Question 1

What is a drop stitch pool?

Accepted Answer

A drop stitch pool is a high-pressure inflatable pool built using drop stitch technology: thousands of polyester threads connect the inner top and bottom layers of DWF (Dacron Woven Fabric), allowing inflation to 10–15 PSI. At this pressure, the walls become rigid and nearly flat, making the pool function like a semi-permanent above-ground pool. GIGI drop stitch pools inflate to 10–12 PSI working pressure and stand 5 ft (59 in) tall.

Question 2

How is a drop stitch pool different from a regular inflatable pool?

Accepted Answer

A standard inflatable pool inflates to 1–2 PSI, resulting in soft, rounded walls that flex under water pressure, and typically reaches only 12–24 in deep. A drop stitch pool inflates to 10–15 PSI, producing flat, rigid walls that maintain their shape under the weight of the water. GIGI drop stitch pools stand 5 ft (59 in) tall — approximately 2× the depth of leading above-ground inflatable pools.

Question 3

What is DWF material in drop stitch pools?

Accepted Answer

DWF stands for Dacron Woven Fabric. It is a composite material made of two PVC-coated layers connected by thousands of tightly woven polyester threads. When inflated to high pressure, the threads prevent the walls from bulging outward. DWF is significantly more durable than standard PVC and resistant to punctures, UV degradation, and temperature extremes from -20°C to 80°C.

Question 4

How long do GIGI pools last?

Accepted Answer

With proper care and storage, GIGI drop stitch pools have an expected lifespan of 5–10 seasons. Key factors: maintaining correct inflation pressure (10–12 PSI), using the cover when not in use, draining and drying completely before off-season storage, and storing in a cool, dry location.

Question 5

What sizes does the GIGI pool come in?

Accepted Answer

GIGI pools are available in three round sizes: 13ft (13 ft diameter), 16ft (16 ft diameter), and 19ft (19 ft diameter). All three models have a wall height of 5 ft (59 in), with a recommended water depth of approximately 53 in.

Question 6

How deep are GIGI pools?

Accepted Answer

All three GIGI pool models stand 5 ft (59 in) tall. The recommended water depth is approximately 53 in — 90% fill, with 6 in of safety margin above the waterline. This is approximately 2× the depth of the most popular above-ground inflatable pools on the US market.

Question 7

Can adults actually swim in a GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At 53 in of water depth, adults can submerge fully, perform front crawl and breaststroke, and exercise in the water. This is not a wading pool. The 16ft model (16 ft diameter) provides approximately 15 ft of diagonal swimming distance.

Question 8

How many gallons does each pool hold?

Accepted Answer

- **13ft:** ~17,000 liters (~4,500 US gallons) at recommended fill depth
- **16ft:** ~26,500 liters (~7,000 US gallons) at recommended fill depth
- **19ft:** ~38,200 liters (~10,100 US gallons) at recommended fill depth

Question 9

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

Physical assembly — unfolding, inflating to 10–12 PSI, and connecting the sand filter — takes approximately 1 hour with two people. Water filling is a separate passive phase: 19–24 hours for the 13ft, 30–37 hours for the 16ft, and 42–53 hours for the 19ft using a standard garden hose.

Question 10

What ground do I need for a GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

Any flat, firm surface. Grass, packed dirt, concrete, or patio. The surface must be level within approximately 1 in across the pool diameter. Remove sharp objects. No excavation required.

- **13ft:** 420 × 165 in minimum (14 × 14 ft)
- **16ft:** 510 × 201 in minimum (17 × 17 ft)
- **19ft:** 610 × 240 in minimum (20 × 20 ft)

Question 11

Do I need a permit to install a GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

Most US jurisdictions do not require permits for portable above-ground pools classified as temporary structures. However, at 5 ft effective water depth, GIGI pools exceed the 18-inch threshold that triggers fencing requirements in many states including California, Florida, and Texas. Check with your local building department before installation.

Question 12

What is included with a GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

Every pool ships as a complete package: pool + sand filter 330W + electric pump + repair kit. You need a garden hose and pool chemicals. Nothing else.

Question 13

What is a sand filter, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The sand filter 330W included with every GIGI pool is the filtration standard used in residential in-ground pools. For pools at 4,500–10,100 gallons, cartridge filters require frequent cartridge changes and lose efficiency at high volumes. Sand filtration runs longer, filters more finely, and handles large water volumes with less maintenance.

Question 14

Can I use standard pool chemicals in a GIGI pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard pool chemicals (chlorine, pH balancers, algaecide) are compatible with the DWF material. Follow standard residential pool chemistry guidelines. The sand filter 330W is designed for standard pool chemical use.

Question 15

What is the maximum inflation pressure?

Accepted Answer

The working pressure is 10–12 PSI. **Never exceed 15 PSI** — this is the maximum rated pressure. Exceeding this invalidates the warranty.

Question 16

How does pre-ordering work?

Accepted Answer

Payment is collected at order via Stripe Checkout. Your order ships by the date shown on the product page (July 2026). If we cannot ship by that date, we email you proactively. You can request a full refund at any time before your order ships — no fees, no questions, within 5–10 business days.

Question 17

What payments do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay via Stripe Checkout. All payments are processed securely through Stripe.

Question 18

Are taxes calculated at checkout?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sales tax is automatically calculated by Stripe Tax based on your shipping address.

Question 19

What is the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Every GIGI pool comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Full details: [Warranty & Returns](/warranty-returns).

Question 20

Do you offer free shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free freight shipping to the continental United States (lower 48 states) on all orders. Full details: [Shipping Policy](/shipping).

Question 21

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Once your order ships, delivery takes 5–10 business days via freight carrier.

Question 22

Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, or internationally?

Accepted Answer

Alaska and Hawaii may incur additional freight charges — contact us before ordering. We do not currently ship internationally.

Question 23

Can I return my pool if I don't like it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within 30 days of delivery, for products in original unused condition. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility for non-defective returns. Full details: [Return Policy](/warranty-returns).

Question 24

Can I get a refund on a pre-order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Full refund available at any time before your order ships. No restocking fee. No conditions. Email [contact@gigifrance.com](mailto:contact@gigifrance.com) with your order number.

Question 25

Is GIGI a French brand?

Accepted Answer

GIGI FRANCE is a French-designed brand with a USPTO-registered trademark, operating in the US market through UNISHOP LLC (New Mexico). The pools are manufactured in China — like every drop stitch pool on the US market — but the brand, design standards, and quality control are French. Fulfilled from Amazon FBA warehouses inside the US.

Question 26

How do I contact GIGI FRANCE?

Accepted Answer

Email [contact@gigifrance.com](mailto:contact@gigifrance.com). We respond within 1 business day. Or use the [contact form](/contact).

Frequently Asked Questions

Drop Stitch Technology

Dimensions and Capacity

Setup and Installation

Equipment and Maintenance

Ordering and Pre-Order

Shipping

Returns

About GIGI FRANCE

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