If you‘re planning a pool installation, pay attention to proper planning. Above-ground pools are easier to install with a DIY approach. On the contrary, you need to work closely with experienced professionals for in-ground pools. Plan the pool’s location, size, and design according to your space and preferences. Obtain necessary permits and adhere to local regulations. Ensure proper excavation, plumbing, and electrical work. Regular maintenance with the right chemicals is essential for longevity.
As you plan to install a pool in your backyard, many things could run through your mind, especially if this is your first time. Having spent five years in the business of matching homeowners with local builders and swimming pool contractors, some of the common questions customers throw at me in the first meeting are:
- What significant things should I pay attention to when installing a pool?
- What are the significant steps in the pool-building process?
- What size should I go for and why?
- Any need for add-ons like diving boards, pool heaters, and lights?
- What chemicals do I need to have in place?
There’s no all-embracing blueprint for pool installation, as it all depends on your backyard layout, the type of pool you want, and your budget. However, I have prepared this article to share the essential tips you need during the process.
6 Tips For Above-Ground Pool Installation
An above-ground pool sits entirely above ground. The installation is far easier and less time-consuming since it requires no ground digging. For this reason, most above-ground pools are do-it-yourself, intermediate-level projects.
Excellent examples are the famous Intex Ultra XTR and Bestway Steel Pro MAX. If these are the kind of pool you’re planning to install, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose The Right Season
When installing an above-ground pool, avoid seasons with the wind. The best time to DIY or install an above-ground swimming pool is during the off-season and when it’s not too cold. This is between October and February, when daytime temperatures can exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the ground is frozen, or it’s the rainy season, and the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes challenging to fix the liners.
2. You May Need Assistance
The installation process for above-ground pools is simple but takes time. So, set aside about ten days for the work. Also, it would help if you had to help hands.
Some pool owners have narrated how they install above-ground pools single-handedly, but there are better choices if you’re new to installing pools.
3. Get The Groundwork Right
When installing above-ground pools, you need perfectly flat ground with good drainage. In some areas, your pool must be at least three feet from a side or rear property line and 10 feet from the street.
The safety codes about fencing and electrical installations may apply depending on your location. So look into these areas before you commence installation.
You will also learn more groundwork specifications from the pool owner’s manual and installation sheet.
You also need to put suitable material under the pool. I recommend a level, poured concrete slab topped by a pool pad. This will decrease any rough spots.
4. Consider A Professional Pool Installer If You Have The Budget For It
Installing an above-ground pool yourself can save you money. However, hiring a professional pool installer to take care of the project’s labor may be worth it if it’s your first time and you have the budget. It also saves time.
According to Costimates, an online library of home improvement cost estimates resource, the average charge for installing a 24′ foot round above-ground pool is $2,710. It also depends on where you live and the pool size.
If you purchased your pool from a physical store, the retailer will have a pool installer you can hire separately. This leads us to the next important factor – budget.
5. What Is The Average Cost Of Installing An Above-Ground Pool?
According to an analysis by Forbes, an American business magazine, the average above-ground pool owner spent $2,850 to purchase the kit. However, some offers on e-commerce websites are as low as $750.
The material and size also influence the price. For example, the Bestway Steel Pro is made of steel and sells for around $500, while small-size options like the Summer Waves Natural Teak Elite cost $312.
6. Chemicals And Maintenance
Another integral area of owning a pool is chemical and maintenance. You must regularly test the water for pH, chlorine/bromine levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness using pool test kits like the Taylor Technology K-2006 or digital options like the LaMotte ColorQ 2X.
For the chemical investments, you need the following:
- Chlorine or bromine: These are disinfectants that kill bacteria and algae. Chlorine is more commonly used, but bromine can be a good alternative if you’re sensitive to chlorine.
- pH adjusters: Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.6 for optimal swimmer comfort and chemical effectiveness.
- Alkalinity increaser/reducer: Maintain proper alkalinity levels (80-120 ppm) to stabilize the pH and prevent fluctuations.
- Calcium hardness increaser/reducer: Aim for a calcium hardness level of 150-250 ppm to prevent corrosion or scaling.
You can check out my separate article, where I’ve extensively reviewed all the necessary chemicals for a safe pool and how to use them.
How To Pick A Swimming Pool Contractor For In-Ground Pool Installation
Since you must work closely with a swimming pool contractor for in-ground pool installation, select the company, you contract the project to carefully. You need to consider if they have insurance, examine their previous projects, and confirm their warranty.
With this in mind, you can consider these steps to find a reliable swimming pool contractor:
- You can use platforms like Google Reviews and Yelp to choose a contractor based on location.
- Contact the contractor and observe their professionalism when you review past client reviews.
- The pool contractor you choose has to be licensed and insured. This safeguards you against potential liabilities.
- It would help to get quotes from multiple contractors. This allows you to compare prices. The inground pool costs differ depending on the pool’s material, shape, and size. HomeGuide says the average installation cost is $35,000, or about $50 to $125 per square foot. HomeGuide is a platform that connects homeowners with top-rated home repair and improvement contractors.
- A reputable contractor should be transparent and willing to provide detailed information about how they intend to go about the project.
- The project details, such as timeline, payment, and warranties, should be in a written contract.
How To Properly Install A Swimming Pool Light Fitting For Enhanced Pool Aesthetics
The light fixture type is among the first things to consider when fitting light into your pool. There are color-changing LED lights, floating pool balls with in-built lights, or high-end options like Halogen lights.
If you’re choosing an LED light, you need one that is water and chlorine resistant, like the popular IP68 Neon Flex.
Before starting work, turn off the pool power supply and determine where to place the lights. Popular locations include around the sides of the pool or on the bottom. To pick the best areas, consider the pool’s layout and design.
I recommend that you contact your swimming pool light-fitting professional. But here’s a general step to take so you can be familiar with the process:
- Gather the tools: You need a screwdriver, cable connectors, and waterproof sealant.
- Drill holes: Drill holes in the pool wall or floor where you want to install the lights. However, you may need to drain the water if the lights need to be installed below the waterline. The holes have to be the right size to fit the light fixtures.
- Connect wiring: After threading the wire across the fixtures, connect the wiring to the power source using waterproof cable connectors.
- Use the sealant: Due to the hole drilling, water could escape into the pool wall or flooring and cause damage. To prevent this, apply a waterproof sealant around the holes.
- Test and adjust: Turn on the power, test the lights, and adjust their positioning to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.
Watch the installation process of the IP68 Neon Flex LED light in an in-ground pool:
Final Remark
You need a good swimming pool contractor for in-ground pools. And when hiring professionals, you must know what specific questions to ask them.
You need to know their pool construction process, the quality of pool pumps they will use, and internal and external lighting preferences. This can save you from price gouging or settling for mediocre contractors. I hope this article has helped you in that area.
However, if you plan to install an above-ground pool, you will spend less time building it since no digging in the ground is involved. Also, an above-ground pool costs less, saving you labor fees and time.
If you want to buy an above-ground pool, you can look at my recent article, where I’ve tested and reviewed some of the best options.
Raoul Lobo is a seasoned expert in the realm of home appliances and environmental comfort. As a prominent author at TemperatureMaster.com, Raoul’s passion and expertise shine through in his insightful articles and guides. With years of hands-on experience, he has become a trusted source for readers seeking advice on pools, washers, dryers, and a wide range of other appliances.