Surf’s up!

Well, almost. And it’s not surf, it’s just one of those above-ground 18′ round Intex pools. Not the kind with the inflated bubble edge but the kind with the gazillion metal poles. But it’s water, it’s cool and it’s cheap entertainment for the kids.

We left it up one year but later read the instruction manual which said you shouldn’t do that if you get below freezing winter temps. Unfortunately, we do get those…mostly at night though. Still, we figured the vinyl might get brittle being exposed to the elements like that all year, so we take it down every year now.

The problem with that is that we must put it up every year. And as with almost every year, DH decides to wait until the hottest day of the year to do this task. (Usually by the time it’s ready for swimming, the heat wave has past.) This, of course, means DH and I must also have the annual argument on how to do it properly. And, OF COURSE, I am always right. But I have learned that some fights aren’t worth fighting, so I let him have his way…or I get craftier. It’s all in how you present your case.

For example: “No, don’t do it THAT way! It’s all WRONG!” (Not so good on the marriage.)
However… “Hmmm…do you think we should try it this other way, dear?” (Bat eyelashes and pretend that he is the master at pool setup while he ponders this and decides that yes, he is going to do it differently this year whether I like it or not. )

But then there’s that one issue that he refuses to budge on and that will cost him dearly…just not this year. We have an area framed out where the pool sits. At the time we did this, we had a grand idea to fill the frame with gravel, top it with sand, make sure it’s level and put the pool there. (Again, should read the manual BEFORE setting up the pool!) One of these years I’m having a contractor come in and lay a perfectly level slab of concrete on that pool spot. Sorry, I digress…

While the sand makes for a wonderfully smooth bottom on the pool, the problem lies in the LEGS. The sand wants to shift and the legs want to do wonky things. DH has jerry-rigged the legs somewhat but it’s a major PITA!!! And it makes getting a truly level pool a hit-or-miss proposition. (Keep in mind that I AM OCD, so level for me is not necessarily level for him. Close enough usually suffices for DH. )

Okay. Yesterday the pool is set up and ready for water by 11am. DH is going off to work and “suggests” that I get in the pool and clean it prior to filling. I DON’T THINK SO, MASTER! Because DH decided he didn’t want to wet the sand this year before putting the pool on it, every time you stepped on it, the pool bottom had divets where the sand shifts. Hmmm… Images of a level pool quickly disappearing.

Again, it’s all in the presentation. Nodding sweetly, I agree to do as he “suggested” after I take a lunch break…and he is gone! Baaawhaaaa!

DH finally is gone. I smooth out bottom of pool with pool brush WITHOUT getting IN the pool. I start to fill the pool. (Note: NO cleaning!)

Takes a gajillion hours to fill the pool but after 8 hours it’s about 1/3 full. Too much water to waste if DH wishes to start over.

DH takes a look and says “You didn’t clean the pool first?” Me: “Nope. That’s why they make pool chemicals!” I smile sweetly and walk away.

This morning the pool is almost full. I have scrubbed the edges clean. The pool is shocked and all the appropriate chemicals have been administered. I scrubbed the pool sides and bottom with the pool brush and will probably vacuum it right after I finish this post. It’s looking quite inviting. It even looks pretty darn level this year!!! (I might post pics later this week, but no, I won’t be in them. )

Just in time for some more 90+ weather! YAY!!!