What to Know Before Installing An Above-Ground Pool

There are a handful of important aspects to keep in mind before installing an above-ground pool in your backyard this season. By going over our checklist of questions to ask beforehand, you can ensure that all of your bases are covered. Here’s what you need to know! 

1. What Type Of Space Are You Working With? 

The first aspect to consider is what your space looks like. How much room do you have in your yard? Is there a specific section that you feel would be best for the pool? How large of a pool can you realistically get? Ensuring the size that you’re working with aligns with the size of pool you have in mind is, of course, incredibly important.

Another essential thing to note is what the surrounding area looks like. Are there a lot of trees, bushes or shrubs close by? Is it a flat piece of land, or are there divots or hills? Ensuring that the ground is level is key, which brings us to our next question.

2. Is the Ground Level? 

Although it might be common knowledge that a pool needs to be installed on level ground, it’s important to know how to establish that if it isn’t naturally occurring. Within the space that you’ve established is your prime pool real estate, it’s a good idea to use levelling tools to find the highest and lowest points. Start by placing markers to represent the varying levels and dig out the higher parts of the earth. It’s always better to bring higher ground down to lower than try to add to the earth. Simply put, you will be hard-pressed to find something equally sturdy as the earth itself. So, to establish level ground, you’ll need to do some digging! Check with the levelling tools as you do this to ensure that everything is where it needs to be. Ensure there are no rocks or clumps of dirt, and establish a smooth base. The next question to ask is what additional support system you will use over your newly even ground. 

3. What Support Structure Do You Have Underneath? 

After creating a solid, flat surface, you have various options to choose from in terms of structures to create stability and reinforcement. Remember, not only will the pool itself be heavy on its own, but add in anywhere from 10 to 20 thousand gallons of water and the people who will be in it, and it will come as no surprise why it’s important to establish sturdy ground. You can use sand, commercial pads, concrete, solid foam, and more. There are many options available, and if you have any questions about which would be best for you and your space, you can reach out to a pool dealer near you. 

4. Do You Have the Appropriate Clearance? 

Another important thing to keep in mind is that your pool will have enough clearance to adhere to the safety regulations set by your district. This will, of course, be different for every respective area, so it’s best to do a little bit of research beforehand. Generally speaking, you will need to keep at least 10 feet of room between the swimming pool and your house, as it will ultimately protect any electrical wiring from possible water interaction.

If at any point you feel like you’re unsure of how to approach these things, then reaching out to a professional to do it for you or simply to ask questions is a wise choice. It’s better to be overprepared and overcautious when it comes to planning for an above-ground pool installation than the alternative. 

By asking yourself these questions and taking the necessary steps, you will feel more at ease, decreasing the likelihood of potential issues coming up later on. And because pools are meant to be a place where you can relax, unwind and have fun, it’s best to ensure you have this peace of mind to enjoy it to the fullest once it’s home. If you’d like to learn more about owning an above-ground pool, download our free backyard escape guide.