Part of being a Dad, at least for me, is getting to fix things and put things together. Sometimes it can be fun! For example, putting together your kids first bike, easy bake oven, or something else that you know they will love.
However, sometimes it can be not so much fun. For example, crawling through fiberglass insulation in a 120 degree attic to install an attic fan. (I think I sweat about 10 gallons that day.) 😀
A few posts ago I told you about our good deal on the pool. Well, who gets to put this pool up? Dad, of course. (Momma helped too. I can’t take all of the credit.)
One of the important things about putting in an above ground pool is having the ground level. If it is not level the pool will be deeper on one side than the other. A few inches is no big deal, but much over that and you start to have major problems.
Our back yard already had a big dip in it where the people that lived here before us had a pool and took it with them. We figured our pool would go right there…because it is the most level spot in our back yard…so I thought.
It took us three days to till up the dirt and level it out with garden rakes to our satisfaction. While not perfect, it is close enough. Then we put down 18 bags of play sand. (The dude at Home Depot probably thought we built the biggest sand box EVER!)
Next the pool liner, support frame, pump and hoses, and finally the water…6000 gallons of it. (I’m dreading the water bill next month) 😀
After all of that we were left with a functioning above ground pool filled with water so cold that my nipples almost popped right off my body when I jumped in. 😆
After a few days the water temp is tolerable…about 76 degrees…and my nips are much happier now.
Looks like we have a summer full of fun in the sun ahead of us! 😀
Great job Jared! I made a similar are to even out the backyard for my eldest daughter’s play area…not easy, but it makes a huge difference. Enjoy the pool with the family…we are still waiting here in Wisconsin for weather that would be warm enough to warm up that pool temp to above 70… it is coming (I hope)!
@Dad of Divas –
Leveling tat area about killed me. 😀 Next time I’m renting a skid loader and dump truck. 😀
The pool looks great! Good Job! Just be sure to make sure you’re little man doesn’t go in it when you’re not around–that’s the real challenge!
@Karen Zemek –
Thanks! Luckily he’s not big enough to climb the ladder yet, but just in case we take the ladder out and store it in the shed when it’s not in use.
Fixing or assembling stuff is definitely more gratifying if you know you’re kid will enjoy it.
I grew up in South Florida where almost everyone had a pool. Most of us take it for granted since there are only a few months of the year where we can’t use it. Enjoy the pool. If I remember correctly, Ace likes the water. Good going Jared!
@Elliott –
Definitely! Ace seems to be enjoying it so far! ;D
I can’t WAIT to see the kids in that thing tomorrow! Let’s hope the rain holds off!
@Amber –
Thank for coming to the party Amber! You’ll have to come out another time with the kids. The water has been up to 84 degrees the past few days. Much better than 76. 😀
Great job! We did one a little bigger than that a couple years ago and I think I can still hear the echoes of screaming from my husband LOL
Enjoy!
@Lisa –
Those weren’t echoes…those were my screams. 😀
Yeah! I am kind of a wuss and need the temp to be over 80!
@ourcrookedtree –
It is finally warmer now…84 today. 😀
That looks great! Now I know who to call when we get one 😀
@Honeybell –
Definitely give me a ring. I learned a few lessons and would be glad to share.. 😀
Dadthing that’s awesome that you were able to build a pool for Ace. its always good go be able to do stuff yourself . in the long run its going to save you lots of money.
@Justdaddys.net –
Definitely! I don;t hire anyone to do anything unless I can’t figure it out or it is dangerous. 😀
Good Job Momma & Dadda! Coz of you Ace will have great summer 🙂 Happy Summer to all 🙂 !
@Annie –
Thanks Annie! I hope summer is as good as I picture it being!
Sweet! What time should we come over?
@Momo Fali –
Come over any time you want! 😀
Cool.. pool party is at your house then!! Now I don’t need to get one.. 🙂
You did a great job!!
@Kim –
You can come over any time to swim… 😀