We are going on our third year now with this exact pool. Yes it looks really bad when it bows in but goes away as you fill it. Our back yard is not close to being level rather a hill. We cut into the earth and created a flat spot covered it with paver screening. So far so good. It does get dismantled after every summer it really easy once you get the hang of it. The sand filter and pump works great. Tighten the bolts connecting the pump to the basket housing after every season. They come loose and gasket looses seal. Learned that today. The liner seems tough, the metal poles are holding up. Keep up with chemicals and water crystal clear. My wife ordered a battery self cleaning vacuum Aeper Smart for like $250 when we got the pool. Working like a champ drop in for 1hr a day and the pool is spotless. I thought I still had to buy the pole, hose and vac attachment but no need with this Aeper Smart. Hope this helps.
I'm debating buying this pool do you happen to know how many inches those u-joints stick out on the sides? I need to find out the total width before I make the purchase. I can't seem to find that information anywhere.
Fantastic video! Thank you for making this! You helped my husband and I tremendously! Now we have three happy little boys enjoying their summer! Thanks again!
Hi, a lot of people are asking "How big is the area required to level and cover for the pool?' The answer is 28 x 18 feet, to allow 3 feet on each side for the supports, walkway and pump/filter, it's nice to have 3 feet on each side to walk around the pool.
Excellent video. Thanks you. My pool is up now, but still could not find the directions for the filter or ladder so I resorted to looking at the picture on the box. One thing I didn't hear you mention was the Tip in the pool assembly directions, to put Talcum Powder on the poles. I started to do that expecting resistance and quickly stopped when the poles were super easy to thread. Live and learn, but come to find out that it's NOT used for helping threading, it acts like a lube to help the liner twist/adjust on it's own while filling up, especially the last 1/4. Next time, I'll be using it.
I’m so glad this video came up first! Such a great video & easy. Took 40min for hubby & I to put it together. Solar & ladder instructions were one but figured it out with the pictures it had (hopefully it works). Filling the pool now. Thank you again!!!
I wish I would have seen your video 1st we actually put the U shapes underneath that band as it was half full we realized our very big mistake, my husband emptied it by about a foot of water and we had to go around disassembling 1U braket at a time. As you can imagine it was quite the adventure the pool is now filling and everything is nice and happy but I sure wish I'd seen your video first!
Great videos, thanks so much just finished the main setup. Unfortunately Bestway didn't include the shorter pump to filter hose or the third hose from the pool B side to the pump..... now trying to navigate customer service/assistance from Bestway and Costco. Ordered an Intex hose from Amazon this morning so hopefully it'll work.
Hi. Thanks for sharing this video. Followed everything but as I’m filling up the pool, the middle seems to be bowing in even though my ground is flat and even. Any tips on how to fix that? Thanks!
I have a quick question. How many people do they expect you to have to cover this thing? My wife and I had no luck trying to cover it, it’s super tight.
Pool question…does the solar heater make much difference in water temp? Was wondering if it was worth hooking up? Thanks for all your videos…really helped us with our 1st above ground pool 🤗
Awesome video man. The instructions they send are really bad. This was great, was able to get my pool set up by myself with this video in about an hour. And then started on the pump and filling it.
I’ve recently purchased this pool and I’m not sure whether it’s just me and my water pressure/hose pipe but it’s taken 26 hours to fill and it’s still got another few hours to go before it reaches the level this pool is at 😬
Great video I'm getting ready to purchase this particular pool and I was wondering for my first pool do I have to fill this all the way up to 48 in my grandkids are not that tall yet they're roughly around 44 to 46 inches. Thanks for your videos and any help
You do that to block the intake flow while you are working on the pump. Or you can disconnect the hoses and put them higher than the water level in the pool.
I was thinking the brush that was linked in the video that we bought on Amazon would be compatible with the handle that came with the net but it doesn’t seem to be.
Just saw another person asked a similar question a couple months ago: “Not sure where you live but will this survive through a Canadian winter if closed/winterized properly? Wondering how many years you can get out of these pools with keeping them up all year round?” And he said: “Yeah. I think it would be fine. You'll have to drain the filter and pump. Cap and drain the hoses. Pool may freeze, but mine did ok with freezing weather.”
My question is on the pool filter sand - do I need to start with fresh sand every season or can I continue to use last years sand? Thanks for any help!
No, you don't have to replace the sand very often, just backwash the sand, then rinse it, then you are good to go. See the separate filter vid in the description to see how to do it !
Great, very helpful. Was very surprised about the first two videos because they were only filled to 70 to 80 at best and badly bowed on both sides. I to take a lot of time putting mine up but it diffenatly pays off.
I’m having a really hard time with the B outlets and how those are supposed to be set up? When I try to get into the basket in the filter how do I do that without loosing water etc
Why didn’t you put any support under the straight legs is it not required? We set our up with support there as well but we think maybe we were not supposed to .
I got the same pool set up but the sides water lever are about 1-2 inches higher than the ends. How critical is this for use. Water is even across both side but ends are abot 2 inches of white not even with the brown on the sides?
My filter started leaking and I don’t know what to do. Please help. I think I may have connected the hoses wrong because I decided to leave out the heater.
We have this pool & so far it's great! Video is great as well!! The filter that the automatic chlorinator attaches to.....does it pop off or turn?? And is anybody using it? Does it work well? Thank you in advance.
My son was able to unscrew it. I guess my hands were too weak, lol. The chemconnect then screws right on. Also...helps to have pump off. Obvious, I know. Good luck. 😊
Try going online. I saw some really helpful videos on setting up the filter. The Bestway manual for it is terrible!! Make sure you get sand for pool filter, not industrial sand! Good luck. 😊
Do you use your index pool vacuum with this pool. I bought the one you recommended and can’t revive the return to attach it. If so can you please reply
Hello. Setting up our pool, but concerned that the single legs poles are touching the pool when filled. Is this normal? Just wondering if it’s putting too much pressure on the corner pools.
Great Video Jeep Solid !! Question ?? The pool is 12 ft wide . If you measure from one side of the u joint to the other side of the u joint . Is it wider then the pool or are we still at 12 ft ? If they stick out wider then the pool . How much space should I account for ? Im tight on space . TY for your response .
Subscribed! Thanks for the vids. I have 2 questions. My pump & hoses are connected the same as yours. How do you clean out the filter basket without losing a ton of water? There's no shutoff valve so the water just keeps pouring out, which also makes it impossible to get the lid back on. Second question is about the solar heater. It doesn't seem to do much. I've read reviews where people say it makes their water very warm. We've had 7 days of 30+ degree weather and it has made no effect on the temperature of the water. Thanks.
Your pool should have come with some plugs you can put on the outlet ports from the pool to stop the water. The solar heater does help if in direct sun for hours a day.
@@JeepSolid Got it. Thanks for the quick reply. One more question - I don't think I backwashed my sand filter long enough when I set it up. The pool water is constantly cloudy (still is). I backwashed for about 3 minutes and then rinsed for 30 seconds. Now my pressure is high (10psi). Any ideas? Thanks again.
It can be super stuck… as you’ve noticed. Best to start by holding the outside and twist the inside. Then twist back and forth as you slowly make progress.
Hi I want to put my heater and pump at the head oh my pool. Will it still be effective if I purchase longer tubes to achieve this, or does it have to live on the side of the pool. I only have extra space on the end of the pool.
How many inches do the U joints stick out on each side. I'm debating buying the pool but I can't find the total width with the joints. I have limited space on the patio.
Thank you.. I really used your video and it made all the work much easier... oh and I own a jeep so I'll be a loyal subscriber for that too.. take care
@@anmor3456 yes. I had a couple of my bigger boys grab the F elbows and pull out. I connected it the center on the end. It wasn’t easy, but we got it. Also, the long sides bow in really bad while it is filling, but they straighten out after it is full.
Hello…been watching and learning from your videos! Thank you! Have a question…did you like the landscape fabric under your pool? Any issues? We have seen suggestions about the “Rhino Pad” and wasn’t sure which way to go..thanks
I did not put the straight legs inside the strap!!! 😮😮 do i need to drain to do that? Or am i okay? My pool isn’t this big. It takes two U shapes on each side.
First my brotha !!! This was like the best video i have ever watch kept things easy😁that being said my side legs are hanging a bit, will that be good once it's filled up 😰
I love the videos for the pool installation but I wish you had done a step by step on actually putting the plastic pipes to the pump instead of your fast forwarding thru it. That’s actually the part I needed help with the most. Says you have a link for that but I didn’t see one
Great video I have a question I have a same size pool is there a drain hose included for draining the pool. Or do I need to buy one. Or do you have a video on draining the pool. Ty
This is my 3rd summer using this pool and when I set up the filter/pump, it's leaking from where where the filter connects to the pump, like through the screws, not the hoses. Any ideas on what could cause that or how to fix it? Thank you! Your videos are so helpful!
We are going on our third year now with this exact pool. Yes it looks really bad when it bows in but goes away as you fill it. Our back yard is not close to being level rather a hill. We cut into the earth and created a flat spot covered it with paver screening. So far so good. It does get dismantled after every summer it really easy once you get the hang of it. The sand filter and pump works great. Tighten the bolts connecting the pump to the basket housing after every season. They come loose and gasket looses seal. Learned that today. The liner seems tough, the metal poles are holding up. Keep up with chemicals and water crystal clear.
My wife ordered a battery self cleaning vacuum Aeper Smart for like $250 when we got the pool. Working like a champ drop in for 1hr a day and the pool is spotless. I thought I still had to buy the pole, hose and vac attachment but no need with this Aeper Smart.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much. It is bowing as I am filling and it concerned me, so Thank YOU!
What model and is it Aiper for the brand?
I'm debating buying this pool do you happen to know how many inches those u-joints stick out on the sides? I need to find out the total width before I make the purchase. I can't seem to find that information anywhere.
THIS IS THE GREATEST POOL SETUP VIDEO EVER. THIS POOLS NOT EASY BUT I WATCH HIS VIDEO EVERY YEAR TO REMEMBER HOW TO SET UP.AWESOME.
Ooi
Is it really necessary to take it down every year?
@@DanielleMitchell-wu6fi 😅😅you
@@DanielleMitchell-wu6fi h2p
Cool
Fantastic video! Thank you for making this! You helped my husband and I tremendously! Now we have three happy little boys enjoying their summer! Thanks again!
Hellobi have a question I put all the the u Post level with the ground but they still bowin quite a bit..
@@andyt1573 mine has too! I think unless it’s perfectly level you will have that trouble.
I am in the process of helping my daughter-in-law and husband with this exact pool. Excellent video, should help greatly in the build!!!
Hi, a lot of people are asking "How big is the area required to level and cover for the pool?' The answer is 28 x 18 feet, to allow 3 feet on each side for the supports, walkway and pump/filter, it's nice to have 3 feet on each side to walk around the pool.
Excellent video. Thanks you. My pool is up now, but still could not find the directions for the filter or ladder so I resorted to looking at the picture on the box. One thing I didn't hear you mention was the Tip in the pool assembly directions, to put Talcum Powder on the poles. I started to do that expecting resistance and quickly stopped when the poles were super easy to thread. Live and learn, but come to find out that it's NOT used for helping threading, it acts like a lube to help the liner twist/adjust on it's own while filling up, especially the last 1/4. Next time, I'll be using it.
Thank you for this. The best video setup on TH-cam. No waste of time, straight to the point.
I’m so glad this video came up first! Such a great video & easy. Took 40min for hubby & I to put it together. Solar & ladder instructions were one but figured it out with the pictures it had (hopefully it works). Filling the pool now. Thank you again!!!
Hey did it work I just hit this pool and we are going to set it up soon
Picked up my jeep on the way home I picked up this pool! Looked up this video and now I know why I decided to pick it up with my jeep!
I wish I would have seen your video 1st we actually put the U shapes underneath that band as it was half full we realized our very big mistake, my husband emptied it by about a foot of water and we had to go around disassembling 1U braket at a time. As you can imagine it was quite the adventure the pool is now filling and everything is nice and happy but I sure wish I'd seen your video first!
Hi!!
Did that help with the straight poles not to bend?
Great videos, thanks so much just finished the main setup. Unfortunately Bestway didn't include the shorter pump to filter hose or the third hose from the pool B side to the pump..... now trying to navigate customer service/assistance from Bestway and Costco. Ordered an Intex hose from Amazon this morning so hopefully it'll work.
Did intakes hose work?
Excellent video! Pool is up thanks to your guidance. Marriage is intact! Thank you.
Currently setting ours up thank god for your video😭😭😭👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This is the best video! I watch every year in setting up our pool! Thank you!
Hi. Thanks for sharing this video. Followed everything but as I’m filling up the pool, the middle seems to be bowing in even though my ground is flat and even. Any tips on how to fix that? Thanks!
Has to be 90 percent full and it’ll work itself out
It will straighten when the pool is at least &0-90 percent fool
I have a quick question. How many people do they expect you to have to cover this thing? My wife and I had no luck trying to cover it, it’s super tight.
True same here
Stretch, pull, Stretch and make it fit. That's what we did and it didn't rip or tear.
Once the vinyl cover heats up from the sun it will be fine.
Or buy a 24 x 12 solar cover to get even more heating !
Use a huge tarp that's what I did with mine
Pool question…does the solar heater make much difference in water temp? Was wondering if it was worth hooking up? Thanks for all your videos…really helped us with our 1st above ground pool 🤗
Yes, my parents have this pool and we just bought one over winter. You can get the pool almost "too hot" with the solar heater.
With the solar heater and my purchased solar cover, I had my water temp up to 99 F !
Great video! Where is the filter set-up video?
Extremely Helpful. Thanks
For the pools first use do you need to add any shock or chlorine? How soon after it is full can you use the pool?
Awesome video man. The instructions they send are really bad. This was great, was able to get my pool set up by myself with this video in about an hour. And then started on the pump and filling it.
I needed this video a week ago 😂
I find the pump does not create enough circulation in keeping the pool clean. Anyone else and are there options? Like a larger pump?
Same, we are returning because of that. Spent more money on brushes, cordless vacuum, chlorine, bule solution you name it. Not worth it
I hate mine so much for that exact reason. Can't keep it clean.
I use a brush to stir up the dirt on the bottom, then turn the filter on to clean the water before swimming.
Can you explain more about the solar heater set up? I don’t seem to have the flow I need and the instructions that came with are horrible
Thanks, you did a great job
I’ve recently purchased this pool and I’m not sure whether it’s just me and my water pressure/hose pipe but it’s taken 26 hours to fill and it’s still got another few hours to go before it reaches the level this pool is at 😬
Can you set this up on a cemented area or paved are with asphalt?
Sure why not, however I would put a layer of landscaping tarp under it.
Really helped make this set up easy. My wife, myself and our 6 year old set this up fairly easily. Thanks!
O
I was going to put it on my lawn. Should I put landscape fabric down first? Also what size foot print do I need for the fabric.
Yes, put fabric unless you want to pull weeds.
Great video I'm getting ready to purchase this particular pool and I was wondering for my first pool do I have to fill this all the way up to 48 in my grandkids are not that tall yet they're roughly around 44 to 46 inches. Thanks for your videos and any help
The sides will stay bowed in if it's not full
Very helpful video got our pool up in no time!
awesome - much appreiated ❤
Literally a step by step! Thank you so much!
What about plugging the b-holes with the rubber nipple things? It shows it in the directions.
You do that to block the intake flow while you are working on the pump. Or you can disconnect the hoses and put them higher than the water level in the pool.
Thank you for your video. I look up how to reassemble each year.
I was thinking the brush that was linked in the video that we bought on Amazon would be compatible with the handle that came with the net but it doesn’t seem to be.
How well does that solar pool heater work?
Thank you
Do you know if they can be converted to saltwater??
Tbh all you have to add is the salt cell
Do you have a video for setting up the chemicals? Gonna set up that same pool this weekend. Any extra advise would be appreciated.
Can Bestway pool be winterized for Wisconsin winters?
Wondering the same!
- From North Dakota ❄️
Just saw another person asked a similar question a couple months ago: “Not sure where you live but will this survive through a Canadian winter if closed/winterized properly? Wondering how many years you can get out of these pools with keeping them up all year round?”
And he said: “Yeah. I think it would be fine. You'll have to drain the filter and pump. Cap and drain the hoses. Pool may freeze, but mine did ok with freezing weather.”
Can the pool be winterized to leave outside during winter -20C
Hello, I have a question, I bought the same set, on the box it says, the maintenance kit is included, did you have it in the kit? I don’t have it
My question is on the pool filter sand - do I need to start with fresh sand every season or can I continue to use last years sand? Thanks for any help!
No, you don't have to replace the sand very often, just backwash the sand, then rinse it, then you are good to go. See the separate filter vid in the description to see how to do it !
Where did you get your sand from?
Just commenting that this video saved our lives lol
Is the pump that it comes with efficient enough or should it be upgraded?
It's a little weak, only operates at about 8 psi, you could put in a more powerful on if you want.
Great, very helpful. Was very surprised about the first two videos because they were only filled to 70 to 80 at best and badly bowed on both sides. I to take a lot of time putting mine up but it diffenatly pays off.
Is the image of the footprint (dimensions) true to the actual setup dimensions? Thanks
I’m having a really hard time with the B outlets and how those are supposed to be set up? When I try to get into the basket in the filter how do I do that without loosing water etc
Thank you so much. Great videos. Just may I know if we need to uninstall the pool during winter time? Can we close this pool like underground pool?
Do you have a link to that laser level you were using? Thanks!
Why didn’t you put any support under the straight legs is it not required? We set our up with support there as well but we think maybe we were not supposed to .
Can this pool be removed and set up in a different place? Or once you set it up, it can never be disassembled and rebuild in another location?
It can be disassembled and rebuilt in a new location
Any advice on a skimmer or inline chlorinator? Also shut off valve?
Use a hand skimmer and float chlorinator
Best video to set up pool I've seen so far!
I have this pool but my f and e connectors are missing any idea where I can get some at?
Contact Bestway or your retailer.
I got the same pool set up but the sides water lever are about 1-2 inches higher than the ends. How critical is this for use. Water is even across both side but ends are abot 2 inches of white not even with the brown on the sides?
My filter started leaking and I don’t know what to do. Please help. I think I may have connected the hoses wrong because I decided to leave out the heater.
We have this pool & so far it's great! Video is great as well!! The filter that the automatic chlorinator attaches to.....does it pop off or
turn?? And is anybody using it? Does it work well? Thank you in advance.
my reason why I'm here!! can't find a how to anywhere. hope this vid does.
I cant figure out setting up the filter. The pool was easy with this video but not this part lol
My son was able to unscrew it. I guess my hands were too weak, lol. The chemconnect then screws right on. Also...helps to have pump off. Obvious, I know. Good luck. 😊
Try going online. I saw some really helpful videos on setting up the filter. The Bestway manual for it is terrible!! Make sure you get sand for pool filter, not industrial sand! Good luck. 😊
Do you use your index pool vacuum with this pool. I bought the one you recommended and can’t revive the return to attach it. If so can you please reply
Very helpful, thank you. 😊
Hey trying to drain the pool for winter and I am struggling to find a garden hose adaptor for the pool. Any suggestions?
Hello. Setting up our pool, but concerned that the single legs poles are touching the pool when filled. Is this normal? Just wondering if it’s putting too much pressure on the corner pools.
It's normal
Hello. Is there a way the heater can get bypassed?
Instead of running the “A” line from the pump into the heater, run it straight into the pool where it’s labeled “A”
Great Video Jeep Solid !! Question ?? The pool is 12 ft wide . If you measure from one side of the u joint to the other side of the u joint . Is it wider then the pool or are we still at 12 ft ? If they stick out wider then the pool . How much space should I account for ? Im tight on space . TY for your response .
14' 2" total
Thank you because I'm thinking it may not fit because I have a tree , that might be in the way
Subscribed! Thanks for the vids. I have 2 questions. My pump & hoses are connected the same as yours. How do you clean out the filter basket without losing a ton of water? There's no shutoff valve so the water just keeps pouring out, which also makes it impossible to get the lid back on. Second question is about the solar heater. It doesn't seem to do much. I've read reviews where people say it makes their water very warm. We've had 7 days of 30+ degree weather and it has made no effect on the temperature of the water. Thanks.
Your pool should have come with some plugs you can put on the outlet ports from the pool to stop the water.
The solar heater does help if in direct sun for hours a day.
@@JeepSolid Got it. Thanks for the quick reply.
One more question - I don't think I backwashed my sand filter long enough when I set it up. The pool water is constantly cloudy (still is). I backwashed for about 3 minutes and then rinsed for 30 seconds. Now my pressure is high (10psi). Any ideas? Thanks again.
What do we do once it already bows inward? Is it fixable
Great job on your pool videos! Extremely helpful. Do you have any tips or videos on how to put the pool cover on?
Do you need to clean or wash the inner liner before use to get rid of plastic chemicals from manufacturing process?
No
Do you leave this outside all year round? And will it survive really cold temperatures?
How do I get the return off to hook
Up a vacuum? I cannot get it to loosen.
It can be super stuck… as you’ve noticed. Best to start by holding the outside and twist the inside. Then twist back and forth as you slowly make progress.
Hi I want to put my heater and pump at the head oh my pool. Will it still be effective if I purchase longer tubes to achieve this, or does it have to live on the side of the pool. I only have extra space on the end of the pool.
A longer black tube might make the water warmer since it's going through a longer tube in the heat :)
Hi, can I leave the solar pad out and just hook up without?
Yes
Thank you
Can you hook this up without the heater just in need of some help
How many inches do the U joints stick out on each side. I'm debating buying the pool but I can't find the total width with the joints. I have limited space on the patio.
15x23 is the absolute minimum footprint
What about grass?? Thank you for this video 🙏
Thank you.. I really used your video and it made all the work much easier... oh and I own a jeep so I'll be a loyal subscriber for that too.. take care
How do I make this a salt water system?
I understand that some device acts as a chloranator. Where do we get one & how does itattach
Mine is half full and the the sides with the U shape braces are leaning inward, do they push back out when it's full??
Yes
I don't see your U supports nor the legs having wood or paver supports? Is that okay? What if my pool is unlevel by 2", what do I do to level it?
When I put the pavers down the pool lifted up. It looks like the pool is in full buckle.
When running the filter, do i need to turn on the port A valve?
Some people say you have to dig out 6 inches . For example 24 by 14.5 must be dug out 6 inches deep. True or false. ????
I can’t get the top rail together. It’s about 2” away from going into the joint. What is the trick to doing this?
Us too! Did you solve this problem???
@@anmor3456 yes. I had a couple of my bigger boys grab the F elbows and pull out. I connected it the center on the end. It wasn’t easy, but we got it. Also, the long sides bow in really bad while it is filling, but they straighten out after it is full.
@@danmcquillin360 Thank you, ours is bowing also, good to know it will straighten out when filled!
Use talcum powder/corn starch on the poles, helps them not stick to vinyl.
Very Helpful .!!! Thank you if it wasn’t for this video I was ready to Give up Already ..
Hello…been watching and learning from your videos! Thank you! Have a question…did you like the landscape fabric under your pool? Any issues? We have seen suggestions about the “Rhino Pad” and wasn’t sure which way to go..thanks
I’ve had good luck with landscape fabric. Cheap and easy
Thanks for the video. The solar mat has to be under the sun?
I did not put the straight legs inside the strap!!! 😮😮 do i need to drain to do that? Or am i okay? My pool isn’t this big. It takes two U shapes on each side.
If it were me, I’d just leave it as is and keep an eye on it. But I can’t guarantee that’s ok or safe.
@@JeepSolid thank you. We’ll see how this goes. Eek.
Anyone have a link for a video that shows how to put the pool cover on? I cannot get the one that came with the pool to work 😤
First my brotha !!! This was like the best video i have ever watch kept things easy😁that being said my side legs are hanging a bit, will that be good once it's filled up 😰
I'm currently filling up an my sides are bowing inwards is this normal?
Great video! Thank you
Hi I’m having trouble locating your other videos to set up filter and solar mat. Please help
How wide is this pool with the supports kicked out like that? Looks to add another 2 ft or so to each side?
What if you need to have water delivered. I have a well and that would be too much water to use from it.
I love the videos for the pool installation but I wish you had done a step by step on actually putting the plastic pipes to the pump instead of your fast forwarding thru it. That’s actually the part I needed help with the most. Says you have a link for that but I didn’t see one
Question do you put the whole white tip of the U joint into the side? I see there are two sets of buttons not sure how far to go?
I left mine in
Great video I have a question I have a same size pool is there a drain hose included for draining the pool. Or do I need to buy one. Or do you have a video on draining the pool. Ty
Mine came with an attachment so I can use my regular garden hose.
This is my 3rd summer using this pool and when I set up the filter/pump, it's leaking from where where the filter connects to the pump, like through the screws, not the hoses. Any ideas on what could cause that or how to fix it? Thank you! Your videos are so helpful!
How do you put your pool away? Or you keep it during winter
Tighten the screw clamp on your filter, it's probably loose, then check your gaskets for leaks also.
Im struggling with how much pea gravel i will need for a 16ft x 10ft × 42 inches
Would it be fine setting it up on mulch?
Depends on the mulch. I’d worry about stick puncturing the bottom.