Monica Cardona
Member
I'm considering a DIY swimming pool kit for my backyard—what are the most important factors to consider when choosing the right kit, and how can I ensure it's durable and easy to maintain long-term?
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What Should I Look for in a Swimming Pool Kit for My Backyard?
- Thread starter Monica Cardona
- Start date
Brent Carter
Member
I put in a DIY pool kit a couple of summers ago, and I’ll say this, there are a few things I wish I’d known before getting started. It’s not hard, but there are small details that make a big difference over time.
First off, the frame. Some of the kits look similar, but the materials aren’t always equal. I went with a steel frame and it’s held up alright, but if you’re in a wet area, I’d maybe lean toward resin. Less chance of rust, and it just seems to handle moisture better. Either way, check what’s actually in the box, not just the pictures online.
The base is another one. I thought I had the ground level enough, but I rushed that step a little. Ended up with a slight slope, and now I notice the water line’s not perfectly even. Doesn’t ruin it, but it bugs me. If I had to do it again, I’d spend more time making sure the ground was compact and flat, even if it meant a couple extra hours with a tamper.
The pump and filter that came with the kit were pretty basic. They worked okay for a small pool, but I ended up upgrading a few months in. Cleaning took longer than it should have, and the water started getting cloudy after heavy use. Once I swapped out the pump, things stayed a lot cleaner with way less effort.
One last thing, liners. Mine was a thinner one, and it got a small tear in year two. If you’re picking out a kit, it’s worth checking if you can upgrade to a thicker liner before you even set it up. The cost isn’t huge, but it could save you replacing it sooner than expected.
Overall, I’m glad I went with the kit. Saved a ton compared to hiring it out. But yeah, there are a few small things that make a big difference if you catch them early.
First off, the frame. Some of the kits look similar, but the materials aren’t always equal. I went with a steel frame and it’s held up alright, but if you’re in a wet area, I’d maybe lean toward resin. Less chance of rust, and it just seems to handle moisture better. Either way, check what’s actually in the box, not just the pictures online.
The base is another one. I thought I had the ground level enough, but I rushed that step a little. Ended up with a slight slope, and now I notice the water line’s not perfectly even. Doesn’t ruin it, but it bugs me. If I had to do it again, I’d spend more time making sure the ground was compact and flat, even if it meant a couple extra hours with a tamper.
The pump and filter that came with the kit were pretty basic. They worked okay for a small pool, but I ended up upgrading a few months in. Cleaning took longer than it should have, and the water started getting cloudy after heavy use. Once I swapped out the pump, things stayed a lot cleaner with way less effort.
One last thing, liners. Mine was a thinner one, and it got a small tear in year two. If you’re picking out a kit, it’s worth checking if you can upgrade to a thicker liner before you even set it up. The cost isn’t huge, but it could save you replacing it sooner than expected.
Overall, I’m glad I went with the kit. Saved a ton compared to hiring it out. But yeah, there are a few small things that make a big difference if you catch them early.
Derek Nolan
Member
Hey Monica,
I did a DIY pool kit two years ago, so yeah—been there lol. Biggest thing? Make sure the kit has the core stuff (walls, liner, pump, filter, returns). some don’t include stairs or cleaning gear, which caught me off guard.
Also check the liner thickness. Thin liners wear out way faster, especially if you’ve got kids or pets hopping in and out. And don’t go cheap on the filter. A solid sand or cartridge filter saves you a ton of hassle later.
Installing it took longer than I expected. Leveling the ground was honestly the worst part. Get that right and the rest goes smoother.
For long-term upkeep, go with resin or coated steel frames, they hold up better if your weather changes a lot.
Good luck with the project. Totally worth it once it’s up and running!
I did a DIY pool kit two years ago, so yeah—been there lol. Biggest thing? Make sure the kit has the core stuff (walls, liner, pump, filter, returns). some don’t include stairs or cleaning gear, which caught me off guard.
Also check the liner thickness. Thin liners wear out way faster, especially if you’ve got kids or pets hopping in and out. And don’t go cheap on the filter. A solid sand or cartridge filter saves you a ton of hassle later.
Installing it took longer than I expected. Leveling the ground was honestly the worst part. Get that right and the rest goes smoother.
For long-term upkeep, go with resin or coated steel frames, they hold up better if your weather changes a lot.
Good luck with the project. Totally worth it once it’s up and running!
David Wilson
Member
If you’re picking a pool kit, go for one with a sturdy frame (resin’s great if you want to avoid rust), a thick liner, and a reliable filter system. Make sure it includes essentials like the pump and skimmer, some kits skip those. And once it’s up, I’d suggest using Aquadoc’s clarifier to keep the water looking spotless with minimal effort.
Nathan Parker
Member
I agree with what’s been said already. I’d also suggest double-checking the pool kit’s warranty before buying. Some brands only cover the liner or frame for a year, while others include the pump and filter too. It says a lot about how confident they are in their quality. I use Aquadoc’s clarifier in mine, and it really helps keep the water looking crystal clear without much effort.