Living in Australia is different from what you would normally experience in other countries because of the weather. Here, you experience winter in July. Whilst you are not in the tropics, you get to celebrate Christmas in warm weather. In Australia, December is summertime. During the holiday season, most Australians and tourists don their swimwear and head to the beach or pools to beat the heat.
Building your own above ground pool
Summer in Australia can be scorching hot, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on certain days. To beat the heat, you would most likely think of ideas to help you feel cool and fresh. You may start planning a trip to the beach with the whole family, or have an awesome poolside party with friends. Fortunately, Australia, a continent surrounded by waters, has plenty of beaches, lakes, lagoons, and recreational pools. Thousands trek to these destinations during the summer months. If you want a cosier ambiance, you can create one right within your own backyard. With a little investment, you can set up an above ground pool. For practical reasons, middle-income households in Australia now choose to set up portable above ground pools, instead of the more expensive and more elaborate inground pools. Whilst an above ground pool is more cost-efficient, it does not mean that you can just buy any unit you might fancy and install it haphazardly anywhere in your backyard. Installing an above ground pool also requires careful planning and budgeting.
Pre set-up requirements
Are you raring to pick your own above ground pool? Shopping online can be fun and exciting especially if you are selecting from a variety of models and designs of above ground swimming pools. Before making that final decision, make sure that you consider the following checklist of requirements from pre set-up to the installation of your above ground pool.
1. Comply with zoning laws and building code
Your contractor may take care of the legal issues in the installation of your above ground pool, but nothing stops you from doing your own research. As you learn about construction or building restrictions and applicable laws in your area, you are able to adjust your plan accordingly. First, ensure that you comply with legal requirements by requesting and allowing your local authorities to inspect your premises. This will ensure that the structure is safe for all users.
2. Locate the perfect site
After checking out and complying with existing ordinances and restrictions in your community, you may now choose the right location for your above ground pool. The important things to consider in choosing the perfect site have a lot to do with your yard: its size, the condition or type of soil in it, the trees surrounding it, the underground pipes and cables concealed below, as well as the electric lines and cables stretched above it. There may also be ordinances that require a certain distance from the main house to your pool, or from the road. In addition, you should consider the part of your yard where there is enough sunshine piercing through, so that you can keep your pool water comfortably warm. A shady area where trees abound may not be a suitable location, as these block the sun. As well, the trees and the insects that thrive in them would keep falling into your pool and infect the water. You may also want a more discreet location, somewhere around the back or near a secluded corner, if your main concern is privacy.
3. Choose the right-sized pool
The size of your yard would be a vital factor in choosing the pool size you want. Even if you can afford a bigger-sized pool, the size and shape of the area where you would set it up must be examined. If your location is elongated, you can consider an oval pool. If your yard is squat, a round pool is ideal. If your yard size has no issues, then you can pick any model that suits your preference. An oval pool may be more expensive but this would not mean that it is bigger. It just uses more frames to make it sturdy, so it is pricier than the round pool. If you have a big family and have young children, you may consider getting the largest and deepest model. The fun and laughter they would share in your outdoor pool would be priceless and something that you would remember long after they have grown up. If you want exclusive type Bestway pools that you can also use as a home spa, you can opt for a more modest-sized model.
4. Select the best frame
Be a wise and selective buyer. Pools may look similar but if you inspect them a little more closely, you will discover a distinct difference such as in their frames. Some have steel frames whilst more modern designs are made of resin. Resin is more durable; hence, more expensive but is worth its cost in the long run. This is because it does not rust or corrode like steel. Under the sun, steel would get hot but resin would not. There are now hybrid pools that use a combination of resin and steel. The resin is used in parts exposed to water whilst steel is primarily used for support.
Setting up the requirements
After taking care of legal requirements and ordering the best pool for your yard, you are now ready for installation. The following activities can guide you in setting up your above ground pool.
5. Prepare your site
You need a level ground where you can properly install your pool. If you have an uneven or sloping yard, you might have to do some digging to make it level. A little shovelling is enough if you are dealing with just a slight slope; otherwise, you may need to rent a machine such as a skid steer or loader to prepare your site adequately. Sometimes, you can sink your pool a little (a few inches or so) to set it on level ground. Remember that you cannot set up your pool in a grassy, paved, cemented, or asphalted plot. The floor area where you would install the pool should be soil that has been swept clean and is free from trash and sharp objects like rocks, wood from fallen branches, gravel, and other debris that might damage or puncture the pool. Moisture from splashing water in your pool's surrounding cannot be avoided, and this allows fungus to develop. To avoid this problem, you may treat the surroundings of your pool with non-petroleum based fungicide.
6. Accessorise your pool
When you buy a pool, you only get a pool sans the accessories like the liner and ladder. Once installed, both become essential parts of your pool.
Choose a liner. The liner basically provides protection to the floor and the wall of the pool. It is available in four different types: an overlap, a beaded, a universal type bead or j-hook, and an expandable. If you want to expand the depth of your pool, you can get an expandable liner. Mostly, an expandable is suited for a 48'' or 52'' wall and can stretch to around 72 the depth of the pool. If you want a flexible liner, go for a j-hook or unibead which has a thick piece of vinyl that is hooked or attached to the top of the wall.
Get a ladder. Another add-on accessory that you can buy is a ladder, as most pools come with no entry system. Whilst you can use your pool without a ladder, you should consider the safety of the little ones in your home and their friends who would be using the pool. A ladder would allow them to get into and out of your pool easily. Moreover, providing an appropriate entry system can preserve your pool by lessening the stress placed on its parts. You can attach the ladder to your deck if you have one.
Install a lighting system. For some, it may not be necessary to install lighting, but it will provide security for night swimmers and enhance the mood and ambiance. You can buy ground pool lights that float on water or those that you can hang over the top railing.
Install a heating system. If you wish to extend your swimming season, do so by installing a heating system. Even when the air becomes a little cooler, you can still use your above ground pool. Build a deck. A deck would add appeal to your above ground pool. Just make sure that you also get clearance before you build one around or beside your pool.
7. Attach a pump and filtration system
Your pump will take care of ensuring that water keeps circulating in your pool so that it does not remain stagnant and dirty. As water circulates, it goes through a filter system that cleans it up by trapping debris and releasing filtered water back into your pool. The most commonly used one is the sand filter that can trap particles of about 20 to 40 microns. The most efficient filtration is one that uses diatomaceous earth or D.E. powder that can filter the particles as small as 5 to 10 microns. This system is more expensive and is considered high maintenance. D.E. powder is carcinogenic, though; hence, you may not be allowed to backwash the filter in drains. You can also opt for the cartridge filter which is more efficient than a sand filter. It can trap particles as small as 10 to 15 microns.
8. Sanitise your pool
Filtering water that circulates in your pool can keep away small particles, but it would not sanitise your pool. The sanitation process would kill bacteria, prevent the growth of algae, and suppress other harmful yet invisible contaminants that may lurk in the water. The most commonly used process is chlorination. For a more effective system, use a chlorinator to dispense the right amount of chlorine to sanitise your pool. Other sanitising agents are salt and mineral packs. With a salt chlorine generator, the chlorine content will sanitise your pool before turning it back into salt. Mineral packs act as neutralisers and would keep the pH balance of your pool. Using mineral packs is a more convenient way to reduce chlorine use by up to 50 percent.
9. Clean up your pool regularly
Whilst filtration and sanitation processes will clean up and sanitise your pool's water, it cannot remove leaves and other debris that fall and settle at the bottom of the pool. You can manually remove them using a pool net, but if you have a larger-sized pool, this would prove to be tedious. If you are not keen on manually cleaning your pool, you can choose from among three types of cleaners: suction, pressure, and robotic. Your choice would depend on the setup of your pool.
10. Winterise your pool
You can use your pool as long as the weather and your heating system would allow, but you have to admit that it has to be closed come winter time. This means winterising your pool to preserve and prolong its life. There are different pool covers available in the market. Before putting on the lid or cover, detach all your pool accessories like pump, filter, and ladder. Clean them up before storing them in appropriate containers. Make sure that you also clean up the pool and retain the right amount of water. You can use winterising plugs to protect your pipes from being damaged.
Buy your above ground pool from reliable sellers
Now that you have learned the basics of above ground pool installation, you are ready to shop for one. For more convenience, do your shopping online and check out Outbax. Outbax is a premier Australian store that carries a wide range of portable pools and accessories that you need to set up your above ground pool. You can be sure that our products are of high quality, durable, and are worth every dollar you spend. Check them out now!
