...done digging.  Sorta.  The pool is back up and full and functional.  A bit cold yet, but the chemicals are stable and the whole thing seems stable...at least as stable as that type of pool will ever be.  I have been keeping an eye out around town for other pools of the same style and have witnessed some rather scary set ups.  Of course, there was no one in them at the time and I really don't want to get arrested for lurking so I didn't hang around to wait and see how much abuse they receive.  I will post pictures of the "re-do" later.  Now that its looking better, I want to focus on some finishing touches.  Such as, burying the cord (as much as a safety thing as it is an aesthetics thing...and it will prevent me from running over the cord with the mower and making this project a huge waste of time and money.)  I am also going to throw down some stepping stones/blocks to make a pathway from where the ladder best enters the pool and the patio area to reduce grass and debris in the pool and to prevent a mud and sludge line from forming.  I am considering some retaining type blocks on the cut out edge of the yard to prevent wash out; and possibly some pond stones along the base to keep me from having to mow too closely. 

 

Once its all done...it will be time to close it for the season.  I plan to working on the brick walk ways (both front and back) and I desperately need to get the soffit and gutters done.  The basement is trashed and I need to get a handle on it before the foundation washes out from under us. 

 

So thats that....have a great day!

We took down the pool and started re-leveling the ground.  We spent part of last Saturday and ALL of Sunday digging and leveling.

 

 

We are awaiting a compactor, to tamp the soil and ensure that there is minimal settling.  I was hoping to have it filled again before the boys got back; but we are at the mercy of a friend for the use of the compactor so we can't rush things.  Of course it's hitting 90º the next few days so I would really have enjoyed a dip or two myself.  Turns out that the plastic feet on the bottom of the poles had broken off on the low side; and therefore the hollow poles were just sinking farther and farther into the soil.  I don't doubt that it wouldn't have been too much longer before we had a full on tidal wave down the hill.  I am going to lay patio blocks under the feet to ensure that there will be no additional sinking. 

 

I have been enjoying the gas mileage of my toy....

 

 

Abby calls it the "Zoom Zoom" and loves it when the top is down.  Speaking of the little monster...

 

 

These guys..

 

 

Are here...

 

 

Catch ya later!

 

SO...here I am again about three months behind with this whole process. 

 

Put up a ghetto pool a couple of week ends ago.

 

 

 

Thought the ground was "level" but not so much.  The neighbor (who rarely does more than nod or complain that I mowed) decided to stand there and offer up his opinion on the process the entire time and needless to say I lost focus.  That and the fact that Abby wouldn't nap, the boys are not great workers and Jay had never done this kind of thing before.  Its off...at first by 2 1/2 inches...now by close to four inches and two sides are a lot higher than the front or back.  It holds close to 10,000 gallons of water, so the lean on the back side has us a little nervous.  The plans are to drain it and try again...maybe this coming weekend.  Funny thing is....we put up a pool and we haven't hit  a high of 90 degrees since.  Its even been as low as 57 degrees at night.  Ultimately, if this turns out to be something we use, the goal is to save for an inground.  Perhaps DREAM is a better way to word it. 

 

Abby is growing fast...unfortunately I don't take many pictures but here is one from my phone (yes she is wearing a dress...)

 

 

Andy and Austin will be leaving again this weekend for an extended visit with their dad.  I never look forward to these times away from them.  Work is pretty much the same.  Other than that not much is happening.  Hope all is well with you.