Endless pool-update
Written: Dec 18 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fantastic product, competitively priced, very therapeutic
Cons: not many
The Bottom Line: Excellent product.
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| slpaok's Full Review: The Endless Pool |
I've now owned this endless pool long enough to know some of the pro's and con's that only come with time. First of all, I have a larger than average size which is optional. Depending upon your available space you can have the pool larger or smaller than average. I also have a few additional options that brought the original price of this pool to approximately 21k delivered to the door. Because I plan on moving, we opted for an above ground installation which isn't all that attractive and required a concrete "pad" to place the pool. Addtional factors to consider is the 220 wiring and finishing products....depending on how much you do yourself or hire a contractor to do for you, the wiring, concrete, and finishing can add a minimum of 1k to several thousand more to the price of the pool.
Now for the good part. In our area, we couldn't find a contractor who would install the pool for us so we ended up doing it ourselves and despite the fact that I wouldn't call it "fun"--it is definetely something that a couple of people can do themselves. Endless pool provides step by step video instructions that are excellent plus toll free support if your purchase the pool from them. NOTE: if you purchase this pool second hand then call FIRST. As of a few months ago, Endless pools was charging $3 per minute to even order parts for the pool if you didn't purchase the pool from them. After logging a complaint, this practice was supposed to be modified to allow ordering parts without charge but you probably still want to check on the cost before changing title to this pool since the warranty doesn't transfer. There is phone support available but we found the video's to cover almost everything other than a few minor questions.
Since we live in a warm climate, we decided to put the pool outside in a spot that unfortunately gets a lot of leaves in the fall despite the cover. This requires us to clean out the grill and venting more often than most so consider leaves if installing outside! Otherwise, this is a very low maintenance pool. Once you get the chemicals 'set' it tends to remain very stable and requires little time to maintain. Indoor installations would be even easier without the impact of sunlight, rain, and leaves but even with all of that to contend with, this pool requires less than an hour a week to maintain at a perfect ph and clear as can be. The main filter is approx $55 to replace and the silver lined filter [one reason for the clarity and purity of the water] should also be changed although not as frequently.
Energy usage and heat. As a heated pool in a warm climate, we find it fairly easy to keep it at a constant temperature of approx 84 degrees [which is what we like best] by setting the timer for twice a day and using a thermal insulated cover. It did raise the electric bill a substantial amount so if you live in a colder climate you may want to consider the optional gas heater option. On the other hand, filling this pool and maintaining is inexpensive--we barely noticed a rise in our water bill and maintenance is very easy but if you like to keep the pool warm and install it outside then figure on at least another $50-$75 a month if using electric to heat it [of course, much depends on your local cost of electricity]. Another things we like is that it uses far less chemicals than typical pools due to the superior filtration and stability of the pool.
Usage. This pool is incredibly easy and convenient to use and I do so nearly every day. It takes a bit of time to learn to swim smoothly in the current [by a bit of time I mean a few attempts] but even that is actually learning your own speed. The rate of adjustment is continuous so you can select almost any speed you want--from a slow leisurely pace to a strong workout that will give anyone a run for their money! Although theoretically you can put a couple people in the pool at once, realistically the flow of the current works best with only one person at a time -- especially considering that everyone swims at a different speed. We have the extra wide width with the longest option and enjoy the additional space although it's not essential to a good swim. If you want a pool for swimming then this is the one. No turning around every few seconds, no interruptions in swim, just pure swimming for as longa s you want. On the other hand, it would be a bit of waste if you just enjoy floating around and getting your feet wet.
Safety and misc. A couple items of special mention include the moving parts in this pool. The current is created by a fan encased in stainless steel which is powered by a hydrolic system and 220 electricity. I was a bit concerned about this but the hoses contain a vegetable based "oil" [I'm not a mechanical person so I don't know all the correct names for this stuff] so that in the event there is ever a leak or such it isn't toxic. The electricity powers the pump which then moves the fan based on the movement of oil...so electricity doesn't go directly to the pool itself. The current is very powerful although highly adjustable as well. It's also fairly quiet--along the lines of a quality hot tub or spa in the amount of 'hum'. Still, we put the machinery in the garage for easy of access and reduction of noise.
All in all, a wonderful product.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
slpaok
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Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 6 members
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