Learn everything you ever wanted to know about how to install and set up an above ground Costco pool before you head to the store to buy!
If you’re in search of frugal at-home summer fun for your family, an inexpensive above-ground pool is totally the way to go!
We purchased a steel-frame 9′ x 18′ oval Bestway brand pool from Costco in 2018 (we call it our “Costco pool”). At roughly $500, it was a fantastic investment for our 4 young children!
Who am I kidding — Dave and I enjoy our tiny pool quite a bit as well!
A few things to consider if you’re planning to buy an above ground pool like our Costco pool:
1. The box is HUUUGE!
It’s almost as tall as me (5’7″) and it’s at least 3′ wide on all sides.
We needed to fold down all the seats in our van and have someone at Costco help us load it.
2. The disassembled pool will take up a large amount of space in your garage (or wherever you plan to store it in the winter).
We know people who leave their pool up all winter (totally doable if you live in a mild climate), but we always take it down. And yes, the disassembled pool takes up a decent amount of floor space, even when it’s folded up.
We store it in our extra garage, so if you don’t have a large amount of extra garage or shed space to store this pool, you might choose to leave your pool up all year long (invest in a good tarp or cover to keep it clean).
3. Check your city ordinances and codes to make sure you’re putting the pool in an appropriate location.
We had restrictions as to how close our swimming pool could be to another structure and to our lot-line (we almost put it too close the first year). Definitely check into this before you spend time preparing the ground.
4. Plan to invest in a few extras.
Our Costco pool came with everything we needed for installation (see complete list below the next pictures).
However, we have purchased a few hundred dollars worth of ‘extras’ over the years — plus all the chemicals (also listed below the pictures).
5. Think twice before buying used.
I’m almost always a fan of buying used versus new. However, I highly caution you against buying a used Bestway pool from Costco (or a similar-style above-ground pool).
For starters, these inexpensive pools really aren’t made to last all that long — 3-5 years at the most. The pumps just don’t last.
Also, there’s a really good chance the pool liner could have a small rip or hole in it — which you wouldn’t realize until AFTER you filled it with water.
And it would be almost impossible to verify you had all the correct parts and pieces if they aren’t all nicely packaged in a box from the store.
6. Realize you get what you pay for.
I honestly don’t want to discredit this pool at all — we truly are SO happy with our little Costco swimming pool.
However, if you buy it with unrealistic expectations of it being a resort-like pool, you will be disappointed.
We have thoroughly enjoyed this inexpensive above-ground pool for a couple of years now… but it’s inexpensive for a reason!
What’s Included With This Costco Pool Model:
- instructions (they honestly aren’t great, but you’ll still want to use them)
- 1 large ground cloth
- LOTS of clearly labeled pipes and pieces to assemble the steel frame
- 9′ x 18′ heavy-duty pool liner (this essentially IS the pool)
- pool cover (ours never fit and the Bestway Pool company didn’t respond to our questions)
- 1 ladder
- a solar water heater mat (not a solar cover)
- a 1000-gallon sand filter pool pump (we may purchase a larger pump)
- 1 pool skimmer
- 1 pool vacuum kit (it’s not the greatest but it works well enough)
What’s NOT Included:
- optional tarp for additional protection under the pool
- sand for the filter
- a solar cover (not necessary, but ideal)
- water test strips
- chemicals (we use the HTH brand chlorine, shock, and algaecide)
- floating chemical dispenser (this simplifies the process so much)
- thermometer
- pool brush
- ladder lock (a great safety measure if you have young children)
- mini sub-pump (needed eventually to pump water out of the pool)
- garden hose (to fill, and eventually drain)
- wooden boards to put under leg supports (I explain below)
- water 🙂
The Specs:
Item #: 179351 (in case you’re looking for the EXACT same Costco pool we have)
Assembled Pool Dimensions (top):
18 ft. x 9 ft. x 48 inches tall
[5.49 m x 2.74 m x 1.22 m]
Assembled Pool Dimensions (bottom):
The base of an oval or rectangular pool is always wider than the top since the support posts flare out.
18 ft. x 11.2 ft. x 48 in.
[5.49 m x 3.41 m x 1.22 m]
Pool Water Capacity:
3,548 gal (13,430 L)
NOTE: this is filling it roughly 90% full (which is the recommended amount). It took us a full day to fill it with our garden hose.
10 Quick Tips to Assemble Your Costco Swimming Pool:
1. Read ALL instructions and make sure you have all pieces before getting started.
Honestly, Dave and I were very unimpressed and frustrated with the instructions that came with this Bestway Pool — but they were still valuable because they listed all the parts and pieces, so we could make sure we weren’t missing anything before we started.
We simply searched YouTube for our exact pool model and learned how to install it that way.
We used this video to help us set up the pool. It’s the EXACT same Bestway pool we have, and it was published the same week we initially set up our pool!
Here’s another Costco pool set-up video showing a newer version of our swimming pool (the video is much longer and super detailed)!
2. Take your time on the set-up — and maybe recruit some helpers!
The first time we set up our pool, my brother-in-law and his brother both came to help. They had experience with pool set-ups so it was very nice to have them around.
The second time we set it up the pool, Dave and I did it ourselves in less than an hour.
Either way, just take your time and don’t rush the process. It’s fairly simple… but if you mess up, you might need to drain the water and start over again!
3. Make sure your ground is very level.
You MUST make sure the ground under your pool is VERY LEVEL — otherwise, the legs won’t be as strongly supported and your pool will lean in.
A little bit of leaning is OK, but if the pool is very unlevel, it puts extra strain on one side and could cause the pool liner to stretch and actually break (I’ve been in another pool when this happened!)
NOTE: you might also consider putting wooden 2″ x 6″ chunks of wood under the legs for more stability (and so they don’t sink down into the ground).
4. Realize that the assembled pool’s “footprint” will be larger than advertised on the box.
Our pool notes that it’s 18′ x 9′ (and the TOP of the pool is). However, the legs stick out quite a bit, so the full size of the assembled pool’s footprint is actually closer to 18′ long by 12′ wide.
As a general “rule of thumb” I’d suggest adding 2 to 4 feet to each measurement (width and length) when planning your ground space.
5. Take note of where the pump will sit and position that on the “back” side.
You most likely won’t buy an inexpensive Costco pool for “looks”, however, it will be more attractive if you position the pump and filter in the back.
See how much nicer the front of our pool looks (1st photo) versus the back (2nd photo)?
7. Use some type of lubricant on the “rim” poles so they don’t stick to the liner.
I share more about this below (in the disassemble section) but our liner basically melted to the steel frame (around the top rim) and we can’t get it apart anymore!
Since we have plenty of storage space in our extra garage, we left the long poles (on the 18′ sides) attached (we were able to get the shorter end poles out after a little finagling).
If we were to do this again, we would put some type of lubricant on the poles FIRST, to make it easier to take the pool down in the fall.
8. Monitor the pool regularly as you fill it with water — especially the first time!
You’ll want to check back every 30 minutes or so to look for leaks and to make sure the sides aren’t caving in or bowing out too badly.
Again, it’s NOT a complicated process, but filling your pool is not something you should do if you plan to be gone all day.
NOTE: It took a full day for us to fill up our 9′ x 18′ pool with a traditional garden hose.
9. Make fast friends with a local pool company!
We have 2 local pool companies that are both SO willing to help us when we have questions.
The staff helped Dave get our pool up and running and then helped us figure out what we needed for chemicals to make sure the water stays nice all summer long (see #9 below).
10. Get chemicals in the water ASAP.
As I mentioned above, we had the water tested to figure out what chemicals we needed the day after we filled it with water.
The chemicals you need will be different based on your area, your general climate, the type of water you have, etc. so it’s definitely wise to have a professional give you some expert advice (at least in the beginning).
Once the chemicals were in, we waited 24 hours and then let the kids jump in (yes, it was freezing!)
General Maintenance Tips for Above-Ground Pools:
1. Be prepared for DAILY Maintenance
Dave does almost all the pool maintenance — which I thank him for regularly. It’s not a difficult job, but it DOES require diligently checking on things every day in order to keep the water clean.
He adds chlorine EVERY day — usually right away in the morning when he “opens” the pool.
He also adds a stabilizer to the water when we open the pool in the spring. Then he shocks the water.
From then on, he shocks the pool every other week and uses an algaecide on opposite weeks.
We use our pool skimmer every time we swim (which is almost every day) and Dave vacuums the pool roughly once a week.
NOTE: if you plan to be gone a lot over the summer, you may want to think twice before setting up a Costco pool. The pumps are small, and without daily care, you might just come home to a nasty green pool!
2. Test the Water Regularly:
Dave uses water test strips to test the water each day.
They’re not perfect but they give a pretty good idea of the water quality.
Dave also brings water to a local pool store for testing once a week. They do it for free and tell him exactly what he needs to do to the water.
3. Monitor Your Pump (and run it daily)
You will need to run your pump with the filter regularly — this is important for the health of the water.
That said, you should also monitor your pump each day so you know what your pump can handle.
Our pump seems a little cheap, but Dave has figured out a way to make it work… he typically runs the pump with the filter for 2 hours in the morning. After 2 hours, the pressure often rises, so he switches the pump to “circulate” during the late morning/early afternoon hours. This way, the water is still running through the solar heater (but bypasses the filter). Eventually, he turns the pump off.
He then runs the pump WITH the filter again for a couple of hours in the evening and turns it off before we go to bed.
4. Get a Solar Cover and/or Solar Heater
The main reason we decided to purchase this specific Bestway pool from Costco was because it came with a solar water heater (the black tubing mat behind the pool).
We were initially a bit skeptical as to if the solar heater would actually work… but it DOES! However, it puts more pressure on the pump because the water is being forced through ALL that tubing. This is one reason we regularly monitor the pressure on our pump (see #3 above).
We also use this solar cover (we cut it to fit our specific pool size). We put it on EVERY night (it’s a 2-person job) and it works really well to keep the heat IN and the junk OUT.
5. Skim and “brush down” the pool every day.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay on top of all the maintenance for these little pools (especially once the water gets super warm!)
It’s not unusual for our pool to get to 90º by July… and when it gets THAT warm, the algae starts to grow really quickly.
We manage this by skimming the pool and scrubbing down the sides and bottom of the pool on a daily basis. It only takes 5 minutes and keeps our pool really clean!
We like this pool brush (but anything similar should work just fine).
6. USE YOUR POOL REGULARLY!
This is probably my most important tip!
If you aren’t swimming in the pool on a near-daily basis, the water will get green much faster!
How to Disassemble and Winterize an Above-Ground Pool:
We know people who leave their steel-frame pools assembled all winter, but as I mentioned above, we have always chosen to take ours down.
Here’s how we “winterize” our pool:
1. Let the Chlorine Evaporate
When we’re finished with the pool for the year (usually around Labor Day), we let the water sit for 7-10 days so the chlorine evaporates. Yes, it will turn green!
2. Drain as much water as you can with a hose.
Simply connect a garden hose to the drain to get most of the water out into the street (or wherever you plan to drain it).
3. Use a SubPump to get all the water out.
Once the water was below the drain hole, we used a mini sub-pump (only $10) to get the rest of the water out.
4. Clean the inside of the liner.
We clean our pool liner it with vinegar spray and our deck scrub brush (it didn’t take long at all).
5. Suck up any last bits of water or debris.
We used our shop vac to get any last little bits of water out and then let it sit in the sunshine for a few hours to TOTALLY DRY.
6. Disassemble the pool frame:
Once the liner was completely clean and dry, we disassembled the pool.
In full disclosure, we had a really hard time getting the steel frame apart — specifically removing the steel poles from the pool perimeter (the vinyl sides sort of “melted” to the polls).
After a lengthy struggle with this, we decided to keep the long sides of the pool liner connected to the frame, and just took the curved ends and the legs off.
If we were to assemble a pool like this again, we probably would rub Vaseline or another type of “lubricant” over the poles before attaching the liner.
Since we had plenty of storage space in our extra garage, we fold up the pool as well as we can (hotdog style) and put it on the ground in our extra garage all winter. It’s not ideal, but it works for now.
7. Bring the pump inside.
Whether you disassemble the pool or not, make sure you bring the pump into a climate-controlled environment over the winter so it doesn’t freeze and/or break.
Before you bring the pump inside, you’ll need to drain it, empty the sand, and clean it up a bit. This is very easy (and pretty self-explanatory once you see the pump). It should only take a few minutes.
Additional Pool Product Quick Links:
- All Bestway Pools on Amazon
- Chemicals (we like the HTH brand chlorine, shock, and algaecide)
- Floating Chemical Dispenser (this simplifies the process so much)
- Sand for Pump Filter
- Our solar cover (it’s big and you can cut it to size)
- Water test strips
- Thermometer
- Pool brush
- Ladder Lock (a great safety measure if you have young children)
- Mini sub-pump
- Shopvac
- Kids’ goggles (these are our FAVORITES)
NOTE: Visit my Amazon Store for lots more family-friendly favorites!
Related Reading:
Family Friendly Frugal Summer Fun
Frugal Fun for Younger Children
DIY Driveway Chalk Paint
My Simple Long-Torso Swimwear Solution
My Favorite Perennials for Sun and Shade
Overall, we are EXTREMELY happy with our little Bestway Costco Pool and would definitely recommend this frugal option for anyone with little kids who love to swim!
We hope this pool lasts a few more summers; at which point we want to install an underground pool.
Yay!
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Kari says
Hi we set up the Costco 22’ long pool in our concrete, the concrete has about an inch slope (for drain) the water is about 1 1/2 inch uní en in one side, so far so good, but it is squeezing a lot, is that normal? It’s freaking me out a little. We’ve had it up for two weeks now. Thanks
Andrea says
Hi Kari — I THINK a 1-inch slope should be OK. Our did squeeze a lot the first year we put it up — we just told the kids NEVER to hold onto the sides or pull on the sides 🙂
Anestasie Brocchini says
Wow you did an amazing job writing this and all the details are going to save me so much time. It’s just my kids and I and they’ve been asking for one for several years I think this is the year I’ll buy one. Seems like a lot of work for a single parent household but I guess I’ll commit to it. Thank you so much for your illustration and tips you are very much appreciated. Your pool and yard look great.
Andrea says
Thanks — glad it was helpful for you! Hope you enjoy your pool!
Denise says
Any suggestions on other ways to heat the pool ?
Andrea says
no sorry! You can’t buy an actual heater for an above ground pool (at least that’s what the pool stores have told us) because you’d lose so much heat through the walls that it would run constantly.
This solar heater works REALLY well for us!
Paulette says
I just learned that the government is buying up algaecide for use somehow gainst the coronavirus. Your might want to go ahead and buy some. I heard this from a reputable source.
Andrea says
good to know — I just told Dave!
Stacie says
Do you know if this pool can be converted to a salt water pool?
Andrea says
I don’t know for sure — but in general, it’s not recommended to use saltwater with a steel-framed pool as it can rust.
Laura says
Hi guys we have just ordered this pool, does the sand come with the pool for the sand filter or do you have to buy it separately, thanks
Andrea says
Hi Laura, you’ll need to buy your own sand. Have fun with your pool!
Maria says
You need to buy the sand. It’s not very expensive.
Molly Moore says
Hi I bought is pool also. Where do you order replacement parts. My pool company close by does not carry bestway products.
Andrea says
we haven’t had to replace any parts yet — but we have been able to buy a few extra parts from a local pool supply store. I’d suggest checking Amazon (or local facebook marketplace online)
Maria says
Any tips on heating the pool to a bearable temperature? We leave the filter running for hours on the filter setting every day and cover the pool at night yet we can’t get the pool to heat more than 5-7 degrees higher than the hose water temp which is freezing. Kids won’t go in it as it’s too cold 🙁
Lara says
We at the quarantine, I need swimming therapy but I can’t go to beach. Our Cotsco have the pool, but they can’t sell it to me because government orders only food for buying I just looked all sites, there’s no form to get one. Pain is killing me, I feel that my hips will break when stand up. I need immerse in water but too fat for my bath tub
Andrea says
oh that’s a bummer — I’m surprised they aren’t selling something if it’s actually in the store!
Pat Woodell says
Did you get a bubble cover for the outlet? My filter pump has an extra large plug and no ordinary bubble cover will cover it. What did you use?
Andrea says
Hi Pat,
We didn’t have an issue with the plug — our outlet cover worked just fine. That said, I did find some resources on Amazon that might work for you.
Patricia says
Hi
How often did the filter gage go up high to where it starts beeping. We had it on for about 8 hours straight when we put it up yesterday. Today the filter pump starting beeping and the gage was over 10.
I remembered your post and put it to circulate. How long do I have to wait before putting it back on filter. I tried a few hours after but continues to beep and leaks water from the filter.
Any advice
Andrea says
Hi Patricia,
We actually never had our pump beep at us, Dave just always turned it to circulate after a couple of hours (I don’t think we ever left ours on for 8 hours.
It’s probably worth contacting the company (although as I mentioned in my post, Bestway didn’t have the best customer service). Sorry I can’t offer more help right now. We’re still wearing winter coats outside in Michigan 🙂
Patricia says
Yes I have emailed them a few days again and no response yet.
So did Dave run it a few hours before a swim and after a swim and circulate in. Between?
Also does the pump need to be running when they are swimming. Appreciate your assistance.
Very nice pool but I have a feeling the filter pump may be defective.
Andrea says
Dave always ran the pump every morning and evening and then the kids were usually swimming during the day. There really wasn’t an “exact science” to it, he often just tried to watch the pressure gauge and when it got too high, he turned it to circulate.
Tonya Thurbush says
We did not get a vacuum with ours. What parts are needed to go with vacuum and how to use it, set it up.
Melissa Blackhair says
Hi Andrea!
I’m in Arizona and purchased this same pool last year. When we got the pool set up and going in the summer time, I noticed our hoses started to crack near the inlet ports and also near the outlet by the filter and the solar pad. Have you had this issue? I’m also searching for the model number for this same pool, it is not anywhere on the documents that came with the pool. Not sure if you can be of any help. Thanks!!
Melissa
richard neslon says
I agree with your assessment. the pool, forr the price, is a great bang for the buck. had it up by myself in about half a day, we’re on a well so after waiting for it to fill I bit the bullet and had a water truck come out to finish it off. had it for 2 years so far with no problems. I think the solar heater is a bit of a joke and went down and bought a bubble solar cover which heated the water up quickly. no complains and the 9×18 size is perfect for cooling off and having the grandkids over. liked your post.
Teri Wilcox says
We are currently getting ready to take the pool down for winter, it is all cleaned out but we went to start taking the legs down and they seem to be stuck to the plastic…melted to the legs…did you have this issue?
Andrea says
yes! our legs didn’t stick, but the poles around the top of the pool stuck (melted) to the liner so we can’t get them out 🙁 We just folded it up as best as we could with the sides still intact, but it takes up a lot more room this way!
Lainy Robertson says
We had the same problem with our pool-long poles stuck to (melted) to the liner so we had to store the pool with long poles attached to liner. We did call Costco and complained so they sent us a new liner. A remedy for this NOT to happen is rub liquid detergent (like Dawn) thoroughly on the poles before slipping on liner. This worked great so we were able to get the end pieces off after using this method.
Andrea says
good to know — thanks for sharing Lainy!
Diana says
Hi Andrea,
Nice Job ❤️. Where you able to fit the cover on it? Me and my husband tried a lot and we failed to put it
Andrea says
nope — we never got the cover on. We just use it as a tarp for painting projects now 🙂
Leslie Michels says
I love this pool BUT have not been successful in getting the filter to work well or get gauge to read over 2. I have watched every youtube video on the internet and still nothing!!
Anyone have any tips or obstacles they have overcome with this filter? Thanks!
DeAnna Roberts says
I have the same pool and the gauge wasn’t reading over 2. I called the company and they sent a new gauge, now it is 5 1/2
Patricia says
Hi DeAnna
By any chance do you have a phone number for them. It only allows mentors email and wait for a response. Been waiting a few days now.
Joyce Rolfe says
How do I connect the solar blanket as well as the sand pump with the saltwater cholinator. It seems I have to disconnect the solar blanket in order to run the saltwater cholinator. No problem runnibg the sand filter and saltwater chokinator but adding the solar blanket – im not sure.
Andrea says
our pool is not a salt water pool, so I wouldn’t know how to answer that. Sorry!
Karen says
I bought a very similar pool for my yard and my kids and grandkids like to jump in also do I had a small trampoline for working out and we set it besides the pool and the kids that are four feet tall and adults can run up to it and jump on it and right over the side, it’s great when you can’t use a diving board for an above ground pool and you can buy one for around 14 to 25 dollars. Just thought you might want to try it. Thanks, have a great summer! Karen.
Andrea says
oh my word — this is awesome! Dave would never let me do this, but it sounds like so much fun!
Elaine Caravello says
I am so happy I found this, as we literally just set up our Costco pool! We didn’t realize that we have to buy sand for the filter, we just assumed that it came with. Do you have any recommendations for what specific sand to buy? Does it even matter? We are in Illinois and I really don’t want to take it down this winter. I can’t remember how long ago you wrote your post but if it’s been a year, did you take yours down? Thanks!
J L MacFedries says
You specifically “pool sand”
Elaine Caravello says
Thanks but is there a specific kind of pool sand or are they all the same?
Andrea says
your user manual should tell you what type of pool sand to get — either that, or any pool store could tell you the correct sand
Tammy says
I have the 9 x 18 from Costco. We will be setting up soon. Can you please tell me the ground dimensions required?
Thanks
Madeline Godsill says
I was hoping someone might have the model number or some information on the pool pump and hoses?! I am desperately trying to find a replacement
Melissa Blackhair says
I’m having a hard time finding the pool model number on my owner’s manual for this pool too and cannot order new hoses either. Did you find the model number?
Shelina says
Hi Andrea,
I came across your site while researching information while I work on convincing my husband to replace the pool we gave up a few years ago. The rental behind us burned down and it took time for the cleanup and rebuild to be completed. We’ve been upgrading our back yard and fences.
We had a 16’ round for years and still have the solar panels, a heater for the “cold” Canadian summers and a platform with stairs. We like the size you have been using. My question is (well, husbands), what size does the pool take up when you include the legs sticking out?
Thank you for such an informative write up. Your family is super cute.
Here’s hoping I will be using your page to set up a pool in the next couple of weeks
Pam says
Why r my side’s caved in?
Andrea says
I’m guessing the foundation isn’t quite level — either that or the side supports didn’t get “stretched” out as the pool filled with water.
Tammy says
I will say I had the round 14×48 Best way pool for last two years. I did my pool a little different at set up. I used a sod cutter to cut out my area. Then put sand down to level. Then I used 1/4 inch Styrofoam board, cut to fit and then a soft Gorilla pad over that. Nothing could come thru that and it was uber soft to walk on. I loved it. Then I used a Flip n Frog Mineral system for my water. My water stayed perfect all the time & crystal clear. I barely spent 100 in other chemicals. My skin felt good and it doesn’t irritate your eyes.
I also chose to keep mine up during winter. Closed in September I would take water under intakes and use a winter pill with a winter cover secured heavily. My water would be crystal clear when opening at mid April. I say enjoy your pool. I had to downgrade this year a bit to a 12x33inch. But still going to enjoy and relax. Have a fun & safe summer!!
Andrea says
wow — impressive! Thanks so much for sharing what works for your pool. We might have to look into the styrofoam board!
Robert says
We have our pool on a tarp over a concrete pad and it’s hard! Styrofoam sounds great!!! What is a gorilla pad? Ok, I will google it! 🙂 thanks for the great post and cute pics
Clpalmat says
We put in an inground pool about 7 years ago in the fall and love it. We went with the basic rectangle and a liner to keep it the most reasonable. There was a lot to think about besides just the cost of the pool….the water (we used the fire hydrant close to our house to fill up faster), the concrete pool deck, furniture, moving/repairing sprinkler lines, etc. But the family business we used walked us through it all REALLY well. You need to have a spot to take your dirt to as well. Watch for people asking for free fill dirt! 🙂 You don’t want to pay too dispose of the dirt you no longer need! We also went with chlorine instead of salt based on the advice of several pool professionals. We’ve had a lot of fun and haven’t regretted putting one in. There is work involved but it’s worth it.
Andrea says
yeah, there are A LOT of other costs besides “just the pool” (which is still expensive in and of itself)!
If we put in a pool, we want to have a VERY large patio area around the pool so people can gather and hang out. we also probably want some sort of outdoor shower area, lots of lounge chairs and a couple patio tables, lighting, and nice landscaping around the pool.
Then theirs the cost of the fence (we’d ideally like to do rod iron, but that’s pricy) and the hassle of re-working all the underground sprinkling (which Dave can most likely do himself).
We are thinking that we will actually use most of the dirty they would dig out to make a couple larger landscaping berms in our yard — but who knows for sure!
Lots to think about — which is why we’re just happy with our pint-size pool for the next couple of years while we keep thinking (and saving!)
Anne says
Hi! I’ve referenced your blog on this pool the whole time we have been installing our Bestway pool! We just got water in it and noticed the sides are caving in slightly. Did this happen to you at all?
Andrea says
HI Anne,
YES our sides to cave in slightly last year — but now this year they are super straight. We aren’t exactly sure what we did differently, but we did take A LOT of extra time to make the surface very level this year (it wasn’t completely level last year).
So it might just be that your surface wasn’t totally level — however, the caving sides did NOT seem to affect the structure or performance of the pool at all last year.
Anne says
Thank you! My husband figured out it was because of the wooden footings he set on the ground- they raised the side poles too much. Also, he said the cover doesn’t seem fit or attach nicely. Do you also have that issue? Thanks so much for the response!! We can’t wait to use it!
Andrea says
yeah, our cover never fit either — we called the company to “complain” and they said it should fit — it does NOT fit. We had 5 adults trying to stretch it over the pool and it won’t fit!
Anyway, we just put a tarp over top and bungie it to the poles!
Good luck!
Kari says
How ‘unleavened’ would you say it was last year? Mines about an inch and a half in one side (concrete) should I be worried about it caving? Also it’s making ‘pop’ or ‘crinkle’ noises, should I freak out?
My pool is in my semi small backyard. Thanks
Andrea says
Hi again — I do you feel like the noises are from the frame cracking? I’m not sure what to say about the noises — I’ve never had that before.
I do wonder about putting it on a cement pad though — our instructions were clear that you should not put it on cement, but rather a soft ground — preferably dirt or sand.
If you end up taking it down or draining the water, I’d consider moving it to a softer ground — maybe that’s why the frame is making those noises?
MIl says
Thank you so much. We are buying the rectangular size, but at this point feel that we need someone to help us install it, as in prepping the ground.
Your efforts and time in writing this has been most helpful.
Janet says
This is second Bestway pool from Costco. The first one lasted 3 seasons and we are on season 2 of this one. Great sand pump – pool always clean and crystal clear. We have a pool place very close by and get the water tested once a week. We had steps built with a platform on top and got nice interior steps with rail. I have 12 grandchildren and we all enjoy it. Maybe the next one we buy will be a bigger size, but this is great for now. Wound up putting gravel all around pool with a border – dressed it up and looks much better. Also got the magnetic LED light for inside the pool for night swimming. Kids love to make whirlpool in pool – fun times!
Paul Polarek says
I would love to pics of of your platform? As we are planning on putting some sort of decking around our pool this year.
Carol says
It looks fun! You said one downside of having a pool is the hassle of setting it up. From years of having an above ground intex pool I have to say taking it down is a much greater hassle. It had to be drained and scrubbed. Then rinsed and dried and folded to store for next year. Putting it up took an hour or so before adding water. Taking it down takes a few days! Good luck. My kids enjoyed it all those years but I admit it was alot of work.
David Randolph says
Well, it doesn’t look like the most aesthetically pleasing pool I’ve ever seen, but the kids look like they love it and that’s all that really matters, right? 🙂
Shelley says
Seriously! I don’t even know if you know how cute you guys are! We need more people and families like yours out here in Southern California! Ah, I only hope and pray to send some of your wisdom my girls’ way when it’s time for them to have a family! I’ve already raised my girls (now 19, 21,22) but I absolutely thoroughly enjoy your blog. I skim over some lunchtime food choices for the little ones..haha (actually, I still love the ideas..ha!)! But, other than that, there is still plenty for me to enjoy, admire and mull over. I am very much your same personality but I was not on IT like you are at your age/stage. My girls all came within three years and I was off and running…gosh, I wish I had simplified sooo much more back then!! You absolutely ROCK! And, make having four kids look so easy! They are so blessed to have a mother and father running the household like you two do! You and your kids experience so much pure joy by slowing things down and not trying too hard to do too much ALL the damn time! (I was more go-go-go!) especially while they are this young. We had passes to Disneyland…haha!!! 🙂 Enjoy the latest fun “toy” at the house!
Sharon Garrison says
We put ours up 3 years ago! Big mistake we used BLUE WORLD POOLS out of state. NEVER USE THEM. They didn’tvHV a contractor in Arlansas so they sent one from Oklahoma. They were Amish and he showed up with his 3 girls all dressed in love g dresses and bonnets! At first I thought it was a joke. But they each had a job to do. The main prob is he didn’t grade out dirt well, all rocks and roots. Then it was uneventful , he then put sand o. Top of dirt and no pad on top of it!! Well they got the sides and liner up and filled with water!! Within a week we had our first leak! He came back with his boys and they dove down and put a patch where a root had come thru, that worked awhile, another month goes by and another leak which we patched. Last summer it wasn’t long before it was leaking again, we patched over the patches but it continues to leak slightly and other areas began popping up with rocks and sticks under liner. Well we closed it again for winter. Three days ago when we uncovered it, it was completely dry. Now we are not sure if there are other leaks too. So we are patching again and trying find leaks. It’s been a nightmare!! If we have replace liner, fix dirt as ND sand underneath and put a sand pad under new liner it will cost $1000, plus alot of labor!! The pool already cost us $10k plus alot of anguish!! I’d say get an inground pool, make payments and NVR worry Abt leaks!!!
Andrea says
oh no — sounds horrible!
We just put up our little pool again today (so far, so good) but whenever we decide to “upgrade” we are definitely leaning towards an underground for many of the reasons you mentioned
Cathy Howell says
Also we have a solar blanket that we put on it and I have had to take it off the last couple weeks because it actually heats the water up to warm. The blanket also keeps debris out of the pool. This is pool love from Salt Lake City, Utah
Cathy Howell says
Leave it up!! is my vote. We have had above ground pools for over 10 years and love having pool/bbq parties. The whole family enjoys it. We have 14 grandchildren and the funniest thing they want to do is the whirlpool- everybody(adults) runs the edge of the pool and creates a lazy river! the kids thoroughly enjoy this. Great family bonding times, and the children are watched! Fun for all. we did pour a 18″ ring of concrete around ours and laid sand in the middle. On the days I am home alone I will get out in it all by myself and enjoy that also(these days are few and very far in between) lol I am a stay at home grandma by choice so very busy and we love our pool! enjoy!!!!
Andrea says
I’ll pass your vote along to Dave. Thanks Cathy!
Debbie says
We had been talking and planning for a pool 2 or 3 years now. We even got a couple of bids, one before the fall and one right before spring. We decided against it all together because it shocked us on how much it would cost and thinking how much longer it would take us to pay off our mortgage. Your post, an invite to our friend’s house with a newly built underground pool, and our current heat wave makes me want to revisit this plan again. We designed a kidney shaped pool just because of how it mimics nature. We also wanted salt water and one company who submitted a bid talked us against it explaining it causes more issues with rusting and break-down. The other company didn’t talk us against it but explained the pros and cons. The kidney shape also would cost more than a rectangular design, but I just imagined how much pleasure it would give me just to look at the water and it looking like I was by a lake. A pool would cut down yard maintenance (mowing, watering, fertilizing, etc.) so that’s a plus. I’m not sure how much the water bill or the electricity would increase though. The value of our home wouldn’t increase either by adding an in-ground pool, and it might even deter future buyers since we’re living in WA state. This will purely be a luxury addition.
Andrea says
haha — well don’t do it because we did it. Our investment was VERY SMALL this year — we definitely won’t dive into (pun intended) an underground pool purchase without lots of thought!
Dawn says
We have an in-ground 20 x 40 and 10 1/2 feet deep. It came with our house. 🙂 We struggled for years with getting our chemicals correct and spend tons of money that was not needed. We had someone tell us to switch to Sam’s Club chemicals and the difference is amazing. We use half the chemicals and never see green, which was always an issue in the past. Sam’s Club chemicals have made a huge difference over pool supply chemicals. Just a suggestion if you have issues!
We will in Michigan as well, Grand Rapids! 🙂
Andrea says
wow — that’s a HUUUUGE pool! good to know about the sam’s club chemicals! My sister has a membership so we could always buy through her to test them out!
Lisa says
We’re also in Michigan and I can cast a vote for leaving the pool up all winter. We’ve had about 10 years of various above ground pools and used to take them down every fall. The following summer we would have lots of leaks and holes to deal with. Our latest pool is much larger, similar to yours except round, and we’ve left it up for the last 3 winters and have not had a single leak or problem. I highly recommend it!
Andrea says
good to know — thanks Lisa!
Kelly Hess says
We had an above ground pool put in 3 years ago. We adore it and so do our kids. I agree with your comments on working with a local pool store. After 2 seasons we feel pretty good at handling the care and maintenance but it is always great to have a trusted source to go to for help! Also, Costco runs a great sale in late spring/summer on buckets of chlorine tablets and bags of shock (delivered for free). We always buy one of each at the beginning of the season and they last us all year! Good luck! PS – we live in Cleveland OH so yes, the season is limited, but we get in there everyday we can!
Andrea says
good to know! We hope we will love having a pool for many years as well!
Allison says
How has your electric bill been? When we bought our home there was an above ground pool – it had to run at least 8 hours a day – every day. And then there were the lightening strikes and algae and fun stuff like that.
I think the last summer we used the pool was 2004 when my girls were 2. Then we shut it never to open it again.
But we did join the town pool. Fun and no responsibilities!
Andrea says
We haven’t noticed any difference at all — that said, we run our AC and underground sprinklers daily in the summer as well, so our bill is always higher in the summer. I think I read that a pool pump uses roughly the same amount of energy as a refrigerator — so no big deal at all. We often keep our pump running all day long.
Lisa says
I was wondering how many gallons of water that is? I have thought about a pool, but the cost to fill it has to be considered. If it took a whole day to fill it…do you have to add water very often? Looks like everyone is enjoying it!
Andrea says
I’m honestly not sure how many gallons — but our water bill was maybe $20 more than normal for this time of year (so basically nothing!) We’ve added a little water to it once so far.
Lisa says
Wow, that is not bad at all. I was expecting over $100! I may have to look for one on sale as they clearance things out.
lyss says
Wow! We have friends with a pool and it cost them somewhere around $600 to fill it! Granted, it’s probably twice the size of yours, but still. I guess water costs vary a lot depending on where you live!
Brenda says
The trick to keeping the pool clean is to use it a lot. My parents had an in-ground pool and the summers that people were in it everyday, they never (well, hardly ever) had to actually clean it. Then as the kids/grand kids grew up and got busier the pool was used a lot less. That is when it got really green/dirty and cleaning it became a chore that had to be done all the time. Then pool maintenance became another reason they wanted to sell the house they were in. Have fun with it!
Andrea says
yes! We use it a lot!!!
Christine says
We bought an easy set up pool years ago and love it. After the first year of using chemicals we switched to salt and I just love it. So much nicer on everyone’s skin, bathing suits don’t deteriorate and it’s so easy. We have to run the ‘salt machine’ 3-4 hrs a day and that’s it. No testing the water, no worrying about chemical storage and a lovely pool that doesn’t smell like really strong chlorine
Andrea says
Yes, whenever we get an inground pool, we definitely want to get the salt system. However, after doing some research, we decided agains a salt system with our current pool because it was said to rust the metal frame. Glad to hear good reviews from you though!
Debbie says
I also heard about the rusting on the metals with salt water. Have you had any issues with this yet?
jen says
I love this! I am definitely not a “pool mom”. I don’t enjoy swimming or the heat as I sit by the pool, but I think your kids will love the memories they’ll make with a pool! Believe it or not, when we moved to Maryland, we actually paid good money to have the inground pool that was our ENTIRE back yard, filled in and covered with sod! We took a lot of heat for that but, at that point in my life, I was more interested in the kids having grass in the yard, and my introverted self did NOT want to be party central! LOL! We did join a neighborhood pool pretty much every year while the kids were young and they enjoyed that a lot! They always had friends to play with there and I always had someone to chat with in the shade.
My sister and brother in law have a beautiful inground pool in their backyard, and it’s been the landing place for many parties and gatherings over the years. When we lived in Maryland, we were just 2 hours away and spent many weeks/weekends at their home when the kids were younger. Those are great memories, and I know your kids will have the same!
Andrea says
haha — yes, I remember you mentioning that you filled your pool in (crazy lady!)
We have friends who filled in their pool too — we were so jealous!
Cheryl says
So an above ground pool would have a filter and cleaner like unground pools. And what about a heater, can you use a heater with them? And lastly can you recommend a good company to buy a pool from in the Southern California area.
Thanks
Cheryl says
Recommendations for above ground pools.
Thanks
Andrea says
you wouldn’t use a traditional heater (like for an underground pool) but you can see our solar heater mat in many of the pictures in my post. That actually works REALLY well to heat our pool water!