There are many models of above ground pools on the market that offer families a way to exercise and spend time having fun when the weather is too hot for other activities. The installation technique depends on the type and quality of the pool you decide to buy. However, this is a simple, quick and inexpensive procedure if you prepare well in advance.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Gather the Tools
Step 1. Get everything you need
Before starting to assemble the pool, make sure you have all the tools you will need. Most of them can be rented from a large hardware store or DIY store.
- Shovel;
- Measuring wheel;
- Phillips screwdriver;
- Sturdy adhesive tape;
- Sand;
- Filter;
- Skimmer;
- Outdoor tiles (5 x 20 x 40 cm);
- Wrench (8 and 6 mm);
- Level;
- Rake.
Step 2. Open the packages of screws and bolts
Gather all the bags that contain the small parts and separate the contents, so that it is easier to find the various elements when you need them. Remember not to mix bolts and screws of different sizes, otherwise it will be very difficult to find the right hardware as you proceed with the installation.
Step 3. Choose the area
Decide where you want to mount the above ground pool. Remember that it should be at least 2.5-3m from each tree.
- Avoid areas with steep slopes.
- Do not choose surfaces with underground obstacles, such as tree roots.
- Make sure you comply with state rules and municipal regulations.
Part 2 of 4: Prepare the Zone
Step 1. Make sure the ground is not sloping
There are several methods to do this and remember that it is a fundamental detail for the structure of the pool.
- Rent a machine to find a flat surface. Typically, this type of tool is available from most stocked hardware stores or from a construction equipment rental company.
- Use a long straight carpenter's board and place a level on it to check the slope of the surface.
Step 2. Find the center point of the area
This is also where the center of the pool will fall. To find it, it is best to use existing reference structures, such as a fence or a children's swing.
- Measure from the existing structure and make a mark where the edge of the pool will be.
- Use a measuring wheel and measure a distance equal to half the width of the pool (the radius for round models); in this way, you find the center point.
- Fix the measuring wheel at the center of the pool.
Step 3. Measure the perimeter of the pool
This detection doesn't have to be accurate, but it will give you an idea of magnitude and guidelines for proceeding with the installation.
- Stretch the tape measure a distance equal to the radius of the pool and then add 30 cm.
- Draw a mark on the ground along the entire circumference using the distance you detected earlier as the radius.
Step 4. Remove the sod
The pool cannot be mounted on top of the grass. Otherwise, the base would be unstable and could slip or collapse over time.
You can rent a special machine that only lifts the turf, which makes the job much easier
Step 5. Rake the soil
Once the grass is removed, rake the surface to remove any residue.
- By doing so, you remove all traces of grass.
- Roots, stones and other residues can also be detrimental to the pool lining, so you must remove them with the rake.
Step 6. Check once again that the surface is level
Remember that it is the fundamental detail for the stability of the structure.
- Smooth out any raised surfaces instead of filling depressions; in this way, you prevent the pool from sinking over time.
- The slope of the surface should not exceed 2.5 cm.
Part 3 of 4: Building the Pool
Step 1. Mount the base ring
Use the plates, stabilizers and bars to create the bottom ring. There are several types of plates.
- Bottom plates: generally they are made of metal, resin or they can be plastic sleeves.
- The bottom stabilizers will be hooked on one side. They are, in practice, the smallest bars.
- The bottom bars are always straight and larger than the stabilizers.
- Arrange all these items near the area where you will install the pool.
- Slide a bottom bar inside the plate to the dimple.
- Measure the bottom edge in several places to make sure the pool is the right size and truly circular. If all values match, fix the ring in its position.
Step 2. Support the base
Once the ring is in place, provide more support to the base of the pool; that way, it will stay stable and level for years.
- Level each plate. All these elements must be located 1.5 cm from each other.
- Place an outdoor tile under each plate. This should be slightly underground so that the bottom edge of the pool always remains flush with the ground. Make sure the tile is level in all directions.
- Remove a bottom bar to insert the sand. Make a mark on two connected bottom plates, so that you can reassemble the piece in the right place, after placing the sand.
- Bring the sand into the pool area. Depending on the size of the pool, you will need between 1 and 55m of sand.
- Reassemble the bottom bar and arrange the sand evenly over the entire surface that will be occupied by the pool.
Step 3. Mount the walls
Now that you have a stable, level base for the pool, install the walls. This is a simple operation, thanks to the tracks located on the bottom plates.
- Check that the opening for the skimmer is at the top of the walls.
- Use support posts around the pool to support the walls during assembly.
- Insert each element of the outer wall into the central track of the bottom plates and continue like this for the entire circumference of the pool.
- If the elements don't line up exactly when the circle closes, you can modify the bottom bars by moving them in or out to ensure a snug fit. This operation should be performed regularly along the entire perimeter.
Step 4. Lock all the elements of the exterior wall together
Once you have installed the correct mount, proceed with assembly.
- Single row wall bars come with pre-installed rivets. Secure them using nuts and bolts. Use a screwdriver to insert the nuts and bolts into each housing; if you don't use all the small parts to lock each fixing point, the pool could break.
- Walls with staggered elements are not equipped with pre-assembled backrests. In this case, you need to line up the pieces, mount one element inside the pool and one outside. Eventually, you will need to connect them with nuts and bolts.
- The various backrests must not touch each other.
- Cover the bolt heads with three layers of sturdy tape to protect the liner.
- Install the concave molding (15-20 cm) along the inner perimeter of the pool walls.
- Secure the vertical post above the bottom plates. Pay attention, because the top is indicated by an extra hole in the center.
- Fill in the concave molding. Be very careful not to scratch the pool walls as you do this. You can use a shovel or a pressing tool.
Step 5. Install the liner
Also at this stage you have to be very careful to avoid tearing the material. First, lay it out on the ground in the sun for a few minutes. By doing this, the subsequent operations will be simpler.
- Wet the sand, press the entire surface and then rake it. You need to be sure it's a perfectly flat base for your pool.
- Bring the liner into the pool and spread it out.
- Don't step on it with your shoes; you have to work barefoot or wearing socks.
- The "snap" models hook into a separate rail which is located along the perimeter of the pool, on the upper edge of the wall.
- V-shaped liners don't need a lot of work; stabilizer bars lock this type of liner in place.
- The universal ones can be used both as a snap liner and as a "V" edge liner; the supplied "V" edge can be removed to transform the liner into a snap pattern.
- Finally, there are the liners that hang out from the edge of the pool; these must be blocked with fixing ropes.
- Eliminate any wrinkles and creases that form on the upholstery.
- Mount the stabilizer bars along the top edge of the walls. When they are in place, you can remove the temporary support posts.
Step 6. Fit the plates, top bars, and finally the covers
These elements fit together easily if you have done the previous steps correctly. Remember to constantly check your work, to make sure the walls and top edge are level. This is the last step of the installation.
- Secure the top plates in the vertical posts. Make sure they are perfectly straight using a level; when finished, lock them in place by tightening their screws.
- Install the top bars. Arrange them around the pool and tighten the screws only when they are all in place.
- Attach the top covers to the vertical posts.
Part 4 of 4: Fill the Pool
Step 1. Eliminate all wrinkles
As you fill the pool with the first 2-3 cm of water, you must continue to walk inside to eliminate all the imperfections of the liner. Remember to smooth them from the center out. This is your last chance to create a flat base for the pool floor.
If you are walking on the liner, remember not to wear any footwear (not even flip flops or beach shoes) and be sure not to bring any stones into the pool
Step 2. Fill the pool to half its capacity
Sit back and wait for the pool to slowly fill halfway, then check the filter and skimmer instructions to figure out how to set them up.
Step 3. Finish the installation and enjoy the pool
You're almost done. Add the final details, make the finishing touches and fill the pool completely.
- Set the safety signs. If they are not present in the pool kit, contact the supplier and request them for free.
- If you do not use these labels and do not mount all signage, your pool warranty may be invalidated.
- The largest sign must be installed outside, right at the pool access point.
- The smaller one, on the other hand, must be attached to the liner, above the water level and at the point diametrically opposite to the inlet.
- Fill the pool. The water level should be 1/3 or half the height of the skimmer.
Advice
- A large tub, a piece of carpet, or a rubber mat to clean swimmers' feet allows you to keep the pool clean.
- Before starting the work, ask the municipal technical office for permits.
- If possible, do not place the pool less than 2.5m from a tree.
- Purchase test strips to test the chemical composition of the water and keep it balanced.
Warnings
- The above ground pools must be supervised like all the others. Do not let children play with it unattended.
- Never jump and never dive into such a pool.
- If you want to use a salt water system, you cannot choose a steel pool.
- If you install the pool on uneven ground, the walls may collapse on themselves.
- Some insurance companies and local regulations require the construction of a fence around the pool.
