The Complete Guide to Setting Up an Above Ground Pool

Expect to dedicate 6-10 hours to installation. Begin by clearing the area of any vegetation and ensuring the ground is perfectly level. Then, follow the instructions provided with your pool to assemble the bottom rail, unfurl the wall, and set up the frame. Once the liner is in place, partially fill the pool, install the skimmer and filter, and complete the filling process.

Get the necessary tools and allocate 6-10 hours. Before beginning your pool installation, ensure you have all the required tools. Most tools can be rented if needed. You'll need:

• Shovel
• Tape measure
• Screwdriver
• Roller/Tamper
• Duct tape
• Sand
• Wrench
• Level
• Rake

Invest in an above-ground pool kit that meets your needs. Rather than starting from scratch, consider purchasing a pool installation kit. Look for one with positive reviews that fits your requirements regarding size, ladders, and additional features.

• If you purchase from a pool manufacturer or shop, they may include a warranty.
• If you prefer not to refill water frequently, opt for a kit with a separate pump.
• Plan to spend $300-1,000 on a reliable above-ground kit.
• You could buy all components separately (tarp, PVC tubing, etc.), but this may be as expensive as a kit and may lead to compatibility issues.
• Before making a purchase: Ensure you don't require a permit from your city, county, and state. In many areas, permits are necessary for above-ground pools exceeding a certain size.

Select the location for pool installation. Choose a spot at least 5 feet (1.5 m) away from exterior walls or fences. Additionally, position the pool 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) away from trees to reduce leaf accumulation.

• Avoid placing the pool under wires or telephone poles.
• If possible, opt for the flattest area available, as leveling will be easier.
• If your yard isn't entirely flat, select an area with a gentle slope away from your home.

Mark the pool outline before excavation. Minimize disruption to your yard by marking the pool's dimensions with spray paint, stakes, or other markers. This outline won't match the pool wall precisely but provides a reference for excavation and leveling.

• Leave at least 6 inches (15 cm) of extra space, as the pool's edge will be filled with pea gravel.
• For circular pools, place a stake in the center and tie a string equal in length to the pool's radius. Stretch it from the stake and outline the perimeter.

Eliminate the grass where you intend to place the pool. You cannot install the pool on top of grass. Utilize a spade, edger, or shovel to remove the grass along the outline. Begin from the outer edge and work towards the center by removing the sod. Ensure all grass and plants are cleared away.

• If the sod is healthy, you can replant it! Roll it up, place it over soil, and thoroughly water it.
• Installing a pool on grass can lead to instability and potential shifting or settling over time. This could result in tears or leaks, necessitating pool disassembly.
• For pools with a radius larger than 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m), consider renting a sod remover from a local hardware store to simplify the process.

Ensure the ground is level using a tamper or roller. It's crucial for the structural integrity of your pool to install it on level ground. A sloping ground can compromise safety. Utilize a heavy roller or tamper to flatten and level the ground.

• You can also lay a flat sheet of drywall or plywood and roll over it to apply pressure.
• Use a spirit level to verify that the entire ground is uniformly flat.
• If the ground becomes uneven under pressure, continue compacting it until it remains stable underfoot.

Tidy the area and double-check ground levelness. Rake the area to remove debris. Ensure there are no rocks, pebbles, or sticks protruding from the ground. Reassess the ground's levelness before proceeding with the pool installation.

• Ground levelness beneath the pool is crucial to prevent structural issues due to uneven weight distribution from water and swimmers.
• The entire area should be within 1 inch of perfect levelness.

Mark the center point of the ground. This will be the pool's midpoint. Use a measuring tape to mark it with spray paint or a flat object on the ground. This ensures you maintain the correct pool location during assembly.

Construct the base ring or rectangle to form the foundation of your pool. Utilize plates, stabilizers, and rails to create the bottom frame. The bottom ring typically consists of a series of rails and plates forming the foundational circle at the pool's base. Follow the instructions in your manual for assembly.

• Measure the bottom track in multiple spots to ensure the pool is round and the correct size. Secure the ring in place once the size is confirmed. For rectangular pools, stake the middle by marking half the length and width.
• Some pools require partial filling before full assembly. Consult your manual for water addition instructions.

Reinforce your base with the provided stones or clips. After positioning your base, add support using stones or clips from your kit. This ensures stability and levelness for your pool. Follow the assembly instructions for the support components.

• Ensure each stone or clip is embedded in the ground or leveled with others above the bottom ring, depending on your pool's design.

Erect the pool wall by unwinding it around the base. With a level bottom in place, install the wall around the perimeter. Unravel the rolled-up wall lining and secure it using weights or bottom ring clips while positioning it around the rim.

• Ensure the skimmer cutout and water return holes align correctly if installing a filter and pump.
• Use landscaping stakes and string to support the wall during installation.
• Place the wall into the track at the center of a bottom plate, continuing around the ring.
• If the wall doesn't align properly, adjust bottom rails evenly to ensure a proper fit around the pool.

Connect the wall using the provided fasteners. Following support installation, secure the pool wall. Align gaps at the wall ends and fasten with screws and nuts. Tighten the fasteners to firmly join the wall.

• Ensure all fasteners are utilized to prevent potential pool breakage or leakage.
• For staggered wall bar systems, align parts and place one wall bar inside and one outside the pool. Connect using nuts and bolts.
• Keep wall bars from touching.
• If instructed, cover bolt heads with three layers of duct tape to protect the liner.

Install the provided interior liner. Handle with care as the liner can be delicate. Allow the liner to sit in the sun briefly to ease installation.

• Lay the liner in the pool, avoiding stepping on it with shoes. Install barefoot or with socks.
• Use wall liner beads or snap bars to secure the liner, snapping into a track around the pool wall.
• V-bead and J-bead liners require no clips; the top railing holds them in place.
• Unibead liners can function as snap bead or V-bead/J-bead liners.
• Overlap liners hang over the pool wall and extend to the base exterior wall, secured with plastic strips.
• Smooth out wrinkles towards the pool's exterior.
• Install stabilizer rails along the pool wall's top, then remove landscaping stakes—your pool should stand independently.

Complete the assembly with top plates, top rails, upright posts, and top covers. These components interlock effortlessly. They're designed to fit together like puzzle pieces, ensuring straightforward assembly. Continuously verify the levelness of the sides and top. Position the upright posts along the pool's rim lastly to provide additional support and prevent spillage.

• Attach the top plates to the uprights, ensuring they're perfectly aligned using a level. Secure them with appropriate screws.
• Install the top rails around the pool and tighten the screws once all rails are in place.

Eradicate wrinkles from the liner. Add enough water to create ankle-deep pool depth. Step into the pool and walk around the liner, smoothing out any wrinkles to the pool's exterior. This is your final opportunity to ensure a level pool floor, so inspect thoroughly.

• If walking on the liner, ensure no footwear (even water shoes or flip-flops) and no rocks are tracked into the pool.

Fill the pool halfway and install the skimmer and filter. Begin filling the pool gradually. Once it's halfway full, refer to your skimmer and filter instructions for installation. Typically, insert the skimmer filter into the opening and assemble the filter separately before connecting it to the opening.

• Some above-ground pools may not include a skimmer or filter, especially if shallow.

Surround the pool's exterior rim with gravel or sand. Fill the area 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) around the bottom railing with pea gravel, sand, or another ground cover. This adds structural support and prevents water spillage from turning the surrounding ground into mud.

• This area is known as the pool's cove. Take care to avoid scratching the pool wall during this process.
• Mud accumulation around the pool poses structural risks. If the ground beneath the pool becomes muddy, it may slide or lose integrity.

Complete the pool filling process and savor the moment. You're on the final stretch! Follow any remaining instructions, and fill the pool to its capacity. Aim to reach halfway up the skimmer opening.

• Ensure you install the necessary safety warnings. Contact your manufacturer if you don't have them; they usually provide replacements free of charge. Failure to add the labels may void your warranty.
• Consult your pool manual for guidance on shocking or chlorinating the pool water.

• Enhance your pool's ambiance with LED low voltage lighting, available in various sizes. A modern approach involves LED lighting on the return pipe, allowing for easy installation. Some lighting options include integrated spillways, offering customizable lengths of light.

• Above-ground pools demand supervision like any other pool. Never leave children unattended while they play in or around the pool.