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Above Ground Pool Installation Tips

There are many types of above ground pools on the market today. My favorite has always been the steel wall type. These installation tips were written for a steel wall above ground pool.

The two most important things you can do for your pool is to make it perfectly level and perfectly round. Use a laser type level for all of your ground prep and for setting the footplates. Use a tape measure off of a center point to get the pool round.

You will first need to clear the pool area of all vegetation. Allow at least an extra two feet around the pool. If you have an 18' round pool clear an area that is 22' round.

The cleared area now needs to be made perfectly level. It is recommended that the high areas be dug down to the level of the low areas. This is not always possible however. If you need to fill in any low areas make sure that area is firmly packed. Do not use sand or sandy soil for leveling purposes.

When the area is level and smooth the bottom rails can be connected into the footplates making a perfect circle. The next step is the most important so take your time. Set each individual foot plate at exactly the same number on your level stick. If you are setting the posts on blocks then the tops of the blocks should all be the same number.

When the footplates are level go back and level the ground between each plate. The bottom rails need to rest on firm, level ground. Any high spots in the bottom rails could result in kinking the sidewall.

Spend a little more time at this point and make sure the entire area inside of the bottom rails is level and smooth. High spots or low spots anywhere can cause the liner to fill unevenly causing wrinkles. If you are using sand for the base it should be piled in the center of the pool at this time.

You will now be installing the sidewall. It is best to install the wall into about five rails at a time. You can then build the frame of the pool as you are installing the wall. This keeps the pool wall from falling over. When this stage is done the pool should be completely assemble except for the liner.

If everything fits and the pool looks good you can prepare the base. If you are using sand you would spread it out and smooth it. When the base is done get out of the pool. The rest of the assembly can be done from outside of the pool.

Before the liner gets installed make sure there are no sharp corners on the connection top caps. Duct tape can be used over any sharp edges to be sure they do not tear the liner. You can now open the liner up and stretch it out. Several people should be used to pick it up and set it in the pool, holding on to the two ends.

You will now pull the liner up and over the top rails. Keep working around the pool pulling up a little more each time. When the bottom seam is just a few inches from the top rail the bottom should be very smooth and just barely touching the sand in the center. Now is the time to start the water filling.

As the water fills you will slowly let the liner down as it gets pulled tight. When the water is about two to three inches from the edge shut the hose off. You can now work around the pool taking a few rails off at a time. Pull the liner tight over the wall and install the coping and stabilizer rods. Reinstall the top rails and take off a few more. Do this until they are all done and start filling the pool again.

When the water is just below the skimmer opening install the filter and all of the fittings. When the pool is full start the filter and check the system for leaks. If all looks good jump in and have fun.