How this decorator deals with one of those BIG BLUE pools

I wanted a grown up yard this summer.

With all the yard improvements we're doing, I just wanted the opportunity to sit in my backyard and enjoy my flowers and junk. Which really means, I didn't want to stare at the smurf pool for two months again.

Talked myself into it I did! We were gonna go CAMPING. LOTS. We would not need the pool. Spend the chlorine funds on campground fun instead. We had it all planned out.

And then it got hot. REEEELLY hot. Like in one day.

BC west coasters are total wimps. We're accustomed to rain 24/7 so when the sun comes out, it's like Hawaii would be in a snow storm. Totally at a loss.

That did it! Big Blue was making a return appearance once again.

How to put up a Big Blue Smurf Pool

Have you been curious about these things? Everyone and their dog has one by now so if you don't, quick, get'tem while they're still... BLUE. In fact, you can have mine. I'm waiting for something a little more in keeping with the yard surroundings myself.

Truth be told, they're pretty easy keepers and well worth it vs getting heat stroke. You can either treat them with chlorine (which we do) or you can get a salt water system. I'm still waiting for the ring to pop one day so I'm sticking with chlorine. A salt water system is easier to keep up but the apparatus costs more than the pool itself and is a bad idea if you're camping. They stop working if the salt is too low. And no one likes a green pool.

Ours measures at 4' high by 15' feet and the brand is Easy Set. This is our second and I like this size much better than the one lower. Buy for the size of your child, but buy the biggest one you can get away with. (they grow fast and the pools don't)

So... here's how we put one of these up.

1. Level the ground first.

I didn't do this last year. Just plunked the works down. And stubbed my toe all summer long on this big rock underneath. It pays to take some time and make sure the ground is nice and level.

Chances are you won't have dirt to deal with. The first year we didn't either. But with it returning each summer, the pool indeed has it's special spot now. And when it comes down, I just throw the tramp over the area so all is well.

2. Spread out the BIG BLUE tarp. (whatever) Use a hat, flip flop, bike helmet, cardboard roll and whatever to hold down corners if it's windy.

Riiight. It was ripped. I forgot.

3. Patch with duct tape and move on! It's HOT, remember?

4. Have son swat your back because of the mosquitoes.  But quick because you're hot and this is not your favorite part coming up.

Place HEAVY 5000 TON POOL in center of tarp. Adjust lots to ensure hose hookups are near the power.

Pull at the edges of the pool bottom to flatten the bottom out completely. Do a good job here because you want it really smooth or you'll be walking over ripples when it's set up.

5. Throw away the instructions at this point because it's hot and there's no way I'm blowing this ring up without an air compressor. (you're suppose to use a hand pump)

Turn the pressure way low so you don't pop the ring as it fills. Wonder if this is the year you'll get unlucky. Pray. Then feel very blessed that you got away with it yet again.

6. Kick off your shoes because you're goin' in. Here I like to wipe the floor spotless with a sponge. You'll be sorry if you don't. Pools just need to look spotless or you don't want to swim in them.

7. Hook up the hoses. They're just clamped together so all you need is a screwdriver. Nothing fancy here. Two hose joins to the pool and two to the pump.

It even says on the pool AND pump which hose goes where. They're labelled + and -.

Don't plug the pump in until the pool is full. You need water running through the pump first.

8. Turn on the hose. Allow desperately hot child to lay down and watch the water flow in because it makes him happy. Which makes you happy. And yes, I waded in there too.

9. Throw in pool noodles because you're DESPERATE. It's like watching paint dry. Best to go do something else because you won't be swimming today.

10. Sigh... welcome home Big Blue. This is indeed a kid's yard once again.

FYI: the pool took 1.5 days to fill. And then it rained.

Whatever. At least we aren't hot anymore.

Got one of these too?


(more pool posts are HERE)