10 tips for choosing a good prefabricated frame pool for a summer residence

Own pond in the country ceases to be a luxury and becomes a reality available to almost everyone, especially with the advent of frame pools. These designs are a cross between cheap and not very durable inflatable pools and durable, almost eternal, but expensive stationary. They are easy to assemble on their own, they can withstand severe mechanical damage and can reach a length of 10 m, and a depth of 2-3 m, allowing you to comfortably swim and play. The range of such structures is very wide, so choosing a good frame pool of collapsible type is not so simple as it might seem at first glance. What must be considered when buying, installing and operating? We have collected all the most necessary information.

No. 1. Advantages and disadvantages

A frame pool, as the name suggests, consists of a frame and a polyvinyl chloride bowl. The frame can be rod or sheet, its individual elements are firmly fixed to each other, after which a bowl is attached to them. The latter, as a rule, is made of two layers of vinyl and one layer of polyester, is highly durable and can easily withstand up to 50 tons of water, so frame pools can be of a decent size and not inferior in terms of comfort stationary analogues.

The main advantages of the frame pool:

• resistance to mechanical damage;
• resistance to temperature extremes, frosts and sunshine;
• decent life, especially in comparison with inflatable pools. With proper care, the wireframe model will last about 10 years;
• a wide variety of shapes and sizes;
• not the highest price;
• relative ease of transportation and installation. Depending on the skill and size of the pool, installation will take from 1 hour to 2 days;
• Most models can be moved from one place to another.

Among disadvantages note only the difficulty of installing additional equipment. If you still can’t decide which pool is better, frame or inflatable, answer your question, for what purposes, mainly, will the structure be used. For children under 7 years old, it will be ideal inflatable pool, and for a complete family vacation, it is better to choose a frame, if, of course, you have certain means.

No. 2. Frame type

Prefabricated frame pools, depending on the design features, can be divided into the following types:

• pivotal. The frame is made of vertical and horizontal stiffeners. Vertical racks are threaded through special sleeves on a vinyl cover, horizontal bars are attached to them. The construction is simple and quick to assemble, but it is used mainly for pools of not very great depth;
• sectional or sheet. The frame is assembled from metal or plastic modules, which are fixed to each other by a lock connection or bolted, inside, a PVC cover is pulled, which is attached thanks to special fittings.Such pools turn out to be stronger and more durable, they are easier to clean.

As a general summary, a few words about frame fixed pools. These are monolithic structures that are made of plastic or composite materials. They are designed for a permanent installation site, serve about 15 years, subject to appropriate care.

No. 3. Seasonal and frost-resistant frame pools

Depending on the possibility of using frame pools in the winter, they are divided into seasonal and frost-resistant (all-weather), sometimes stationary structures are allocated into a separate group.

Seasonal frame pools Designed for use only in the summer and in the fall are subject to disassembly. This is a good option for those who do not want to organize the preparation of the pool for the "wintering". Such pools are different low price and lightweight frame. In most cases, the PVC film will have to be changed every season, since such constructions usually use not very thick material, consisting of two layers of polyvinyl chloride, and it is damaged by jumping, swinging and other active games. The set for seasonal pools rarely includes everything you need.

Frost resistant frame pools They are distinguished by a more durable reinforced frame and a thick film, due to which the design can easily tolerate prolonged exposure to negative temperatures. There is an opinion that it is better to bury multi-season structures in the ground, but manufacturers unanimously declare that such pools will survive more than one winter, being located above the ground. The package includes almost all the necessary equipment for pool maintenance. Among the main the benefits high strength, no need to disassemble the structure before every winter, as well as decent durability (up to 15 years). On the other hand, you will have to very carefully choose a place to install the pool, because you are unlikely to move it later. Such designs will cost much more than seasonal and will require special preparation for the winter. As a bonus - the ability to use such a pool as a skating rink in the cold season, at least the manufacturers promise it.

Not very wide, but still represented in the market stationary prefabricated pools. They are assembled from the starting elements only once, it will not be possible to disassemble the pool, therefore they approach the installation site with all responsibility. The frame is usually made of galvanized steel sheets with a plastic coating, and the PVC bowl is impressive in thickness. Such designs are suitable for arranging very large pools, durability - about 15 years.

Number 4. The method of mounting a frame pool

According to the installation method, frame pools for summer cottages are:

• located on the surface of the earthpre-compacted or drenched concrete. So most often they mount seasonal collapsible structures of a small size;
• located in a specially dug pit. This option is only suitable for frost-resistant pools, mainly sheet construction. Arrangement will require a few large expenses and efforts, but in the end you will get a full-fledged pool, the depth of which can, if desired, reach 2-3 m. Another advantage is the ability to fit the pool in any landscape design style, because the sides and adjacent territory with garden paths can be decorated as you like, decorated with flowers and complement garden furniture. It turns out great rest zone.

The choice in favor of a particular installation method is made depending on the seasonality of the use of the structure, as well as taking into account the area allocated for the pool and the means for arrangement.

No. 5. Size and shape of the frame pool

The size of the frame pool is selected based on the area of ​​the site and the number of people who will bathe.From what is on sale today, it’s easy to find a suitable option: length ranges from 3 to 10 m and more, width - from 1 to 5 m, depth - from 0.5 to 2-3 m. The most popular bowl shape - round, also available in oval and rectangular designs, asymmetric pools can be found. The more complex the shape and the larger the size, the higher the price.

Compact frame pools with a depth of up to 1.5 m are perfect for a small area of ​​6-12 acres. Large pools will look good on spacious summer cottages. If the pond is equipped only for children, then a fairly small option will be suitable, since there will be no need for extra depth, and for a family holiday it is better to choose a more spacious pool, but, of course, within the existing area. Again, for children under 6-7 years old, it is better to take an inflatable pool.

On sale today even hydromassage pools are presented, which differ by the presence of nozzles, they supply water and air bubbles. As a rule, such designs are designed for a maximum of two.

No. 6. Where to put the frame pool

It is not enough just to find a good frame pool - you also need to choose a suitable place on the site for its installation. This is a guarantee of a long service life. It is better to place a body of water near the water supply source (water pipes or well) and not under the crowns of trees, which are a source of shade and debris. It is desirable that the pool was located in close proximity to the place plum and power source. Do not forget that at least a little free space should remain around the structure to provide access to the pool. Preference is given to flat areas, the slope angle of a maximum of 5 degrees.

Number 7. Frame pool equipment

Always pay attention to what is included in the pool package. As a rule, the manufacturer supplies with the frame and Pvc bowl a lot of accessories - otherwise you will have to buy everything you need, so do not rush at too low a price. The kit usually includes a ladder, a substrate, canopy, pump and devices for cleaning and filtering water. Often, the manufacturer also encloses instructions for installing and maintaining the pool, and sometimes releases it in video format.

Number 8. Installation of the frame pool: the main stages

You can cope with the installation of the frame pool yourself - this is a key advantage over full-fledged stationary structures. To install large pools, you may need help from a partner. The process of installing a frame pool consists of the following stages:

• foundation preparation. All stones, branches, sharp and hard objects are removed from the intended installation site, it is also advisable to completely get rid of grass and roots, which can damage the pool during its operation. It remains only to spread the litter, which is included or purchased separately. The pool, which will be used year-round, can be buried in the ground to the full height of the structure or partially. To do this, dig a pit, cover it with a layer of sand and gravel 15-20 cm thick and make concrete the pillow is the same thickness. It is desirable to strengthen the walls of the pit, for these purposes it is suitable brick;
• frame assembly. The sheet frame for round and oval pools is simple enough to deploy, install on a selected surface, and then place the bowl in it. The sheet frame for square and rectangular pools is assembled from separate parts, which are fixed with screws, the joints are processed sealant. When assembling the core pool, you must first place vertical guides in the pockets of the vinyl cover, then install horizontal guides, and then connect them together. If the bottom is not concrete, and the soil on the site is loose, then under each support it is better to put a wooden block or paving slabs;
• filter pump connection carried out according to the instructions, all hoses and other necessary elements must be included. Do not turn on the filter without water. To equip the frame pool using cartridge and sand filters. Paper cartridges will have to be changed 2-3 times a week, and special quartz sand - once every 3-5 years;
• installation of stairs and filling the pool with water.

No. 9. Frame pool care: cleaning and wintering

The main care for the pool is to keep it clean. Without special filtering equipment, crystal clear water after a week of use will turn into a foul-smelling liquid, dangerous for swimming.

To filter water in a frame pool, you must use:

• filter pump, which eliminates mechanical pollution, is usually included;
• skimmercleaning the surface of the water from mechanical impurities;
• nets and brushes for catching large debris and cleaning the walls;
• chemicals, without which it will not be possible to maintain the bacteriological purity of water. Some models are equipped with filter pumps. chlorine generatorworking on ordinary table salt. In this case, additional processing is minimal and comes down only to the use of disinfectants. In all other cases, the use of special chemistry is indispensable. The necessary substances are sold in sets, and their use is reduced to control the level of acidity and the addition of chlorine-containing components. To dissolve solids, a special float is used, which is often combined with a thermometer.

Another important issue is preparing the pool for winter:

• seasonal designs disassembled, all elements are thoroughly washed (pay special attention to the water line), thoroughly dried and stored in winter in a room with a plus temperature. The instructions should indicate how to properly fold all the elements for long-term storage;
• all season designs can also be disassembled, but more often they are left for the winter on the site - the final decision is made depending on the climatic characteristics of the region. If in the cold season the temperature drops below -25⁰C, then experts recommend disassembling even all-season pools. In other cases, spend conservation (owners of stationary frame pools cannot do without it). Preparatory work begins at temperatures 13-15⁰C. It is necessary to drain part of the water, leaving a little in the bowl so that the soil does not damage the structure. This is followed by wall cleaning, chemical water treatment, equipment washing and uniform distribution in water plastic bottles or canisters. Now it remains only to cover the pool with a frost-resistant awning and wait for the next bathing season.

  

  

  

  
  

No. 10. The best manufacturers of frame pools

The name of the manufacturer is a kind of quality guarantee. By the way, large companies offer a very real guarantee on their products, therefore it is better to give preference when choosing their products. Insignificant savings when buying dubious products can eventually turn sideways, and you can’t buy a new pool for the saved amount. Trust is better trusted pool manufacturers, among which:

• Intex - The world leader in the production of inflatable and frame pools. The company was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, today factories are located around the world, and products are sold in hundreds of countries. The assortment of frame pools is huge, you can find models of different sizes, but all of them are of the highest quality and affordable price;
• Bestway - A Chinese company, whose assortment of frame pools is also considerable. All of them are made of triple reinforced film, and the frame is reliably protected from corrosion. Prices are average;
• Uni pool - A German company with 40 years of history. It produces higher quality frame pools, specializing in sheet models.German quality has always been in price, so Uni Pools will cost more than Intex or Bestway;
• Azuro - A good Czech manufacturer, which pays attention to every detail, so frame pools are high-quality and durable;
• Atlantic pool - Canadian-made pools, which are now in demand in 90 countries. All models are equipped with a sand filter (it is better than usual on paper cartridges) and a skimmer, almost all structures are frost-resistant;
• Sunny Pool - A German company whose pools are not very widespread in the domestic market, but are still in demand among those who are willing to pay for the highest quality;
• Krulland - Another German manufacturer, in the range of pools of different sizes and shapes, the maximum depth is 2 m.

Given all these recommendations, everyone will be able to find the perfect frame pool for their summer cottage.