Are you interested in knowing how to build an above ground pool from scratch? Stay put if yes. Do you long for a pool in your home where you can just take a lazy dip under the warm afternoon sun?
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Is the cost of a dug-in swimming pool far above your reach? No need to despair! With a fairly reasonable budget, you can still get yourself a backyard pool to float around. It is called an above ground pool. How do you go about it though?
This article outlines some steps on how to build an above ground pool from scratch without much fuss or difficulty. One of the perks of an above-ground pool is that you can install one yourself without the help of professional hands, especially if you follow the steps outlined here.
So, strap yourself in, get your pen and jotter, your shovels and gloves even and get sucked into our easy-to-follow do-it-yourself construction guidelines.
What Is An Above Ground Pool And The Types
Obviously, from the name, you can figure out that an above-ground pool is basically a pool constructed above the ground, as opposed to the regular pools that are constructed into the ground, which are known as in-ground pools.
It is important to know that there are different types of above-ground pools and much as they all serve the same purpose; their differences are basically found in the makeup of their skeletal/support structures.
1. Steel-Frame Pools
Steel frames are quite strong yet light in weight. They are made from galvanized steel, zinc and aluminium, thus creating a steel alloy that is durable. Steel frames, due to their durability and sturdiness, can last for a long time when maintained the right way. They are not expensive to obtain. They are also malleable and can be shaped to different forms and shapes which make for good use when setting up on a raised platform.
2. Resin-Frame Pools
Resin frame pools are hugely popular because they rarely get rusted and other types of corrosion that comes with metal-based materials are largely absent. This is because resin frame pools are made with resin and/or plastic materials.
Harsh sunlight and other natural occurrences that depreciate the lifespan of other pool frames have little or no effect on resin frames. Resin frame pools do not even heat up after a protracted period of time under scorching sunlight.
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3. Hybrid-Frame Pools
Resin and steel are combined to give the hybrid frame pools. This type of pool avails owners of the benefits of both frames. Resin are usually used for the parts that are directly under the sun such that their resistance to sunlight is maximized to avoid heating up the pool. Meanwhile, the durability of the steel frame is maximized in building the base of the pool.
4. Rigid-Wall Pools
Rigid wall pools are made with strong metal walls that make up the pool frame. They are very strong and durable, the sturdiest of all the types of above-ground pools. They are also, by a mile, the most expensive type of above-ground pool.
Material Needed And Precautions To Be Taken
Placement
Before anything else, you will have to ensure you have the right amount of space to setup the pool. This will help you in deciding where you will place the pool while having allowance around the yard for other things related and unrelated to setting up the pool.
Also, having a good grasp of your topography will help you ensure you set up the pool away from nearby trees and power cables.
Local permits
To be on the safer side and the right side of the law, it will be beneficial to check with the housing/building authorities of your local community to know if there are any special permits you may need to obtain and also to find out if there are any laid out measurements and safety measures to be observed that are specific to your area.
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Filter
A functional filter system is a necessary component for all kinds of pools. The basic function of a filter is to remove impurities and alien items from the pool. Bacteria and other forms of micro-organisms in the pool will be killed by the chlorine but the filter cleanses them away from the water. More often than not, filters are chosen based on the size of the pool. For above-ground pools, there are three main types of filters used which are cartridge filter, D.E. filter and sand
- D.E. filters
Using Diatomaceous Earth powder, the D. E. filter is the most effective type of filter for above-ground pools and of course, the most expensive. They are super effective in removing all types of impurities from the water, whether living or non-living organisms. They’re ideally used for larger pools.
- Cartridge filters
Cartridge filters employ the use of cylindrical shaped sieves to trap unwanted things in the pool. However, cartridges usually have a short work span although they can easily be disposed of and replaced.
- Sand filters
This type of filter usually traps impurities with the aid of particular filtering sand. The sand will accumulate over time and choke up the filter system. When this occurs, the filter can be washed and reset for use again. It is the most commonly used type of filter system.
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How To Build An Above Ground Pool From Scratch
I know this is the part you’ve been waiting for, so let’s dive into the actual setting up of your pool. Of course, you’ve already carried out your research on where to place the pool and you are ready.
Prepping the land
In this article on how to build an above ground pool from scratch, the first thing you have to pay attention to is preparing the location of your pool. This will involve measuring and marking the space needed to fit the pool. You can carry this out with the aid of a measuring tape, some strings and heavy materials to hold the strings in place.
It’s time to brandish those tools! Your shovel(s) will be used to dig the marked area. The hole you will be digging should be about two inches into the ground, this is enough to create the foundation base of your pool. If the land is uneven you will have to level the ground.
It is imperative to have a level ground so as to avoid possible puncturing of the pool and also to avoid the pool slanting towards one side. Clearing the land is also important so that items such as rocks, sticks, roots, stones and any other sharp or alien item will be removed from the surface.
Upon achieving a level, free-of-debris surface area, you may begin laying your foundation. Most commonly, sand is used for foundation, this is because of the ease with which it attains uniformity and it is a thick absorber of weight. You may put an additional flat floor padding as it can make your pool liner last longer.
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Get your electricity connections
Wire cables that will run from a GFCI outlet in/by your house to the electrical panel of your pool will be installed next, this electricity source will be used for the water pump and the filter. It will be best to bury the cables underground, about two feet deep, to avoid accidents.
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Now, you assemble your pool
At this point, everything you will be doing will be based on manufacturer specifications and instructions. Now for easy assembling, it is best to put the base in place first then you attach your walls, inner liner, rails and every other thing in your package as specified by the producer.
After your base, the next thing to put up is your walls/frames. Then your pool cove goes next. This is typically patches of sand as thick as 6 inches that go to the inside edges of your pool walls. They are important and serve the purpose of protecting the pool liner from the pool walls.
Your pool liner goes inside your frame, so after setting up your walls and pool cove, carefully lay out your vinyl liner. Check for any damages as you go on but be careful with this one as it is quite delicate.
Other things such as rails, plates, covers can now be installed according to specifications. Before you start assembling, be sure to have every item within reach and in good shape, down to the tiniest screw you need.
Hook up your filter
You have decided on what filter system to employ and purchased it, now it is time to install your chosen filter. It will be connected to your pool pump. As always, be sure to pay close attention to the manual provided by the manufacturer.
Get some water into your pool
Okay, you may be wondering, “Is that it?” Well, technically, it is and at the same time, it isn’t. You have to fill your pool with water until it’s about six inches high then you turn off the water source to check for the evenness of the pool. If the water seems to be gathering towards one corner, fret not, just adjust the base appropriately until it is even enough to you.
You may need to drain the water as there may have been dirt and debris that got into the pool while installing. However, if there aren’t any and your pool looks level enough, you may go ahead to fill the pool. You must note that it may take hours to fill a pool for the first time, depending on the size as an average pool swallows thousands of gallons of water.
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Summary
By now, you know that the first things to take into consideration when gunning for an above-ground pool are: your budget, layout of the land, possible government permits and guidelines, type of pool to buy, size and type of filter to use.
Upon ticking all the above boxes, you then have to ensure the components and equipment needed for the installation are complete and in good shape before you start installing your pool.
Once this is done, you may now fill your pool and pat yourself on the back in excitement for a good swim!
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Thanks for reading!
