Feeling like you've got the skill?
Written: Jul 06 '04
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: GREAT way to keep in shape and drop those extra pounds quick!
Cons: EXPENSIVE, plus you really need to know your way around hand tools.
The Bottom Line: Great if you install indoors, 7 x 14 standard depth. But for outdoors, get a regular in-ground pool.
|
|
|
| wrenchoman's Full Review: The Endless Pool |
I don't want to give the impression that I'm dissatisfied with my Endless Pool, but it may seem that way. That's only because I ran into so many problems that I still get a headache when I think about what I had (and still have) to go through to make this project work.
I paid extra because I opted for a 9 X 16 pool, the largest available. I installed it partially above ground, with about 18 in. above ground. I also opted for a deep end, hydrojets (which I never use), corner step (recommended), swim mirror (recommended), analog swim meter (recommended), handrail (never installed), and security cover (recommended). The hydrojets are a nice feature, but it's not exactly the same as a spa. It was a $1000 mistake that I wish I could undo. Also, I figured the handrail ($250) would be put to good use by my elderly mom, but she usually just sits on the edge of the pool and swings her legs in. The extra width and length are nice, but only for the kid's sake. For single person swimming, the standard size and depth are enough to get your exercise.
My wife really wanted a regular in-ground full sized pool, so believe you me, I should have listened to her. It's not that the pool is poorly made, but if you don't have expert carpentry skills or if you don't have an experienced woodworker install your coping and sides, it's going to look like mine.
Me and my dad installed it over a course of 3-4 weekends with some basic tools. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put everything together. Some of the installation documentation could be a bit more readable (some of the pages look like they were copied with an old mimeograph machine), but the tech support was pretty good in answering my questions. Of course, you need some pro's to install the gas lines and 220 VAC lines for the heater and pumps.
I wish Endless Pools would sell a premade outdoor coping and siding kit that looks attractive. They sell an aluminum coping kit for the top of the pool, but for some reason they didn't recommend it, and I figured that a cedar or redwood coping would look better and be within my skill level. Well, I found out the hard way that a regular stain WILL NOT seal the wood, contrary to the directions in the pool installation manual. If you install a wood coping, plan to use 4-5 coats of marine spar varnish (about $70-$90 a gallon, at least 2 gallons needed), or else you'll have some big-time warpage going on. So, my woodwork is only partially finished, because I'm burnt out on cutting/trimming wood siding. I'll probably hire someone to rip out all the wood and install tile or a stone surround to make it look more attractive.
Some of the headaches I went through: - found out the contractor that I hired to dig the hole and prep the site lost his license a month BEFORE he started the work, and I didn't find out until after he was finished; - said contractor bounced the check for the construction permit and the city came after me for the money; - said contractor didn't pay for the dumpster (almost 1K), so the waste management company tacked it onto my quarterly bill; - paid $1400 to install the required electrical (make sure estimate this if you install an Endless Pool); -paid $660 to run the gas line to the gas heater (highly recommended if you live in a high-electricity-cost region; -paid about $1000 for the wood and marine spar varnish.
Words of advice: 1. Make sure your wife is as excited as you when you start thinking about buying an Endless Pool.
2. If you install outside, buy the security cover. It helps to keep the pool heated, plus the city will probably accept it as the primary means to keep the kiddies from drowning in it when you're away. If I didn't have my installed when the city inspected it (oh yes, you do have to have this inspected), I would have had to install a gate, fence, and security alarm for my patio door!
3. If you plan on designing your backyard around your pool, have a professional draw up plans. Your crayon-drawn pictures are a far cry from giving you an accurate idea of the finished product.
4. Plan on spending $2000-3000 more than you originally planned.
5. Plan on going mano-a-mano with the city planning department. This is a one-of-a-kind product. They don't know if it' supposed to be a pool, a spa, or ? They were pretty worthless in that department. I eventually had to show them the video so they could get an idea of what this thing was.
6. Install some kind of drain or other device to pump out your pool and the pit that it sits in (if it's a partial in-ground). I get alot of water down in my pit, and it's a job to vacuum it out with a wet vac.
7. Water quality maintenance is a snap, since it only holds between 2000-3000 gallons, depending on your configuration.
I do have to admit, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in. I've never been a great swimmer, even though I served for 21 years in the Navy! But now, I'm very confident in the water and have improved my swimming stoke 100%. But overall, if I knew then what I know now, I would have purchased a regular in ground pool.
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
wrenchoman
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.