How to Set Up a 18' by 33' Oval Above Ground Swimming Pool

Above-ground pool installation typically requires two or more people.

Above-ground pools allow homeowners to enjoy swimming at home without having to dig and install a pool in their yard. While most pool sales businesses offer setup services as part of the sales package, it is possible to install an above ground swimming pool yourself. Home installation of a pool can be somewhat labor intensive, especially when installing a larger pool such as an 18-foot by 33-foot oval pool. It is recommended that you have at least one other person to assist you with the installation, and the full setup process will likely take most of a day if not longer.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden stakes
• Chalk line or spray paint
• Shovel
• Measuring tape
• Sand
• Rake
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Wrench or pliers
• Concrete mix or formed concrete blocks
• Sifted earth or other loose soil
• Masking tape
• Pool filtration system and pump
• Water supply and hoses

Instructions

1. Measure the area where the pool will be installed. Place wooden stakes at regular intervals along the outline of the pool area to mark it. Measure 1 foot beyond the staked outline and use a chalk line or spray paint to mark the grass to create a second outline. Remove the stakes once the new outline has been created.

2. Use a shovel to cut through the grass and sod along your chalk or paint outline. Continue making cuts with your shovel inside the outlined area to divide the sod into pieces of manageable size, then remove all of the sod from within the outline.

3. Fill the area where the sod was removed with 2 to 3 inches of sand. Use a rake or similar tool to level the sand, creating a smooth and uniform surface for the pool to stand on.

4. Lay out the horizontal supports for your pool on the sand and begin attaching the vertical supports according to the assembly instructions. Use your screwdriver and wrench or pliers to ensure a tight fit on the bolts and nuts used to connect the supports. Continue connecting the supports until you have created a basic frame for the pool.

5. Use your shovel to dig holes beneath each of the external supports for your pool, as these supports will extend beyond the sand-filled area where your pool will reside. Pour concrete or bury concrete blocks beneath the supports to ensure that they will not sink or shift.

6. Use bolts to attach the pool's tension straps to the horizontal supports on each side, then connect the straps to each other in the middle of the pool area. When fully connected the straps should lie parallel to each other and should connect the horizontal supports on one side of the pool to the supports on the other side. Connect the pressure plates to the empty screw holes on each set of tension straps (there will be two plates per strap, one on each side) once all of the straps have been assembled.

7. Place the liner, the steel wall material, and one or two large piles of sifted earth or other soil inside the pool area. Begin assembling the bottom rail in an oval shape by snapping or bolting the rail pieces together (depending on the rail's design.) Bury additional concrete blocks beneath the center of each of the curved ends of the rail.

8. Unroll the steel wall material and fit it into the bottom rail. Once the wall has been placed completely around the pool, use bolts and nuts to secure the portion of the wall that overlaps. Place securing washers on each side of the wall material when inserting the bolts to protect the wall. Make sure that the nuts are placed on the outside of the wall and the bolts are on the inside to avoid damaging the pool liner once it is installed. Place the top rail in its position, but don't attach it fully.

9. Use the sifted earth to build a mound around the inner edge of the pool wall. The mound should be at least 6 inches tall next to the wall and taper out 8 to 10 inches from the edge of the wall. Pack the mound gently around the edge.

10. Unpack the liner and remove its box (and any other materials) from within the pool area. Take off your shoes to avoid damaging the liner while installing it.

11. Spread the liner out evenly inside the pool. Remove the top rail from the pool wall, then lay the sides of the liner against the pool wall. Allow the liner to lay over the top of the pool wall, hanging down several inches; tape it in place using masking tape approximately every 3 feet. Carefully exit the pool.

12. Secure the pool liner using the its plastic clips, then replace and secure the pool's top rail.

13. Set up the pool filter and pump that you wish to use according to package directions.

14. Connect your hose or hoses to your water supply and place the ends in the pool. Turn on the water and wait for the pool to fill. Once the pool has filled, turn on your water pump and filter so that any sand or other materials tracked into the liner during installation can be removed.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a location for an above-ground pool, make sure that you pick a spot that will allow you to add a deck area or provides enough room for lawn chairs or other outdoor furniture that you may want near the pool.

References

• Royal Swimming Pools: Oval Pool Installation Guide (.pdf)
• Royal Swimming Pools: Above Ground Pool Liner Installation