10 Tips for Above Ground Pool Installation

New building options for above-ground pools - Pool & Spa Marketing

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Top tips to install an above ground pool - The Vanderveen House
  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1.  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!

The 10 Most Common Furnace Problems

Why Won't My Furnace Start? - Pickerington Heating & Cooling

Homeowners’ everywhere wonder, “What is wrong with my gas furnace?”  If you are one of them, read this article.  Before you call a professional, empower yourself with information.

Every year, thousands of homeowners ask, “What’s wrong with my gas furnace?” If you’re in that situation, this article will arm you with information before you call a furnace company.  Knowledge is protection against being taken advantage of – though most repair professionals have sound ethics.  You will learn how to deal with some common furnace issues.

We are providing you with a furnace problems troubleshooting guide that you can use to understand what is wrong with your furnace.  It also will allow you to be proactive in ensuring that the furnace is repaired before it stops working.   Diagnose furnace problems on your own.

  1. Furnace not working 

This is one of the most common furnace problems and is very frustrating.  If you attempt to set the temperature above what the temperature is currently set in the home and it doesn’t work, make sure the switch is turned on.  If it doesn’t work, the following may be why:  

  • The circuit breaker is turned off; if the circuit continues to trip when it is put back on, the furnace most likely has a mechanical short.  The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the furnace
  • It’s possible that the thermostat isn’t set on “heat,” which is simple to check and fix.  The thermostat isn’t set to “heat,” which is easy to check and remedy
  • If nothing else works, the furnace’s main circuit board/control board is faulty, which may be evaluated by an HVAC specialist.  The furnace’s main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by an HVAC technician if nothing else solves the issue.
  1. Change the furnace filter

One of the first things you want to check is the air filter.  Over time, furnace filters get dirty.  Dirt and dust can quickly clog the filter, which impedes airflow, worsens indoor air quality, and can even prevent the furnace from turning on in some cases.  If the furnace is not working, this can be why.  It must be installed properly as well. 

  1. Check the thermostat

To test the furnace, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat,” and attempt to set it higher than the current room temperature.  Make sure it is set to “heat,” and try setting the temperature at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature.  If it does not turn on, try replacing the batteries.  You may also need to give it a good dusting inside with a paintbrush.  This is part of the annual furnace problems troubleshooting.  

Make sure your thermostat isn’t getting any misleading readings from sunshine, lights, ovens, space heaters, or any other heat source.  This may cause it to think the room is warmer that it is and not turn on.  

Check the location of your thermostat and make sure it isn’t receiving any false readings from sunlight, lamps, ovens, space heaters, or any other heat source.  If the thermostat is receiving the wrong input, it will send out the wrong output. 

  1. Furnace is blowing cold air

This is another common gas furnace problem.  One more thing to try if the furnace is not producing heat, is to verify that it is receiving electricity by switching the fan switch from the “Auto” to the “On” position.  If the fan begins to spin, the furnace is receiving electricity.  If the furnace won’t produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the “Auto” position to the “On” position.  If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:

  • The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line, set to the on position
  • You need a new gas control because it not working 
  • The gas control valve isn’t opening and must be replaced
  • The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
  • The draft motor isn’t functioning, or the fresh-air intake is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared

You may need to hire a professional to replace any parts that aren’t working but you can do the diagnosing of furnace problems yourself first to see what you can repair on your own.

  1. Draft motor running but furnace won’t start

This common furnace issue can be troubleshot as well with a few simple steps. Sometimes referred to as an inducer motor, the draft motor draws gas from the furnace and releases it out the exhaust stack. The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the furnace shuts down, the following may be the problem:

  • You may need to get a new circuit board if the furnace motor has failed The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be replaced.
  • Check for a blocked exhaust chimney and remove any debris A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird’s nests are common causes) must be cleared.
  • One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed.
Common Furnace Problems & How to Troubleshoot Those Problems
  1. Draft motor won’t start

The next step in our home furnace troubleshooting is to address the draft motor not working.  If the draft motor does not start, then you probably either have a thermostat issue, thermostat wiring problem, electrical issue, control board problem or a bad draft motor.  You may need professional advice. 

  1. The flame starts but the furnace shuts off

If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts off without warning, the flame sensor isn’t working.  The senser may simply need to be cleaned well.  Alternatively, you may need to purchase a new one.  If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.  This common furnace issue requires a little troubleshooting.  If it just needs to be cleaned, the homeowner can do it.  Otherwise, a repairman will need to be hired. 

  1. The furnace turns on but the house isn’t warm

Your home should be very warm if you have the right sized furnace.  Ensure that the issue is not just that the furnace is too small.  If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold.  If it runs constantly but isn’t providing enough heat, this is another common furnace problem.  The likely cause is:

  • That you need to make certain your air filter is installed properly.  You may need a new one  The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
  • The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the flow of air.
  • Your air ducts may be leaking if they are making a lot of noise.  Have them sealed as soon as possible Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed.
  1. Check the furnace flame

Your furnace flame should be a healthy blue colour, with perhaps a small yellowish tip.  If you see a blue flame, you can be confident that your furnace is using gas properly. The blue flame indicates that your gas furnace is burning the fuel safely and efficiently.

If the flame is red, yellow, purple, green, or any other colour than blue, contact a professional right away.  Never attempt to fix your furnace flame colour on your own. This is a common gas furnace problem that a homeowner should not repair. 

  1.  Pilot light and gas valve

If your furnace is not working, this may be why.  If you check the furnace flame and it is out, you will need to relight it.  While you may manually relight the pilot, use caution and check your owner’s handbook for correct procedures.  While you can relight the pilot on your own, be extra careful and consult your owner’s manual for proper instructions.

Never try to relight the pilot without first turning off the gas for about 10-15 minutes.  Don’t forget to turn off the gas for around 10-15 minutes before attempting to relight the pilot.  If you continue to smell any gas, do not continue.  You may have a leak.  In which case, you should evacuate the household immediately, then call your gas company and the fire department from a safe distance.  This is one time you should not be diagnosing furnace problems. 

Your furnace is one of the most important items in your home.  It keeps you and your family warm and safe if it is running properly.  Do some routine furnace problems troubleshooting, and you will save a lot of money.  You will also have peace of mind.  

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