Comparison Intex 26718 vs Bestway 56420

The working volume of the pool is the amount of water that is standardly contained by the product.

Usually, the working volume is indicated based on the occupancy of the pool at 80% of the maximum capacity. With such a fullness, there will be enough water inside for normal use and at the same time it will not overflow when the next person is immersed in the pool or when waves occur.

The capacity of the pool directly depends on the volume: the larger the tank, the more people will be able to swim in it at the same time. In addition, more capacious models are often also deeper. On the other hand, a large capacity correspondingly affects the cost and puts forward increased requirements for additional equipment: a powerful pump, a performant filter, an efficient drain system, etc. are needed. Accordingly, it does not always make sense to chase large volumes.

In addition, it is worth noting that products with the same volume can differ markedly in size and, moreover, in shape. So in fact, the volume often turns out to be a secondary parameter, and it is easier to choose a pool in terms of length-width-depth.

The filter is one of the most important types of equipment for swimming pools, including frame ones. It is responsible for purifying water from dust, small debris and other contaminants. Considering that modern frame pools are quite spacious, running water through a filter is easier, more convenient and cheaper than changing the entire pool every time it gets dirty. Filters can be like this:

- Sandy. A device with a filter element in the form of a container that holds fine sand of a special composition. When water passes through, sand retains mechanical impurities, including quite small ones. One of the main advantages of sand filters is their high flow Rate; they cope better with large volumes of water than another popular type - cartridge systems (see below). In addition, filters of this type are reusable - if the sand becomes dirty, you do not need to change anything, just organize a backwash. Among the disadvantages of this variety, one can note the relatively low filtration efficiency (including the inability to cope with chemical impurities), as well as the large size. However, in many cases the latter is not a disadvantage - the size of the filter is still small compared to the dimensions of the tank itself, and such a device is located outside the pool, and you can choose the installation location so that the filter does not create any inconvenience.

- Cartridge. In accordance with the name, such filters use special cartridges with filter elements in the form of membranes made of polymer material. Cartridges are made disposable; when dirty and worn out, such an element must be replaced. This is associated with additional costs, but consumables are inexpensive, and initially cartridge filters are cheaper than sand filters. Another advantage is their relatively compact size. The operating speed of cartridges is lower than that of sand systems, but such a filter can still be made quite productive even for a fairly large volume of water. Thanks to all this, most modern frame pools are equipped with cartridge devices.

The pump is also characterized by flow Rate. It refers to the amount of water that the unit can pump in an hour. Knowing this quantity and the volume of the pool, you can estimate how long it will take to filter it.

Note that manufacturers usually choose the flow Rate of a complete filter based on the optimal compromise between good speed and low cost, as well as the weight of the unit itself. Therefore, in practice, this parameter may be required mainly in the case of searching for a replacement for the standard filter.

— Canopy. The presence of a canopy in the design of the pool. The main function of such a "roof" is to cover the people inside from the sun's rays. In addition, with the proper dimensions, the canopy can play the role of protection from the rain. Usually, canopies in modern frame pools are made removable.

— Staircase. Frame pools with sides from a height of 1 metre, usually, are equipped with special ladders. In the absence of the latter, getting in and out of the pool is quite inconvenient, and in some cases even traumatic. The user can always purchase the required ladder separately, but here it is worth paying attention to the fact that the ladders included with the pool are ideally adjusted to the height of the sides, which makes it more convenient and safe to use.

— Awning. The presence of an awning in the scope of delivery of the pool. An awning in this case means a “cover” made of fabric or other soft material, which can be used to cover the pool during non-working hours. Thanks to such a “lid”, leaves, insects, dust and other contaminants do not get into the water. Third-party devices can also be used to protect against debris, however, a complete awning, usually, is much more convenient: it optimally matches the dimensions of the pool, moreover, it is often equipped with devices for secure fastening.

— Bedding.... The presence of bedding in the scope of delivery of the pool. The main function of such a product is additional protection of the bottom from punctures: the litter covers small pebbles, twigs and other similar objects, due to which the probability of an “accident” is, if not eliminated, then at least significantly reduced. In addition, the pads are usually larger than the tank itself, go beyond its edges and can be used as an impromptu “rug” for swimming: for example, it is more convenient to take off your shoes before climbing into the pool and put on your shoes again on the pad, and not on the bare earth.