Intex Above Ground Pool

[gnulab]

Hi,

I bought an Intex 16' x 32' above ground pool set that comes along with a pump and a sand filter a month ago.

Should I add another pump to this model of pool?

I am beginning to wonder if the supplied pump is able to circulate the whole water body. Theoretically it could. Volume of the water divided by liters (gallons) of water pumped per hour and leave the pump on for the required number of hours.

However, being the inlet (water flowing to the filter) is located by the side of the pool, some parts of the water inside the pool might not "move" and be filtered. I am thinking of buying a cheap submersible pump, immerse it at the bottom of the pool just to move the water around the pool.

This concern came because I have been doing the following daily and yet the water color does not get any better.

• check the ph and chlorine free level
• on the pump 4 hours in the morning, and 4 hours in the evening.

And I read articles from TFP and seems that my free chlorine should be where it is.


Bewildered,
Henry

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Welcome to TFP! First thing you need to do is order a good test kit, either TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C. Links in my signature below.

While you're waiting for your kit to arrive, read ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and browse Pool School. Read through them several times. Also, download and install PoolMath, and use it to calculate how much liquid chlorine you need to bring your Free chlorine FC up to 5 ppm, and add that to your pool.

Once you get your kit, run a full set of tests and let us know the results. We'll get your pool crystal clear in no time.

You may eventually want to consider getting a more powerful pump and larger filter. The pumps and filters that come with these pools are often woefully inadequate.

 

[kellyfair]

So, the pumps that come with these pools are junk. You certainly could use a sump pump to help with circulation, but that’s a bit unwieldy. Most of us soon bite the bullet and get a better, bigger pump.

Your water is definitely not clear, and your test kit just doesn’t give you enough information to know what you need. The previous poster is right on target with the recommendation to buy a better kit. The money you spend now will save you so much more in the end.

 

[rj2222]

Great advice by Wobblerlorri, definitely get your chlorine up. Those little 2 way testers aren't much help especially when your water is starting to look bad.

I wouldn't throw out your brand new pump quite yet just and replace it, especially if this is your first pool and you're just learning how to maintain it. Obviously since it came included with the pool it's not top of the line, but it should be at least decent while it's brand new if the chemistry is good. But yeah, a better pump is definitely beneficial.

 

[Windylou]

I have the same pool. I never even attempted to use the pump & filter that came with it. I bought a Hayward LX pump & sand filter along with a Hayward salt cell. Definitely get the good test kit & soak up all of the advice & knowledge that’s offered here. Having a pool that size is great, not having to constantly worry about it is even better!

 

[gnulab]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice. Since I can't get hold of the highly recommended test kit is not readily available in my country, I resorted to buying the strip type (pic attached).

Suppose the result is reliable, it shows these results:
Free Chlorine: 3 ppm
Combined Chlorine: 0 ppm
Cyn Acid: 100 ppm

Long story short, this week I called the pool shop to clear the water. He used these chemicals to clear up the particles, chlorine 60%, soda ash, Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) and Aluminium potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (Potas Alum).

Let's see if the water turns murky again after this episode.

Definitely going with running the pump for at least 16 hours a day.