Last summer I talked my husband into letting me buy an Intex Easy Set Pool for our backyard! Having a pool in the backyard to float around and cool off in on a hot Tennessee summer day? YES PLEASE! I’m going to tell you exactly what what you need to create your own little backyard oasis (for just a couple hundred dollars!), everything I loved about mine, and what I will do differently next time.
Intex Easy Set Pool
Also available at Target!
Postcards & Daydreams is an affiliate of Amazon and Target and may make a commission if you make a purchase after clicking these links. Just a little compensation for my recommendations and all the hard work I put into creating these posts for you! (This post is in no way sponsored by Intex or any of the brands in my photos.)
Click here for my Amazon Ideas list for a Backyard Oasis on a Budget!
Here’s just a few of the beverages I enjoyed while floating around in my pool! Find these drink floaties here!
But First!
The absolute first thing you need to do (even before you buy the pool) is to make sure that you have a flat and level space to set the pool up on. If you have a hilly or slanted backyard with no patio or deck area, this is going to be a monumental task for you. Our backyard is slanted, and we even tilled the ground and tried our best to level a spot for it, but it didn’t work well and my pool was uneven and ended up getting a tiny hole (was able to be patched up) in the side because of the weight of the water very slightly slanting to the side. That’s what I will do differently next time. We are going to redo our deck/patio in the near future and hopefully make a spot where I can do this again!
A concrete slab or a completely level surface is going to be your best bet for a successful backyard oasis! I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy mine for a few months – it was great! But for the longevity of the pool and a greater experience, this is what I recommend. It is a great product if you set it up correctly, and it comes with detailed instructions.
Pool Tools
You’re going to need a couple of things to keep your pool clean and maintained. Don’t worry, it’s not a lot of work! Here’s a list of necessities: (click links below to find on Amazon)
- Pool thermometer (shark thermometer above)
- Test strips (pictured above)
- Skimmer net
- Pool vacuum (optional but definitely helpful)
- Chlorine tablets and dispenser (floating turquoise container above)
- Pool cover (comes with Intex Pool that I linked above)
- Tarp to lay under pool (optional)
Taking Care of Your Pool
These types of pools don’t require a lot of maintenance once you set them up and you don’t have to run the pump 24/7 (your pool should come with a pump, mine did, but check the listing before you buy to be sure). You could spend about 15 minutes each day on maintenance and be totally fine. If you have to go out of town, everything will be okay – just use the cover and be sure to check everything when you get back home to make sure it is suitable for use again.
- With my pool, I ran the pump anytime I got in the pool and a minimum of 2 hours each day, even if I didn’t get in the pool that day.
- Clean the filter every day or every other day after running the pump. You can do this by removing it from the pump and spraying it off with a hose.
- Use your skimmer and/or vacuum once a day, or every couple of days if you keep the cover on when not in use.
- Use your test strips to check your chemical levels once a day and adjust your floating chlorine dispenser accordingly.
- You won’t need a lot of chlorine for such a small pool, but it is necessary to have some to keep bacteria and algae from growing in your water, and it will help keep your pool clean. Make sure your kids are aware not to touch the dispenser for their safety.
- Also make sure you are complying with any laws that may require your to have your pool inside a fence.
Sun Fun!
Now for all of the fun accessories! *puts on Wayfarers* I’ve told you what you need to get started with your pool, but here’s what you need to really have a pool party!
Floaties, floaties, and more floaties! Since these pools are on the small and shallow side of the spectrum, the best way for an adult to enjoy them is to lounge around on a floatie with a cold drink in your hand (or in a drink floatie)!
For kids, there are a handful of water games that are fun for a small backyard pool. Not only can they splash around but they can bump around a volleyball or even have a floating basketball hoop!
Let me know if set up your own backyard oasis, I want to know how it goes! Hopefully this helps you have a little fun in the sun without having to break the bank or worrying about braving the public pool crowds. I know it’s not quite the same, but it’s pretty darn convenient to not have to leave the house to go for a quick dip to cool off or float around on a lazy summer afternoon!
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