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When the weather is hot, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool, especially in the privacy of your own garden! If you’re thinking about getting a pool, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to set up a pool plus guidance on how to maintain a swimming pool to keep it clean and fresh.
So you’ve bought a new pool - how exciting! Here’s all of the handy you need to get started and into that water. Make sure you give them all a read to make sure that your pool setup process is as quick and easy as possible.
The first thing you want to do to set up a pool is make sure that the area you wish to place it on is level. You can use sand or a gravel bed to correct the level if needed. Next, lay down your groundsheet. This will protect both the pool and the ground beneath it, as well as provide insulation.
For the set-up and maintenance of your pool, you’ll need chlorine/shock, pH plus, pH minus, and algaecide. It may be a good idea to purchase a kit which will have all the basics. You’ll also need some testing strips.
This, of course, all depends on the size of your pool. It is estimated to be a minimum of four hours, depending on how large the pool is. Here are some estimates so that you can plan in the approximate time you’ll need to fill your pool:
You should never leave your pool to fill overnight or leave the house while the pool is filling. During the filling process, you need to be checking in on it frequently to make sure that the hose hasn’t come out of the pool or overfilled it, risking flooding the surrounding garden.
Leave at least four hours between any chemical input and swimming. If you’re unsure if it’s safe, test your water and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. For this reason, it’s best to add your chemicals in the evening when you know the pool won’t be used for several hours.
Now that you’re ready to go, it’s important to know how to look after a swimming pool. That way, you can continue to enjoy a refreshing dip all summer long!
1. Clear away large debris - You might find that floating debris accumulates. Some of which might not be cleared away by a filter if it’s too light, so stays stuck on the surface of the water. This might be things like fallen leaves or stray insects.
A pool net will help you take care of this without having to touch anything unpleasant. Plus, a version with a telescopic rod will help you reach into the middle easily. Pick up a pool cover to keep anything nasty getting into your pool when you’re not using it.
2. Install a pool filter on larger pools - Some larger pools will already have one built-in or come with a filter you can attach during the pool setup process. However, if you’ve just bought a new pool without a filter, we suggest you grab one to keep your water clean and clear. Just make sure to regularly empty out the collected debris using the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Clean the water using chemicals - The most popular way to keep a pool clean long term is to treat it with chemicals like chlorine in a process called ‘shocking’. You should shock your pool approximately every two weeks.
It’s best to do this in the evening after clearing the pool of any debris. If in doubt, use test strips frequently and always refer to the manufacturer’s directions.
Testing your pool regularly will indicate which chemicals need adjusting, but often the appearance of the water itself can be a good indicator too. Clean your pool of any dirt and leaves and cover it overnight to keep it clean and usable. Now you’re all ready to go, just add your accessories and inflatables, and get ready to make a splash!
When the summer is over, a crucial part of how to look after a swimming pool is wintering it properly. Here’s what you should do when it’s time to shut it down for the winter:
1. Reduce the waterline - If you have a framed pool that you want to keep up for the duration of the winter rather than taking it down, you’ll need to drain the water in the pool down to 10 - 15cm below the skimmer and filter.
You might be surprised that we’re not recommending that you drain it completely. Why is this? Above ground pools actually rely on the weight and mass of the water to keep it structurally sound. Just make sure the waterline is well below the top so that freezing doesn’t warp the pool’s shape.
2. Check the chemical balance one last time - Aim for slightly higher chlorine levels of around 3ppm and ensure pH is balanced between 7.2 - 7.6. You may also want to add a winter algaecide for extra protection.
3. Remove and clean any removable parts - When it comes to filters, pumps and any other removable parts it’s best to remove them. Give them a good clean using the manufacturer’s instructions and then store them somewhere clean and dry. Do the same for any other pool accessories.
Once this is done you can cover it over until next year! Just make sure to check on it occasionally to make sure the cover hasn’t been blown off and there are no rips or tears letting in water. Your future self will thank you for your tip top pool maintenance.
How often will you need to use chemicals in a pool?
The peak swimming season you should test your pool water at least 2-3 times per week using testing strips. Use these results to adjust your chemical treatments as needed in order to create a balanced pH.
Here’s a general guide on pool maintenance:
Remember to wait at least 4 hours after adding chemicals before swimming. Follow the specific dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular pool size.
How can I upgrade my existing pool?
There are loads of ways to make your current pool setup a little more snazzy. Some waterproof LED lighting can add some extra ambience to evening dips in the pool. Plus, you can build out the surrounds of the pool with our garden bar ideas.
Want to be able to use your pool even when the weather isn’t playing ball? Add a waterproof awning or canopy to keep swimming even in the drizzle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the rain messing up
How do I find the right pool for me and my family?
At The Range, we’ve got a brilliant selection of pools in a great variety of sizes, with something for every budget. So you might well be wondering what to pick. Think about these things:
Size - How many people do you want to be able to host at once? If you’re a larger family you might want to opt for a roomier 12ft+ diameter pool to make sure it’s a comfortable fit. Equally, if you’re short of space a smaller pool can also provide a refreshing dip on hot days without taking up valuable real estate in your yard or garden.
Price - We mean it when we say we have something for everyone. You’ll find entry level with inflatable kiddy pools from £5 and deluxe swim spa pools with all of the bells and whistles on the other end of the spectrum. Whatever you opt for, you can rest assured you’re getting the best value around.
Now that you know how to set up a pool, are you ready to make a splash this summer? Browse the collection to find your dream swimming pool today.
