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This summer, it seems there are more than just celebrity dramas captivating our attention. While Britney Spears fights for her autonomy, many of us are simply navigating the complexities of summer with kids in tow. Although the pandemic persists, this summer feels a bit more manageable than the last, prompting us to redefine what “normal” means. After a year of home confinement, my kids are back at day camp, and my trusty above ground pool, purchased last summer to add some joy during lockdown, is making a comeback.
For those who missed my earlier escapades, let me summarize: I bought a 10-foot Summer Waves pool, which promised a straightforward setup. What followed was a humbling three-day ordeal involving soil leveling, a blown pump motor, and a series of customer service calls that tested my patience. I’m fairly certain Amazon is still estimating delivery for my pool filters around Labor Day 2024.
Thanks to many supportive readers, I discovered that a pool net and a little bleach can keep things clean. By the end of last summer, I’d become quite the pool expert. My kids mostly lost interest in the backyard pool, opting for masked fun at the public pool instead, but they appreciated my efforts nonetheless. We all hoped this year would be smoother now that I had ironed out the initial issues.
And for a while, it was. A few weeks ago, I set up the pool like a pro—using old towels as shims to level one side. The kids were thrilled. I did notice that the innertube which supports the pool walls had lost some air after a couple of days, but I simply reinflated it and felt grateful that was my only concern. I skimmed the pool, added bleach, and felt like a superstar after hosting my twins’ outdoor birthday party. The pool was a hit, and all the kids left happy, promising to return.
However, that joy was short-lived. A storm rolled in the night after the party, and when I woke up, the innertube was deflated, and water had spilled into the yard. My pride took a hit, but I reassured myself that it was just the weather’s doing. I reinflated the tube and refilled the pool, only for it to happen again within the hour. Rather than checking for leaks, I looked to the heavens: Why do bad things happen to good people?
After searching for leaks without success, I tried the old soapy water trick but found nothing. Ideally, I would have spotted bubbles and fixed the issue right away, but instead, I opted for a waterproof sealer on the seams of the innertube, just in case. Unfortunately, the tube kept losing air, and I ended up with sticky residue on my faucet and phone case. Thankfully, we had plenty of leftover pandemic hand sanitizer to clean it up.
During my quest for solutions, YouTube replaced my usual go-to for entertainment. The frustration of searching for answers that lead only to confusion felt oddly similar. I soon came across videos of others experiencing a similar second-year struggle with their above ground pools. Many suggested using pool noodles to replace the deflated tube. I didn’t want to go as far as using milk jugs, so I opted for pool noodles instead.
In the end, I spent $86 on 15 pool noodles, waterproof Gorilla tape, and a lawn toy that my kids begged for while I was on my supply hunt. Following the advice from the videos, I cut a large slit in the innertube and stuffed the noodles inside. I ended up cutting two slits to make it easier to maneuver.
As I worked on this DIY fix, I realized I hadn’t rinsed off the soapy water from my earlier attempts and slipped, almost falling into the pool. It was reminiscent of that infamous “Friends” episode where Ross struggles with his leather pants. Thankfully, I managed to catch myself.
After an hour of effort, the pool was once again standing tall. I taped over the holes, refilled it, and celebrated my handiwork. But of course, there’s more. A portion of the innertube pulled away from the pool, causing another sag. Nevertheless, I am dedicated to this pool. Armed with garden stakes, more noodles, Gorilla Tape, and some rope, I’m determined to make this work.
So far, the makeshift solution is holding up. I wish I could say that declaring this won’t jinx it, but let’s be honest—I’ve been jinxed since I bought the pool. My goal now is to keep it functional until the end of the summer. If it survives to a third season, I just might buy a lottery ticket, as it seems pure luck and a little tape are all that’s keeping this thing afloat.
For more insights on similar experiences, check out this other blog post. If you’re looking into home insemination, consider visiting Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for expert guidance. Alternatively, UCSF’s IVF resource provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The article details the ongoing challenges and humorous experiences of setting up and maintaining an above ground pool. The author shares relatable anecdotes about navigating the ups and downs of pool ownership, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity in problem-solving.
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