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I have been reading this group for DAYS now (up to page 80 something!) and this is my first post. I haven't had anything I felt I had any input on, until now...the knowledge here is very high level!
But I do want to comment on these pools! They have been the single best investment I have made in Koi keeping AND grandkid keeping! I consider my 'pop up' pools to be invaluable. On a recent re-do of my pond, my fish lived in a 3000 gallon Intex pool for 7 months. (the length of time was *supposed* to be under 2 months! Sigh....) This pool was bought at the end of the summer season at a local supermarket for $100. It has been a wonderful family pool in summer, and......although it took some elbow grease..... it is back to it's original job with no negative affects.
Although I have two of these pools, one is a 1,000 gallon Q/plant pond...the other is our above mentioned, family pool....I will say that there is one major negative. It is ABSOLUTELY imperative that it is on level ground. If not, I would worry about the pressure on the downhill side. Mine does not have the metal sides, and on 'not quite level' ground it DID collapse on me once....I leaned too far over to try to remove something and it basically spilled out nearly all of the 3,000 gallons over me and the back yard.....like something from Funniest Home Videos! Yikes! So although it was level and secure, the whole time my fish were in it..both my kid and I had nightmares about them surfing the lawn! I think the metal siding type is a much better idea for long term koi residents.
They are VERY hardy, (the only damaged one I have seen is one that belonged to my sister, which sat dry in the sun for a couple of summers) is and if you build a shade to keep the mid-day sun from baking it.... I would think it would last for many, many years. Filtration and airation would be key, but knowing that before you start, you will win that battle.... I think you would get your money's worth and more....Once your pond is built, it is very close to having a 'real' pool for summer cool off...for the human residents!
:-)
Kathleen
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