So I got this inflatable water volleyball net last weekend, right? Super pumped to set it up for some pool fun. Pulled it straight outta the box, didn’t even glance at the manual. Big mistake number one already.
Unpacking Chaos
Dumped everything on the patio. Found these giant inflatable base tubes, the net itself with floaty top things, sand pouches, and a crappy hand pump. Started blowing up the first base tube like crazy. Got it kinda firm, moved to the second one. Then realized… these things are HUGE. Way bigger than I thought. My little inflatable kiddie pool ain’t gonna cut it. Needed the big pool filled all the way. Had to wait like three hours for that. Felt stupid.
Sand? What Sand?
Next thing, these stupid sand pouches. They look like weird fabric bags. Instructions say “fill with sand before attaching to base.” Uh… sand? Didn’t come with any sand. Who keeps a pile of sand handy? Total brain fart moment. Rummaged around the garage, found an old bag of paver sand leftover from last summer. Thank god. Scooped that mess into the pouches. Got sand EVERYWHERE. Like the beach exploded in my garage.
Pumping Like a Maniac (Wrongly)
Back to the base tubes. Kept pumping. Felt rock hard. Shoved those giant sausages into the pool. They floated okay… until I tried attaching the net. The stupid things tipped over immediately. Like drunk penguins. Net sank. Water splashed everywhere. Why? Under-inflated. Lesson learned: You gotta pump WAY harder than you think. That hand pump takes forever. Seriously thought my arm would fall off getting them truly firm.
Connectors Fighting Back
The net attaches to the bases with these plastic clip things. Sounds easy. Was NOT easy. Tried forcing it onto the base tube eyelets. Wrong angle. Plastic clips digging into my fingers. Hurt like hell. Nearly snapped one. Another setup trap. Slowed down. Wiggled it instead of forcing. Pulled the net strap tight through the clip FIRST, THEN hooked it onto the base tube loop. Suddenly clicked into place. Felt like a genius after being a total dumbo.
Water Test Triumph (Finally)
Double-checked everything: Bases pumped rock hard? Yep. Sand pouches firmly attached and hanging down? Check. Net clips secured properly? Done. Gave the net a little nudge. It wobbled a bit… but stayed UP! Didn’t tip! Didn’t sink! Threw a beach ball at it. Perfect gentle bounce. YES!
Things I Won’t Forget Next Time
- Clear the pool area first. No point starting without a full pool.
- Find the damn sand BEFOREHAND. Seriously.
- PUMP UNTIL YOUR ARM HURTS. Then pump some more. Under-inflation is the killer.
- Be patient with the clips. Wiggle, don’t wrestle.
Got sweaty, sandy, and my arms are still tired. But watching that net hold steady? Worth every stupid mistake. You live, you learn, you splash!