OT: Above ground swimming pools

[Conesus_Kid]

Okay, who's got one?

I realize that this is potentially the worst time of year to shop for a pool, and I may put this off until the end of this season or early winter to try to save a few bucks; but I'm considering an above ground pool for the family.

I'm looking at either a 27' or 30' round pool.

I'm tempted to DIY this, as it doesn't look too complicated. (I'm a carpenter in the summertime.) But, if someone can install it for less than $200, I'm also tempted to pay them and avoid the headache.

I'm on a well, so I would need to pay someone (or the fire department) to haul water, at least for the initial fill.

Any recommendations? Anyone DIY one of these bad boys? Any common pitfalls to avoid?

Thanks in advance!:hmm5:

 

[*L*]

If you are buying a new pool, I'd say just let the store install it if the cost isn't too high. We put one in last year, and I don't remember if the install was included or not, but they were here for a few days doing it.

Even with what looked like a level spot to install it, they still brought in a bobcat and ended up digging down about 18" on one end to make it truly level.

My sister got a used pool free last year and put it up in her yard and had a hard time with it. The skimmer hole wouldn't line up right, so they had to patch over it and cut a new hole, leveling that spot in the yard was a pain (you have to dig out to level, just filling in to level is not recommended), and by the time they got the pool put in she was sick of the whole thing. And it is obvious when the pool is filled that it isn't level, even though it looked like it at the time.

I guess my advice is, if you get a used pool cheap or free, it might be worth it to put it in yourself. If you are buying a new pool, I'd seriously consider just having them install it. I know I've never regretted having it installed and they did it quickly.

As for pitfalls - I'd say watch the weather forecast, sounds obvious, but with our pool we had a really heavy downpour before the pool was filled enough for the liner to have enough weight to hold down the sand, and the water got under the liner and washed some of our sand out, leaving the liner laying on top of metal brackets. We ended up draining the pool and having the installers come back to put more sand in that spot under the liner (done free of charge).

For an installation tip, I watched the installers, and it's not something I would have thought of, but as they were putting the sidewalls up, they would clip a string to the top of the wall, and then pull it taught and wind it around a stick in the ground to hold the top of that section of wall up as they put the rest in.

And for a final thought, I'd recommend a chlorine generator. We have one and love not having to dump chlorine in the pool all the time. It's also been way less drying to my skin and hair than traditional chlorine too.

 

[Dave VG]

Don’t be intimidated. There not that hard to do. Start with good level ground and a transit for getting the uprights level to each other that’s all. Contract the initial ground leveling part out. I put our 24 round by 52 deep up and have helped several people put there’s up usually in one day with the ground already leveled but no sand down. You have to have 3 or 4 people to help. The instructions show the string technique for holding the walls up. Make sure to do this because the slightest breeze will topple it trust me. Been there done that and had to start the wall over. If I remember right one person was quoted like $700 to have it installed.

 

[BenJay]

I have set up a couple with friends. Just take your time and be level. Many hands make light work!

 

[mynock11]

I got a free pool 6 yrs ago and wish i shelled out the money to buy a new one and have them install it...! i had a friend who installs pools for a living yrs ago put it up had a friend who leveled the ground for me which was almost dead on. but not enough sand moles ladder that didnt come withthe pool and just plain bad luck had to replace the liner 2x after the initial one we purchased. pool is level and still in good condition but IMO buy a new one have them install it and call the local firehouse they always love to come out and play with their hose....good luck. oh by the way im patching hole in my pool this yr and buying the new one in fall and having it installed by the place i buy it from..

 

[andrew2010]

Ahhh pool installs. as a pool installer (used to work for a multi branch co based on transit rd buff) 200 bucks will get laughed at. Most installers charge by the size of pool and do not include water . A 27-30' will run you 800-1500 bucks for install, plus sand(unless included) if you do it yourself RENT a transit level( far .. far more acurate than a board and level or long level technique) and they are 10-20 bucks a day. Printed liners are thicker and are longer lasting than plain blue. a beaded liner is easy for a diy install and cleaner looking. if you can find it buy/use foame cove base instead of sand cove as it will not wash out. water will /can be cheap if you contact you local fire company. they usually take a donation and can be cheaper than filling it with a hose. pay the extra money for a better quality pool as it will last longer. the bottom track is an important purchase point the cheaper the bottom track the fewer seasons you will get. If you get a plastic /poly bottom track make sure it has a anti UV additive so they dont chaulk and crack. as to the buying season now IS the best tme. be aware that most pool retailers will DO ANYTHING to sell you a pool. tell them you want the best but like the mid grade pool price . tell them you want all the extras ( they cost them next to nothing and will be happy to add them to make the sale.) there is a 200- 300 % markup on pools so they will work with you. Good luck and pm me if you have any questions.

 

[andrew2010]

ohh I forgot spend the extra for a salt .. clorine generator. you will love it.

 

[shawna1972]

We got our 24' round from poolmart, and had poolmarts installers install the pool I think we were charged 700.00!!! Our first pool we did by ourself with a few friends (much cheaper)
To bad you were not closer we have a creek on our property and this is what we use to fill the pool every year. If you had some large Barrels you can come and fill up but the fire company is a better option (if they are not busy)

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Thanks, guys. Looks like I'll need to stop by some of the pool stores this week!

 

[mynock11]

Ahhh pool installs. as a pool installer (used to work for a multi branch co based on transit rd buff) 200 bucks will get laughed at. Most installers charge by the size of pool and do not include water . A 27-30' will run you 800-1500 bucks for install, plus sand(unless included) if you do it yourself RENT a transit level( far .. far more acurate than a board and level or long level technique) and they are 10-20 bucks a day. Printed liners are thicker and are longer lasting than plain blue. a beaded liner is easy for a diy install and cleaner looking. if you can find it buy/use foame cove base instead of sand cove as it will not wash out. water will /can be cheap if you contact you local fire company. they usually take a donation and can be cheaper than filling it with a hose. pay the extra money for a better quality pool as it will last longer. the bottom track is an important purchase point the cheaper the bottom track the fewer seasons you will get. If you get a plastic /poly bottom track make sure it has a anti UV additive so they dont chaulk and crack. as to the buying season now IS the best tme. be aware that most pool retailers will DO ANYTHING to sell you a pool. tell them you want the best but like the mid grade pool price . tell them you want all the extras ( they cost them next to nothing and will be happy to add them to make the sale.) there is a 200- 300 % markup on pools so they will work with you. Good luck and pm me if you have any questions.

Im gonna be buying a new pool this year thanks for the tips...!:dance:

 

[Srixon]

Scott.......I would do and did do central air.....

 

[talon4x4]

ohh I forgot spend the extra for a salt .. clorine generator. you will love it.

Not to get off topic, but my bother-in-law was researching one of these for his pool. The info he found said the system only lasted 4-5 years and then it needed to be replaced. The reasoning was because of the chemical reactions that take place would wear everything out.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Went to Ace Swim & Leisure today, looked at a few pools and got an estimate. I still need to do a lot more research on this!

Thanks again for the feedback, everyone!

 

[jansenwrasse]

Its going to cost you at least $60 for the electrical inspection alone $200 would be a killer deal!!! and THWN/THN wire is not cheep looking at $150 in supplies just in electrical (assuming its a 120v pump). But the excavating is most of the work for sure Good luck in your searches!