What is the Process and How Long Does it Take to Install a Swimming Pool?

Buying an above ground pool or inground pool for your home is a very exciting time. You've made a smart investment in the health and well being of your family.

Here's what you need to know about pool installations.

Before you Install

Whether it's an above ground pool or an inground pool, the installation process itself can take hours or even days to complete. The good new is that with preparation and a few helping hands, you can have your above ground pool up and running in as little as one day. For most folks, installing their above ground pool take about one full weekend.

But as with any construction project, there are many factors that can influence the overall installation timeline. And before you install, you’ll need to take some time to find the right spot for your pool, contact local construction authorities, and gather your equipment.

It’s important to find the right spot for construction. A flat, level location close to the home is ideal for most homeowners, but it’s also possible to cut into a hillside.

Depending on the significant the hill is, building a retaining wall for your pool installation might be needed. Radiant Pools are engineered specifically for that type of application and is a great option.

In general, you’ll want to install your above ground pool:

• Close to a water source
• Close to a power source
• Close to your house
• In a sunny location
• Away from trees

Before you start the installation of your pool, be sure to contact Dig Safe to mark any underground utilities.

You’ll also need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to install your pool. Many installations can be performed with standard hand tools like shovels and power drills. But you may need to rent some heavy equipment like a bobcat for excavation.

Contact Clover and we can give you recommendations if you want to hire an operator.

 

Ground Preparation - 3 to 8 hours

The most important Step!

First, you’ll need to prepare the ground for your pool.

This is probably the most labor intensive part of the job, and it’s also the most important to get right. An uneven pool will cause pressure to build on one side, leading to a potential rupture. 

The exact amount of time you’ll have to spend excavating the ground for your pool can vary, but it usually takes several hours to complete. If you have to remove lots of rocky soil and roots, expect this step to take longer. A bobcat will take this step to 1-3 hours.

 

Leveling and Pool Assembly - 3 to 6 hours

 

Next, you’ll need to level the ground and assemble the frame of the pool. This is where a few extra hands can make a big difference. 

With three or four people, you can delegate the work to streamline the installation process. One team can work to level the ground while another team assembles the frame of the pool. This will take several hours either way, but consolidating the workload will help installation go faster.

Find the center of the pool. Then use a tape measure and use the radius of the pool to mark the bottom track location. Example. 24ft pool has a radius of 12ft.

Once that is completed, you can level using patio blocks each location of the bottom plates. It is best to use a transit to level the pool. If you don't have access to one. You can use a 2 x 4 that is long enough and a 3ft level.

Liner Installation - 1 hour

 

Once the wall is up, you'll need to install the liner. While this isn't necessarily as labor intensive as other parts of the installation process, you should take all the time you need to examine the liner for tears and avoid damage as you install it. This usually takes a few hours.

 

Completing assembly of pool - 2 hours

 

Once the liner is set. Use a powerful vacuum to suck the liner tight and get out wrinkles. Usually, a decent shop vac is all you need.

Then you can continue to finish assembling the rest of the pool.

Overall, the installation process for an above ground pool can take anywhere from six hours with an experienced installation crew to two full days of work with a DIY installation.

Enjoy the Process!

 

No matter how you decide to install your pool, be sure to take your time! Getting your own pool is an incredibly exciting time and you’ll be eager to get everything up and running as soon as you can. But silly mistakes in the installation process can cause major headaches later. So whether it takes you one afternoon or one week, try to enjoy the installation process and take as much time as you need to get it done. 

Review installation manuals and don't forget studying online! There are so many videos out there now showing pool installations. Don't just watch one. Get more ideas from multiple videos and see which tips and ideas work best for you.

If you’re looking to add an above ground pool to your home, Clover has everything you need.