About project
Hi! Quick update.
The parts that I got worked really well.
The hole saws you will want are 1 ¾” and 2 3/8” for the tightest fit. I haven’t had any issues with leaking, even without using the silicon (I drilled holes in the pool while it was full 😉)
There are a lot of stock issues and price gouging going on with everything pool related, unfortunately, so you might need to get creative.
Background:
These are the “standard” lists that you’ll see everywhere:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/diy-stock-tank-pool/
https://www.stocktankpool.net/big-kahuna
I basically found the last metal stock tank in middle Tennessee. There are a lot more and cheaper options if you’re willing to get a poly one, like this one: https://highcountryplastics.com/collections/water-tanks/products/700-gallon-w-series-water-tank (note that a lot of the poly ones are not flat bottomed, but have structure so they are easily picked up by fork lifts)
For most of the parts, I got them on eBay because 1) they were available and 2) some people were gouging less than on amazon.
The biggest linchpin in the pump setup is the inlet strainer…the pieces that come with the above-ground pump sets are for the specific companies above-ground pools, and they don’t need to be screwed on both sides. This item is out of stock or going for insane amounts of money.
One thing to be aware of is that pool filter pumps and fixtures come in different sizes based on their hoses. Most are 1.5” or 1.25”. There are converters, but you need to be aware of that.
This is the part that everyone wants, and when it’s in stock, it’s under $10, but people are selling them for like $100 if you can even find them.
I’ve looked all around the internet and in local stores…nothing is cheaper or easier than Amazon + eBay.
What I did:
8’ steel stock tank pool
1000 gph intex filter pump https://www.intexcorp.com/products/above-ground-pools/krystal-clear-filtration-sanitation/cartridge-filter-pumps/1000-gph-krystal-clear-cartridge-filter-pump-110-120v-with-gfci/ this one has 1.25” hoses. The 1500 has 1.5” hoses. I paid $85 for this $45 pump. On amazon was going for $120+ at the time. They are currently $150-250 on eBay.
I would probably just buy it on eBay for $150 now, but honestly, any pump will probably work…I was going to get the 330gph one until I found this one cheaper: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intex-1000-GPH-Easy-Set-Above-Ground-Swimming-Pool-Filter-Pump-637r-28637EG/333641486150?epid=7005689197&hash=item4dae950f46%3Ag%3AkWgAAOSw7P1e%7ENT3&LH_BIN=1
Intex, Summer Waves, and Bestway are the brands to get. There are also knockoffs of everything, sometimes for cheaper.
Return valve ($13): All-in one, works with 1.25” or 1.5” hoses https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077H1BWF7/
Inlet Strainer ($30): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Summer-Escapes-Suction-Wall-Fitting-600-GPH-Pool-Filter-Pump-Replacement-Parts/390852098697?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 This is for 1.25” (because of a post office mixup, I haven’t received this yet, but I should have it on Monday)
Silicon sealant ($3): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JK5R0I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hole saw: $8-$20 The return valve I have could use 2 3/8”. I’m waiting to measure. I’m waiting to buy until I get the inlet strainer to see if I can just get 1 size.