Connect The Pump To The Pool
Once the area is prepared, its time to connect the pump to the pool. If you are installing an above-ground pump, then you will need to connect it to a skimmer. To do this, you will need to use PVC pipes and fittings. First, measure the distance between the skimmer and the pump. Then, cut two pieces of PVC pipe that are that length. Next, glue one end of each piece of pipe to a fitting that is attached to the skimmer and the pump. Finally, attach hose clamps around each fitting to secure the pipes in place.
If you are installing a submersible pump, then you will need to connect it to the return line. The process is fairly similar. To do this, you will need to use PVC pipes and fittings. First, measure the distance between the return line and the pump. Then, cut two pieces of PVC pipe that are that length. Next, glue one end of each piece of pipe to a fitting that is attached to the return line and the pump. Finally, attach hose clamps around each fitting to secure the pipes in place.
Fill With Water And Find Your Bravest Friend
You cannow go ahead and fill the pool. You will need to give it a chlorine shock as it most likely be very green. Make sure the pump is running so that it circulates the water.
But first, you need to find your bravest friend. That could be you or even maybe your kids. But that person can claim the title of being the bravest by jumping into the pool as the first ever! If you took your water from a quarry, that water will be freezing cold. So claim that title and let that be the first of many swims.
Note: Don’t worry, you will see the temperature climb fast in the summer. You can always add a heater.
If In Doubt Stick To The Norm
It’s hard to draw a line between these two, inground pool pumps and above-ground pool pumps. Now that you have learned how to swim through the differences between the two types of pumps, you can decide which one to use.
Go with the flow if you own an inground pool, get an inground pump, and if you decide on an above-ground pool, use an above-ground pump!
Dive in and contact us for both above and in-ground pools including pumps, heaters, cleaning brushes, accessories, and more.
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Get In The Water Faster With These Tips For Installing An Above Ground Pool Should You Diy It Or Call In The Pros
If you were hoping to install an above ground pool in 2020, you may well have found it impossible.
Across the U.S., people stuck at home during the pandemic turned to swimming pools, as families put a lot of the money they didnt spend on vacations into their backyards. Whether that meant an inflatable kiddie pool, a more substantial above ground pool or the in-ground pool of their dreams, the result was the same a pool shortage. Manufacturers couldnt keep up with demand, and pool installers found themselves booked into 2021.
While inventories have improved for 2021, its still a good idea to plan ahead if you want to install an above ground pool this year. Lets take a look at the practical aspects of above ground pool installation, and whether its a realistic DIY project.
On This Page
Inground Pumps Are Self Priming
The main difference between the inground and above-ground pumps is that above-ground pumps need manual priming, whereas inground pumps are self-priming.
Since most inground pumps are above water level, this relates to the pump’s capacity to raise water vertically. Pumps are often mounted above the water table, and in some cases much higher.
Aboveground pumps are installed below water level and have flooded suction, which means that gravity and atmospheric pressure feed the pump without needing a lot of vacuum pressure or suction pressure.
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Choose A Spot For Your Pool
The first step in the installation process is to choose the perfect spot for your pool. A good location for a pool should be level and firm. Do not place a pool on top of asphalt or tar, septic tanks, underground wires, or gas lines.
Once you have chosen the perfect spot, you will need to prepare the area. All sod must be removed, then the area needs to be made perfectly level. This is done by finding the lowest point in the area, and digging out any higher spots to match it. Use a level or transit to make sure that the ground is perfectly level.
Unpack And Heck The Parts
The first step is to unbox everything that comes with the pool filter system so you can have a look at your items before going any further. That will give you an idea of whats involved in this entire process from start to finish. Once unpacked, take out all of the necessary components and make sure they are in working order. You should be able to see the sand filter, which is a round-shaped device with some different features on top such as gauges and valves.
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Find Space For Your Pool And Start Clearing
Your first step is decide where you want to install your swimming pool. We highly advise you do this first exercise before chosing your pool size. Insert a steel rod where you want the center of your pool to be. By taking the pool size and dividing by two, you can use use a measuring tape from the center rod and make a circle. Take a rope or an extension cable and lay it down to visually see where the pool will end up.
Make sure there are no obstructions in that area. Also determine where your pool equipement will be. It is recommended that your equipement stays within 4 feet of the wall . This puts less pressure on your pump. We have many clients that request to have the equipement set much further away. Just remember that aboveground pool pumps are gravity fed. This means it must be lower than the hole where the skimming water output is.
Once you know and you have marked where the pool and the equipement will be, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
If you are on grass, then use a sod cutter . Remove the sod in all the areas your identified where the pool will go. Start with cutting 1 extra foot around the pool. Do the whole circle around to start, and then make lines across the center, and remove everything inside.
Pro Tip: If you cut the sod in long streeks, you can roll them up and use them later around the pool area to create a smooth elevation around the areas you had to dig.
So if you do like us, start digging and bring the dirt to a corner or the house.
Pro Or Diy Above Ground Pool Installation
Though demand has eased since the height of the pandemic, pool contractors are still busy. So if youre planning to install an above ground pool this year, you might have to do it yourself if you want to be swimming by summertime. Whether you install the pool yourself depends on the type of pool and your DIY skills.
- Inflatable pools. Installing an inflatable pool is usually as simple as finding a level spot on your patio or lawn, pumping up the pool, filling it with water and plugging it in.
- Temporary above ground pools. Putting in a seasonal above ground pool is doable for most people with a few tools, basic DIY skills and a reasonably level backyard.
- Permanent above ground pools. Installing a pool thats a permanent backyard fixture is an involved process requiring greater site prep and mechanics. Youll probably want a deck area surrounding the pool as well. The job can be done by an experienced DIYer, or you can pay for professional installation.
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Prepping The Site For Your Above Ground Pool
Once youve decided on the best spot to install your above ground pool, prep the site. To start, you need to take into account the actual size of the pool frame and allow more space to work with. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself an extra 5 feet of room. You can use spray paint or a marker to mark the outer line. Once youve marked out the area, remove all the grass and debris. Then its time to get digging.
Make sure youre using a site level as you dig so that your floor is level this will save you a lot of trouble and money in the end. You can level the ground using shovels or a mechanical digger.
By now, your ground should be level and compressed with no rocks or pebbles. Laying a foundation is the next step. I suggest laying down a good 2 inches of clear sand. This creates a nice barrier between your pool frame, the liner, and the soil. You have a few choices though. Read my guide on what to put under your above ground pool for more information about each option.
Your site is now ready for assembly.
Testing Your Sand Bottom
The weight of the water in the pool will help to compact the sand bottom underneath the liner. Generally it takes 5-10 days for the sand to be fully compacted and become hardened.
The first time you get in the pool to swim, gently feel the bottom of the pool to ensure the sand is sufficiently compacted. If the bottom is still soft, give it a few more days before walking around on the bottom.
***Country Leisure Pro Tip: Leaving footprints in the bottom of the pool will make it extremely difficult to vacuum your pool dont rush this step!
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S To Diy Open An Inground Pool
Clear Off Your Pool Cover & Remove It – Carefully removing the cover is crucial to minimizing the debris in the pool water. But, before you remove it, you need to clear off all the water and debris thats on the cover. Use a soft broom or skimmer net and, if you cant sweep away all the water, you may need to use a water pump. If you have one, you can also remove the pool pillow at this point.
Replace Winter Plugs with Standard Plugs – Remove all the winterizing drain plugs you installed last fall and replace them with the standard plugs to get ready for reinstalling the pool equipment. If you covered the pool skimmer opening, be sure to remove that cover too.
Top Up the Pool Water Levels – You need to use your garden hose to fill your pool and raise the water levels at least to the halfway mark of the skimmer opening.
Install the Pool Equipment – Place the skimmer, pump and filter in their proper locations. Connect the pool pump to the skimmer. Connect the filter system to the pump. Connect any other equipment you have, like a chlorinator and/or heater, to the filter. Then connect the return line to the return inlet.
Start the Equipment – Power up your equipment and make sure everything works. Look for water leaking at any point in the system. Whether you use a sand filter or a DE filter, you should backwash to filter, using the manufacturers instructions, to ensure there are no blockages.
Whats The Most Powerful Intex Pool Pump
The most powerful Intex pump is the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System CG-26679 that can easily serve a 15,000-gallon pool. The pump flow rate is 2,650 gallons per hour. And It has a sand capacity of 120 lbs.
With the Hydro Aeration Technology, the pump provides improved circulation and filtration, better water clarity, and an increase in negative ions at the water surface.
The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System CG-26679 is best for above ground pools that have a capacity of 4,800 to 15,000 gallons.
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Clear Your Winter Pool Cover
Whether you have a pool safety cover or a winterized cover, your first priority is removing a winters worth of water, leaves and debris. A submersible pool cover pump makes short work of any excess water. You can also use a regular sump pump if you dont have a pool cover pump.
To remove leaves and other debris, use a Soft broom or skimmer net. Use a gentle touch. Sharp equipment or overly enthusiastic sweeping can damage your cover.
Try to remove as much of the debris as you can. The more crud you remove now, the less you have to worry about falling into the water when you remove the cover.
Hopefully The Information Provided Throughout This Above Ground Pool Buying Guide Has Helped You Understand More About The Options Available To You And Answered Your Questions We Have Compiled A Few Of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions Below Just In Case
A 24 pool is the most popular size we sell at our store see the photo for reference. You can easily fit multiple families or host birthday parties with floats and toys spread out without feeling too cramped. It is in the mid-range of the pricing spectrum, so you get plenty of room without breaking the bank.
If properly maintained, an above ground pool can easily last 15-20 years. With Oklahoma storm season, there is always the threat of severe weather for hail or strong winds, we can generally provide replacement parts or help re-establish your wall or liner if they sustain storm damage with the exception of a tornado completely relocating your pool, most storm damage can be resolved without replacing the entire pool.
Yes, we offer free site checks to help you find the best location for your new pool, as well as measuring your space so you know what size pools will fit in your yard. A site check will also help you understand any excavation that may be necessary if you have a heavily sloped yard.
If you maintain your pool water, perform weekly water testing/balancing, and perform the suggested weekly cleaning routines, you can expect to pay between $250 – $500 for chemicals and maintenance each season . This range assumes no major water issues, like a large algae bloom.
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The Basic Electricity Requirements You Need To Know
Pumps for above-ground pools have particular needs that owners should learn about when installing them. Typically, these pumps come only in the 120-volt variety and usually have a three-prong plug as their connection method. Most homeowners might consider using an extension cord for a temporary connection until they can get something permanent. The extension cord, in this case, ought to be a #12 or #10 gauge. If you choose a thinner extension wire, you run the risk of the cord burning up.
Additionally, it would help if you plugged your above-ground pool pump into a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit serves just one appliance or outlet. The reason youd want a dedicated circuit here is because of how greedy the pump can get. If you house it on a circuit with another appliance or piece of equipment, you may end up tripping your breaker.
In addition to these wiring concerns, homeowners installing above-ground pools should also pay attention to other stipulations. You shouldnt have any overhead wires running directly over your pool. In the event those wires snap, they could turn your pool into a deadly place. Any electrical outlets you have near your pool should be ground fault circuit interrupters . These outlets are crucial in ensuring peoples safety when an electrical outlet is located near a location with a lot of moisture, such as a pool.
Above Ground Pool Kit Price
The actual pool will cost approximately $1,700 for an all metal 18 pool and go up to $7,500 for an all resin 33 pool. You will find the all metal pools to be the most inexpensive option, while the all resin pool will be the most expensive pool kit. If there is a hybrid pool option, it will be priced somewhere in between a metal and resin pool kit.
BONUS: If you have ever wanted to see an above ground pool kit be manufactured, here is a great video that gives a high level overview of the process. Note that installation in Oklahoma has a few differences than what is shown on the video.
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To Aid The Skimmer Position Youll Want To Position The Skimmer Opening Downwind From Any Prevailing Winds Your Yard Gets Keep In Mind That Your Pump And Filter Will Also Be Located In The Area So Make Sure They Are Positioned Where You Want Them
WARNING! DO NOT ATTEMPT THE NEXT STEP IN WINDY CONDITIONS! THE WALL IS VERY HEAVY AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE ON A WINDY DAY. IF THE WIND DOES CATCH THE WALL DURING INSTALLATION, IT CAN CREATE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND/OR CAUSE DAMAGE.
PRO TIP: You can use the cardboard wall carton as a base to unravel the pool wall however using high quality plywood will make unrolling the wall around the pool perimeter much easier.
IMPORTANT! The wall should either have Up arrows or a label to indicate which end of the wall is the top versus the bottom. This matters as your skimmer opening have to be on the upper portion of the wall. If your wall is installed upside down you will have to undo your work and start over. Make sure the wall is right-side-up prior to moving forward.
To aid the skimmer, position youll want to position the skimmer opening downwind from any prevailing winds your yard gets. Keep in mind that your pump and filter will also be located in the area so make sure they are positioned where you want them to be.
