
You decided to treat yourself and your family to a new pool. You already know they are a great investment that raises your property value. But more important than that, a pool will bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. Above ground pools are a perfect choice. Above ground pool setup is simple if you follow these tips.
Above ground pools are easier to install than inground pools and you can still swim and splash around. It is essential to install the pool properly following the advice of professionals. Before you start doing your laps or planning your first pool party, follow these above ground pool installation tips.
- Prepare the ground for above ground pool
This is a critical piece of advice since many people underestimate how difficult and time-consuming it will be to prepare the ground for pool installation. Above ground pool installation is much simpler if you grasp the procedure. Above ground pool setup is a lot easier if you understand the process.
Knowing that the biggest job will be preparing the ground for above ground pool installation will get the work off to a good start. Rushing this huge part of the project is not prudent. You want to avoid above ground pool wall problems later on.
Don’t make the job a lot more challenging by adding a hard base material. Carefully choose and prepare the base for above ground pool. Don’t use too much sand. The foundation won’t be stable enough.
- Determining how much grade there is
It will be very helpful if you know how much earth leveling has to be done before starting the installation. Here’s a self-evident point that many people overlook: Swimming pools must be level. Many things do not need to be level but a pool most certainly does. And it’s because of the water. Leveling ground for above ground pools is essential.
To assess the slope of your yard for an above ground pool, mark the area where the pool will be located and thread a string with a line-level over the area. Now, with relation to the line, determine the earth’s highest and lowest points. The difference between the two measures indicates the area’s degree of off-grade. This will significantly simplify the process of installing the above ground pool.
- Clear and level more ground than you need for the pool
When including the frame, an above-ground pool will have a bigger footprint than what its size is. Most models will add 6”-8” (15 – 20 cm) for the uprights and top rails. This is an essential step in installing an above ground pool.
As an example, a 24’ (7.3 metres) round pool will take up about 24’, 8” (7.5 metres) of actual area for the pool and frame. To be safe, clear an area of the yard than you need. Leveling the ground for an above ground pool is a necessity.
- Get the ground level to within 2 inches (5 cm)
After the sod has been removed, your next step is to level the earth. Before doing anything else, make your install site level to within at least two inches (5cm). You may need to rent a level if you are following these above ground pool installation tips. Your time and money will pay off later.
You want the pool site to be level before proceeding. Although this may seem self-evident, some will begin laying the track before the ground is level. That will make everything more challenging. Preparing ground for above ground pools will make the rest of the job easier.
- Make sure the track is round
What we mean here is that you want to make sure that the bottom track is shaped correctly. Many round above-ground pools become more oval as a result of poor rounding at this stage. You want to avoid above ground pool wall problems.

- Get the track measurements right
A metal-walled above-ground pool’s bottom track is very adaptable. At each bottom connecting plate, the spacing between each piece of bottom track is adjusted. This is how to build an above ground pool.
If you don’t get the measurement of the bottom track at least close to what the length of the wall of the pool is, then it will be very difficult to get the wall to come together later on. These above ground pool installation tips will save you a lot of frustration.
- Secure the top rail with clips
Once the foundation and the track is laid it is time to start building the wall. Correct installation will avoid above ground pool wall problems. A metal-walled above-ground pool’s bottom track is very adaptable. At each bottom connecting plate, the spacing between each piece of bottom track is adjusted. Put a big spring clip on top of each upright which will clip to the wall, otherwise you will have to have someone hold the wall for hours during this part of the above ground pool setup.
Additionally, when rolling out the wall, secure the top stabiliser bars to the top of the wall temporarily. This will form the wall and provide enough top support. These tips are a guide to installing an above ground pool properly.
- Tips for installing the wall
The goal is to avoid above ground pool wall problems so follow these tips. The pool’s wall is coiled and must be unrolled before to inserting it into the bottom track. This implies that when the wall is built, it will move around the inside of the pool.
Put something hard down like plywood to roll the wall onto. That way the wall will move smoothly rather than getting stuck in the dirt. This is where leveling ground for above ground pool is important and you will be glad you did.
The wall may be too big or too small, so be prepared for that. You can always trim the wall but you can’t make it any longer so you will have to adjust the track. You will be glad that you prepared the ground for above ground pool installation.
- Set the top rails before installing them
Most homeowners will worry and wrestle in trying to get the top rails on perfectly the first time. Don’t stress if you need to adjust. Some won’t fit that precisely – even for a professional. Check the fit first, then attach them. This above ground pool installation tip will make the process much smoother.
Each top rail needs four screws to attach to the top connectors (2 for each end). Where it screws together is only based on how the top caps go together as they are what hides everything and is the finished look. You now know how to build an above ground pool.
- Wait until the pool is partially filled before finishing the installation
As a DIYer, you have plenty of time. Don’t rush this part. You don’t want any above ground pool problems.
Wait until the pool is half full before installing the skimmer box and return fitting and cutting the holes for them. When the pool is half full of water, the liner is set, so installing these two components has a much smaller margin for error. This above ground pool setup will ensure correct installation.
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the backyard, you bought a pool. Installing it seems like an impossible task, but you owe it to yourself to try. With some elbow grease, and a little time, you will be jumping into your new pool thanks to a few simple above ground pool installation tips.
All that is left to do now is to buy the pool noodles!