which pool?

[BearLeeAble]

I hope this is in the right spot..
So, I've been talking to ben and I guess i've got the wrong pool?

This is what I have...
https://www.kmart.com/bestway-22'-x-...W007593265001P

I can also get:
https://www.sears.com/intex-24-8217-...1&blockType=G1

or
this https://www.sears.com/intex-24'-x-52...4&blockType=G4

Which would be recommended? why? and what else do I need?
I want to keep it as large as possible, and will be doing a 6"(?) sand base. ( yes I know thats a lot of work )

[Pappy]

I hope this is in the right spot..
So, I've been talking to ben and I guess i've got the wrong pool?

I can also get:
https://www.sears.com/intex-24-8217-...1&blockType=G1

Which would be recommended? why? and what else do I need?
I want to keep it as large as possible, and will be doing a 6"(?) sand base. ( yes I know thats a lot of work )

This is the one I'd get if I was getting a new pool. This package has a better ladder and a sand filter. Intex filters are not the best and that little cartridge filter will have a VERY hard time keeping a pool that big clear, and if you did get algae, it might take a month of 24 hour filtering, and putting in a clean cartridge 2 or 3 times a day for a few of those days. The sand filter works about 1000% better than the cartridge. I have an Intex that came with the paper filter/pump. I spent the money to upgrade to their sand filter and saved enough on cartridge cleaning and replacement in the first year to pay for the sand filter. It's my understanding that Bestway has big time quality control issues, and that their products don't last well.

2 pennies from an Intex owner/operator.

AND - - - most importantly, get the right test kit, learn how to use it, and learn how to take care of your pool. If you follow the advice given here your pool will probably stay clear and will be as easy to keep as possible, but you must keep in mind that pool maintenance is an ongoing process, not a one time procedure.

[BearLeeAble]

I fully understand that owning a pool is not a "set it in the backyard and enjoy it" item.
I grew up in the delta's of california so am intimately familiar with life around water.
I AM, however, a rank noob with pool ownership ergo I'm here

most importantly, get the right test kit, learn how to use it, and learn how to take care of your pool

I assume that somewhere in this avalanche of information you folks have this well documented?

Thanks for responding, I'll get ahold of them and get it exchanged. We can afford to do this ONCE, not once a year.

[PoolDoc]

Get a HTH 6-Way Test Kit (~$23) (made by Taylor) from Amazon or Walmart . . . to start. Do NOT use the stabilizer / CYA test until AFTER you've added stabilizer. There are only 3x tests for CYA in that kit.

If you aren't in a hurry, order from Amazon please, since I get a 6% commission on those purchases . . . if you use the link from here.

But, you'll almost certainly need the Taylor K2006 (~$57). And if you want to 'get it all' now, you'll also need refills for the CYA test: 16 oz bottle of R-0013 and Disposable plastic lab funnels.

Those items can ONLY be purchased online. If you buy locally, someone will try to sell you the K2005 as 'just as good', and it's not. When buying from Amazon, try to buy FROM Amazon if possible, and not a 3rd party seller. Sometimes Amazon is a couple of $'s more, but they handle shipping and warranties MUCH better.

Regarding info, there's a lot. I'm in the process of re-organizing and re-writing a lot of basic material. I'm trying to put FAQs in each forum section, with links to major articles on different topics. The Intex-type pool section (http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/forumdisplay.php/176) is probably the most immediately relevant to you.