and accessories.  Proper winterizing instructions can usually be provided by your pool dealer and can help protect your investment.  Your pool dealer should be able to give you a better assessment, as to the expected useful life of the pool.  I hope that you remain in the swim for many, many, more years.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 7/24/2003

 

► Algaecide:  To Use Or Not To Use?

I have never used an algaecide in my new above ground pool and have had no problems to date.   My friends with pools, all seem to use algaecides and chlorine.  Is it a good idea to use algaecide?  Just wondering.

Jeff E., Lakeland, NJ, 6/30/2004

The best way to use an algaecide is to add it before you have a problem!  That way, it can help you avoid a problem.  Chlorine levels rise and fall during the course of the day, depending upon chemical additions and bather usage.  When the sanitizer levels drops too low, algae can begin to grow.   If an algaecide is present, it just might keep the algae under control, until an adequate sanitizer level is restored.  Both above ground and inground pools should use algaecides.  However, the choices may differ because of the materials of construction.  I hope that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 6/30/2004

 

► Matter Of Size?

We just purchased a 24' above ground pool yesterday with installation scheduled for May.  We originally started looking at a 30' above ground and ended up purchasing the 24'.  I am now feeling like we should have gotten the larger pool since the difference in price was only $700 for so much more pool.  I know pool size is our own preference  but with so little difference in the overall cost, should we have gone with the 30' or even the 27' which was only $400 more than the 24'.  Is maintenance on a 24' pool much difference than a 30' ?  Will there be a huge cost difference in the chemicals needed to maintain a 24' over a 30' pool? The place we purchased our pool from said we can do a change order if we decide to go with the 27' or the 30' but I am just not sure what to do!  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

J. C., Gilbertsville, PA, 3/15/2004

Obviously the larger pool will cost more to operate.  However, it is not arithmetical.  There will be a modest additional cost for electricity, if the pump is bigger or has to be operated for additional amount of time.  If the same number of people will be using the pool, whether it is 24' or 30' the difference in chemicals will not be considerable.  The amount of bather wastes will be the same regardless of the size.  Some of the water balancing chemicals are directly related to pool volume, as are such things as pool covers.  This pool can last a long time and I think that so long as the costs are affordable, you should go with the size that will give your family the most pleasure.  Enjoy the pool!

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/15/2004

 

► What's A Pole Pool?

I have seen in catalogs and on websites that along with round and oval above ground pools, it also lists sizes of pole pools and slim style pools.  What are they referring to? Thanks.

Lisa Y., 3/19/2004

A "pole pool" is a specific type of above ground pool that is designed to fit into smaller, narrower areas and to require less yard space.  Rectangular or elongated oval shaped looks require outriggers or structural members to prevent the walls from splaying outward.  A "pole pool" does this without outriggers.  As part of the structure, a pole has been added to the center of both long sides and a volley ball net is strung between them.  This provides structural integrity and prevents the walls from splaying outward.  It provides a source of entertainment, as well. I hope that I have helped with the decision making process.  Enjoy the pool.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/20/2004

 

► Putting A Pool In The Ground?

Do you think it is a good idea to put an above ground pool totally in the ground?  Will it terminate my warranty?  If it can go in what would be the recommended depth?  Thanks for any info you can give.

Adam, Toms River NJ, 2/25/2005

Not a good idea!  It will subject the pool to a situation for which it was not designed.  There could be corrosion issues and it will surely void the warranty.  It could be considered an inground pool and could be subject to permit requirements, code regulations and taxed as an inground pool.  I hope that I filled in the blanks for you.

Sincerely,  Alan Schuster, 2/26/2005

 

► Worth Keeping?

We just moved to a house that already has an above ground pool.  We know absolutely nothing about pools, but we do know that the liner has to be replaced.  What is the best liner to get?   What is the best way to install it?  How do we drain the pool?  What should we look for to gauge whether or not the pool is worth keeping?  Thanks.

David W., 4/14/2004

You need to do some homework.  Above ground pools can last for many years, depending upon the construction, the location and how well it was maintained.  Inspect the pool and look for signs of corrosion or deterioration.  Liners can vary in cost, depending upon the gauge of the vinyl.  Shop around and compare replacement liner costs.  This is something that you could install yourself or you could hire a company to do the work.  And while they are on site, perhaps they could show you how to operate and set up the equipment.  You could also compare these costs to that of a new pool.  It's your decision.  Good luck and if you ever have a water chemistry problem, I'll be here.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 4/14/2004

 

► Empty The Pool Periodically?

I have a above ground vinyl pool 13,600 gallons. Someone told me I needed to completely drain my pool every couple of years. Is this true? I keep it well maintained and hardly ever have a problem. Nothing but a little cloudy water every now and then. Usually use a clarifier and it clears right up. Should pool water be completely changed every couple of years? Any help would be appreciated, Thanks so much!

Sharon W., North Carolina, 5/23/2004

You do not have to empty your pool.  During the normal course of the season, you will pump water out to backwash a filter or vacuum to waste.  At season's end you could pump out a third of the pool, as part of winterizing.  Because of this, there is no special need to replace the water every few years.  However, if the cyanuric level rises too high, it might be advisable to replace some of the water.  Even under these circumstances, it is safer and better to replace a foot of water each week, until the level is appropriately reduced.  I hope that I have been helpful  Enjoy the season.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/24/2004

 

► Draining Prior To Liner Change?

I want to drain my above ground pool so I can change the liner, how do I siphon out the water to drain it?

Richard & Shari, 5/9/2004

You want to direct the water away from the pool and to a well drained area.  This is important so that you're not standing on water logged ground, when the liner is to be changed.  Don't poke holes in the liner until almost all the water is out.  You can create a siphon with a garden hose or vacuum hose by filling it with water.  Keep one end 6 inches below the surface, cap the other end with your hand and move it to a level below the bottom of the pool water level.  Release the end and the water should start flowing.  Move the other end to the bottom of the pool.  Flow rate will depend upon the difference between the bottom of the pool and the discharge end.  The discharge end has to be lower that the water level at all times.  Another option would be to use a submersible cover pump and a garden hose.  I hope that information helps and enjoy the new look.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/9/2004
 

Proper water chemistry will help to better control and avoid algae problems and maintain more optimum swimming conditions.  More information about Pool/Spa Water Testing Products can be found in the Test Equipment Store.

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