Aqua Leisure Simple-Set Swimming Pool
Penny J. Leisch

This summer we purchased an Aqua Leisure simple-set swimming pool 16 feet in diameter by 42 inches deep. Set up is easy, and the vinyl holds up surprisingly well. After filling, the depth is about 30 inches because the water level must stay below the inflatable ring. The maintenance is not easy or cheap, but we enjoyed the pool and found it adequate. However, it isn't large enough for older children or adults to swim.

Safety concerns surfaced when grandchildren came to visit. The two year old tries to climb the sides, and the older children jump and splash vigorously. Climbing and pulling the sides may cause water to overflow in a massive deluge that could drown a child or small adult. The forceful volume of water overflows and doesn't stop immediately, which I learned when I overfilled it by accident flooding our yard. As for rough and tumble play, the sides aren't made for grabbing or falling onto the inflatable ring. Again, one can cause a significant amount of flooding by roughhousing.

The maintenance is comparable to a full size pool, and the cost of chemicals may surprise buyers. Daily testing and chemical balancing is necessary to keep the water safe and clean. The instructions warn against floating chlorinators. The small filters also have trouble handling heavy use and storms. Filters require rinsing mid-week and changing weekly. We also found it necessary to purchase water polish from a pool store.

Physically maintaining the large pool was not easy, and this isn't the largest size available for this style pool. The manufacturer needs to make a few important improvements-like outside valves on the lines. To rinse and change filters, someone must enter the pool and plug the underwater lines running in and out of the pump. The pump provided barely suffices when running 24-hours a day. We feel lucky our motor survived the summer. Manufacturers only recommend running it 6-8 hours per day. The cleaning posed a different problem. There is no easy way to vacuum this pool. The vacuum kit doesn't work, and there is no skimmer system.

The pool is still worth the money, if you understand what you are getting and don't expect more than this product can deliver. Also, be prepared for the physical maintenance and the cost of the chemicals. This is no kiddy pool. It holds over 2,500 gallons of water. Many stores offer complete pool kits for 15'-18' diameter pools that are under $200.

BIO & URL:

Penny has published over thirty articles, technical manuals, and numerous photos, in addition to teaching writing and photography. She also contributes regularly to Loving Pets Magazine. http://www.pennyspensandpics.com