• Above-ground swimming pools are fun for the whole family.woman swimming image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
  
  Intex Metal Frame Pools have a large swimming area and are constructed with high-grade steel that is powder-coated so that it will not rust. These pools range from 10 feet to 24 feet in diameter and 30 inches to 52 inches in height. The water capacity ranges from approximately 1,200 gallons to 12,500 gallons. When putting up a metal frame pool, a few tricks and tips will help you get swimming in no time.
  
  

No Sand

• Do not use sand to level out the ground where the pool will sit. Sand can shift and cause the pool to lean to one side. The legs of the pool will also sink in the sand, which will make the pool unstable and dangerous to swimmers.
  
  

Prepare the Site

• When preparing the site for the pool, make sure to remove all sharp objects. The pool needs to be set up on a flat, solid level surface. Use a tarp or ground cloth underneath the pool. Make sure you have at least four feet of clear space around the entire pool. This will ensure children cannot climb up on something to enter the pool.
  
  

Chemical Balance

• The chemical balance is important in pool maintenance, because it keeps the pool from forming algae and bacteria. The pool pH should stay between 7.4 and 7.6 at all times. Alkalinity should stay between 100ppm and 150ppm. Chlorine should be added to the pool every few days, and the pool will need to be "shocked" with chlorine at least once a week. Use the recommended dosage of chlorine for the number of gallons in your pool. Shocking your pool after a heavy load of swimmers or rain is also a good idea, as this will kill any bacteria trying to form. Buy a pool test kit and test the pool water regularly. The kit will test the chlorine, pH, bromine and alkalinity. If you do not have a test kit, you can take a water sample from the pool to your local pool store and the staff will test it for you.
  
  

Clean Often

• Make sure to clean and change the pool filter often. If the pool filter becomes dirty, it will not effectively clean the pool. Brush the sides and bottom of the pool when the filter is on. This will stir up dirt and debris sitting on the bottom of the pool. If dirt and debris sit on the bottom of the pool without being touched, they can form algae growth.