Sunshine Pools FAQs
Swimming Pools
Which pool should I buy?
This depends entirely on your budget and what space you have available. You also have a choice between an inflatable pool or one with a frame. Please see our section entitled Which Pool? for a little more help with this.
I have put up my pool but decided it is too big/small. Can I return it?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns for self-assembly items that have already been assembled. We strongly advise that prior to purchasing a swimming pool you measure the area in which it is to be placed and mark the swimming pool out in your garden. This will ensure you purchase the correct size and shape for your garden.
How long will it take to fill my pool?
That depends on what size pool you choose and what your water pressure is. However, on average a standard garden hose delivers approximately nine gallons of water per minute, which is around 540 gallons per hour. At this rate, it would take approximately nine hours to fill a pool with a capacity of 5,000 gallons.
Does my pool have to sit on level ground?
Yes, the surface must be flat, solid and level. If you have a very uneven lawn, we advise putting sand down to level the grass and it is always advisable to use a ground sheet beneath your pool to prevent stones etc poking up into the liner. Please pay close attention to the pool’s stability and level in the early stages of filling your pool up with water. If after about an inch of water has accumulated the water is not spreading out evenly, or the pool appears to be bulging to one side, stop filling the pool, drain the water, and select a new level site. Please note if the pool is set up on even a slight slope, the pool will be lopsided and can collapse, causing personal injury or property damage. Please note MadFun cannot be held responsible for damage or injury caused by constructing the pool on an unsuitable surface.
Do I need to put chemicals in the water?
There are various ways to keep the water clean and kill the bugs. One of the quickest and most popular is the use of chemicals such as chlorine. We sell different kits which include all the chemicals you need to maintain healthy water in your pool, preventing algae growth and skin and eye irritation. The kits also include shock treatment in the form of stabilised chlorine granules, pH adjustment chemicals to maintain the right level of pH, Polyquat Algaecide to help remove algae and test strips to help keep the chemicals at the right level.
We don't want to use chlorine in our swimming pool, is there anything else we can use?
One of the most popular methods of keeping your water clean without the use of chemicals is a saltwater system. These work by adding salt to your pool which causes an undetectable level of natural swimmer-safe chlorine to be produced. When the environmentally friendly natural salt is added it then passes through a titanium electrolytic cell during the filtration process. The result is soft, fresh, clean water without the potential harsh side effects of packaged pool chemicals. Although sometimes these systems seem more expensive to purchase you will not need to buy chemicals to add to your pool.
My swimming pool water has gone green, what should I do?
Green swimming pool water is generally due to Algae growth caused by lack of, or incorrect, chemical treatment. Start off by testing your pool water with a good quality test kit or test strip, then add the chemicals from your kit as indicated on the strip. Please remember that you should use the test strips regularly to check the current chemical balances of the pool water.
How often should the sand in my filter pump be changed?
The media (sand) in a domestic filter should be changed approximately every 5 years to ensure effective filtration, although it can be cleaned with chemicals in this time to prolong its efficiency. It can also now be replaced with a crushed, treated glass media which does not need to be changed so frequently.
Do I need a filter pump?
Using a filter pump will ensure your water stays clean. It will circulate and suck up the debris in the water and pass it through either a filter cartridge (with a standard pump), or sand (with a sand filter pump) and then return the filtered water back into the pool. A pump refreshes your water and removes debris from the water and works alongside chemicals or a saltwater system to ensure you have a quality swim experience. Filter pumps are easy to install – just hook up hoses and plug in.
What is the best way to remove algae stains from the pool liner?
Empty the pool, use a soft brush, mild detergent and water to remove algae stains from the pool liner. Thoroughly rinse and dry before refilling or storage.
Will the pump deal with large leaves/twigs etc?
No, you should scoop large debris out. We have a range of cleaning kits, along with pool vacuums and wall cleaners that will help keep your pool sparkling clean and wonderful to swim in.
Should I buy a debris cover?
If your pool package does not include a debris cover, we would advise buying one if possible. These help to keep the leaves and debris out of your water therefore keeping the water clean for longer.
How can I heat my pool?
For smaller pools a 2.8kw electric heater from Bestway or Intex will certainly take the chill off of your water. These are inexpensive and easy to hook up to your filter pump and plug in with the 3-pin plug. However, for pools over 14ft, or even the very deep 12/13ft pools, these heaters won’t make much difference and you may wish to invest in a more powerful heater. We offer Elecro heaters in many different sizes. They are excellent heaters and their 3kw packs a far more powerful punch than the 2.8kw versions from the pool manufacturers. Our product pages will tell you the best size Elecro heater for the capacity of water in your pool and the 3kw Elecro heaters can still be plugged in with the 3- pin plug. Anything larger though (they go up to 18kw!), does need to be hard-wired into your electricity supply by a qualified electrician (much like an oven would). Remember, if you’ve gone to the effort and cost of heating your pool, use a solar cover to slow down the evaporation of that heat.
How does a solar cover work?
75% of a swimming pool's heat loss is due to evaporation. A solar cover minimizes heat loss from evaporation by acting as a barrier between swimming pool water and the air. Specifically, you can reduce your swimming pool heating costs by up to 70% by using a solar cover.
Which way do I put my solar cover on? Bubbles up or bubbles down?
Always face the bubbles down into the water when putting your solar cover on. Those bubbles heat up from the sun and transfer the heat into your pool water. The process is like how your car heats up when sitting in the sun. The heat is allowed through but cannot escape.
How do I drain my pool?
Remove the drain cap and plug. A hose adapter is often included in the pool packages, which connects to a standard garden hose allowing you to drain the water away from the pool area.
Is there a repair patch included for the liner?
Some pools come with a repair patch, and for those that don’t these are available on our website. Small tears or holes can be repaired with a repair patch. The surface should be dry before affixing the patch.
How many filter cartridges do I need for the season?
Normally they need replacing every 1 to 2 weeks, but this all depends on the usage, water type, debris/particles carried into the water and the maintenance of the pool/filter unit.
How long does the pool last?
There is no definitive answer it all depends on how you look after your pool. Normally the liner/pool should last 3 - 4 seasons providing it has been dried and stored properly at the end of each season. If you store it outside in a shed or garage, please make sure it is in a solid container as rodents like to chew little holes in pool liners!
How can I prepare my pool for winter?
Drain down the water and clean the liner both inside and out with a soft brush and mild detergent, ensuring all debris and sharp objects are removed. Ensure the liner is dry before storage to prevent mildew. For frame pools clean and dry the frame and ensure pegs, clips etc are safely bagged together. Store the liner in a frost free/dry place, off the ground away, from sharp objects, mice and pets.
Delivery and Returns
What delivery options do you offer?
We offer free delivery* on all our products, for specific delivery information please refer to the delivery tab on the product page. Please note that we only deliver on working days as standard. In some instances, it may be possible to upgrade to a Saturday delivery at an additional cost, if this is available it will be visible when you checkout.
*Free delivery on all orders to most UK postcodes. Some areas will incur a surcharge which will automatically added at checkout.
I'm not going to be home for my delivery, does someone have to be home to sign for it?
If you will not be home to take your delivery, please indicate on your order that the goods can be left in a safe place. We will pass these instructions on to the courier. Please be aware that we cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of any goods that you have requested be left and have not personally taken delivery of.
How quickly are orders processed?
All orders placed before the indicated cut off (refer to individual product pages for specific details) are processed the same day. Orders placed after the cut off or on a non-working day will be processed the next working day.
I have not received my shipping email, what should I do?
If you have not received your shipping email please email us on sales@madfun.co.uk quoting your order number.
My delivery is late, what should I do?
If you have not received your delivery within the timeframe stated at the point of ordering please email us on sales@madfun.co.uk quoting your order number. Alternatively call us on 01342 833464.
Please be aware that whilst we make every effort to meet the delivery time given, we use a contracted third party to make our deliveries and therefore the actual delivery is out of our control.
There are items missing from my delivery, who do I contact?
Please check your order within 48 hours of receiving your delivery and notify us of any missing items via email sales@madfun.co.uk quoting your order number and details of any missing items. All our products come with instruction manuals which list the pieces included, this can be used to double check the contents of all boxes to make sure everything is there. Please be aware that we may be unable to resolve any issues if they are reported to us after 48 hours have passed.
I have changed my mind; can I cancel my order?
If you wish to cancel your order, please notify us via email (sales@madfun.co.uk) as soon as possible. If you cancel before your goods are despatched, you will receive a full refund. If, however, the goods have been despatched (i.e. the shipment email has been sent), even if not yet delivered, it will be treated as a return and charges will apply.
Do you delivery outside of the UK?
We are only able to deliver to mainland UK.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery varies depending on the product you have chosen; specific delivery information can be found on the delivery tab on each product page.
I wish to return my goods; how do I do this?
We hope you will be completely happy with your purchase, however, in the unlikely event that you wish to return an item, you have the right to cancel the contract within 14 days from the day after your goods have been received.
If you decide to return your goods, please notify us of your intent to cancel by sending an email to cancel@madfun.co.uk and include your name, description of the goods concerned and the order number of the cancelled contract. Alternatively, download a returns form and email this to us to cancel@madfun.co.uk
Finally, please include a printed copy of the returns form with your goods and return them to MadFun Ltd, Ravenshill, Racecourse Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PP
Damages and Warranty Issues
I think I need to make a claim against my warranty. What do I need to do?
For any warranty claims, please email sales@madfun.co.uk attaching your invoice (if you have it), a description of the problem and photographs of the damaged areas. We will then either manage the claim for you or we will advise you who to contact if the manufacturer of your product has their own warranty team working alongside us.
My item(s) were damaged upon delivery, what should I do?
If your goods are damaged at the point of delivery, please still accept your delivery but note the damage with the driver when you sign for your goods. Please then contact us via email at sales@madfun.co.uk quoting your order number, a description of the damage and photos if possible. Please be aware that refusing your order will lead to delays in us being able to resolve any problems as we will have to wait for the goods to be returned to us.
If you find your goods are damaged once they have been unpacked, again, please email us as soon as possible on sales@madfun.co.uk quoting your order number, description of the damage and photos if possible.
General
What are your office opening times?
Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Do you have a showroom so I can view the products before I buy?
We are an online only retailer, so we do not have a showroom. However, our customer service team are trained and very knowledgeable in all the products we sell and can offer help and advice over the phone.
Can I speak to someone for advice on the best product for me?
Of course! Our friendly, UK based customer service team can provide advice on all of the products we sell. Simply give them a call on 01342 833464 and they will be able to help.
How can I contact you?
Please see the contact us page for all the ways to get in touch.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept the following cards: Mastercard, Visa, Switch, Solo, Visa Debit, Maestro and Electron. We also accept Paypal.