Question:
We are considering the purchase of an above ground swimming pool for next
season and are looking for any advice. Specifically: what features to look
for (or to avoid), filter types (DE vs Sand) specific brand
recommendations,installation ideas, hints, pointers, etc...
Answer:
If you do opt for a DE filter, you may want to stay away from the ones with
several mesh-covered plastic grids inside a squat, round tank (if indeed they
make those kind anymore). The little notches on the spacer rings that separate
and hold the grids to each other tend to wear down, preventing the grids from
holding to the crank spindle. Plus, you have to unbolt the tank and hose the
darn things off to clean out the gunk and clumps of undissolved DE. Find one
instead with a bump handle, which is a handle you just pump up and down a few
times to regenerate. We got a nice little Hayward Perflex DE that has been a
dream so far this year.
Other odds and ends -- if you live somewhere with a lot of trees, get one of
those thin solar covers. They look like bubble wrap, and they're handy in
keeping leaves and other stuff (like baby birds and bats) from falling into
the pool. Cuts down on the vacuuming and skimming.
If you've got small kids (and especially a pool next to a deck), a floating
pool alarm might be worth the investment.
That's it from this pool owner.
