7 Above Ground Pool Installation Mistakes to Avoid for New Homeowners (2024)

7 Above Ground Pool Installation Mistakes to Avoid for New Homeowners

If you’re thinking about installing an above ground pool, there are certain things to be aware of, mistakes of sorts that should be avoided.

Pool installation is not an easy job, so it has to be done the right way. If you think installing a pool only involves assembling and plopping it down on some grass, you’re already at a loss.

In this article, we will cover the 7 most common pool installation mistakes that should be avoided at all costs.

Keep reading to learn more why you should choose an above ground pool, and what to look out for.

Why Should I Choose An Above Ground Pool?

Before we get into the pool installation mistakes, let’s cover the reasons for why you should get an above ground pool in the Rochester, MN area.

The Cost

When it comes to securing your purse, and making a wiser decision – an above ground pool costs less than an in-ground pool. In some cases, you can have a fully-capable pool in your yard for a fraction of the cost.

An in-ground pool is expected to cost much more, and it begins with the installation and continues through to the maintenance. So if you’re looking for a good time of watery fun on a budget, an above ground pool is what you want.

The Time

The process for an in-ground pool installation is very extensive and consumes time. There are periods of intense landscaping, formation, and more.

It’s assumed that for a complete in-ground pool, you have to wait 20 times as much as you would for an above ground pool. Why? Because an above ground pool can be done in a little under a day.

The Flexibility

Just as easy it is to install the above ground pool, it’s often just as easy to disassemble and take to a new location.

In-ground pools are 99% permanent, so don’t expect to take it with you to your new home. If you move out, the pool stays.

The Maintenance

If a fault occurs in an in-ground pool, the expert will often have to go underground to resolve the functioning components. An above-ground pool eliminates that necessity completely. All you need is in view and easily accessed.

Therefore, cleaning, washing, and maintenance is quick, fast, and secure at all times.

The Space

When you are installing an above ground pool, space occupancy is not a bother. As long as you know the dimensions of the pool, you can determine instantly if it will fit in your backyard.

And considering the average size is 21′ x 43′ in dimension, the pool can fit in any backyard.

Alright, so now let’s move on to the above-ground pool installation mistakes to avoid so that you can experience the full potential of your pool.

Pool Installation Mistakes

We did promise 7 pool installation mistakes, so we are going to provide exactly that. But, we’ve decided to add a couple more to ensure we cover all bases.

1. Unlevel Ground

The most obvious of mistakes is often the most daunting of them all. Level ground is critical for the successful installation of your above ground pools.

The level ground is the foundation of your pool, so you might as well get it right. Do not dig out the land and install an empty above ground pool. If you have a hole beneath, and you fill the pool – the pool will give in because of the lacking density in equal proportion around the bottom.

2. Untended Land

If you don’t tend after the land surrounding the pool, you are allowing untended plants and shrubs to grow. It might look like you got that whole natural outlook going on, but it can harm the integrity of your pool.

If weeds or roots grow into the pool or reaches the liner, you may have to replace the whole pool or liners, and that’s not cheap.

3. Pool Deck

OK, having a pool deck is in no way a mistake, but the approach to your pool installation and deck installation can cause problems. Having one on top of your pool, and using it as the support for the deck can be. If you have an overlap liner, the supports and bracers may have to be removed every time you change the liner.

That means the deck has to be partially disassembled as well. If you want to build a pool deck, a beaded liner may work better, so you don’t have to remove it every single time.

4. Draining

You should know that you should never drain an above ground pool without filling it back up. This is especially true if it has a vinyl liner. The pool can be drained, but typically only when it is in need of a repair or it is being disassembled.

Draining the pool often can shrink the liner, and wear it out over time. That’s something you don’t want to happen.

5. Lack of Support

Make sure you install a pool with proper support. The sidewalls can become loose, and which point the pool will deteriorate. The support should work not only when the pool is empty, but also when it’s full. You want to keep the water in, that’s the whole point.

If you can guarantee uniform stability for the filled pool, you needn’t worry about issues when the whole family is in it.

6. Using Too Much Sand

Many homeowners remember the level ground part, but what they often don’t remember is the use of mason sand. The sand should be used between the ground, and the pool to ensure a proper level seal all around.

If you use too much, you propose the opposite effect of its intended usage, and then you get unlevel ground.

7. Not Compacting

A plate compactor can be used to pack the sand tight and smooth. The process removes the air particles between each sand particle. If you don’t do this, your feet will sink into the sand when you stand in the pool.

The divots can wrinkle the pool liner, and the liner will have to be replaced sooner than later.

Mistakes Prevented

As you can see, there are many pool installation mistakes that can be avoided, nonetheless, they still somehow make their way as a common occurrence in many homeowners’ lives.

If you’re interested in getting an above-ground pool installed in the Rochester, MN area, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.

7 Above Ground Pool Installation Mistakes to Avoid for New Homeowners (2024)

FAQs

7 Above Ground Pool Installation Mistakes to Avoid for New Homeowners? ›

Never drain an above ground pool, especially one with vinyl liner, when cleaning. Only drain an above ground pool when you need to have it repaired. Draining can shrink your pool's liner and eventually wear it out.

What should you not do with an above ground pool? ›

Never drain an above ground pool, especially one with vinyl liner, when cleaning. Only drain an above ground pool when you need to have it repaired. Draining can shrink your pool's liner and eventually wear it out.

What should I put down before installing an above ground pool? ›

Pour Sand Inside the Ring

The sand is crucial because it protects the liner and provides support. To start, put down a layer of two to four inches of playground sand or mason sand inside the bottom ring. This is where you'll put the pool lining.

Should you put a tarp under an above ground pool? ›

The typical vinyl liner above ground pool is actually designed to be installed directly onto the ground without any added protection for the pool liner. This is perfectly acceptable if the ground is prepared in a way that will prevent damage from occurring to the vinyl pool liner.

Can I put an above ground pool next to my house? ›

There is a national standard that requires that all swimming pools must be at least 10 feet away from the house walls.

Why should you not put sand under an above ground pool? ›

The sand should be inside the pool track, never under the track. If the track of the pool is set on sand, it will wash out and the pool will settle or sink, reducing the longevity of your pool.

What are the cons of an above ground pool? ›

An above-ground pool is considered a temporary addition to the backyard even though you may have spent time and money incorporating the pool into your outdoor decking or living spaces, and your landscape. When it comes time to sell your home, you may find that it detracts from the overall aesthetic of your yard.

What is the best base to put under an above ground pool? ›

What Should I Put Under My Above-Ground Pool? There are many different above-ground pool foundation ideas out there. We recommend installing either a concrete or gravel foundation combined with a pool pad for your above-ground pool base.

What is the longest lasting above ground pool? ›

A steel above ground pool is one of the longest-lasting above ground pool options on the market. In fact, some specific brands even offer warranties of 20 years and longer! Steel pools have sturdy frames and a thick coat of polyester paint for increased weather protection. Resin.

What is the best thing to put around an above ground pool? ›

If you have the space in your backyard, installing a poolside bar, gazebo, pergola or entertainment area around your above-ground pool is a great idea. An entertainment area will impress your guests — or you can simply enjoy a beer or a BBQ in the shade while the kids are playing in the pool.

Should I cover my above ground pool every night? ›

While not necessary, covering the pool each night offers several benefits. For starters, it saves on energy costs and conserves water by reducing the amount of make-up. It also reduces the consumption of chemicals and keeps debris out of the pool, thus reducing the amount of time needed for cleaning.

Can I put my above ground pool on grass? ›

Installing a pool on the lawn: a risky option

Remove any rocks or unwanted debris. Using a rake, followed by a broom, Place a hard-wearing ground cloth beneath the pool then install the pool. You will, nonetheless, have to accept the fact that your lawn will die off beneath the weight of the pool.

Does above ground pool affect homeowners insurance? ›

If your home insurance company considers your pool an external structure — typically the case for above-ground pools — then you'll need to list the pool as an external structure. You'll need to check whether your current limit is enough to cover damage to your pool.

How close can a pool be built next to a house? ›

According to national standards for pool locations, a swimming pool, whether it's a lap pool or infinity pool, should be at least 10 feet away from the exterior walls of a house. As mentioned above, there are practical reasons you'll want to make sure your pool is an acceptable distance from your home.

How far should you put above ground pool to house? ›

Generally speaking for both above and inground pools, your pool should be at least 10 feet or more from your house. This rule of thumb goes for any size pool you may be considering.

Should you take down your above ground pool every year? ›

A: It's not a good idea to drain an above ground pool for winter. Snow, ice, extreme cold and errant debris will likely cause significant damage to a pool sitting out exposed to the elements. It's also expensive and time consuming to refill and chemically balance a new pool full of water in the spring.

What kind of above-ground pools can you leave up year round? ›

Steel wall pools have an inner liner (made of the same material) that is surrounded with a galvanized steel wall and top ledge, providing unparalleled durability, even during the winter. Year-Round Durability: Hydrium™ steel wall pools are built for longevity.

Is it hard to maintain an above ground pool? ›

Maintaining an above-ground pool is just like maintaining an in-ground pool. You need a pool pump, pool filter, pool chemicals and an automatic cleaner. The biggest difference is time. Because above-ground pools are smaller, these maintenance tasks don't take as long.

What is safe to put around above ground pool? ›

Consider Gravel or Rocks

Another material to consider putting around the pool is gravel or rocks. In fact, this option is one of the most popular ways that homeowners use this material. This decorative rock is affordable. It comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

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