- Most pools work by moving the water through a filtering system and pumping it back into the pool. Once the pool is installed, the filtering system is hooked up. The water runs through a skimmer where a basket catches leaves and other debris so it doesn't go through and clog up the filter hose or the filter itself. Then it goes into the filter being cleaned by sand or a cartridge and pumped back into the pool. Sometimes the debris will have settled to the bottom of the pool and it will need vacuuming. A vacuum hose is hooked up to the intake of the pool and it pulls the debris through the hose and into the filter. The filter eventually gets too much dirt in it to function properly and it looses pressure. When this happens the filtering system need to be backwashed. This is accomplished by reversing the flow and pushing the water through the filter and out onto the ground or to a sewer system until the water comes out clear. Then it can be changed back for normal use. Chemicals are added when needed to keep the waters PH balanced and to prevent algae and bacteria from growing. Once in a while water will be added to the pool. This is needed due to evaporation and backwashing. When water is added, the chemical balance needs to be checked right away as the fresh water dilutes the chemicals already in the pool.
- A steel sided pool is not hard to install but labor intensive and awkward to work with. To begin the process you must level the ground where you're going to place the pool. This is probably the hardest part of the installation. Once that is done you will lay a bed of sand and install the walls. The small round pools are the easiest when it comes to the walls. You just roll it out and bolt it together where it meets. Larger pools will be bolted in various places, and support bars are used on the outside of the walls. Then comes placing the liner in the pool. The important part of installing the liner is to make sure you don't get any wrinkles in the bottom. This is done by smoothing it out after a couple inches of water are in the pool. Wrinkles left in the bottom can cause dirt and algae to get stuck and a constant nightmare for cleaning. After the liner is compete and you fill the pool with water, the filtering system is installed. To install the skimmer and pump hose you have to cut through the wall and the liner. There will be a template with the kit and this must be done very carefully so you don't rip or cut the liner too big. Lastly add the chemicals, and it should be ready for swimming.
- Portable pools are gaining popularity because they are easy to install, you can store them away in the winter and they are economical. Portable pools should have level ground to sit on, although the excavation needed for the steel sided pools is not necessary. You can place a tarp under them to protect them from any stones or stems cutting through the vinyl. There is a top ring that is inflated and then you just add water. As the water fills, the top ring floats and pulls the sides up. They are filter ready, which means no cutting. You just hook up the filter, put in your chemicals and you're ready to go.
- Some pools come with an optional deck around them. The deck has a gate that you can put a lock on to prevent children from falling into the pool when no one is outside with them. There are also pool alarms that make a loud sound if the pool is disturbed while the alarm is set. These are great features to have if you have little ones in your home or as close neighbors. You can purchase lights for your aboveground pool that attach to the fencing on the deck and you can get fountains that will keep the water moving even when your pump is off. There are winterizing kits and winter covers to help keep your pool clean and ready for the next summer. Games come in great variety for your pool and floating loungers too.
