We Offer Many Services for DIY Pool Installations
We specialize in fiberglass inground pools. In addition to our turnkey pool projects we also offer our services via ala carte services for Do it Yourself projects.
A few of the services we offer to homeowners, pool and spa stores and anyone else needing help with their pool project.
- Full project install
- Drop and Go: we excavate and install pool and you take it from there
- DIY: you prepare site, we set pool and you do the rest
- Installer services
- Sales of fiberglass shells – Imagine Pools
- Site excavation and prep
- Storage and Delivery
- Fiberglass pool setting
Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.
Pool Installation Process
Step 1 - Pool Layout
When preparing for excavation, make sure that the pool measurements are at hand. Most manufacturers show pool dimensions as to the outside line of the pool beam and not to the waterline. For construction permits, the waterline dimension is the measurement required.
Start by laying out the rectangular frame by adding 3 feet to the lengths and 3 feet to the width of the pool. Measure the center point of the rectangle and make sure the lines that go through the center lines are at 90 degrees. Put a stake or rebar pin in the ground for each measured point around the pool’s perimeter and connect each rebar pin with a construction string. Indicate skimmer location with a 2’x2′ box outside of the pool layout, and spraypaint the contour of the string with a solid line.
Step 2 - Excavation
Proper excavation of the pool is essential. Too much over-digging will require extra backfill material and can result in settling. The excavation should be done very close to the pool size with a minimum disturbance to the virgin soil to support the pool. The preferred amount of overdig is approximately 6″ on every side. Most fiberglass pool walls are tapered, usually 1″ in for every 12″ in depth. The bottom of the excavated hole should be over dug, approximately 4″ for a pool pad. Also, pools with tanning ledges require the tanning ledge area excavated adequately to the depth for bedding/pad material.
Suggested backfill materials are sand, limestone screenings or ½” clean gravel. After the pool base is filled with material, it must be compacted with a vibratory plate tamper.
Step 3 - Pool Shell Pad
The bottom of the excavated hole is now ready for the pool shell pad, approximately 4″ of the compacted base material. Proper pool pad preparation is essential for a leveling process and will eliminate settling and shell cracking.
Install 2″ x 4″ wood rails for the length of excavation, using wood or metal stakes. Diagonal measurement must be exact to ensure the bottom is square. Adjust these wood screed rail(s) to the appropriate height using a transit level. Spread a layer of fill material approximately 4″ deep evenly over the bottom of the excavation and rake it flat to the top of the screed rails. If the pad’s height is greater than 4″, use a vibratory plate tamper for compaction. Next, screed the pad, filling any low spots as you go. Then, remove the screed rails and fill the voids with fill material, careful not disturb the fill.
Step 4 - Setting of Pool Shell
The most recommended method of handling the pool shell is using a crane or boom truck. For pools over 12′ wide we recommend using a spreader bar and 20′ lifting straps.
Set the pool into a prepared hole and check for level. Walk over the bottom of the pool to detect any voids in the pad. As necessary, lift and reset the pool as many times as needed to achieve a good leveling. A good leveling is accomplished by raking the pad’s surface and walking around on the inside of the pool, detecting low spots. Any adjustments to the pool’s elevation must be made before water is added.
Step 5 - Filling With Water, Backfill & Plumbing
Water can be filled to the bottom of the first step on most pool shells without backfill material added against the shell wall. Must keep checking the pool to ensure that it is still leveled. If the pool shell does not remain level, the water should be removed entirely and the bedding material added or removed as necessary to achieve needed results.
With backfill material placed around the pool shell, ensure that any voids at the wall-floor and step-floor are tightly packed with fill material. Once the pool shell is “locked in,” the fill/backfill process can continue. Be sure to backfill slowly and thoroughly. The process of the backfill must be gradual and should work in conjunction with the water fill. The backfill and water should always be within 6″ of each other. Steps and swim-outs tend to droop as water weight pushes the pool shell down and to the sides, so slight adjustments may be needed with the levering device. Be sure not to raise more than intended.
If the backfill is too rapid, it can bulge walls of the pool inward or outward if too much water precedes the backfill. If bulging does occur during the installation, the only remedy is to dig that area out and proceed correctly.
Step 6 - Plumbing
The pools circulation system is relatively simple and can be described as follows. The pump creates a circulation by drawing pool water through the skimmer and main drains and pushing it through the filter back to the pool via the returns.
Ideally, pool equipment is installed slightly above the pool’s elevation in an already designated area. Piping is then ran from equipment to the pools skimmer, floor drain and returns. Piping size will be determined by size and distance of equipment form the pool. We recommend bedding all piping in 3/4″ clear stone.