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.
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Four Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Above Ground Pool For A Hurricane
As stated earlier, Im not an alarmist. Im sure someone can come up with fifty things you can do to prepare your pool before a hurricane. But 46 of them will be unnecessary and only valuable if you are nervous and want something to do instead of just watching it get closer on the news. Here then are four things you can do that wont be a waste of your time.
Add Extra Chlorine Tablets To The Floater/chlorinator
Slow dissolving chlorine tablets are very important in maintaining a chlorine level in a swimming pool for a long period of time. Most pools in the summer will use at least one 3 tablet per week over the summer.
If you are leaving for vacation for more than one week, add at least one more tablet than what you usually add to your floater/chlorinator. This will help keep a chlorine reading in your pool water for longer.
NOTE: Algae blooms usually begin when the chlorine level in the pool goes to zero. Adding more tablets will increase the time before the chlorine level will go to zero.
In my opinion, if you do one thing to your pool in preparation for going away for a while, add one or more extra chlorine tabs to the pool!
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And That’s How To Install An Above Ground Pool Yourself
Congratulation! You have completed your swimming pool installation. This is no easy task, but we give you our respect for doing so. If you did use our tips to install your own pool, we would like to know! send us a email with pictures at . Maybe we will even have work for you ) .
If you are still looking to buy a pool to install yourself, do get a quote from us. You just need to add in the notes that you want a to install yourself. You can request a quote by clicking below.
We hope this post has helped you. If you need clarifications or help during your install, you can always call our stores for advice.
We would like to recognise Pierre Menard for providing the pictures in this post. Him and his crew have been installing pools with Campbell Pools for over 20 years. I have learned everything from him as my mentor to write this post.
Update Your Pool Equipment
Pumps and filters will need a thorough cleaning and a trial run before you use them. You need to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully to do this. Careful servicing now could prevent a good deal of extra expense later. Now is also the time to replace broken or old appliances. You have enough time to break the appliance in, and everything should be back to normal in time for mid-summer swimming. Check over your automatic cleaner, filter, skimmer, chemical feeder, lights, and other supplies before you are overwhelmed by antsy swimmers.
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Access What May Be Able To Take Flight In High Winds In Your Yard And Secure
As stated above, the most common damage caused to an above ground pool by a hurricane is from flying debris. Look around your yard. Determine what could take flight and crash into your pool, and either move or secure it so it wont.
Even if its only a category one hurricane, do this because any hurricane can have wind gusts capable of moving stuff.
Add A Crushed Stone Base
Next we prepared the base by dumping a few loads of crushed stone, and raking it out fairly flat.
Next Tony taped a level on a 2 x 4 board, and attached one end to a pin in the center of the pool area. We worked our way around the pool scraping the crushed stone flat, while also making sure the radius of the circle was level.
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Build The Bottom Ring:
Follow the instructions that come with your above ground pool package as each type, brand and size of pool have different instructions. In general, you will be using your plates, stabilizers and rails. Here are some tips to identify each piece:
- Your plates will be made of metal or resin
- The bottom stabilizer should be crimped on one side. It has smaller rails
- The bottom rail is straighter and larger than the stabilizer.
- Lay out the pieces and assemble as instructed. Generally, you will be sliding the bottom rail into the bottom plate up to the dimple on the plate.
- Remember to measure the bottom track in several locations to ensure that the pool is truly round and the correct size. If the size is correct, stake the ring into position. If not, contact Pool Supplies Canada immediately.On oval pools make sure diagonal measurements match . Double and triple check the diagonal measurements and keep doing this over and over.
If You Have One Put The Cover On Your Pool And Secure Well
This is mainly to help prevent smaller flying debris from blowing in the pool and possibly damaging the liner.
The winds might be really high, so make sure and secure the cover so it doesnt blow off easily.
It may be a pain to remove later as there can be a lot of rainwater and debris on top of it, but its worth it to protect the inside of the pool. If you have a mesh-type cover, that may be a better choice for this. I would go with the solid cover though for maximum protection from flying debris.
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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.
Above Ground Swimming Pool Installation The Process
The above-ground pool installation process is easy and fast with Narellan Pools. The process starts with the conception, where a Narellan Pools designer will work closely with you to design the perfect pool solution that fits your lifestyle and the space you have available. This can often be the longest part of the process as it depends on how many design revisions and tweaks are required to arrive at the ideal solution. Once you and the designer have finalised the design, they will begin the process of acquiring any planning permissions, permits, or other legal documentation that may be required. The timeframe for this varies, but will usually be longer in the summer when local authorities are overrun with requests.
After the designs have been approved and all the relevant permits have been acquired, its time to start the installation of your above-ground pool. The first step is for the pool builder to begin preparing your backyard for the pool. This involves clearing away any obstacles from the pools chosen location and prepping the ground for when the pool arrives. Once the site has been cleared, its time for your pool to take shape.
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Choosing An Area For Your Above
Before you start to level out the ground for your new above-ground swimming pool, you will first need to decide where you would like to situate the pool.
Here are some important factors you might want to consider when choosing the perfect location:
– An area that is already somewhat flat will reduce the amount of labour required.- Consider a semi-shaded area so you can enjoy the suns rays while also having the option to be protected from them if needed.- Avoid areas that are directly under trees. They are abundant in organic debris which will increase the general maintenance of the swimming pool.- Steer clear of septic or sewage lines, underground cables and power lines.- Allow four feet of space to surround the pool. – Do not place the swimming pool on a deck, balcony or platform. The structures could collapse under the weight of a filled pool.- Ensure the pool is not set up on mud, loose sand or loose soil. The ground should be firm and compact.
Its also worth noting that wherever the pool is located, the chemicals in the pool’s water, such as chlorine, will damage the nearby grass. It is inevitable that water will be splashed, which will spray the chemicals and can negatively impact the surrounding plants.
I Consider Additional Electricity Needs
Ideally, a swimming pool can be vast and hence require more electricity needs. You have to factor in all the possible applications that will require electricity.
Elements such as salt chlorine generators and ozonators need electricity. Therefore, you got to look into it and find out whether they can affect the electricity supply.
Check whether they need an upgrade or if they can work just fine.
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Use A Leveling Device
To level out the ground, you will need a levelling device. Use two-by-four plank of wood and a long spirit level to measure the evenness of the surrounding area.
A simple and easy method is to lay down the two-by-four on the ground, and then place the spirit level on top of the wood, attaching it with a cable tie if need be. The levelling device will help indicate which areas will need additional attention throughout the ground preparation process.
Install Strucuture Part 2
It’s now time to finish the structure. Start by leveling all the posts that you installed earlier. The pieces of the top cap and posts are different for every pool, so make sure to consult with the “instructions” provided in the box.
Yours posts should somehow be lightly secured to the wall. It’s now time to install the top rails. One you have installed at least 3 top rails, your friends inside the pool should be able to jump out from that area, assisted by the friends outside.
Finish installing all the top rails and add the top caps as well. Your pool should be looking really nice at this point. You are done with the major structure now.
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Do A Random Search On The Internet
You can also find your favorite above swimming pool design by doing a random search on the internet.
Ill give you a few links at the end of this section on how to get some of the best above ground swimming pool designs.
Anyway, here is how to go about it:
- Enter search term say above ground swimming pool designs
How to get above ground pool designs from Google search
For that reason, they can offer you with what youd really need regarding preference and choice.
I always recommend that you have a variety of these designs to choose from. It makes it easier to pick what necessarily interests and appeals to you in all aspects.
Nonetheless, you need to ensure that the particular pool design you ultimately pick can suit your budget. You dont choose something that is costly for you and ends up draining your bank account.
Learn more:
Simply Contact A Swimming Pool Contractor For Design Ideas
In many cases, they often have a lot of them since that is their area of specialization. The contractor will at the same time give you the appropriate plan and drawing for the impending construction.
A kidney shaped above ground swimming pool Photo Credits: WALLS INTERIOR
This is obviously based on several factors that they need to consider before ultimately arriving at a decision.
So, in other words, contractors have a way of coming up with a design plan for above ground swimming pool. This will depend on the outcome of the evaluation of the construction site.
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Fix A Swimming Pool Enclosure
Do you want to extend the swimming season? Well, a pool enclosure will guarantee exactly that.
Here is a good example:
An enclosure for about ground pools
With a pool enclosure, you can swim all year round. Furthermore, it leaves enough space above the pool you can swim after closing it.
Again, I have a Complete Guide to Swimming Pool Enclosure. It has everything you need to know about swimming pool enclosures.
So, whats the bottom line here?
These accessories will ensure safety while making it convenient for people to use above-ground swimming pool. For a fact, your above-ground pool is not complete without a ladder and either a pool enclosure or cover.
But, thats not all you need to know when it comes to above ground swimming pool installation.
Here is something you should remember:
Install The Liner Of The Above Ground Pool
One thing for a fact is that an above-ground pool is inadequate without a liner. This is merely a vinyl bag made to hold water within the frame of the pool.
This element is also regarded as the most significant one in this kind of pool. And on the same note, it can end up being the most frustrating of all elements.
Install the pool liner material Photo Credits: VIDEO BY CRAIG HEFFERNAN
In other words, there is a need for ensuring that they are handled and installed appropriately. This is important as the vinyl need not to be damaged.
At this stage, youve already finished building the cove. It is what prevents the liner from potential slipping beneath the wall of the pool.
The cove also gives a shielding cover between the liner and the metal frame of the swimming pool. Remember line is a delicate component hence you need to be careful when installing it.
Open the box carefully and never use a sharp object when doing so. The ground where youll place it upon removing it from the box should also be free from a foreign object that might puncture it.
Inspect it keenly to ensure it the seams are correctly sealed and that it doesnt contain any tears then spread it out to get heat from the sun. The suns warmth makes it elastic and relatively easy to install.
During installation, ensure that they rest on the ground appropriately and should never carry any weight from water.
After installing the pool liner Photo Credits: VIDEO BY CRAIG HEFFERNAN
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Tips For Different Types Of Liners:
- Snap Bead liners snap into a separate track around the pool and are installed on top of the pool wall.
- V-Bead liners require no coping. The stabilizer rails will hold this liner in place.
- Unibead liners can be used as either a Snap Bead or a V-Bead liner. It comes as a V-Bead but you can remove the top portion to make it a Snap Bead liner.
- Overlap liners are hung over the pool wall. These are securing using plastic coping strips.
Measure The Area For Your Pool
Once you have selected an ideal location for your swimming pool, the next step is measuring the area for the pool. By marking the area for your pool, you will know exactly where to prepare the soil.
Before you begin marking the area for your pool, you will first need to know your pools dimensions. Next, begin marking the perimeter of the pool area. To do this, place a metal stake in the center of where the pool will sit. From here, tie a string to the stake, and measure out the distance to the swimming pools edge. Add on six inches to this distance.
Using the other end of the string, tie the string to a can of spray paint. Make sure the can is reaching the proper distance from the pools center. Finally, begin spraying a borderline while walking the perimeter of the pool.
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