Important Safety Information
WARNING: Parental guidance is required for children. Never leave children unattended in or near the pool. Always ensure proper supervision.
- No Diving: This pool is not designed for diving. Serious injury or death may result.
- Fencing: Ensure your pool area is adequately fenced and secured to prevent unauthorized access, especially by young children.
- Chemicals: Handle pool chemicals with extreme care. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for storage, handling, and application. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Electrical Safety: All electrical components (pump, filter) must be connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet. Do not use extension cords.
Product Overview
The Blue Wave Affinity Above-Ground Pool is engineered for durability and enjoyment, providing a complete backyard swimming experience. This package includes all essential components for setup and maintenance.
Image: The complete Blue Wave Affinity 18-ft Round Above Ground Swimming Pool, assembled and filled with water.
Key Features:
- Durable Steel Wall: Features a modern basket weave pattern, providing strength and visual appeal.
- Resin Top Rails & Uprights: Wider, weather-resistant 7-inch resin top rails and uprights ensure stability and resist cracking or discoloration.
- Efficient Sand Filter System: Includes a 1.0 HP dual-speed pump designed for effective water circulation and cleanliness.
- Standard-Gauge Overlap Liner: Durable liner for water containment.
- A-Frame Ladder: Heavy-duty resin ladder with a 250-lb capacity, featuring a locking, flip-up design for safety.
- Complete Maintenance Kit: Includes a skimmer, nylon wall brush, vinyl liner vacuum head, leaf skimmer, 3-piece 12-ft pole, thermometer, and 25-ft vacuum hose.
Image: An aerial view of the Blue Wave Affinity pool in a backyard setting, highlighting its hard steel walls, fade-resistant materials, rust resistance, and 7,200-gallon water capacity.
Image: A diagram showing the pool's dimensions (18 ft diameter, 52 inches deep) and key structural components like resin uprights, resin top caps, and 7-inch top rails.
Setup and Installation
The Blue Wave Affinity pool is designed for DIY installation. Proper site preparation is crucial for the pool's stability and longevity. It is recommended to have at least two to four people for assembly.
1. Site Preparation:
- Choose a level, firm area free from rocks, roots, or debris.
- Ensure adequate drainage away from the pool area.
- Verify there are no underground utilities (pipes, wires) in the chosen location.
2. Pool Assembly:
- Unpack all components and verify against the parts list in the official manual.
- Assemble the bottom track and uprights according to the detailed instructions provided in the manufacturer's manual.
- Carefully unroll and secure the steel wall. This step often requires multiple people due to the weight and flexibility of the wall.
- Install the pool liner, ensuring it is centered and smooth.
- Assemble and attach the top rails and top caps.
3. Filter System and Ladder Installation:
- Position the sand filter system on a stable, level surface near the pool.
- Connect the skimmer and return lines to the filter pump system using the provided hoses and fittings. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- Fill the sand filter with the recommended amount of filter sand (110 lbs capacity).
- Assemble the A-frame ladder and place it securely against the pool wall. Ensure the locking mechanism functions correctly.
Image: The Sandman Sand Filter System, showing the sand tank, pump, and connecting hoses, with specifications like 16,000-gallon turnover rate and 1.0 HP dual-speed pump.
Image: The A-frame pool ladder, detailing its dimensions (81 inches high, 48 inches wide, 24 inches deep) and features like durable resin materials, a two-piece barrier, and lockable flip-up steps.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions, always refer to the official PDF user manual provided with your product or available for download from the manufacturer's website.
Operating the Pool
Once assembled and filled, proper operation of your pool's filtration system and water chemistry management are essential for a clean and safe swimming environment.
1. Initial Start-up:
- Before starting the pump, ensure the filter tank is filled with water and the pump is primed according to the filter system manual.
- Open all necessary valves to allow water flow through the skimmer and return lines.
- Turn on the pump. Allow it to run for several hours to circulate the water and remove initial debris.
2. Filtration Schedule:
- Run the filter system for at least 8-12 hours per day, or as needed, to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.
- Adjust the filtration time based on pool usage, weather conditions, and water clarity.
3. Water Chemistry:
- Regularly test your pool water using a reliable test kit.
- Maintain balanced levels for:
Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
pH: 7.4-7.6
Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm - Add necessary chemicals (sanitizer, pH adjusters, algaecide) as directed by their manufacturers to maintain optimal water quality.
Maintenance
Consistent maintenance is key to keeping your pool clean, safe, and extending its lifespan.
1. Daily/Weekly Cleaning:
- Skimming: Use the leaf skimmer to remove floating debris from the water surface daily.
- Brushing: Brush the pool walls and floor weekly to prevent algae growth and loosen debris.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool floor weekly or as needed to remove settled dirt and debris.
- Skimmer Basket: Empty the skimmer basket regularly to ensure efficient water flow to the filter.
Image: The Economy Maintenance Kit, including a nylon wall brush, vinyl liner vacuum head, leaf skimmer, 3-piece 12-ft pole with thermometer, and a 25-ft vacuum hose.
2. Filter Maintenance:
- Backwashing: Backwash the sand filter when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above its clean operating pressure, or when water clarity decreases. Follow the instructions on your filter's multi-port valve.
- Sand Replacement: Filter sand typically needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, depending on usage and water quality.
3. Winterization:
- Before freezing temperatures arrive, properly winterize your pool to protect it from damage.
- This typically involves balancing water chemistry, adding winterizing chemicals, lowering the water level, draining and disconnecting the filter system, and covering the pool. Refer to a comprehensive winterization guide for your specific climate.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your pool.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy Water | Poor filtration, unbalanced chemicals, high debris load, algae. | Check filter pressure and backwash if needed. Test and adjust water chemistry (chlorine, pH). Run filter longer. Shock the pool. |
| Algae Growth | Low sanitizer levels, poor circulation, high phosphates. | Brush pool walls and floor. Shock the pool. Add algaecide. Ensure adequate filtration. |
| Pump Not Priming / Low Flow | Air leak in suction line, clogged skimmer basket, low water level, pump impeller clogged. | Check all connections for air leaks. Empty skimmer basket. Ensure water level is above skimmer opening. Clean pump impeller. |
| Water Leaks (Pump/Filter) | Loose connections, worn O-rings/gaskets, cracked housing. | Tighten all hose clamps and fittings. Inspect and replace worn O-rings or gaskets. If housing is cracked, professional repair or replacement may be needed. |
| Ladder Instability | Improper assembly, uneven ground, loose connections. | Re-check all assembly steps. Ensure ladder is on a firm, level surface. Tighten all bolts and connections. |
If you encounter issues not listed here or if solutions do not resolve the problem, contact Blue Wave customer support or a qualified pool technician.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Blue Wave |
| Model Number | NB19833 |
| Product Dimensions | 216"L x 216"W x 52"H (18-ft Round x 52-in Deep) |
| Shape | Round |
| Color | Gray |
| Material | Steel, Resin, Hardware |
| Capacity | 7,200 Gallons (approximate) |
| Included Components | 1.0HP Filter System, 18ft Pool, Ladder, Liner, Skimmer, Maintenance Kit |
| Item Weight | 323 Pounds |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Blue Wave Products |
| UPC | 672875007523 |
Warranty and Support
The Blue Wave Affinity Above Ground Swimming Pool is backed by a 30-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability and quality.
Image: A blue square representing the pool liner color, often associated with the pool's interior. (Note: The provided image for '30_YEAR_LIMITED_WARRANTY.jpg' was not found, so a generic blue swatch image is used as a placeholder for visual representation of the pool's interior.)
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or any questions regarding your Blue Wave pool, please contact Blue Wave Products customer support directly. Refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging or on the official Blue Wave website.
