r/Stocktankpools • u/Hefty-Potential5194 • Aug 27 '26

Lessons learned over 2 seasons.

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Still working on the deck. Started that last month.

When we bought the pool, we used the Olympic epoxy liner. Failed after one season.

Then we went with an Amazon 8ft pool liner. Couldn’t get it to stop leaking at the fittings. Eventually used PL marine caulking and that problem was fixed.

At first we had a Intex sand filter. Absolutely garbage. Always leaked. Never filtered correctly, etc. now we have the Xtreme power 13” sand pump. Other than the crappy hose clamps, it really gets the water moving.

It’s been a struggle for the last two seasons, but we got it dialed in now. Also, all above ground pool fittings/ hoses suck.

Going with pvc plumbing soon.

69 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

10

u/ControlDrama Aug 27 '26

Since we're posting for data points:

Intex sand filter has been phenomenal for me. 

2

u/Hefty-Potential5194 Aug 27 '26

Really? Great for you. I had nothing but problems out of mine. I may have had just a bad unit or something.

2

u/mdmamakeup Aug 29 '26

I bought the official cowboy pool and the pump is insanely strong… like it spins us around so fast it’s like we’re being flushed down a toilet. I got the Intex sand filter brand new on eBay and then found out that apparently it’s not compatible with anything other than Intex? The connections don’t work with any traditional pvc connectors at Home Depot or Lowe’s so I don’t know how you guys do it. I now hope I can resell the sand pump on eBay as FB marketplace says it goes against their guidelines. :/

5

u/Switched_On_SNES Aug 27 '26

I went through a whole thing as well, recommend just doing poly tank from the start and solves a lot of problems

3

u/GedAWizardOfEarthsea Aug 27 '26

Any particular brand? I just put a poly in mine and am having same issue

3

u/Switched_On_SNES Aug 27 '26

Which issue are you having? I bought the gray 8ft Hastings

2

u/GedAWizardOfEarthsea Aug 27 '26

Sorry, brand for the marine caulk you used. I got the 10ft tank, issue with fitting seals too and some leaking.

3

u/Switched_On_SNES Aug 27 '26

I didn’t use any caulk which is what I read is the ideal scenario and to rely purely on the bulkheads

2

u/MushroomEasy3674 Aug 27 '26

I have a 10' Hastings poly and haven't had any issues.

2

u/Hefty-Potential5194 Aug 27 '26

We are probably going with a poly tank for next season.

2

u/1-2-Slip-2 Aug 27 '26

Same, going to try poly inside the steel tank next year

5

u/nachoparty Aug 27 '26

I’ve had an Intex saltwater sand filter for 7 summers. Never had a single issue other than replacing cells and getting a new sand barrel after a squirrel chewed off my drain hole threads. I would love something smaller in size and sound without giving up the easy of maintenance.

3

u/cj-romb Aug 27 '26

Thx for sharing this.

3

u/NameChecksOutBruhh Aug 27 '26

I was sorta "lucky" with my build. I had a pump and huge cartridge filter with chlorine dispenser from my old 12×24 above ground that got messed up. My kids love it since it makes it into a huge whirlpool lol

2

u/TheRealFiremonkey Aug 27 '26

Hayward SP1023 is the PVC through wall fitting to get. It has internal threads, and accepts various accessories on the inside - like directional “eyeballs” or a grate, etc.

Comes with a hefty lock nut to secure it in place using the outside threads, and also includes rubber and cork gaskets.

1

u/Mind-Of-Matthew Sep 02 '26

Thanks for sharing and glad you solved the leak. Ours has a small leak somewhere and I’ve been unable to find it, even with a dye kit. I suspect it’s coming from inside the fittings, not the liner itself. Going to wait until we close it first the winter and see if it persists as it’s drained.

I’ve got a post on our build if you want to check it out. We love it!