How to Install a Vinyl-Lined Steel-Frame Pool

Clear the area where you plan to set the pool of all grass, rocks and other debris. Use a shovel to scrape off the top layer of soil. Check that the pool’s base is level with a carpenter’s level or transit. Only remove dirt to level the ground; do not add soil, as it may cause the pool’s base to be unstable.

Follow the guidelines from the pool’s manufacturer for the placement of concrete paving stones around the perimeter of the pool area. These paver stones serve as the foundation for the posts that support the pool’s steel frame. Set the pavers at ground level. Place a carpenter’s level on the pavers to ensure they are level from side to side and front to back. Use the level on adjoining pavers to ensure the pavers are level with each other, as well.

Spread a 2-inch layer of clean sand over the base area for the above-ground pool. The sand provides a soft base for the pool. Smooth it level with a rake. Use a hand tamp to pack the sand.

Join the lower pool track pieces together to form a circle or oval, depending on the pool’s shape, following manufacturer’s directions. Connect the base support pieces to the pool track in the designated location using screws from the pool’s assembly kit. Each of the base support pieces should rest on a paver.

Unroll the pool’s walls and set one edge of the wall into the slot on the lower track. When you get the wall in place, connect it with nuts and bolts from the pool’s assembly kit. Tighten all connectors securely with an adjustable wrench. Cover the connectors on the inside of the pool with a layer of duct tape. This keeps the vinyl liner from rubbing against the metal connectors.

Insert each of the posts into its base support piece along the pool’s lower track. Secure it in a vertical position with screws from the assembly kit.

Place pre-formed foam coving material around the inside perimeter of the pool’s wall. The cove forms a 45-degree angle between the pool’s sandy base and its walls and provides extra protection for the vinyl liner.

Set the vinyl liner inside the center of the pool area. Remove your shoes as you work with the vinyl liner. Unroll the liner and work out the wrinkles in it. As you smooth it from the center of the pool toward the walls, hang the excess liner over the edge of the pool’s wall. Clip the liner in place with pool clips provided in the assembly kit.

Add 1 to 2 inches of water to the pool. Check the depth for levelness. If the pool’s base is uneven, pull the liner back so you can add or remove sand from the base, as necessary. Reclip the pool liner to the wall.

Assemble the top rail pieces and the top plates for the posts using screws from the assembly kit. As you set the top rail in place, tuck any excess vinyl liner under the rail to hide it.

Continue filling the pool to within 1 inch of the bottom of the marked cutout area for the pool pump skimmer and return. Follow manufacturer’s directions for cutting out the opening in the vinyl liner and the pool wall. Assemble the skimmer and return plate. Attach the pool’s pump following manufacturer’s directions.

Finish filling the above-ground pool. Turn on the pool’s pump after you plug it into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.