I am far from being an expert in the field of above ground pools; just the proud owner of a newly installed one. In the vastness of the internet I found little information on what others had done or how they handled different things when it came to getting a pool installed. I wanted to be prepared for this undertaking and learned quickly it would be a fly by the seat of my pants experience. My husband and I thought this would be something for the family, keep the children happy and cool for the summer.

We did not have a clue as to all the work that was to come really fast once we bought an above ground pool.  Since above ground pools only come in two shapes, round or oval, this would be the easy decision. Knowing what part of the yard got most of the day’s sun made where the pool should be located quite easy as well. The size we wanted that pool to be took a little more thought. How much pool would be enough without taking over our yard? To help us make this decision we sat out on the deck and took a good look at the back yard, what shape did we see not being too overpowering for this situation?

We thought about an oval and grabbed a tape measure out into the yard to measure out how long and wide this structure would be. We decided for us, oval was not an option, we had the room but it would take up more length then we wanted to give up. So, round it was! With that decision made I gathered up nine bricks and with tape measure in hand, we started to measure out the dimensions. One brick was our center point and we placed the other eight bricks around in a spoke wheel formation, measuring out from the center.  

Stepping back from this we had a good idea of what an 18 foot round pool would take up in space. I grabbed a few more bricks and measured out two feet further to check on what 20 feet would be like. We decided on 18 feet being big enough for our family. It would take up less then half the width of the yard is off the property line and take less then one quarter of our backyard.  Next came shopping for an 18 foot round above ground pool. This was when I was very thankful for the internet! Amazingly easy to find places to purchase pools and get ideas as to materials used to in a pool warranties and prices.

Armed with some basic information it was time to visit local pool stores to see what our money would buy. After going to the stores and hearing each salespersons pitch on their product, we decided on a newly manufactured line of pools for this year.  It is 18 foot round, 54 inch high wall, 8 inch top resin ledge, bottom ledge is all resin so it is corrosion proof, resin uprights, and epoxy coated walls, with a 30 year warranty. It seemed superior to me because the other pools I had looked at all had a steel bottom rail not resin.   

With a pool purchased it was time to our township construction office to ask about permits, rules and regulations on installing an above ground pool. They will advise you on what you need and what they look for. Ours gave us a written booklet that outlined everything from the electrician to the type of acceptable pool ladder and fencing. I won’t get into details in this area since each area has different rules and regulations. Personally, I would never have a pool installed without permits, that way should anything happen you have covered yourself in the fact that you did it all legal and legit with your city or township. Applying for and paying for permits are relatively inexpensive and they will tell you how many days prior to start of installation they need to process your permits.  

Next, I would suggest calling your homeowners insurance company and asking if they need anything prior to install and what it would be. You can also ask any questions that you might have regarding policies for your own safety and well being.  Now, for the fun!!  Generally speaking, pool retailers do not install pools (at least not in our area) but will give you a list of installers that are willing to come to your area and do the job and what they charge. They usually have a list of electricians as well. Once you have purchased the pool you would like; now you need to decide who will install that pool.

I took the list provided by the pool company and called each one, and asked what their charges were and when they could install the pool. I wrote the information down and went on to the next one. Then I called each one back after hours and left a message that I had a question and could they get back to me at their earliest convenience and waited to see who would call back the fastest. This gave me an idea of who checked their messages or services in case I have a problem with the pool when they are closed. I’m not saying the company I went with was the fastest to get back to me, nor was it the cheapest, but it was the only one that gave me a warranty on their installation workmanship!

Once you have all the information compiled, get your calendar out, it’s time to plan the install. Coordinating all of this is not like choreographing a dance routine but it does take a little time and thought. You want to fill out your permit paperwork and check for that. Get the electrician in and completed. Next you want to arrange for the excavator, should you need one, to come in just prior to install. Then you want to plan for delivery of sand and pool, followed by the installers coming in to install your pool. I had the excavator come in 2 days before the pool installers and the day before the delivery of the sand and pool. It all coordinated wonderfully. The electrician came in the day before install. Just be sure to go through the entire delivery of the pool, so that should anything NOT be there you have a little time to get it delivered because you will need everything there for the installers.

 When I did my searching on the internet I found pool coving and padding for under the liner. It is made of a durable foam material that resists heel marks, grass growing up under it and many other things. There are a few different types out there but there is one that is done in one piece and does not have to be taped. I wanted to purchase this pad and put it under the liner but we just didn’t have enough extra funds to do this at the time. There is also foam for pool walls both insulated and non insulated, this helps to warm the water earlier and keep it warmer longer. Now, I am sorry I didn’t find a way to do this. We have heel marks in the bottom of the pool and yes they do make it more difficult to clean the pool.

We did have the pool coving installed and that really turned out nicely. It eliminates the worry of having sand wash out in the coving area. If you can afford to do these two things, do it! You won’t be sorry.  After the installers finish putting up your pool and water is slowly filling it, take a sample of the water to your local pool supply to be tested. They will tell you what chemicals you need and the amounts you need once the pool is completely filled. Be sure to check before the installers leave that the cord from the pump/filter will reach the electrical outlet with a little slack in it, if it is too tight it can damage the cord if you stretch it. Do not add any extension piece to this! The installer usually goes over how your pump and filter run and what to do.

Take notes so you can refer to them later should you need to. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat something if you do not understand.  Our installer and Pool Company would not touch the pool ladder system. It was against their policies and procedures. I put it together and learned the hard way that it takes more than one person to put it in the pool and finish. Always have a helping hand around the pool when tackling something bigger than a bucket.  Now came our big part of this project, filling around the pool base. After researching and talking with the installer, Pool Company, other pool owners and the stone company. We decided to put plastic around the base of the pool 2 feet wide and then cover the plastic with small, medium and some large round smooth stones. In our area they call this river rock in 1 inch to 4 inch size.

It took many bucket loads to go around the pool but it looks fantastic! Plus we have the added bonus that you can walk on the rock and not cut your feet and you don’t have to trim right next to the pool. We ordered 3 tons of stone but we have quite a bit left over. So be sure to double check anyone’s figures on amounts.  There was one thing that I installed into the plumbing section of our pool to make life easier for chemicals and that was the pool Frog system. It was a 200 dollar investment but well worth it. Once you get it set for your pool, all you have to do is weekly shock treatments and change the chlorine pack when needed.

Ours was every 2 ½ weeks, with shocking every 5 days unless we had a lot of kids or rain.  From start to finish, including passing all inspections, our pool project cost under $5000.00 and was accomplished in 2 ½ weeks time. It has brought us hours of enjoyment and kept our kids entertained as well. I never heard the popular; “I’m bored” from either of my children all summer long. Instead of taking a weeks vacation for family time we have had a lot of quality time with our children all summer long. Should anyone be thinking, would we do it again? Yes, I sure would!  

A pool truly is good clean fun!

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