The Three Biggest Mistakes Pool Owners Make With An Oval Pool Installation
Without wasting time, let’s get to work.
Error n. # 1: not correctly positioning the side braces
There are so many different styles of oval pools that it’s hard to be specific here, but in most cases, following the instructions every step of the way will pay off.
Your most important goals are to position all the supports and square them before you start digging. Dig what you need, without too much digging. The less filling, the better.
The oval side straps of the pool must be perfectly level, front and rear. They should all be square from side to side and on one side they should touch a string line. Only then should the dirt be put back around them.
An oval pool starts to look really fun when the straps on one side are not square to the straps on the opposite side. It starts to look even more fun when one side is not straight, such as resting flush with a rope line. That would mean that the other side is not straight either. If they go up and down a little, and in and out a little, things start to get really weird.
Proper use of a laser level, string, and tape measure will take care of this common mistake.
Error n. # 2: not adequately covering pressure plates and straps
I have been answering pool questions online for many years and I am always amazed at how often I am asked about indentations in the liner around the clamp assemblies just inside the pool. This can be a major problem, meaning the pool is unsafe and must be drained before repairs can be made. The liner cannot sit on the bare metal of anything, there must be a cushion.
The problem is usually soil settling around the brace channels or pressure plates. The weight of the water when the pool is full is tremendous, what you put under it must be solid. This means not just padding around the brace assemblies, but packing it solid. If necessary, water, wait, and pack some more.
The other mistake is not covering the pressure plates with enough sand. Some of these things are big and they all have sharp edges. They are very important to the integrity of a pool and cannot be neglected, but must be well covered. Remember, the weight of the water increases as the pool fills, whatever is on those plates will compress. Not only will the sand be compressed but it will also travel into large openings, such as those created at the ends of pressure plates.
Make sure your side brace assemblies are well packaged and well covered.
Error n. # 3: not properly locking the side braces
Did I mention the weight of the water already? Yes, I did, and it pushes the walls of the pool just like it pushes down on the floor. This is why it is important to use a concrete block under the back of each brace. Just as important, these blocks must be placed perfectly level and on firm ground.
I also mentioned the side braces that go in and out when you look to the side of the pool. While the straps may look good before adding water, if the blocks are not solid and level, the straps will come out when the pool is full and will never come out the same. This leaves the pool side in and out. This is not a good professional look.
If you are trying to install an oval above ground pool on your own, be sure to take the time to properly position the side braces. The posts lining the sides of your pool will make or break the end results.