Intex swimming pools are manufactured by Intex Recreation Corp of American Fork, Utah. Their products are sold worldwide and include inflatable hot tubs, pools, airbeds, backrest pillows and more.
Intex pools are ideal for family relaxation or as an entertainment center during a party. The company started importing vinyl pool toys from Japan in 1986 and has since expanded to include pool liners, pumps and other related accessories, as well.
An intex pool is composed of three layers: an outer laminated PVC tarpaulin that’s very strong and durable; an inner liner usually made from Hypalon, a rubber-like material with built-in flexibility; and a layer of insulating air between the outer tarpaulin and inner liner.
A typical intex pool is composed of three main parts: an inflatable top ring, an inflatable bottom ring, and an inflatable side wall with steps. There are separate valves to let in air for each of these parts. When it’s time to drain the pool, simply open up the valves and let out the water.
Do not underestimate the importance of using pool chemicals like chlorine or non-chlorine shock when filling an intex swimming pool because polluted water can cause many problems including algae growth that discolors your pool. Also, make sure the filter pump is plugged in and turned on once the pool is filled.
An intex pool can be set up practically anywhere including patios, driveways or even your backyard. A plastic ground cloth may be needed to keep debris from puncturing the bottom of your pool. Before you start filling the pool with water, turn on the filter and heater (if there is one).
Some intex pools come with a ladder and others do not, so make sure to check the box before you buy. Intex swimming pools are available in round and rectangular shapes; prices range from about $100 to $500, depending on size and other features such as salt-water or heater compatibility.
Whether you’re getting an intex pool for your family or as a party accessory, keep in mind that water temperature in the pool should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety. Intex pools are available in most major toy stores nationwide.
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How long do Intex above ground pools last?
One of the most frequently asked questions about an Intex pool is, “How long do they last?” A properly maintained intex pool should last for many years.
Intex swimming pools are designed with three layers: an outer laminated PVC tarpaulin, an inner liner usually made from Hypalon, and a layer of insulating air between the two. In theory, all three layers must be compromised in order for the pool to spring a leak. However, if one layer is punctured and water enters into it, Intex pools should still be able to hold up against reasonable amounts of pressure before they go flat.
The typical life span of an intex pool is five to ten years. Some pools last only a year, while others can endure for decades under proper care and maintenance.
Intex swimming pools are inexpensive to buy but expensive to maintain. Using the right chemicals is essential if you want to lengthen the life of your pool because it protects against corrosion, which can eat away at your intex pool’s inner and outer layers.
Also, you need to use a pump filter because it will save you time, money and energy in the long run. The sand filter included with many intex pools is rarely powerful enough to keep debris from entering your pool and making its way into the inner liner where it can cause leaks.
Leaks
The most common cause of a leaky intex pool is an improper water balance. You can avoid this if you use the right chemicals and keep your eye on the water. Most pools lose about one to two inches of water per week, depending on how often it’s used. If you notice standing water in your intex pool after a few days, you should check for a leak.
A slow leak can usually be fixed by adding water or air to your pool. If the problem persists, you might have to patch the inner liner with an intex vinyl repair kit. It’s also possible that the cause is an old gasket that needs to be replaced because it has become thin and cracked.
In addition to applying vinyl adhesive, you might have to add a patch or two if your intex pool develops a hole or tear in the outer layer of the laminated PVC tarpaulin. Intex pools come with patches that can be cut out and applied in no time at all. Remember not to apply too much air pressure to the inner and outer layers of your pool, as this might cause more harm than good.
Winter or Summer?
Intex swimming pools are typically made for summer season fun; however, if you live in an area where winters are particularly harsh or if you know your intex pool will be exposed to freezing temperatures, it’s recommended to close off the air valve after the pool is filled with water. This will prevent air from entering the intex pool in case it’s punctured during ice formation or if larger chunks of ice are falling into the pool and creating holes.
If you want to keep your intex pool open when it’s below freezing outside, make sure to protect its inner liner by using a winter pool cover. If you don’t, the freezing air and precipitation will most likely cause it to tear and let water into the inner chamber–the exact opposite of what you want.
Leaving your intex pool open during wintertime also increases the chances that ice will get inside, where it can do a number on your pump motor. The damage might not be visible at first, but it can accumulate over time and eventually cause your pump to stop working properly. The best way to deal with ice is to use an intex cover that allows water vapor through, but blocks out the icy precipitation.
Many people who own intex pools don’t consider them year-round fun because they are not equipped to be left open during wintertime. If you have no choice but to keep your pool open during the cold months, it’s important to remember that your intex pool needs special treatment so it doesn’t develop leaks or corrode due to ice damage.
If leaving your intex pool exposed outside is simply not an option, consider buying a product that is specifically built for winter. An intex winter pool cover might be more expensive than a regular one, but it’s necessary if you want to keep your pool and equipment in useable condition.
What sizes do Intex pools come in?
Intex pools come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest which is a mere 12 inches deep all the way up to 18 feet. There’s an intex pool perfect for just about every situation, whether you have kids who need several feet of water or your family loves spending time outside swimming and playing games.
Details vary by model type, so be sure to do your research. For example, some intex pools are made for just one person while others can hold several people at once. If you’re looking for a pool that can accommodate multiple swimmers or if space is an issue, consider purchasing the largest size available in the model you like best.
How often should I run the pump on my Intex pool?
It’s recommended to run the pump motor on your intex pool for at least 8 hours a day during hot weather and longer if the water starts to turn cloudy. Many models come with two filtration systems, so running each one for 4-6 hours is just as effective as turning the pump on and off all day.
The general rule of thumb is to keep the water circulating in your intex pool at all times, even if it’s turned off. The more stagnant the water becomes, the easier it will be for algae and other contaminants to accumulate. If you won’t be near your intex pool for an extended period of time–but plan on using it when you come back–it’s best to leave the pump on so it can keep the water fresh.
This rule does not apply if you have an intex saltwater pool, in which case turning off the pump is recommended since they are often left open year-round. Saltwater pools require refilling with fresh water every few days to avoid algae growth, so make sure you know if yours is saltwater or freshwater before leaving it unattended for several days.
Do I need to drain my Intex pool when winter is over?
No, draining your intex pool in the fall is not necessary. You can leave it filled with water year-round, even when temperatures begin to drop in the winter months. Leaving the pump on with an intex pool cover is a good way to ensure the water stays fresh and it reduces evaporation if you’ll be away for several days or more.
Do I have to use special chemicals in my Intex pool?
All pools require a certain amount of chlorine to keep the water clean, whether it’s made by intex or not. Just remember that intex pools are much easier to maintain since you can add all types of chemical treatment right to the water in your pool–no need to scrub the sides or deal with heavy containers!
If you have a saltwater pool, make sure you buy clean and clear blue PC tablets when you buy intex pool chemicals or else your water will turn yellow and cloudy.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience while swimming in your summer, we recommend adding some bubble jets to your intex pool. They’re powerful enough to give you a full-body massage while you swim, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable. There are many models available for purchase, so do your research to find the best one.
How do I know if my Intex pool is leaking?
If you’ve had your intex pool for a few months and it begins to lose water more quickly than usual, there’s a good chance something is wrong with it. It’s most likely not a problem with the pump since it’s been running for longer than a week or so, so the most likely culprit is a leak.
If you’ve identified a leak, all hope is not lost. It could be as simple as a popped air bubble in one of the joints that needs to be re-inflated using some needle nose pliers. If you’re not confident in your ability to fix a leak, look up the brand and model of pool you have online and see what others are saying about it or contact intex directly for help with repairs or replacement parts.
How do I clean my Intex pool?
You can easily clean your intex pool by filling it up with warm water and adding the recommended amount of intex pool cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes before using your leaf skimmer to remove any large debris.
For smaller particles, just attach the vacuum hose to the pool filter and go over the surface of your intex pool or use a filter pump that sucks up all types of dirt and debris.
You can also use a hand skimmer for flatter surfaces, like the steps of your pool, to make sure no dirt is left behind.
If you have an intex saltwater pool, remember to keep it topped off with fresh water every few days when left unstocked or else you’ll start growing algae in your pool!
What is the best way to store my Intex pool?
There’s no exact science that tells you how to drain your intex pool, but we recommend using a garden hose or pump to drain it until the water level reaches about 4 feet. This will drastically reduce the size and make it much easier to move, if needed.
As long as you have the proper winter covers, your pool should be fully protected from debris and damage while it’s stored in an outdoor shed or garage for several months.
Do you have to fill an Intex pool to the top?
When you set up your intex pool, make sure it’s filled to about 4 feet. You can lower this level once you get in if it’s too high, but that will reduce the size of the pool and its capacity.
Having the water at 4 feet will protect your intex pool against damage caused by rocks or other objects that might fall into the pool if it’s stored away for winter.
How do you keep Intex Pool legs from sinking?
When you fill your intex pool, make sure the ground is completely level. If it’s slightly sloped instead of flat, your intex pool might start to sink into the ground if not properly anchored with sand or water bags.
If you’re filling the pool on a day with strong wind gusts, make sure they aren’t blowing toward the pool from the direction it needs to be filled from.
If your intex pool has already started sagging into a hill or sinkhole, try adding a few bricks around the edges until you have a small ladder of them leading down to ground level. This will help support it and keep it from sinking further.
Should I put sand under my Intex pool?
Though it’s sometimes necessary for keeping your intex pool from sinking into the ground, we don’t recommend adding sand to prevent this because it can lead to mold and mildew growth that might ruin the lining of your pool.
Instead, try using water bags around the edges if you’re filling it with a hose or pump and make sure they’re filled to capacity for maximum strength.
How do I clean my Intex pool filter?
If you have a sand intex pool filter, make sure the pressure is set low enough to keep from damaging the pump or it won’t be able to suck debris out of your intex pool. Too high and it’ll burn out the motor.
If it’s set too high, you can open up the housing for your intex pool filter and clean out any debris that might be clogging the filter.
For cartridge filters, take them out of the housing unit and hose them down or let them soak in a bucket of water with some dish soap to keep it from getting clogged in the future.
If you start to notice that your intex pool filter cartridge is starting to get clogged, clean immediately or it’ll prevent water from getting through completely, which means there’s no way for the pump to push clean water back into your intex pool.
You can also use an enzyme-based cleaner when you have a cartridge intex pool filter to keep it from becoming clogged with things like pollen and dirt that can cause water flow issues.
Can an Intex pool collapse?
If the ground you’re setting your intex pool up on is too soft or uneven, it can collapse into itself and ruin the walls.
Make sure there’s either a hard surface underneath that doesn’t go down too steeply for drainage purposes or use sandbags to weigh it down before you start filling with water.
You should also avoid using any waders with a metal frame because it can poke into the wall of your intex pool or even puncture it completely.
How do you prepare the ground for an Intex pool?
The best way to prepare an intex pool for placement is by laying down a flat surface of plywood and then setting up the pool on top.
If you don’t have this, you can still set it up using bricks or something similar around the edges to make sure it doesn’t sink into the ground when filled with water.
If you do this, make sure you’ve put down an old tarp or some other type of protective covering to prevent water from seeping into the ground underneath the bricks.
What is the best thing to put under a swimming pool?
The best material to use when preparing a surface for an intex pool is sand.
This will provide the perfect amount of support and keep it from sinking into the ground or filling with rocks that can damage the walls when you’re swimming.
How do I clean algae off my Intex pool?
There are several different kinds of cleaner you can use on a cartridge filter intex pool to remove algae, including an enzyme-based cleaner.
For a standard sand filter intex pool, you can also add chlorine directly to the water by adding granules directly to the filter and letting them dissolve over time.
This is especially important if you notice any signs of algae or there’s been a sudden change in water clarity.
Make sure you always wear protective gear like goggles and gloves when adding chlorine to your intex pool, or any kind of cleaner to prevent yourself from coming into contact with it directly.
How often should I run the pump on my Intex pool??
For sand filter intex pools, you’ll typically want to run the pump for at least a couple of hours every day.
This will help keep debris from getting too concentrated and allow water turnover so that it doesn’t stagnate or become contaminated.
If you’re using a cartridge filter, you may only need to run it once or twice a week to maintain water quality.
Just remember that your intex pool pump isn’t designed for 24/7 operation so you’ll need to limit how much it’s run each day or risk burning out the motor.
