RE: Cant seem to take off...
Fill the pool completely-you're still 4 inches from the top. THEN when you hit the wall it will bump the plane UP and you'll have flying speed before you hit the ground.
The YS91 mentioned in a previous post would help with the landings. just be sure the tail is waterproofed well, and hover in. Chop the throttle as it flops over onto the floats.