15ft Summer Waves Pool

Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Plunge into Pool Ownership

As I gazed out the window on yet another hot summer day, I couldn’t help but dream of the refreshing relief of floating in my very own backyard pool. The idea of escaping the heat with an afternoon swim in the privacy of my own home became more appealing by the minute. And so began my journey to buying my very first pool – a 15ft Summer Waves above-ground model.

As a first-time pool owner, I had so many questions. How difficult is it to install? What kind of maintenance is required? Are there any hidden costs? This guide aims to answer all these questions and more, providing you with everything you need to know before taking the plunge into pool ownership with a 15ft Summer Waves model.

Selecting the Right Size

The first decision I faced was choosing the right size pool for my backyard. Summer Waves offers a range of sizes from 10ft up to 24ft. While a larger pool might seem more appealing, there were a few factors that made me settle on the 15ft model:

• ** Yard dimensions** – I measured my backyard space to determine the maximum pool size that would comfortably fit. 15ft felt like the ideal length.
• Cost – Not surprisingly, price increases significantly with pool size. The 15ft pool met my budget constraints.
• Maintenance – Larger pools require more chemicals, take longer to clean, and use more water to fill. The 15ft model struck the right balance for my needs.
• Family size – With just my husband and I, a 15ft pool provides plenty of room to relax and swim laps. Bigger families may want more space.

By taking time to carefully consider these factors, I knew the 15ft Summer Waves pool would be the perfect backyard oasis for us.

What’s Included in the 15ft Pool Package

One of the great things about Summer Waves pools is that they come with everything you need for installation right in the box. Here’s what came included with my 15ft pool set:

• The pool liner and wall components
• A pump and filter system
• The skimmer and return fixture
• A ladder for getting in and out
• A maintenance kit with test strips and chlorine
• A pool cover
• A DVD with installation instructions

The only additional items I needed to supply were a level ground surface, tools for assembly, and the water to fill it up. The complete package made setup much easier.

Preparing the Installation Site

Installing an above-ground pool requires a good deal of planning and prep work. I learned the hard way that you can never spend too much time on this initial step.

Here are my top tips for prepping your pool site:

• Choose a flat, level location – Any bumps or dips in the ground can cause the pool to bend or warp once filled, so carefully inspect and clear the area first.
• Remove debris and obstructions – Eliminate sticks, rocks, roots or other sharp objects that could puncture the pool liner.
• Measure precise dimensions – Use spray paint or stakes to map out the exact size and shape of your pool based on the package instructions.
• Gather needed tools – A shovel, rake, level, drill, tape measure, nails and sandpaper will likely be required.
• Enlist help – Recruit at least one extra pair of hands (two or three is even better). Many steps are difficult alone.

Taking time to perfectly flatten and prepare the chosen spot will prevent headaches down the road. Don’t rush this critical first step.

Assembly and Installation – Easier Than It Looks

With my site cleared and prepped, it was time for the fun part – actually setting up the pool. I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about tackling this process myself, but the included DVD instructions were very easy to follow. Here’s how it went:

• I started by laying out all the components – following the directions to place each piece in order. This helped organize the process.
• Next, I connected the upright poles using the provided hardware. At each joint, I made sure to carefully level and stabilize with packed dirt.
• My husband and I then gently laid the wall into place, working our way around the perimeter a section at a time. We used a carpenter’s level to keep everything straight.
• Once the walls were upright, it was time to roll out the pool liner and trim it to fit snugly. The instructions recommend leaving extra material rather than cutting too narrow.
• Next, we attached the skimmer and return jets, cutting precise openings in the liner. The pump and filter system easily clicked into place.
• Finally, filling with water was the rewarding part! I used a garden hose with a soft spray nozzle. We monitored the water level closely to prevent overfilling.

While assembly took the better part of a full day, the whole process was quite straightforward with the detailed instructions. Soon we were ready to dive in!

How Much Water Does a 15ft Pool Hold?

One of the things I found surprising was just how much water is required to fill a 15ft pool. My rough calculations estimated about 5,500 gallons.

To put that into perspective:

• The average bathtub holds only about 50 gallons
• A standard hot tub is 250 – 500 gallons
• My household uses 80-100 gallons per day

So filling the pool required about 2 months worth of water usage for my home!

Needless to say, I wanted to use the water responsibly and minimize any waste. Here are some tips:

• Verify local regulations – Some municipalities restrict water usage or require a permit for large volumes
• Use a water meter – This will help monitor exactly how much is needed to reach the optimum level
• Check for leaks – Scan carefully for any tiny drips or damp spots before filling
• Refill slowly – Add a few inches per day rather than all at once to check for leaks

Understanding just how much water a 15ft pool requires was a real eye-opener for me. But the results were well worth the effort!

Maintaining Chemical Balance and Sanitation

Perhaps the biggest ongoing chore of pool ownership is maintaining proper water chemistry and cleanliness. I’ll admit it was daunting at first, testing for different chemical levels and adding the appropriate doses. But once I got into a regular routine, the maintenance became second nature.

Here are my tips for keeping water chemistry in check:

• Test daily – Dip test strips morning and night to check chlorine, pH and alkalinity levels. Purchase a comprehensive kit for all factors.
• Shock weekly – Give the water a good sanitizing dose of shock treatment each week to kill bacteria and viruses.
• pH first – Always start by balancing pH before addressing sanitizer, as improper pH hampers chlorine effectiveness.
• Follow product guides – The amounts needed of each chemical vary based on pool size and test factors. Follow label directions carefully.
• Consider an automatic system – Investing in an electronic chlorine dispenser or mineral stick system can simplify the process.
• Document everything – Keep detailed logs of test readings and chemical additions to spot trends.

It took some trial and error before I found the ideal schedule and doses to keep my pool water perfectly balanced. Don’t be afraid to ask the experts for advice.

Must-Have Pool Toys and Accessories

One of the best parts about owning a pool is shopping for fun accessories and pool toys! Here are some of my must-have items:

• Lounge float – The perfect way to relax in the water on a hot day. I chose an inflatable model with cupholder and sunshade.
• Dive toys – Underwater action figures, rings and diving sticks provide hours of entertainment.
• Pool noodle – These foam tubes are great for kids or just resting and floating around.
• Goggles – Essential for swimming underwater and playing dive games. I purchased several pairs for family and friends.
• Pool basketball hoop – My husband installed a floating hoop along the edge for poolside competition.
• Inflatable raft – For laying out and soaking up the sun on lazy days.
• Pool vacuum – An electric vacuum makes quick work of cleaning the bottom. No more scooping out leaves by hand!

Owning the right pool accessories can make relaxing in the backyard feel like a day at the waterpark. The whole family enjoys our pool so much more with toys and games.

Heating Options to Extend the Swimming Season

One downside of pool ownership in a cooler climate is the relatively short swimming season – just four or five months at most where I live. I definitely wanted to maximize the use of the pool for as long as possible in the summer. That meant investigating heating options.

Here are three effective methods I considered:

• Solar pool cover – This bubble wrap cover traps heat from the sun to boost water temperature. It’s the most economical choice.
• Floating solar rings – These giant inner tubes have solar cells that actively heat the water. Price is moderate.
• Electric or gas heater – Plumbed units match your water heater at home for the warmest pool temperature. Most expensive option.

In the end, I went with a solar pool cover as the simplest and cheapest way to gain a few extra weeks of swimming in fall. The bubble cover also has the added benefit of reducing evaporation when the pool is not in use.

If you live in a climate with short summers, a heating upgrade can definitely be worth the investment to make those long winter months a bit more bearable.

Saving Electricity with an Efficient Pump and Filter

For any pool, the pump and filter system is essentially the heart that keeps everything flowing smoothly. This is one area where you don’t want to cut costs. A good pump ensures the water circulates properly and the filter cleans debris effectively.

But pumps and filters can also be major energy hogs. So I did some research to choose energy efficient models that would save on electrical costs:

• Variable speed pump – This more advanced type of pump allows you to run it at lower RPMs to conserve energy when full power isn’t needed.
• High efficiency filter – Certain modern filter designs offer better energy savings compared to traditional models.
• Shorter run times – My pump has a digital timer that lets me set a minimal circulation schedule of just 6-8 hours instead of round-the-clock.
• Higher load capacity – Choosing a pump that can handle the full pool volume prevents short cycling which wastes power.
• Insulated tubing – Ensuring the pipes and hoses that connect the system are well insulated prevents heat loss.

While these pumps and filters cost a bit more initially, the energy savings in the long run will more than make up for the difference in price.

Keeping the Pool Clean with Minimal Effort

As a new pool owner still learning the ropes, I was a bit overwhelmed by just how much cleaning the pool seemed to require. Luckily, I discovered some handy gadgets and techniques to keep my pool sparkling, even with minimal daily effort:

• Invest in a quality telescoping pole – This makes scrubbing, vacuuming and skimming so much easier. Look for thick anodized aluminum.
• Use large leaf skimmers – Opt for wide models designed to scoop up more debris in fewer swoops.
• Attach a vacuum to the pole – Vacuuming the floor is a breeze by putting the suction right at your fingertips.
• Consider a robotic cleaner – For truly hands-free cleaning, a roving vacuum will roll around collecting dirt and leaves.
• Schedule a maintenance day – One day per week, give the water a thorough scrubbing, testing and shock treatment.
• Take advantage of rainy days – The rain helps “wash” debris from the pool surface and dilute chemicals naturally.

With the right tools and techniques, keeping a 15ft pool clean doesn’t have to be as tedious or time consuming as I first imagined. A little regular effort goes a long way.

Closing the Pool for the Winter

Where I live, the cold winters and frigid temperatures limit the pool season to just four or five months. So as the end of summer approached this first year, I began preparations to close down the pool properly. Here are the steps I followed:

• Test and balance – Before closing, I tested and adjusted all chemical levels following the same process as normal operation.
• Shock and algaecide – I added heavy doses of shock and algae prevention chemicals to sanitize the water before closing.
• Lower the level – Approximately halfway down, I drained the pool to reduce pressure on the walls and liner.
• Disconnect plumbing – All hoses and above-ground equipment need to be removed and stored.
• Clean thoroughly – I scrubbed every surface and vacuumed the floor sparkling clean.
• Cover tightly – A tight fitting winter cover topped with waterbags keeps the covered pool protected.
• Clean pump and filter – These were disassembled, cleaned and allowed to thoroughly dry before storage.

Following this detailed winterization process, I can rest easy knowing the pool is ready for storage. Come spring, opening it up again for the season will be quick and easy.

Is Saltwater or Chlorine Better for My Pool?

When shopping for pool chemicals and sanitizers, I discovered there are two primary options – traditional chlorine tablets or salt cell systems. Here’s what I considered about each:

Chlorine

• Very effective and economical sanitizer
• Fast dissolving tablets are convenient
• Requires close monitoring of levels
• Can be prone to pH fluctuations

Saltwater

• Electrolytic cells convert salt to chlorine
• More stable pH and fewer chemicals needed
• No harsh chlorine smell or irritation
• Higher upfront installation cost

In the end, I opted to go the traditional chlorine route for my first year. The lower initial cost appealed to me as a pool owner just getting started. However, a saltwater system is definitely on my wish list for upgrading down the road!

Looking Back – The Joys of Pool Ownership

As I reflect back after my first season of pool ownership, I can definitively say the investment of time, money and effort was well worth it. The simple joy our family experienced sliding into the cool water on hot afternoons was priceless. Here are some lasting memories:

• My son gleefully jumping into the pool again and again yelling “Look mom, no hands!”
• Slowly paddling around in an inflatable lounge chair with a drink in my hand.
• Grilling burgers and eating poolside as a family on weekends.
• Quietly floating on my back at night, gazing up at the stars.
• Watching colorful sunsets reflected on the rippling water.

For us, adding a Summer Waves pool was about more than just cooling off. It opened up countless hours of fun, relaxation, family bonding and simple backyard enjoyment during the warm months. I can’t wait to jump back in next summer!

So if you find yourself daydreaming about lazy days spent poolside this season, I highly recommend looking into Summer Waves models. Their quality construction, easy installation and family friendly features have turned my backyard into the neighborhood hangout spot. Just beware – once you take the plunge into pool ownership, you may find it hard to imagine summer without one!