Tips for Installing an Above-Ground Swimming Pool

An above-ground, backyard swimming pool is a great way to beat the summer heat! Above-ground swimming pools offer many great conveniences, as they do not require heavy excavation, they come in a nice variety of sizes and styles, and they are much less expensive than their in-ground counterparts.

Some simple planning and a lot of elbow grease is all it takes to have your backyard swimming pool up and running in no time!

1. Scout out your location. Clearly a fairly level surface is needed, but don’t forget to consider privacy and sun exposure. Also, avoid installing your swimming pool underneath trees, as you will spend a lot of time cleaning debris and leaves out of your pool.
2. You may want to use a garden hose to create an outline of sorts for your swimming pool, and then check the view from different angles. You may find that your original swimming pool location did not receive enough sunlight, or was within plain sight of your neighbor’s prying eyes.
3. Level the ground. If your swimming pool is round, you can easily use a stake with an attached string to make a perfect circle. Otherwise, you may want to utilize the garden hose again to outline the swimming pool’s diameter. Use landscaper’s paint to mark the outline of the pool and then clear out the sod and dirt from the area until it is level. Use a carpenter’s level and check often as you excavate.
4. Add three inches of sand to the excavated area and level it once again.
5. Use a protective pad above the sand. A special, high-density, cushioned pad acts as a barrier against rocks, grass and invasive weeds and can add years of life to your swimming pool and liner. It is also impervious to almost any sharp object, making it a must-have for any above-ground swimming pool.
6. Assemble the bottom plate and the track which will support the outside walls of the swimming pool (follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding track installation). The bottom plate is designed to join the bottom track pieces together.
7. Assemble the pool wall, and then install wall foam, or coving, to protect the pool liner and simplify liner installation. This high-density foam attaches to the pool wall.
8. Insert the vinyl liner into the pool wall. Allowing the vinyl liner to first warm in the sunlight will make it pliable and easy to work with. Smooth the liner out and attach to the sides of the pool, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Fill up the pool, hook the pump and filter system up and begin water maintenance. After the pool has been filled, take a sample of your pool water to your local swimming pool supply center. They can test the water and determine which chemicals you will need to properly maintain your swimming pool.
10. If you do not have an electrical outlet nearby, consider the services of a qualified electrician who will install a GFCI outlet for maximum protection for your pool equipment.
11. Then, lean back and relax as you swim in your relaxing new pool!