How to Install an Oval Above Ground Pool
- 1). Use string tied to stakes to mark the location of your pool. Use a tape measure to help ensure you get the dimensions required by the pool you are installing.
- 2). Remove the sod inside the area you marked. A shovel can scrape off the grass as well as remove any rocks or other objects in the area. Use a carpenter's level to measure the level of the ground. Remove dirt as necessary rather than adding it to make the ground level. This provides a more solid base for the pool.
- 3). Assemble the struts and vertical posts using appropriately sized wrenches and screwdrivers and the fasteners in the assembly package. Follow the manufacturer's specific directions as you first connect the upright posts to their holding brackets, and then attach the struts to the holding brackets.
- 4). Connect pairs of post assemblies to their straps with the bolts in the assembly package. Use a tape measure to help you place the posts and straps in their position along the side walls of the oval pool.
- 5). Match the holes in the hold-down plates with the posts. Insert screws and washers into the holes and tighten them. Repeat this for all the hold-down plates along that straight side of the pool. When you finish installing the hold-down plates on one side of the pool, repeat the process on the other side.
- 6). Measure the distance between the two diagonal outside posts. If the distance is equal to the opposite pair of diagonal outside posts, the posts are square. Move one pair of posts slightly if they are not square and re-measure. Repeat the process until the distance is equal and the posts are square.
- 7). Slide concrete pavers under the vertical posts and the struts. Use a level on each of the posts, adding and removing dirt under them as necessary to make them level. The strap should be flush with the ground.
- 8). Assemble the bottom curved rails and plates according to manufacturer's directions. Set concrete pavers around the curved portion of the pool with the rails and plates on top. Keep 1 inch of the block inside the pool area and the rest outside the rail. Check for levelness. Add or remove dirt as necessary to level the rails and plates.
- 9). Spread 2 inches of clean sand on the base of the pool area. Cover all the straps and exposed metal pieces around the base of the pool. Tamp the sand firmly in place to level it.
- 10
Unroll a small portion of the wall. Set it in the bottom rail. Unroll more and install it. Work your way around the pool. When you get to the straight sides, there is no rail. Just set the wall on the hold-down plates. Connect the ends of the walls with the bolts and nuts from the assembly package. Fill all the holes with bolts. Fasten the connectors tightly. - 11
Use additional sand to build a sand cove angled at least 6 inches up the side of the swimming pool. Press it firmly in place. - 12
Install the uprights for the curved ends of the pool. Attach the each upright to its corresponding bottom connector plate in the bottom rail with screws from the assembly package. - 13
Slide the pool liner into the middle of the pool. Remove your shoes as you work with it. Working from the center of the pool to the edges, spread the liner so it covers the bottom of the pool. The seams should run the length of the pool. Work out as many wrinkles as you can. Pull the liner up and over the edge of the pool wall. Hold it in place with clips from the assembly package. - 14
Punch out the skimmer return hole through the pool liner and pool wall. Follow the specific directions of the pool's manufacturer. Use duct tape to seal the exposed edges. - 15
Install the inner stabilizer rails over the top of the pool wall. These make the walls more sturdy and hold the liner firmly in place. Roll excess liner under the rails to hide it. - 16
Use the screws in the assembly package to attach the top plates to each of the posts. Place the top rails in position along the wall and fasten them. Match straight rail with straight sections and curved with curved sections. - 17
Attach the top cover to the rails. Depending on the model, these either clip on or screw on. - 18
Arrange for a local electrician or plumber to finish the electrical and water supply connections for the filter and pump for the pool. Most municipalities require that a licensed professional perform this step.
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