How To Open An Above Ground Pool In 11 Steps
If you own an above ground pool, your thoughts are probably never far from the sun and fun of pool season. But before you can enjoy your pool, youll need to open and prep it. You could pay someone to do it for you, of course. But why P-A-Y when you can DIY?
Once you learn how to open an above ground pool, the process will become easier every year. All you need is a friend, the right supplies, and a little elbow grease, and youll be swimming again in no time.
Simple Steps On How To Install Above Ground Pool All By Yourself
More advantages that you will get from installing an above ground swimming pool are:
- Space-saving You can find various styles of above ground swimming pools which makes it easier for you to fit the available space in your outdoor living space.
- Easy to maintain If inground swimming pools require a lot of components to get it work, you wont need to deal with complicated stuff when you choose above ground pool.
- Easy to install Some above ground pools can be installed all by yourself without any needs to call a pro, just follow the manufacturers instructions, and you can have an enjoyable swimming pool in no time.
For you who are willing enough to install an above ground swimming pool all by yourself, below we share the tutorial on how to install above ground pool that you can simply follow.
Tips To Install The Pool Liner:
- Be careful not to tear the liner during installation.
- You must install the liner on a warm, sunny day and check to ensure the evening temperature doesnt dip too low.
- Lay the liner in the sun for a few hours before you start so it is easier to lay out. Liners are usually slightly smaller than the pools support structure and it will stretch more easily when it is warm out. You should not install a liner on a cold day or fill the pool with very cold water once the liner has just been installed.
- Wet the sand and then rake it before putting the liner in the pool. This will ensure a level base
- Do not step on the liner with your shoes on. Install it either barefoot or in socks.
- Make sure you dont track any rocks into the pool with you while you are walking on the liner towork the wrinkles out.
- Work all the wrinkles to the outside of the pool.
- Once the stabilizer rails are installed you can take down the landscaping stakes.
- This is the last chance you have to ensure the bottom of your pool is level and free of debris
- Do not trim off the excess liner. If the liner ever needs to be removed, trimming the liner willmake re-installation very difficult. Instead, roll up any excess liner and tape it in place near the top of the pool wall.
Read Also: How Much Is Salt Water Pool
How To Install A Base For Your Above Ground Pool Liner
Many do-it-yourselfers installing an above ground swimming pool for the first time have questions regarding how to properly install a base underneath a pool liner.
This article will illustrate the correct way to do this in order to make the installation go smoother and protect the pool liner and pool wall from being damaged.
One of the biggest problems that we see is with the height of the base beneath the above ground pool liner. When the sand base is not high enough there is excess strain put on the pool liner and pool wall, and this tremendous weight of the water can easily cause the vinyl pool liner to blowout and/or the metal pool wall to be pulled down.
Pool liners are obviously not built to withstand water weight, they are simply made to line the inside of a pool to hold the water. Therefore, when installing a new swimming pool or a new above ground pool liner it is extremely important to make sure that the vinyl pool liner is supported by the proper height sand base. There should be NO AIR SPACE between the vinyl pool liner and the base that it should be resting on.
Walled Above Ground Pool Set Up
If you have an above ground pool with solid walls, youll need to:
- Lay out and attach the bottom wall rails. You can add cement or plywood blocks under the connecting plates.
- Begin installing the wall into the bottom rails.
- Build a sand cover or use a foam cove all the way around the walls.
- A sand cover should be about 6 to 8 high and beveled at a 45 degree angle. This prevents the liner from slipping under or becoming damaged by the wall or rails.
Also Check: Target Pool Salt
Why Its Important To Choose The Right Material To Put Under Your Portable Pool
When it comes to choosing what to put under your Intex or other inflatable pool such as Bestway and Summer Waves pools, there are several choices. Each under pool material has its pros and cons.
Heres a few of the benefits of choosing the right material to put under your above ground pool:
- Protects the bottom from abrasions and punctures
- Prevents Mould/Mildew
- Stops damage from grass and insects
Tips For Installing Plates Rails Covers:
- Follow manufacturers instructions carefully. The pieces should all fit together easily.
- Check to ensure the sides and top are level.
- Make sure the top plates are perfectly straight using a level before you tighten them.
- Bottom rails must always be held in place in the bottom plate.
- You must recheck the gaps at each and every one of the bottom rails so that they are all equal in gap size.
You May Like: Removing Scale From Pool Tile
Best Rectangular: Intex Ultra Xtr Rectangular Pool Set
Dimensions: 24 feet x 12 feet x 52 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Water Capacity: 8,403 gallons | Frame: Powder-coated steel | Set-Up Time: 60 minutes
-
Comes with a pump filter
-
Circulates water well
-
Pump filter doesn’t include a hose
The Intex Ultra Frame Rectangular Pool is 52 inches deep and comes in various sizes. You can get 216 x 108 inches , 288 x 144 inches , or 384 x 192 inches . The set includes a filter pump, a slip-resistant ladder, a ground cloth, and a debris cover. The largest size pool also comes with a maintenance kit and a volleyball set.
Like all Intex above-ground pools, you can count on high-quality engineering, durability, and weather resistance. A puncture-resistant, triple-ply liner ensures water stays in, and powder-coated steel frames reinforce the walls. Thanks to dual-suction outlets, this pool efficiently circulates water while keeping it clean and clear for as long as possible.
“The puncture-resistant three-ply pool liner feels rugged. We had zero leaks throughout the summer. The kids regularly bumped into and kicked the sides when they were playing with no effect. We even accidentally hit the side of the pool with a shovel, and there wasn’t even a scuff.”Kelly Hodgkins, Product Tester
Dimensions: 32 feet x 16 feet x 52 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Water Capacity: 14,364 gallons | Frame: Powder-coated steel | Set-Up Time: 90 minutes
-
Large size perfect for multiple activities
-
Includes a filter pump and other accessories
-
Has a warranty
Where Should I Install My New Pool
To begin, organize your tools and above ground pool parts. For the pool location, Find a large and flat area in your yard that is big enough to accommodate your above ground pool. If you are installing an oval above ground pool, keep in mind that it may have buttresses on each side . Before digging, check for utility lines and underground obstructions. Last but not least, make sure your installation is in compliance with all state and local codes before building. Do not assemble your pool on asphalt, tar or oil base surfaces.
You can rent a transit from your local equipment store for a precise level measurement or use a board with a level.
Things to avoid:
- Buried debris
- Sudden slopes within 6′ of pool area
Recommended Reading: Can Lice Live In Chlorine Pools
Why Trust The Spruce
This roundup was researched and written by Theresa Holland, a professional writer, and a homeowner who is always on the lookout for products that enhance the at-home experience. In addition to The Spruce, she regularly contributes to MyDomaine and Byrdie.
To make this list, Theresa considered each pool’s size, type, and if it includes additional features, like filter pumps, pool liners, ground cloths, and debris covers.
Above Ground Pool Pump & Filter Price
Your above ground pool pump & sand filter will be the next component of the pricing and will depend on the size of pump and filter needed. You will find that both 1 speed and 2 speed pumps can be used, with 2 speed pumps being the more expensive option. The 2 speed pump simply allows for the flexibility of a high and low setting, allowing the pump to remain on 24 hours / day on low, and generates some energy efficiency. Additionally, you will see 0.5 hp pumps up to 2 hp pumps being offered.
The sand filter size will be based on the size of your pool common sizes in the industry are 100#, 300# and 400# sand filters. Some above ground pool retailers choose cartridge filters in place of sand filters and their size is calculated as the filter surface area.
Your pool retailer will generally have a standard option of pump that is put with their pool kit, but you can always ask to upgrade if you would like a different pump for your pool. There is no upgrade to the sand filter it is strictly based on the size of your pool.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Salt Water Pool
How Do You Install An Above
The proper way to install an above-ground pool depends on the type. However, there’s a general process to follow when setting up standard pools with PVC walls and steel frames. After clearing an area and making sure the ground is level, start by laying down the ground cloth and placing the bottom plate on top.
Next, connect the metal rails to the bottom plate and around the perimeter. Then connect the vertical side rails to the bottom portion of the frame. Be sure to read the directions carefully, as the different metal rods can look similar but won’t line up or connect properly if you use the wrong ones.
After that, install the lining onto the bottom plate and up the walls. When finished, your pool should have a balanced shape, and the walls should all be the same height.
Above Ground Pool Ladder Price
The final component common to an above ground pool kit is the ladder or entry system. You will find an A-frame ladder will be the go to choice for most retailers. These are very cost effective and work great on above ground pools. If you would like something a bit more substantial, you can generally upgrade to an entry system, which will include steps that go down on the inside of the pool and additionally handrails to assist with entry and exit from the pool. If you plan to install a wood deck around your pool, there are also deck mount options for the ladders that allow for a seamless transition from the deckto the ladder or entry system.
Also Check: Chlorine Tablets Costco
Turn On The Pool Filter And Test The Water
Youre almost there! All you have to do now is get the filter up and running. Turn on the filter and run it for 12 to 24 hours to mix up the old and new water before testing or adding chemicals .
Dont feel comfortable testing the water yourself? You can always bring a water sample to a pool professional for proper analysis. Your pool professional will provide you with instructions for balancing your pool water. They can test the waters pH level, the alkalinity, the calcium hardness, and the chlorine content. In addition to shocking the pool, they may be able to also recommend that you add a stabilizer, conditioner or algaecide to your pool before its ready for the warm weather.
Continue to run the filter for a few days, vacuuming out any debris that has settled. When the water is clear and the chlorine levels have come down, your pool is ready for swimming! Enjoy your pool!
Top 5 Mistakes Installing An Above Ground Pool
Avoid these common mistakes when building your above ground pool.
Mistake 1: Building up the low areas with dirt taken from the higher areas.
This is probably the top mistake we see people make. If you are pushing the dirt around to level out the site for the pool, eventually the dirt will settle and your pool will no longer be level. This might happen right away when you fill the pool, or shortly down the road, one thing is for sure, it will happen. Pool Pros always digs out to the lowest spot so the entire pool is sitting on virgin soil.
Mistake 2: Using too much mason sand.
The ground should be dug level on virgin soil always. The sand is simply a buffer from the pool liner to the ground. The purpose of the sand is not to level your pool. If you are using sand to level things out you will have nothing but problems.
Mistake 3: Setting the track on sand.
The sand should be inside the pool track, never under the track. If the track of the pool is set on sand, it will wash out and the pool will settle or sink, reducing the longevity of your pool.
Mistake 4: Not compacting or troweling the sand.
First the sand should be compacted with a plate compactor, and then hand troweled to a smooth finish. If this is not done, the first time you get into the pool, your feet will sink into the sand creating divots in the sand which could lead to wrinkles in your liner, and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your liner.
Mistake 5: Placing patio blocks under your uprights.
You May Like: Does Walmart Sell Pool Sticks
Installing Your Own Pool: The Budget
Yep, installing your own above-ground pool costs more than the sticker price once you add in the expense of preparing a home for it. The happy people pictured on the box assembling it with ease are models, too. Depending on which kind you buy, your experience will probably take longer and involve more frustration.
Even so, once you make peace with these facts of life, its really worth it.
Even at double the price you see on the box, a decently sized above-ground pool works out much cheaper than a permanent installation, never mind frequent trips to the local water park for your kids and their friends. It basically starts to pay for itself as soon as its standing.
Need A Checklist For Setting Up Your Above Ground Pool
Living in Australia is different from what you would normally experience in other countries because of the weather. Here, you experience winter in July. Whilst you are not in the tropics, you get to celebrate Christmas in warm weather. In Australia, December is summertime. During the holiday season, most Australians and tourists don their swimwear and head to the beach or pools to beat the heat.
Don’t Miss: How To Read Clorox Pool Test Strips
Wooden Swimming Pool Set Up
Wooden swimming pools are the perfect solution for your garden if you dont want to alter the aesthetics of the environment. Thus, this type of pool allows you to maintain a rustic feel, which is somewhat more complicated if you choose steel or composite pools. Wooden swimming pool set up is possible if you know what you need and what steps to take.
There are many models, of different shapes, sizes and heights. In addition, you may opt for an on-the-ground installation or choose to semi-bury if the terrain has slopes.
In todays post, we will delve into the assembly of this type of pool, to help you step by step. Dont miss out on detail!
What You Need To Open Your Above Ground Pool
The basic supplies for opening your pool are probably already at hand in your pool shed. Except your friend, of course. Please dont store friends in your pool shed if you plan on keeping them as friends.
NOTE: The following links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on
Youll need:
Don’t Miss: How To Hide Pool Equipment
Actually Setting Up Your Pool
Above-ground pools are notorious for coming with lousy instructions. We shouldnt be too hard on the manufacturers for this, though, as it doesnt require an abundance of common sense to figure things out for yourself.
That having been said, do read through the manual the night before you assemble your pool and perhaps watch a couple of Youtube videos so youll know what to expect.
This Bestway Power Steel installation video gives you an idea what to expect :
Hot Splash The Worlds Smallest Pool Heat Pump
The Hot Splash is the Worlds smallest pool heat pump.
It is designed for small above ground pools with a water volume of up to 10m3
The Hot Splash heat pump outputs 3.3kw of pool heat for only 0.6kw of electricity used
The Hot Splash is incredibly easy to install and is a plug and play heat pump
Please click Hereto see more details on the Hot Splash pool heat pumps
Recommended Reading: How To Convert Chlorine Pool To Saltwater Pool Cost
