In Ground Swimming Pool Installation

(Steps in blue are usually subcontracted; red means it's your job!)

1. YOU BUY IT, WE SHIP IT. We've got all the equipment you'll need in stock and it goes out with in a couple days, except for the liners, which are made for each pool individually and will arrive at your door in a week or two.
2. SELECT THE SITE. STAKE IT OUT. Set your elevation so that the top of the pool will be 6 to 12 above the existing ground at the highest part of your concrete apron. (Don't worry; it will all look flat when you're finished.)
3. DIG THE HOLE. This is where Subcontractor #1 usually comes in. It will probably help if you can find one who has dug a pool before. In most parts of the country this will cost $300 - $600 and should take 6-8 hours with an experienced operator. Your local backhoe dealership should be able to recommend several experienced excavators. (1 Day)
4. ASSEMBLE THE WALLS. They go together easily and sit on a ledge that is over dig around the pool. You'll level them with a level or transit that sits on a tripod. Attach the coping around the top with the self tapping screws included. The coping has a receptor slot that holds the liner in. And will also act as a form for pouring the concrete apron. (1 Day)
5. POUR THE FOOTING AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE WALL. This secures everything in place. 8 to 10 inches thick and 2 feet wide. No more adjusting the walls after this is poured. 6-8 yards of concrete. (1/2 Day)
6. PLUMB THE POOL. We'll provide the plans and all the pool equipment. You provide the 1 -- Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings. This PVC cuts with a hacksaw, glues in seconds and can be plumbed successfully by a novice in a couple hours. (1 Day)
7. PUT IN THE BOTTOM. Now is when you'll want Subcontractor #2 to step in. Call a local concrete finisher and sub out the mixing and installation of the sand & portland bottom (or Pool Krete). Neither of these are designed to hold up the weight of the water, but will separate the dirt from the liner and give the liner a good smooth uniform fit. (1 Day)
8. HANG THE LINER AND CUT IN THE FACEPLATES. This is much easier with 2 to 3 people and takes about 2 hours to hang. The liner snaps in the coping and fits the dimensions of the pool. A wet-dry shop vacuum is used to suck the air out from behind the liner, which draws it snugly into place. You will now be ready to start adding the water. As the water is filling you will put on the faceplates. (1/2 Day)
9. BACKFILL THE POOL. Call that backhoe operator again to backfill or smooth out all the dirt around the pool. This should get it ready for the concrete finishers. (Cost should be about half what it was to dig the pool.) (1/2 Day)
10. FINISH THE CONCRETE APRON. Call that concrete finisher back and have him finish the concrete around the pool. A light to medium broom finish works the best and should slope away from the pool 1/2 inch per foot. (1 Day)
11. CLEAN IT UP. Clean it using the manual vacuum and adjust the chemicals.

NOTE: The above is intended to help you decide: should I or shouldn't I. When it comes to choosing the right equipment, our experience has told us that buying quality is always the smartest and least expensive way to go. This will be our advice. Our brands are industry leaders and will therefore be more "user friendly", as well as having better warranties.

Our goal is to see that your pool is installed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. You will of course get a detailed instruction manual with the kit. And we are always available to help you out of a sticky situation. If you ask when you aren't sure, and follow our suggestions, this will be easier than you ever thought possible.