Prior to any Pool Installation, it is advisable to fully read all documentation which accompanies your Swimming Pool. Next, insure that you are in the possession of all parts and hardware by taking a full inventory. Finally, gather all necessary tools and resources to complete your installation.
Ground Preparation
Layout entire area in which your pool is to be installed by use of measuring tape, ground stakes and spray paint. First, Measure entire area needed for your installation and mark all perimeters with ground stakes or tent pegs making sure to add at least one foot to the actual dimensions (this will allow for ample room for installation of concrete block or poured concrete footer). Next, connect all staked points (staying true to form) by spray painting your lawn or earth, (this will give you a guide for excavation and a visual conception of your Pools orientation).
Ground Excavation
" A Great Installation is all Dependent upon a Great Level " Whether you have a professional excavator, rent a Bobcat or dig with a shovel, Levelness of ground is absolutely crucial to a great installation! Use of a Transit or Water Level, is the most effective way to achieve levelness (a Water Level is inexpensive, can be made at home and only requires one person to operate!). First, find your LOWEST point of earth and your HIGHEST point of earth. Then, dig a trench from your lowest point to your highest (this will give you a visual guide of the amount excavation required). Continue this process as necessary. Once, most of the earth is removed, take "spot" checks to insure that all ground is within 1/2" of level. Then, remove all lose stone and debris. Finally, tamp entire area by use of a Tamper or Roller.
Assembly of Bottom Rail
Fully assemble your Swimming Pools' Bottom Rail or Rim Pack in the area which you have prepared for installation. Next, re-measure all dimensions to insure the correct orientation of your pools shape. Then, stake each section of the Bottom Rail or Rim Pack at each section (do this both inside and outside each section to prevent shifting).
Installation of Poured Concrete
If you are installing a CONCRETE PAD for your Pool to set upon (Crestwood Type Pools).., typically mark off an area 4" IN from your Bottom Rail or Rim Pack and mark off an area 8" OUT from your Bottom Rail or Rim Pack (this will give you a 12" wide Form Area in which to pour your Concrete pad). Then, remove your Bottom Rail or Rim Pack and follow the manufacturers recomendations for Concrete Pad installation.
Installation of Concrete Blocks
If you are installing CONCRETE BLOCKS for your pool to set upon (Standard Type Pools).., follow these instructions. First, position a Concrete Block near each Upright or Joiner Plate. Next, find the lowest level of each of these points. Then, lay your first block at the lowest level, making sure that it is plumb and level in all directions (use a Torpedo Level for all blocks and tamp each block into position using a Rubber Mallet). Next, take a measurement of the first Concrete Blocks' height using your Transit or Water level (write this measurement down!). Finally, Excavate and install the remaining Concrete Blocks according to the measurement of the First Block and pack earth under each rim to prevent sagging (this will guarantee perfect levelness of your Pools Structure).
Installation of Pool Base
Using Pre-Washed Masonary Sand, transport the required amount of sand into the Pool area (Protect your Bottom Rail or Rim Pack with a board if you are using a wheel barrel!). Then, spread all sand evenly about the pool area, being carefull not to cover the Bottom Rail or Rim Pack! (leave a sufficient amount of sand out side of the pool area for patching and Cove requirements.) Next, Rake the Sand to Level. Finally, Tamp or Roll entire pool area in at least 3 directions to firmly pack the sand into position.
Installation of Pool Wall
Place the Pool wall on a board in the center of the Pool area. Then, partially unroll to locate the Skimmer and Return "Knock Outs". Once, you have located these "Knock Outs", decide where the wall must start in order to place your filter system in the correct position. Then, insert the wall into the Bottom Rail or Rim Pack at least for two sections. Secure the wall by means of a Pick inserted into the ground and fastened to the wall with duck tape or simply have someone hold it in place. Continue inserting the wall into the "track" and supporting it by placing Implements (shovels,rakes, etc..,) inside the pool leaning at an angle against the wall at every Section about half way down the wall. ( read that again, and understand that this will help keep the Wall from falling!) Once, the Wall is Completely in the "track", Join the wall with the provided Hardware (you can "Walk the Wall" by use of a Screw Driver to line all holes up). Next, Duct Tape the Bolt Line of the Wall at least 3 times! (This will prevent the liner from tearing upon its installation). Then, if necessary, detach the Return and Skimmer "Knock Outs" and file any burrs. Finally, Build a 6" Cove around the inside of the Pool wall using the saved sand from Step #7 and firmly tamp into a 45 degree angle with respects to the Wall and the Pool Base (this will give your pool additional strength and help prevent "Wash Out of the Liner". NOTE: If you are installing a HUNG or BEADED Liner follow the Manufacturers recomendations for Coving!!!
Assembly of Pool Structure
Now that your Wall is installed, (and your stuck in the middle of the pool!), have a helper assemble the ladder, another attach your Pools Uprights and you remove all implements annd touch up the Pool Base by using a Push Broom! When all of this is accomplished.., GET OUT OF THE POOL and take a break!
Installation of Liner
Unfold your Liner in a Sunny area, clear of all obstructions (this will help it stretch and conform to it's final shape). Next, place wooden clothes pins (the type that have a spring) on each Upright. Then, re-fold the now soft and pliable liner lenghtwise. Now, place the majority of the Liner inside the Pool area while holding on to both ends. Unfold the Liner within the Pool area and attach it to the Pool wall by overlapping the Liner 6" over the Wall and utilizing the Clothes Pins to secure. Once, the Liner is Completely spread and temporarilly attached to the Pool Wall, EQUALLY pull the Liner over the Wall untill there is a 3 inch "air space" about the Cove Area and re-pin it to the Wall. Next, insert a Shop Vac hose into the Return Area and seal the Skimmer Area by use of cardboard and duct tape. (We are going to "SUCK" the liner with the Shop Vac to simulate water!) Turn on the Shop Vac.., and by using a Broom, gently brush and tap the liner to remove all wrinkles while temporarily releasing the Clothes Pins to allow the Liner to seat. Once, the Liner has seated (no "air space" between the Cove and Liner), Start filling Pool with water. Once the water has covered the entire bottom of Pool area, attach all split plastic coping and then the Top Rail or Top Rim Pack. Pleas see Onground Liner Installations for complete information.
Final Assembly
Attach all Uprights to the Top Rail or Top Rim Pack with the provided Hardware. Next, Loosely attach all Top Seats to all Uprights. Then, using a level, tighten one Upright at a time insuring that it is level in all directions. Finally, attach all Seat Clamps over each Upright ( this completes your pools structure!). You should now have a Perfectly level and plumb POOL!
Skimmer and Return Installation
It is advisable for inexperienced Pool Installers to fill their Pool at least half way prior to installing the Return Port and Skimmer Basket (this will allow for the Liner to be completely seated into position). Once this is achieved, follow the Manufacturers installation instructions for assembly and finally cut remaining Liner openings using a Razor Blade or Exacto Knife.
A Final Note
Although, these instructions are "geared" for Onground Steel or Aluminum Pools, the practices here apply to most Swimming Pool Installations. If you have any Questions regarding any type or make of Pool, please e-mail us for more detailed information!
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at mailto:danielosko@bubbasbazaar.com> danielosko@bubbasbazaar.com.
Best Wishes to All!
Daniel G. Osko
