Overwhelmed newbie!

[sfree80]

I've been reading this forum for the last three days and I'm pretty overwhelmed at this point. Due to budget limitation we are doing a self-install.
We're looking at an 18' 52" metal wall pool that will be up year-round. We have a spot in the yard that we think we can level fairly easily after stripping sod. It does not look like we will have to deal with roots or large stones. Due to being in a fenced yard with a narrow gate, odds are that we would not be able to accommodate a big sand delivery, so we are looking in to foam.
At this point I've read so much I really just need a step by step best practices for the pool ignorant. I have notes on paver stone on circumference, foam, foam coves, gorilla cover, ect...

Is there a dummy's guide thread I've missed? I know strip sod and level ground. Then assemble the bottom ring? Foam just up to the bottom ring or under it and what do I use to tape the seams? How do I know where the pavers go? What purpose do those serve? How to I keep the ring in place when putting up wall? Does gorilla cover go under or over foam? Under or over cove?
I think I'm clear on installing liner, adding a little water, smoothing it out, and filling. I've got a pretty good backstroke, it's just getting to that point that has me intimidated.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome!

I am going to move your thread to the Above Ground Pools forum. Those that have installed a pool like you are about too should be able to help!

Take care.

 

[kellyfair]

Hi there! You need Casey or KimKats. Hopefully one of them will be along soon!

 

[TomGallopavo]

You can see our install in my signature. I would be glad to answer any specific questions you have after you look.

 

[Jamison04]

Hi and first just take a deep breath and I'll tell you it's really not all that difficult to do an install.

First thing is to level the site where the pool will sit. By leveling you have to dig down to virgin soil which you'd be doing anyway by removing the sod.

You'll want to assemble the bottom track and get it equal all the way around so it is perfectly circular. At each bottom plate where a post will be, slide a 12x12 paver under that plate. At this point you can remove the track so it isn't in the way as you'll want to recess the pavers into the ground with the top of it flush with the surrounding ground.

After all the pavers are set then you can bring the bottom track back in and all set up and circular with the plates over each paver. You'll want at least 3 people to then help unroll the wall and place it in the bottom track. Don't worry too much about keeping everything perfectly circular and true. You'll have to go back once the wall is fully up and get it all perfectly round again, making sure that each bottom plate is on a paver.

From there you will go around and install the posts on the bottom plates and depending on liner type ie: overlap, beaded, etc, secure them to the top of the wall with a top plate after the bead reciever or in using an overlap liner, the coping strips are in place. Then go ahead and get the top rails all installed.

From here the pool will be somewhat stable and you'll move on to whatever treatment you are going to do for the bottom. Use a rake and go over the pool bottom, removing any rocks and roots that may be still around. Also smoothing out any lumps and imperfections in the soil from putting up the wall.
Since you mentioned foam you really shouldn't need any sand, maybe a few bags to just help smooth out the bottom depending on soil type. And then will start putting the foam panels down and taping the seams with gorilla tape. Once the entire bottom is covered in the foam panels and they're all taped together at every seam, you'll put in the foam cove. It goes on top of the foam floor. You use gorilla tape to hold the cove pieces in place, also taping at each seam. From here you can opt to also put in a bottom pad such as gorilla pad but it really isn't needed if using the foam bottom.

From here it's time to install the liner. Really not all that difficult. Just have a few helpers on hand and it really is a one day project to put up, once the ground prep is out of the way of course.

Lots of great info on here and great people with lots of knowledge to share!

 

[sfree80]

Jamison04- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

 

[azide999]

Jamison04- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

Just to add to Jamison04, on the leveling - take your time doing this as it is a very important part, if not the most important part, of setting up the pool. As you remove dirt from the high points to match the low points, make sure it is very level. At the very least place stakes and strings (perhaps 2" above the dirt) across the diameter and a 4 ft level just against the string to check (also make sure the level is level by placing it on a rigid structure and turning it around to see if the bubble falls in the same place). When the strings are 2" above the floor consistently, you would be good. The reason I say this is because if the pool ends up more than 2" lower on one side than the other it could cause longevity or safety problems. Aside from this, you will see that when the pool is full one side will have a gap between the top rail track and the water level much greater than the other - for example if one side is 3" above the water line and the other is 5" you will see this clearly. So, leveling the ground is something to be very "anal" about even though this really is the hardest part of AGP installation. Taking time with this you will be very happy with the results.

 

[RyanMcC]

I just want to triple emphasize the need to get the leveling right. Do not eyeball or skimp on that! If you have or can borrow a laser level it makes it easier (but you can do it without). There's no fix for an out of level pool, aside from starting over. We learned that the hard way and it's not a fun lesson.

 

[Cgilly]

I just want to triple emphasize the need to get the leveling right. Do not eyeball or skimp on that! If you have or can borrow a laser level it makes it easier (but you can do it without). There's no fix for an out of level pool, aside from starting over. We learned that the hard way and it's not a fun lesson.

I am starting over, after not doing the job the right way. So frustrated and mad at myself for taking the shortcut. I now have mud and mess, and need to dig up 4” on one side.