Day four: Installing the pool liner
Prior to installing the vinyl liner, wipe down the pool walls and tape the wall joints to create an air seal. If the project calls for wall foam, it should be installed at this time. Then, once the pool bottom is firm enough to walk on (usually by day four) and cleaned of any debris or small stones, the liner should be placed in the shallow end and installed into the copping starting with the corners, making sure all liner markings are correct. Then, move onto the corners in the deep end. During the installation process, make sure the liner is kept inside the pool so it does not catch on anything. Once all corners are complete, continue installing the liner bead around the pool perimeter.
At this point, the liner is now vacuumed into place. To do this, a vacuum hose is taped between the liner and wall panel at the break-over (the point where the shallow end meets the start of the deep-end). If needed, a second vacuum hose can be configured in the same manner on the opposite side. Next, ensure all areas are sealed (e.g. panel joints, return fitting inlets, skimmer plumbing inlets, etc.) to prevent air leaks.
Prior to turning on the vacuum(s), crew members should position themselves behind the shallow end wall corners, in the over dig area, to grasp the liner near the seam at the bottom of the corners, pulling it upward and holding it in place to remove wrinkles.
Then, holding the liner in the pulled position, turn on the vacuum(s). This will draw the liner into the shallow end until the deep end is fitted by the suction. This method also minimizes excessive stretching of the liner. Once there is sufficient suction to hold the liner from slipping, crew members can slowly release the liner and fit it into the corners in the shallow end.
Finally, once the liner is wrinkle-free and seated correctly, start filling the pool with water while the vacuum(s) are still running. After 152 to 203 mm (6 to 8 in.) of water has filled the deep end, turn the water off and install the main drain gasket and face plate while underwater. Then, continue filling the remainder of the pool. The vacuum(s) can be turned off and hoses removed when approximately 152 mm (6 in.) of water is in the shallow end. Then, install all skimmer and inlet face plates following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Day five: Forming the deck
On day five, pressure test the plumbing (if not done already). Then, start backfilling the over dig making sure not to push the pool walls inward. To help offset the pressure of the backfill, the water level in the swimming pool should be at least halfway up the vertical walls.
Clean sand, pea gravel, or small grade limestone are excellent materials for backfill; expansive soils should never be used. Excessive water soaking around the pool to settle the backfill should also be avoided. During this process, drainage of the pool deck and surrounding yard should also be considered. It is also a good idea to leave some excess fill for filling any voids should settling occur.
Next, form the deck using two-by-fours or masonite strips, keeping the same distance around the entire pool perimeter. Screed backfill inside the deck form to maintain a constant depth (between 89 and 101 mm [3.5 to 4 in.]). Finally, mount safety rope anchors and coping clips before pouring the deck.
Day six: Pouring the deck
Concrete for the deck should be ordered a day or two in advance. The deck should not be poured on a day when rain or excessive heat is forecasted as these variables can ruin the concrete finish.
Should weather permit the deck to be poured, first mask off the top edge of the pool coping to protect it and then place the concrete into the forms and strike off the surface with a screed board. Then, proceed with the usual steps for concrete finishing.
Of course, no swimming pool installation is complete until safety guidelines have been met. Be sure the homeowner is aware of these. Guidelines include proper fencing around the pool, installation of safety rope, and required safety warning labels pertaining to pool use and diving.
Bill Wiley is the product manager for Latham International, a manufacturer of inground residential swimming pools and components in North America. He is a 43-year veteran of the swimming pool industry who started installing and servicing pools while in college and then became co-owner of a successful pool company in Albany, NY. Wiley joined Latham’s sales and marketing department in 1983, holding positions such as director of marketing, sales director, and director of customer and technical services. He can be reached via e-mail at billwiley@lathampool.com.
