Now, for my description of the ease of setting up this pool, I am referring to my Intex brand pool. I would assume that similar pools would setup the same, but if not, I just wanted to put that out there. When I first got home, I planned on going through the box to find a million pieces that needed to be assembled. You can imagine my surprise when out of the box came: a fully assembled pool, an air pump, the filter and tubes, the electical plug and a few connectors.

Set up was a snap. First, you lay the pool flat over a smooth piece of ground. Second, you insert the air pump and pump it up until the inflatable ring is completely full. Remove the air pump and put the seal in place. Next, you take the pool filter and hook one end of the tube to the pool with the other end of the tube connecting to the “In” port on the filter. You then take the other tube and connect it to the “Out” port of the filter and the other end back to the pool (If that sounds complicated, it truly isn’t). After you have done this, make sure all of the drains are plugged up and run your garden hose into the pool and start filling it up.

One important thing to note is that when your pool has a few inches of water in it, you should get in and smooth out the bottom of the pool. This will ensure that the pool fills evenly, which guarantees that the pool isn’t going to be lopsided when you go to get in it.

Once the pool has completely filled up with water, plug in the filter and let the family have fun. My particular pool is one of the smaller models that Intex makes and it was able to fit myself, my wife and our 3 kids with plenty of room for our neighbors two children.

If difficulty in set up has prevented you from buying an inflatable pool, then worry no longer as it is much easier than you could ever imagine!

When it comes to safety, most products on the market have been tested by professionals and are generally safe. However, if you do not trust the little sticker that says this product has been tested and is safe, you can always test it yourself. Do all sorts of things to it. See how easily it sinks, try to think of any way this thing might possibly harm your child. Just remember that life itself is dangerous, so don’t go overboard (no pun intended).

Now let us look at cost. In many markets, people usually assume that the more it costs, the better it works. Sometimes this idea is true, but, thankfully, this is not true with pool accessories. Your kid can get just as much fun out of a five dollar inflatable raft as he can a twenty dollar foam raft. Keep things like these in mind when you go shopping for pool toys. Though you are not likely to run into scams like these in a big store or market, always check to make sure that a product is not a phony. Always remember, pool rafts and floats are NOT substitutes for life saving floats. They are strictly for fun and fun alone.

Having an inflatable pool can be very fun for the entire family. The experience can be made even more fun with the use of pool accessories. Remember, these include inflatable rafts, beach balls, foam or inflatable floats, and many, many more. You can also add things to your pool to help make it even better. For example, pool filters can be added to the pool to keep the water clean. It’s no fun swimming in murky green or brown water. Not to mention unsanitary. Water heaters are an excellent tool to keep the water warm. Ice cold water can be a big turn off for you and your kids. Chlorine tablets will help keep algae from growing on your pool. There are many products such as these at almost every store that sells inflatable pools. Take your time, look around, find what’s best for you and your family so you can make the best of your pool!

There are two basic methods for cleaning a pool, manual cleaning and using chemicals. Knowing how to the add chemicals to the pool is essential. Testing the water in the pool for the proper water level, PH level, acidity, alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer and clarifier will ensure that the chemicals are working properly and if the pool water needs to be shocked (with concentrated chlorine). When adding chemicals to the pool water always first read the instruction manual carefully.

If at anytime you feel you’re not capable of properly using the chemicals for your pool, you can always call a professional pool cleaner. However if you are on budget and saving money is essential then learning how to maintain your pool yourself can be a benefit. The steps necessary for proper pool maintenance at least 2-3 times a week will not only keep the pool in good condition from staining and corrosion but maintain a healthy environment for your family, friends and yourself to swim in.

First start with a pool testing kit which would includes water testing strips to check the PH balance of the water displaying the amount of chlorine, bromine acid levels, calcium and total dissolve solids (TDS) that are in the pool. The pool maintenance kits come with the chemicals, instructions and measuring spoons. The acceptable range for the PH level should be between 7.2-7.8 on the testing numeric scale. Do not mix chemicals together for that can cause for serious injury, toxic reaction and a possible fire. Remember to keep all chemical products out of the reach of children and pets. Most importantly store the chemicals in a cool and dry place. When using the pool chemicals; do not put the water into a container of chemicals, rather pour the chemical into the container of water. This is too prevent skin and eye irritation.

Always make sure you’re in a ventilated place and do not inhale any of these chemicals for that could cause serious injury and possibly death. Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the chlorine’s ability to kill algae, TDS, germs and other forms of bacteria. That is when the pool water is shocked by using a concentrated form of chlorine to bring back the PH level in the water. Cleaning and sanitizing your pool will prevent the build up of bacteria and corrosion.

Step 1

After the inflatable pool is empty, but still set up. You will need these supplies:
1. Broom and dust pan
2. Scrub brush
3. Old rags and large towels preferably made of 100% cotton.
4. A hose with a high power nozzle attached, long enough to reach your pool
5. Large black garbage bag
6. A five-gallon bucket; filled with water and ¼ cup of liquid disinfectant.

Step 2

Climb inside the empty pool, have someone hand you all the listed supplies above. First, you will need to sweep all the loose debris into a pile at the center of pool. Place the debris in the black garbage bag. Sweeping can be fun for the kids let them take part in this fun step.

Step 3

Take the hose and turn the nozzle to a high power stream, start from the top down and in a back and forth motion spray all the way around the inflatable pool. This is a step; the kids can participate in, one last hurrah, before the summer ends.

Step 4-Adults Only

Be very careful in this step, you need to take all precautions regarding poisonous fumes; having someone end up in the hospital is not a happy end to your summer fun. An adult should take and use a rag and scrub brush to dip in the water liquid disinfectant mix and go all the way around starting from top gradually going to the bottom wiping and scrubbing any slimy gunk left over. You will stop, frequently to catch a breath of fresh air. The disinfectant will kill any germs left over from your summer fun.

Step 5

Take all items out of pool. Repeat step 3.

Step 6

Take your towels and dry as much of the excess water off the sides and bottom of your pool. Let your pool dry for approximately 2 hours until all of the pools insides are dry.

With a clean pool, you are ready to complete the task of taking it down and storing it for the winter. After a long winter of fun activities, you will be able to set up your clean inflatable pool next summer. Maintaining and keeping your pool clean, throughout the summer, will make cleaning an easier task, at the end of the summer. An inflatable pool cover really helps keep your pool clean longer, when water in the pool, becomes exposed to the sun, this will cause your water to produce algae, making the water slimy and green. Enjoy this time with your children, they are memories to cherish, forever. Have a safe and wet summer.

When choosing a pool, you have three options: in-ground, above-ground, and inflatable. An in-ground pool is attractive, permanent, and contributes to the value of your home. However, it is also expensive, and requires dealing with contractors and their schedules, as well as patience during the lengthy excavation and construction. You must commit to one location; your pool cannot be moved later. If the pump or filter breaks, you have to take a day off of work to wait for the repairman to come. And, if you change your mind, you cannot simply remove the pool and get your yard back.

An above-ground, framed pool is a popular alternative. It is less expensive than an in-ground pool, and does not require excavation or construction. Since it is not permenent, you can move it, or disassemble and store it for the cold months. The filter and pump are removeable, so you can drop them off on the way to work for service. However, an above-ground pool is more obtrusive, and most have exposed framing that some homeowners find unattractive.

An inflatable pool is an inexpensive, attractive option. This is not the backyard wading pool you had growing up; a modern inflatable pool is full-sized and rugged, and comes with a removeable pump and filter. Only the upper ring is inflated; the sides are held rigid by water pressure, eliminating the need for unsightly exposed bracing. The pool can be assembled and read to swim in as little as thirty minutes, is easy to break down and move, and takes up less space than an above-ground pool when stored.

An inflatable pool is a not just an alternative to rigid pools, it can be an entry into pool owernship. If you have never experienced the benefits of having your own pool, or you are unsure of whether your family can take care of a full-sized pool, an inflatable pool can be an inexpensive way to “test the water.” You will be amazed at how much an inflatable pool will add to your life, and you may even decide it suits all of your needs!