So, without further ado, here she is. Our PEACHY PARADISE:
I decided to go with an easier solution that would hopefully mean less maintenance over time. I purchased 4' H bamboo fencing, my husband cut it in half with his Dremel tool, and then we spray painted it. We wrapped it around the pool, strategically hooking it together with heavy gauge wire every once in awhile. He had to cut out sections for the filter hoses but otherwise it was pretty simple. The bamboo adds such a chic Palm Beach element that I adore. Scroll down to the end of this post to see exactly what we purchased for this part.
Must have items for your pool
- The 8' foot pool is the way to go. I can't imagine going with a 6' foot pool and actually having fun.
- This pump comes with ONE output strainer and this is why you need to purchase the input strainer separately. It also only comes with one filter so you will have to purchase more periodically. At this moment, the strainer is out of stock but I'm assuming it will be back on Intex's website shortly.
- This hole saw makes quick work of cutting holes in the metal but don't forget the arbor. Drill from the outside so the majority of the shavings fall outside the tank. Use a metal file to clean up any sharp edges, then use a magnet to collect the shavings from the inside of the pool so you don't get a metal sliver in your foot.
- We needed one flat washer for the input strainer-- the output comes with one.
The pool DOES NOT leak if you have the rubber washers and cut a 2-3/4" hole! This size may not be stocked at the first store you visit, but don't just shrug and buy the 3". If you make the hole larger than 2-3/4", you may need lots of silicone sealant (which my husband cannot condone). If you make it smaller, the parts won't fit.
Helpful Items to have for your pool
- I have heard this floating chlorine dispenser is important to keep the chlorine from settling on the bottom of the pool and causing the pool to rust-- not sure if that's true but I got it anyway.
- This pool cover is larger than you need but I have read the 8' ones are too small to pull over. It cinches closed with a rope and works perfectly.
There are tutorials and videos online for putting it all together but we felt Stocktankpool.net was the most helpful and simplest to follow. Honestly, cutting the holes and getting it all attached was easy once we figured out what to order and got the dang thing home. The next hardest part was figuring out the chlorine amount but we went with the one or two 1" tab per week suggestion from Stocktankpool.net and the pool is perfectly blue.
get the same look as us with these items
- The furniture I purchased for the pool area was vintage but HANDS DOWN, if the budget would have allowed, this is the set I would have purchased. It's so hard to find metal bamboo fretwork new at the store so take this as a sign to get it while it's possible :)
- I linked to the peach spray paint I used as it was THE ONLY peach spray I could find. Thank you, Martha!
- Lastly, you may think my favorite part of this makeover was the pool or umbrella but it might be the battery pack that allows us to take our Echo outdoors. I am obsessed and now carry this thing around as much as my phone- lol. We love playing music and it's so nice to have millions of songs available at any given moment-- anywhere!
xo,
Rachel