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.