Installing an Above Ground Pool: Instructions & What to Expect
EducationInstalling an Above Ground Pool: Instructions & What to Expect
Having a back yard above ground pool can provide you and your family with years of fun and enjoyment. But, installing an above ground pool is heavy work. I recommend that you consider having a professional do the installation. A slightly off level base or a liner not installed properly can create headaches that will haunt you for the life of your pool.
That said, I know there are still those intrepid souls (like me), who are intent on installing the families new above ground pool themselves. You can install the pool yourself, but you must be precise and patient. And have some friends over to help out. This is not a one-man job.
Locate where you will be installing the pool. It should be level, away from trees and power lines and receive at least 6 hours of sun a day. After marking where your pool will go, dig a hole 5” to 8” deep and about 8 inches bigger around than your pool size. Make sure the hole is level. I cannot stress enough how important this step is! If you are off level by as little as a couple of inches, it will make your pool noticeably lopsided.
Safety point: Make sure before you dig that you have checked with local utilities to ensure there are no buried cables or pipes under ground in the space you selected.
I recommend at this point you lay a thin layer of garden lime over the entire dug out area. This will keep moles and other burrowing animals from digging into the bottom of your pool. You will also want to dump a pile of sand in the middle as well. You will be spreading this out later. You should have enough sand to cover the pool floor with about 3 inches to 5 inches deep.
At this point you are ready to install the pool itself. You should follow the manufacturers instruction manual on the specifics of how your pool goes together. But most pools are essentially the same.
There is a bottom rail with a groove to accept the wall. There is a top rail that is built similarly, however the top rail can range from a thin 1 inch to a sturdy 5 or 6 inch rail. The wall will come most likely in a big roll.
First, you install the bottom rail. Next you install the wall by unrolling it as you insert its edge into the bottom rail. Now spread your sand out and ensure it is level. Next the liner is installed by pulling it out across the pool bed and over the walls. While your friends hold the wall and liner in place, the top rail is installed. Finally, the uprights or wall braces are installed all the way around the pool.
Next you need to make sure the liner is perfectly in place and free of wrinkles. The best way to get the wrinkles off the floor of the pool is to put about ¼ to ½ inch of water in it. Now get in the pool bare footed and use your feet and the weight of the water to work out the wrinkles.
Now you can install your pump system following the manufacturers instructions. The hoses from your pump will connect through precut holes in the pool wall. You will need to cut the vinyl liner at those points. Don’t make a cut until you adjusted the liner into its final position and you are absolutely sure the cut is in the right spot.
Now your ready to fill up your new above ground pool. Your pool will take about a day and a half to 3 days to fill with a garden hose, depending on size. If you’re in a hurry, you may get the local fire department to come fill it for you for a small fee. Give it a few days in the sun to warm up and you’re ready for some refreshing summer fun.
See my other pool articles:
Guide to Winterizing an Above Ground Pool
How to remove algae from a pool
Pool landscaping, lighting and security