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How To Prep Ground For Above Ground Pool

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Here Are Some Chosen Ways To Make It Look In

DIY Pool Ground Site Preparation

So, below you will find some of the proven ways to make your Swimming Pool alternative look inground. As said before, we have personally tried some of these before, and you can choose one depending upon the design of your home and garden. Some methods will work correctly for you, while some may not work at all. Do let us know which one you tried and what are the end results.

So, lets begin.

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Do You Need To Put Sand Under An Above Ground Pool

Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool’s vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. Also, sand under an aboveground pool acts as cushioning for its floor, making it more comfortable for feet.

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.

Read Also: Does The Fire Department Fill Up Pools

How To Prepare Your Home For A Rooftop Pool

A rooftop pool can be a nice addition to any home with limited yard or indoor space. However, putting thousands of gallons above your living area is going to require a very sturdy structure. If you want a rooftop pool, you need to make sure that:

  • You have permission and can obtain permits to build a pool on your roof
  • Your home insurance company provides coverage for leaks and other rooftop pool-related damage to your home
  • Your home is reinforced and able to withstand the weight of a pool
  • Your neighbors will not be affected
  • You can put in a double vessel to prevent leaks

Installing A Pool With A Sand Base And Foam Cove

Another Day Another Project: Preparing a Base for our Above Ground Pool

Step 1

Using fine sand , lay a 3 thick bed of sand across the entire inside of the pool this will form your base.

Step 2

After installing a 3 sand base, attach the pool cove by simply removing the adhesive backing and sticking it to the metal pool wall directly on top of the sand .

Step 3

This is the completed above ground pool liner installation. The vinyl pool liner should be completely supported by the pool base to avoid any stress or damage to it or the metal pool wall.

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When To Winterize Your Pool

Wondering when to winterize your above-ground pool? Let the weather be your guide.

Once the weather in your area consistently drops below mid-60s it’s a good time to begin winterizing your pool.

But you don’t have to wait until it gets that cool. If you’re done using your pool for the summer, take advantage of the warm weather at the end of August or early September.

Winterizing the pool is a time-consuming event, so make sure to plan ahead and give yourself time. Don’t let the weather catch you off-guard.

Once the pool has been thoroughly winterized, you’re going to want to check on it throughout the winter. You don’t need to be out there every day, but at least once or twice a month, check on the pool.

If a problem does arise with your pool cover or the pool in general, the faster you catch it, the better.

Assemble The Frames For The Above Ground Swimming Pool

This marks part of the final stages of constructing an above-ground pool. At this point it necessary to make sure that you follow the manufacturers guideline to the letter.

When assembling the frames, create a consistent spacing between the track connections. As you go on, always verify the roundedness and evenness of the facility.

Assembling above ground pool frame Photo Credits: VIDEO BY CRAIG HEFFERNAN

Arrange all the posts and rails left behind and those that were loosely attached initially and attach all of them accordingly.

And before tightening the bolts and the screws for the last time, make sure that you plump the posts as evenly as you can. Now fasten the bolts and screws entirely into the rails.

Fixing frame and rails with screws Photo Credits: VIDEO BY CRAIG HEFFERNAN

When doing this and any other tasks, you also need to make sure that you enhance your safety and that of any other person working on the pool.

Always wear protective gears where possible and use high-grade equipment that are easy to operate to avoid causing unnecessary injuries.

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Choosing A Good Site Beforehand

  • 1Check your local building codes. Choose the flattest spot possible, but make sure you comply with local codes. Check if your pool needs to be a minimum distance from property lines, septic tanks, and roads.XResearch source
  • Contact your local recorder’s or assessor’s office if you need to find your property lines.
  • Run an online search or look for applicable codes on your city’s, state’s, or provinces government website.
  • If you have a homeowners association, its also wise to check its bylaws.
  • Make sure your pool is not close to an easement or setback where workers might need to access power or other utility lines.
  • Check to see if your pool might be in a conservation area if your property borders a forest.
  • If you’ll need to have excavation equipment come in, make sure you choose a spot that’s accessible to the machinery, as well.XExpert Source
  • Treat The Water With Pool Chemicals For The Right Water Chemistry

    Above Ground Pool Site leveling and Ground Preparation Setup part 1

    I use both swimming pool shock and an additional algaecide as listed above to raise the chlorine levels and make sure that no bacteria or algae will grow while the pool is covered during the winter and spring. You could also go to any pool supply store and pickup a winterizing chemical kit and a test kit for the best chemicals for your area.

    These winterizing chemicals are just an extra dose of our regular pool cleaners, basically, to keep the pH and alkalinity up while its not in use.

    • The pool water pH needs to be between 7.4 and 7.8.
    • Alkalinity needs to be between 100 parts per million and 150 ppm, with right in the middle of 125 ppm being the ideal number.
    • The chlorine levels need to be between 1 and 3 ppm.
    • Calcium hardness between 200 ppm and 350 ppm.

    For testing the water I like to use AquaChek Pool and Spa test strips. This will test the calcium hardness of the water, chlorine, alkalinity and pH.

    You can also add a mineral magnet if youd like for more water clarity.

    Also Check: How To Read Clorox Pool Test Strips

    Installing A Pool With A Sand Base Foam Cove Liner Floor Pad And Wall Foam

    Step 1

    Using fine sand , lay a 3 thick bed of sand across the entire inside of the pool this will form your base.

    Step 2

    After installing the 3 sand base, lay the liner floor pad on top. Please note your liner floor pad is pre-cut to fit your pools exact dimensions.

    Step 3

    Using spray glue or duct tape attach the pool wall foam to the metal pool wall. Start attaching the foam at the top of the pool wall. This will leave a small portion of the bottom of the pool wall not covered with foam but this area will be hidden with a sand or foam cove.

    Step 4

    After installing the pool wall foam, attach the pool cove by removing the adhesive backing and sticking it to the metal pool wall directly on top of the liner floor pad .

    Step 5

    This is the completed above ground pool liner installation. The vinyl pool liner should be completely supported by the pool base to avoid any stress or damage to it or the metal pool wall.

    In conclusion, there are several ways that one can prepare their pool base prior to installing your above ground pool liner. If these steps are followed correctly they can help prevent issues with your above ground pool liner post installation and in years to come!

    When To Winterize Your Above Ground Pool

    Depending on where you live, your closing times will vary. But as a rule, if temperatures typically drop, and stay, below 65°F during the off season, wait until the temperature falls below that point to close.

    Why? Algae, like orchids or William Faulkner novels, need heat to thrive, and cold temps help keep your water clear of infestation. Plus, leaving your pool open until the mercury drops gives you plenty of time to clean, test, and balance your pool before closing.

    If you live in an area where the temperatures occasionally rise above 65°F for a few days during the winter, you can take advantage of the warm spell to test and balance the water chemistry. These tweaks will help you keep your water clean and clear until spring returns.

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    Prepare Pool Substrate For Frame Pool

    After preparing the substrate for conventional installation pools, as described in the above sections, there are a few more special features to consider with regard to frame pools. In order to have an ideal and safe swimming experience with these as well, you should incorporate the following three steps into your routine as well.

    How To Set Up An Above Ground Pool

    Another Day Another Project: Preparing a Base for our Above Ground Pool

    Different types of pools have different methods of installation and equipment that are needed. I provide a set of general installation instructions and the supplies you will need below for each type of pool, but note that all above ground pool kits will come with an extensive instruction booklet for you to follow.

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    When To Install An Above Ground Pool

    Asked by: Chyna Kassulke DDS

    Because late autumn is ideal for landscaping, laying sod and plantings, a mid-to-late summer installation easily coincides with the landscape and deck work that needs to be done anyway. What this means, is you and your family can begin enjoying your new above-ground pools right away.

    How To Prepare For An Above Ground Pool

    With an above ground pool, you’ll also have to be mindful of utilities and zoning regulations before you bring in your swimming pool.

    You’ll also have to make sure that the ground beneath your pool is level, firm, and clear of rocks, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation. It’s essential that the ground provides a sturdy, level base for your above ground pool. This means that rather than filling in uneven areas with dirt, you should dig down any uneven areas to maintain the compactness of the soil. Without doing this, settling issues will be inevitable.

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    Fix The Bumps And Holes

    Id recommend digging into the ground to get it level, its actually better to remove the bumps in the dirt as opposed to adding more, as it helps create a more stable base.

    Dont be afraid to dig down, its a good rule of thumb to sink your pool at least two inches down into the soil, as youll be topping it off with sand once youve got the base flat.

    Do You Need Sand Under An Above

    How to prepare the ground before installing an above ground pool

    Sand is the recommended base material upon which an aboveground pool should sit. Sand is used under an aboveground pool to protect the pool’s vinyl liner from rocks and objects that could tear the liner. … The standard depth of sand that should be used under an aboveground pool’s floor is 2 inches.

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    The Water Level Will Be Uneven

    Installing a pool on uneven ground creates a safety hazard. Youll end up with a shallow and a deep end, which can be dangerous to smaller children if they cannot touch the bottom.

    The uneven water level can also create problems for your skimmer and other cleaning equipment if they get stuck in the wrongly created shallow end youve managed to construct in your swimming pool.

    Leveling Out A Cleared Spot

  • 1Check for levelness to identify high spots. The easiest way to check for levelness without special equipment is to look for them. Do a visual inspection to check for any spots that are higher or lower than the rest. After taking care of these areas, lay a wood plank across your work area. Zip tie a 6 ft carpenters level on top of the plank, and move the plank throughout the work area to test multiple spots.XResearch source
  • Position the plank and level from the center of the work area to its edge, like a clock’s hand. Check for levelness, then rotate the plank 2 to 3 feet , like a clock hand moving from 2 o’clock to 4 o’clock. Proceed shifting the plank and checking levelness every 2 to 3 feet.
  • 2 You might find that a wide patch of the work area is more or less level, but one edge of it slopes significantly. Place stakes or sticks at areas that slope or are off-grade. Youll need to dig away these area in order to create level ground for the pool.Advertisement
  • 3Dig away soil instead of building up low patches. Always dig away slopes and high spots to make them level with lower areas, even if it takes more work. If you fill in a patch with dirt or sand, the weight of the pool and water will compress it and cause problems in the future.XResearch source
  • If youre not confident about operating a skid-steer loader, consider hiring a professional to regrade the area. Look online to find a landscape architect or licensed contractor with grading experience.
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    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.

    Connect Each Bottom Rail

    Another Day Another Project: Preparing a Base for our Above Ground Pool

    The next step is to connect each rail to its bottom plate. Metal, resin, and resin bottom cuffs connect to the bottom rails in the same manner. Once youve connected the rails to the bottom plates, measure the diameter in several areas to make sure the base is truly round. Once satisfied, you can stake the ring into position.

    Quick Tip: For easier installation, lay your bottom rails and bottom plates down along the perimeter of the installation area before connecting them.

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    Drain Equipment And Plug The Pipes

    You need to drain the water from all of your pool equipment. This includes your pump, filter, heater, and all other equipment that holds water. If you dont, that water will sit in the equipment for months, and if it freezes, the expanding water could destroy it.

    Once thoroughly drained, you will need to plug the pipes with drain plugs or caps. This keeps the pipes protected during the winter and ensures that water doesnt seep back into the equipment.

    How To Prepare Your Home For An Indoor Pool

    Planning on building your pool indoors? Is the pool going inside your existing home or in a new outdoor structure?

    If the pool is going to be in a new structure, you’ll still need to comply with zoning regulations and make sure you’re not going to run into any underground utilities while excavating. You should also work with an experienced architect as the structure is going to need adequate insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting.

    If you want to build the pool and close it in later, you can absolutely do so. Just make sure to let your pool builder know what your plans are ahead of time. If you know the size of the indoor pool structure, your pool builder may be able to pour footings for it while the deck is being poured. They can also rough in any water and electrical for the future building before the deck is poured.

    If the pool is going inside your existing home, you’ll need to work with an architect to make sure that your home is ready for an indoor pool. This means installing an excellent dehumidifying and ventilation system and making sure that the pool water can’t get to and damage the rest of your home. You’ll also need heating, lighting, and cooling in the pool room, which will most likely require additional work. It’s unrealistic to think that you can take any room in your house and build a pool inside it without these modifications.

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    Build Stone Dust Base

    Once you have a clean surface that is mostly level, you can start to bring in stone dust.

    Lay down at least 2 inches of the stone around where the pool wall will sit. Be sure to read the specification of your pool make and model, since every manufacturer has slight differences.

    Pro Tip: If you wanted to build up your pool, you can increase the thinkness of the stone dust in the lower areas. But don’t go over 8 inches.

    The Circle should be at least 1 foot wide, with the exact circomference of the pool being in the center.

    Your first round of leveling should be within 1/4 inch . We have this tool we use on the crew at Campbell Pools which allows us to set it down on the base and with the transit, we look at the measurements on the tool. You can do the same with a ruler, but it will be pretty low.

    Using a rake, make sure your level everything around the base, ensuring that the area where the wall will sit is the most accurate.

    When you are within 1/4 inch all around, bring in the compacter. Do use a garden hose to lightly spray the stone dust to prevent dust and to improve the effects of compacting.

    But it doesn’t stop there, that was round one.

    Now that everything is compacted, you need to measure again. Go around the pool and this time, bring everything within 1/8 inch . and you measure absolutely every area where the wall will sit. This will ensure your pool will be level and stable.

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