| There are many types of above ground pools on | | | | You will now be installing the sidewall. It is best to |
| the market today. My favorite has always been | | | | install the wall into about five rails at a time. You |
| the steel wall type. These installation tips were | | | | can then build the frame of the pool as you are |
| written for a steel wall above ground pool. | | | | installing the wall. This keeps the pool wall from |
| The two most important things you can do for | | | | falling over. When this stage is done the pool |
| your pool is to make it perfectly level and | | | | should be completely assemble except for the |
| perfectly round. Use a laser type level for all of | | | | liner. |
| your ground prep and for setting the footplates. | | | | If everything fits and the pool looks good you can |
| Use a tape measure off of a center point to get | | | | prepare the base. If you are using sand you |
| the pool round. | | | | would spread it out and smooth it. When the base |
| You will first need to clear the pool area of all | | | | is done get out of the pool. The rest of the |
| vegetation. Allow at least an extra two feet | | | | assembly can be done from outside of the pool. |
| around the pool. If you have an 18' round pool | | | | Before the liner gets installed make sure there |
| clear an area that is 22' round. | | | | are no sharp corners on the connection top caps. |
| The cleared area now needs to be made | | | | Duct tape can be used over any sharp edges to |
| perfectly level. It is recommended that the high | | | | be sure they do not tear the liner. You can now |
| areas be dug down to the level of the low areas. | | | | open the liner up and stretch it out. Several |
| This is not always possible however. If you need | | | | people should be used to pick it up and set it in |
| to fill in any low areas make sure that area is | | | | the pool, holding on to the two ends. |
| firmly packed. Do not use sand or sandy soil for | | | | You will now pull the liner up and over the top |
| leveling purposes. | | | | rails. Keep working around the pool pulling up a |
| When the area is level and smooth the bottom | | | | little more each time. When the bottom seam is |
| rails can be connected into the footplates making | | | | just a few inches from the top rail the bottom |
| a perfect circle. The next step is the most | | | | should be very smooth and just barely touching |
| important so take your time. Set each individual | | | | the sand in the center. Now is the time to start |
| foot plate at exactly the same number on your | | | | the water filling. |
| level stick. If you are setting the posts on blocks | | | | As the water fills you will slowly let the liner down |
| then the tops of the blocks should all be the | | | | as it gets pulled tight. When the water is about |
| same number. | | | | two to three inches from the edge shut the hose |
| When the footplates are level go back and level | | | | off. You can now work around the pool taking a |
| the ground between each plate. The bottom rails | | | | few rails off at a time. Pull the liner tight over the |
| need to rest on firm, level ground. Any high spots | | | | wall and install the coping and stabilizer rods. |
| in the bottom rails could result in kinking the | | | | Reinstall the top rails and take off a few more. |
| sidewall. | | | | Do this until they are all done and start filling the |
| Spend a little more time at this point and make | | | | pool again. |
| sure the entire area inside of the bottom rails is | | | | When the water is just below the skimmer |
| level and smooth. High spots or low spots | | | | opening install the filter and all of the fittings. When |
| anywhere can cause the liner to fill unevenly | | | | the pool is full start the filter and check the |
| causing wrinkles. If you are using sand for the | | | | system for leaks. If all looks good jump in and |
| base it should be piled in the center of the pool at | | | | have fun. |
| this time. | | | | |