2013 - Pool Prep

Last year we didn't have a pool and it was frustrating for the kids, especially after a long days work at the duplex. With our museum pass expiring, and knowing Mom would renew it, I asked her if instead of the children's museum, she would buy a liner for our pool. She talked to Dad and they agreed to help get a pool underway.

We ordered the liner and it sat in it's box for about a month while we got the dirt floor prepped and pieces ready to assemble the 15 x 30 summer fun spot.

First Eric and I dug trenches to put the piping for two bottom drains. Kids helped pull some of the weeds that had grown. Once we got the pipes and drains in place, we had to cover them with the dirt and added sand.

Everyone lending a helping hand or foot.

We had to even out the dirt, which meant removing some out of the pool. We added sand to, hopefully, help the pipes not freeze underground during the winter. Evening out the dirt took some time, but we eventually got it done.

Calf deep in mud, trying to compact things a bit.

This side got a little too much sand added as it didn't stiffen up as well as the other pipe sections. It took us a few days, but the piping, drains, and dirt bed was soon ready for the underlayment and liner.

Our Nate weight.
Kids took sides & "corners" to hold down
the underlayment while Eric & I trimmed it.

Putting up the liner.
It went a lot quicker and smoother than expected.
THAT was a very good thing.

Once the liner was up, it was fill time. That took about half a day with two hoses. See the next entry to view the pool progression pictures.