Things You'll Need
6 Hose clamps
Flat-head screwdriver
When you first set up your above-ground pool, you may be overwhelmed by the abundance of hoses, fittings and clamps. However, connecting the hoses is not as difficult as it appears. The procedure actually makes perfect sense when you understand the purpose of each hose. Before you begin, read the set-up instructions that came with your pool.
Step 1
Locate your pool's skimmer, the intake basket mounted on your pool wall. Find the hose fitting at its base. Select one of the long hoses from your pool supplies -- above-ground pools usually have two identical-length hoses and a third shorter hose.
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Step 2
Place a hose clamp on one end of the hose. Slide that end over the hose fitting at the base of the skimmer. Tighten the hose clamp by turning the screw clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver, but do not overtighten it.
Step 3
Place a hose clamp on the opposite end of the hose. Slide the hose over the front end of the pump. This is the suction, or intake, end of the pump/motor assembly and usually leads to an enclosed basket. Tighten the hose clamp securely with the screwdriver.
Step 4
Place a hose clamp over one end of the shortest hose. Slide this end onto the fitting on top of the pump/motor assembly. Tighten the hose clamp.
Step 5
Place a hose clamp over the other end of the short hose. Attach it to the filter and tighten the screw.
Step 6
Slip a hose clamp over one end of the second long hose. Slide this hose onto the return-to-pool fitting on the top of your filter. Tighten the clamp's screw.
Step 7
Place a hose clamp on the opposite end of this hose. Attach it to the pool-return fitting on the pool wall. Tighten the clamp's screw.
Step 8
Add water to the pool until it is halfway up the skimmer opening. Turn on the pump and check your hose connections for leaks.
Tip
For smaller pools, there may only be two hoses: One runs from the skimmer to the intake fitting on the pump, and the other runs from the return fitting on the pump to the return fitting in the pool wall.
Warning
Be sure not to overtighten the hose clamps, especially on pool fittings that are made of thinner plastic, such as those found in smaller instant-set pools.
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