Dive into Summer with Intex XTR Above Ground Pools

Summer is synonymous with relaxation, fun, and refreshing dips in the pool. If you’re dreaming of creating your own backyard oasis, an Intex XTR Above Ground Pool might be the perfect solution. Known for their durability, ease of setup, and affordability, Intex XTR pools have become a popular choice for homeowners looking to enjoy the benefits of pool ownership without the hefty price tag or complex installation process.

Why Choose an Intex XTR Pool?

• Durability: Built with high-quality materials, Intex XTR pools are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The strong PVC liner and sturdy frame ensure long-lasting enjoyment.
• Easy Setup: Unlike traditional inground pools, Intex XTR pools require minimal installation effort. Most models can be set up in a matter of hours, allowing you to start enjoying your pool sooner.
• Affordability: Compared to inground pools, Intex XTR pools offer a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality or features.
• Versatility: Available in various sizes and shapes, Intex XTR pools can accommodate different backyard spaces and family needs.

Selecting the Perfect Intex XTR Pool

Choosing the right Intex XTR pool for your backyard involves considering several factors:

• Size: Determine the available space in your yard and the number of people who will be using the pool. Intex offers a range of sizes to suit different needs. For small areas we recommend the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Rectanular 18ft.
• Shape: Consider the shape of your backyard and your personal preference. Rectangular, oval, and round pools are popular options. For an Oval area we Recommend the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Round 16ft.
• Depth: The depth of the pool should be suitable for your family's age and swimming abilities. Intex offers pools with varying depths to accommodate different needs. For the largest pool with the greatest depth we recommend the Intex Ultra XTR Frame Pool Rectangular 32ft.
• Features: Some Intex XTR pools come with additional features like built-in pumps, filters, and even LED lights. Consider which features are essential for you.

Setting Up Your Intex XTR Pool

While Intex XTR pools are relatively easy to set up, following the provided instructions carefully is essential. Here are some general tips:

• Choose a level location: Ensure the ground is flat and free of debris.
• Prepare the ground: Remove any sharp objects or rocks that could damage the pool liner.
• Inflate the top ring: This provides initial support for the pool walls.
• Erect the pool walls: Connect the wall sections and secure them according to the instructions.
• Install the liner: Carefully unfold and position the liner in the pool.
• Fill the pool: Gradually fill the pool with water, allowing the liner to settle.
• Connect the filter system: Install and connect the pump and filter system according to the instructions.

Maintaining Your Intex XTR Pool

Proper pool maintenance is crucial for keeping your water clean and safe for swimming. Here are some essential tips:

• Regular water testing: Check the water chemistry regularly using a pool test kit. Maintain proper pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels.
• Skimmer and filter maintenance: Clean the skimmer basket and filter regularly to remove debris.
• Water circulation: Run the filter system for several hours each day to ensure proper water circulation.
• Cover the pool: Use a pool cover to protect the water from debris and evaporation when not in use.
• Winterization: If you live in a cold climate, properly winterize your pool to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Enjoying Your Intex XTR Pool

Once your pool is set up and maintained, it's time to relax and enjoy! Here are some ideas to enhance your pool experience:

• Pool accessories: Add pool floats, toys, and games to make your pool more fun.
• Outdoor furniture: Create a comfortable seating area around your pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables.
• Pool lighting: Install pool lights to extend your enjoyment into the evening hours.
• Pool parties: Host pool parties with friends and family to create lasting memories.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Intex Pool Setup

When picking out the location for your pool, consider factors like sunlight, visibility, location of power and water, and safety fencing or barriers to entry. Though these all seem like minor details, they can play a big role in the usability and overall safety of your pool.

The Clark Rubber Way: Pick a sunny patch of grass in the backyard. The location is on flat, level ground that has good storm water run-off. Safety fencing or barriers prevent unwanted access to the pool. The pool is easily visible from the house and elsewhere in the yard, and it's close to power and water sources.

The Wrong Way: Position the pool under a large, shady tree. The ground is not level or is on a slight incline, and water collects around the pool during heavy rainstorms. Your pool is too far from the water spigot or power outlets, meaning you have to use a long hose or extension cord to reach the area. There's no barrier around the pool, and children can access it easily without supervision. The pool is tucked into a secluded area away from view, and it isn't easily visible from the house.

Site Preparation

Level ground is extremely important. If it's off by even 1-2 inches, a soft-sided pool can roll toward one side. This puts unnecessary stress on the pool and can lead to a blow-out. Above everything else, this is the most important step in setting up an Intex pool! A good location is high and dry, but also flat and level.

The Clark Rubber Way: Mark the perimeter of your pool and add 1 foot of extra space to all sides. Use a line level to measure at 12-36 points around the pool. Then use flat shovels or a sod cutter machine to remove turf and lower the high spots. Add a one inch layer of sand.

The Wrong Way: Eyeball the approximate area of the pool, and raise visible low spots by adding sand without actually checking for true level. Using sand to fill in low spots is not advised because it results in uneven weight distribution on the pool floor. This can lead to uneven floors and a blowout if erosion occurs.

How to Level the Ground for an Intex Pool

1. Start by painting the outline of the pool on the ground.

If you have a round pool, you can mark the pool outline by putting a stake in the center of the pool area and tying a string to it. Measure the string to the exact radius of the pool and add 1 foot to the measurement. Hold the string at the measured point and in the same hand hold a can of spray paint. Walk in a large circle, holding the string taut, and spraying the paint close to the ground. Fair warning: wear old shoes while doing this.

If your pool is an oval or rectangle, add 2 feet to your length and width measurements before marking out the area. Make sure your corners are a perfect 90º angle so your shape isn't lopsided.

2. Check your ground level.

First, cut the grass very short and rake it well, so you're not measuring over grass, sticks and rubble. Check for level ground by using an 240cm foot long 50mmx100mm board. Be sure to choose one that's not warped! Lay it flat on the ground, right up against the centre stake (if you used one to mark out your circular pool.

3. Level the ground as needed.

If the ground is more than 1 inch off level, you'll need to remove the high spots. Don't just go around filling the low spots. Adding fill under an above ground pool can settle or wash out, making you wish you'd taken the harder route of knocking down those high spots! An inch of fill-in spots will probably be OK, and adding an inch of sand is often used for a smoother bottom. However, if you plan on adding several inches of fill dirt, you're just asking for trouble!

4. Prepare to Set Up Your New Intex Pool!

With the ground levelled and prepped for your new pool, you're just about ready to start setting everything up! An Intex pool in the box looks big when it first arrives on your doorstep. Don't try to move it as-is. Instead, get a razor knife and carefully open up the long side along the tape. Then you can pull out the five or six smaller boxes and accessory items and cart these out to the job site. Check to see if a ground cloth is included with your kit, and if not, purchase one to place between the ground and pool.

Intex Pool Setup

The Clark Rubber Way: Carefully read all instructions and watch the instructional video (if available). Grab a helper to spread the ground cloth over the prepared ground, and stake in the corners to keep it tight. Roll out the pool material and spread it out, being careful not to snag it on stakes or sticks.

Take your time to gently remove wrinkles from your Intex pool. The packing wrinkles will mostly smooth out on their own, but a few may need some assistance. When you get about 4-6 inches of water, gently get in the pool in your swimsuit and slowly work out any wrinkles with your hands, working from the center to the walls (inside to outside). Grab a helper or two if you have a large pool. Once the pool is half full, wrinkles are almost impossible to remove, so be ready to start working right away once you turn on the water. Heavy adults can use 2x4 boards to stand or kneel on in order to distribute weight more evenly and protect a sand base.

The Wrong Way: After quickly skimming through the instructions, you try to do everything by yourself. You didn't start with a level base, and you didn't use a ground cover. Now sharp rocks and sticks threaten to puncture the floor of the pool. The piles of sand you used to fill in low spots have shifted around, and the bottom of the pool looks like the surface of the moon. You didn't work out the wrinkles right away, and now you're stuck with them. How did things go so wrong?! Guess you'd better start back up at the top again.

Final Steps

Follow the instruction manual to connect the pump and filter to your Intex pool. Test the water to ensure proper pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness, then shock the pool to remove any organic contaminants from the water. Once chlorine levels drop down into the recommended 2.0-4.0 ppm range, you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labor! Go grab your swimsuit and start soaking up the sunshine.

Transform your backyard into a refreshing oasis with an Intex XTR Above Ground Pool from Clark Rubber. As experts in pools and spas, we provide everything you need for a perfect setup and easy maintenance. Visit your nearest Clark Rubber store today and dive into a summer of fun and relaxation with your family and friends!