Large "paddling pool" setup

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Hatch

797 posts

Ultimate Geek

#245033 15-Jan-2019 12:15

I'm looking to get a small paddling pool, 3M x 2M. It will be tucked away in a fenced off area.

Just a few questions about basic maintenance.

The one I am getting is like this one:

https://goo.gl/KDLL6h

But does NOT have inlets for the pump. Aside from the challenge of maintaining PH levels and general water quality I'm not sure what I ought to do with such a small pool.

Will a basic cartridge filter be sufficient for over summer? Will it greatly benefit from an expensive sand filter (probably out of my budget for this project)

Have read some feedback here:

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=141&topicid=243474

But hoping to get more info regarding pump options.

Probably looking to get something like this:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/swimming-pools-spas/pools/listing-1910006340.htm?rsqid=700a82506f5841d38f3ed2703014b201

But given that there are no incoming connections the hoses will have to secured in the pool during filtering, but this bit should be relatively basic.

vexxxboy

4245 posts

Uber Geek

#2161516 15-Jan-2019 13:02

just remember that Any pool, fixed or portable, deeper than 400mm is now subject to safety provisions under the Building Act and they are really strict. eg you must ensure the garden hose has a non-return valve to prevent water flowing back into the mains supply when you are filling the pool and you must have a 1.2-metre fixed childproof fence with a self-closing gate opening outwards are just some of the rules and the fines are steep if you dont comply.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

solutionz

589 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#2161517 15-Jan-2019 13:03

As with everything...depends...

I had a similar size pool;

keep a cover on when not in use (keep pollen, dust etc out)
avoid tracking dirt / debris in (have a trough to rinse feet in before use if needed)
pump / filter should run continuously
hose the filter off every 3 days or so
dump a cup or so of chlorine in after every daily use or every 3 days or so without use
I never bothered with the rest of the PH testing or other chemicals etc just replaced the water roughly 6-12 weeks if it starts looking / smelling a bit off or filter ends up sliming up regularly (after trying a big dump of 3-4 cups chlorine).

Those el'cheapo filter pumps however are designed to inlet/outlet well below the water line so you may have issues if you're thinking of just hanging the hoses over the edge of the pool (i.e. it may not have enough grunt to push the water up hill and even with a siphon going may develop an air-lock) so you may need a better pump or find a way to fit it to the side of the pool.

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2161525 15-Jan-2019 13:23

If it's got a circulating pump, I would just throw in a chlorine tablet every now and again (I would of thought once a week would be more than sufficient with light use). Basically if you see a slight green tinge, it's time for more chlorine, but obviously you want to add chlorine before that happens!

Stu1

1770 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Subscriber

#2161557 15-Jan-2019 14:17

We tried the ten inch one this season great to cool down , you can take water samples to mitre ten and they test for free and tell you what you need to get the levels right. If you don't get it right then easy to get itchy eyes or a skin rash. The pumps are pretty average a new filter every 3 weeks or so. The set up costs are dear getting all the cleaning kit , chemicals ect but worth it