Everybody makes a video on how to put a pool up and everything looks perfect. But you’re the first one I’ve known to show the mistakes can be made and I like that better. You also show how to straighten out your mistakes. Cool video!!
So true! The struggle of putting a pool up is real lol most people leave that part out..which could help others not make the same mistakes. This was a great and real video
We have a 26'×52", used pavers just like you. Our first set up, the pavers did puncture our liner. We thought we had them far enough out, but nope, we should have kept checking them. One was a pretty good tear. We ended up with a pretty drained pool, from it leaking overnight. We used flex seal tape on the outside and inside. I held my hand on the outside and hub pushed the inside tape flush against my hand that was over the tape on the outside using a credit card to seal it our best. That worked like a charm! We ended up sealing a half dozen holes this way too. We ditched the paver idea, but I am thinking, we may have no other recourse, so thinking we will prolly try pavers again, but bury them with a lot of sand to maybe add some cushion, under the liner, JUST IN CASE. We just had a pool party for our 22 year old. The kids were trying to make a whirlpool, I guess, sigh, our pool had been a bit unlevel for 2 years, but apparently the force of the whirlpool, snapped one leg outward, right in the middle. Fortunately the liner strap held it together long enough for us to get everyone out and brace it with a 2x4, it's still standing, but yeah, instant panic. Uuugh! I just ordered an entire new frame, for $100, ON SALE, because ONE leg cost $60! We have been trying to find anyone that levels ground for pools, but can't. We have hard clay soil, that's impossible to dig down into, we even rented equipment. I'm hesitant about using pavers again, but this is the only solution I'm finding. I have used a jack to lift a leg, and level on an 18'×42", that did work, but we are draining this one since its 7ft wider, and 10" deeper, also we have to replace a snapped leg. Think our swimming season is prolly over this year, so 😥. Thanks for the video, we have had our struggles too.
@@Bellavanacoffee I'm thinking if the ground is too low, burying a paver would be in vain. I'm wondering if placing the paver for height, and burying it, would make more sense?
@@cindygardner251 Yes if you are using the pavers to level...but I don't think that is recomended...not like I follow rules. best of luck, I am sorry I am not an expert to help you!
Your videos were instrumental for installing my above ground pool 12' x 34". I did the pavers like you said and put them in the ground. Yes the pools edges were over the pavers. With the pavers I hammered the ground flat and then hammered the pavers down (rubber mallet). I leveled the ground methodically and slow. Then put two bags of play sand and used a broom to spread them out. Because of these videos I was able to fully erect the pool without any difficulty or mismanagement . On that very day the cousins came over and played and it was HUGE for them as the parents needed a break. The kids got to be cool and all the excitement leading up paid off in the end. The family was impressed that I was able to level and support it so well.
Thank you for your PURE HONESTY, I've NEVER seen a video of all the mistakes, or DO NOT DO'S. and the husband and wife recommendation of NOT ARGUING. We're about to start a set up ourselves and your video was the BEST ONE YET. 😀
#6 - use pavers (yes) (make a cheap water level to ensure they are all the same height) #7 - backfill with sand to the level of the pavers. (Tamp the sand!) if sand is the same height of pavers then no need to worry about rubbing on liner when water is in pool. #8 - get IN the pool when filling. Kick the sides towards the uprights. get on hands and knees and work creases out towards the outer perimeter of the pool. #9 - Cross you fingers :) its never going to be 100% level. #100 - just a side note: As preparation, set up only the top ring of the pool (no liner) to guide where to place the pavers. from there you can see exactly where your posts will go, and if you need to make any height adjustments. Just a friendly hint from a guy that has learned a lot the hard way!
great tips! yes I always get in the pool and "kick " the liner to get out wrinkles and feel the poles. Got it really close this year, video coming soon!
I did the pavers last year (2023). I cut a pool noodle in half and put in between the paver and the pool to keep it from hopefully not puncturing the liner. It has worked so far.
@@LittleHouseInThePineywoods I had to fix the pavers and dig them to ground level but like they comment said you could boost your ladder on one side with pavers but it may make it uneven and you definitely don’t want pavers in the pool 😂
Girl, let me tell you that you are not the only one having many mistakes with setting an above ground pool up. Ugh we have learned so many different things over the last 8 years of buying an Intex pool from Walmart and this year we bought a 24' from pool and spa depot. They set it up but even the contractors that set it up made plenty of mistakes too. One thing I am running into now is we wanted to protect our liner as much as possible because they are expensive. So we did a lot of research and bought extra from Amazon some foam rolls that you wrap around your pool wall inside before you put the liner on, we also had sand on the bottom and then laid strips of the foam roll on the bottom on top of the sand to give it even more soft cushion. Well now everything is said and done and I'm vacuuming with the regular triangle vacuum it comes with and as I roll across the floor of the pool I'm going over those lil gaps where we laid the foam down in strips and the suction keeps getting stuck to the liner and holding like the hulk. I forgot to mention we used duck tape to hold each foam section together so there wouldn't be any gaps. It apparently did not help. Anyway, I constantly have to run to the pump to shut it on and off just to unsuck it. On the low setting it doesn't even suck hard enough and the high is too much. We got a vacuum plate in hopes it would lessen the suction a bit but didn't. Then we thought maybe if we get the vacuum with wheels it will roll over gaps and not get stuck but it still does. So if anyone is reading this, just use sand on the bottom and unless you have one solid layer of foam or whatever you use. I definitely have had my share of curse words and yelling at my poor husband. I'm sorry this was long but hopefully it will help someone in the future to avoid this problem. Good Luck to all.
I was going to be laying those same strips down on the bottom of my pool after doing the sides. God, my wife would be so mad if she had to do what you had to with the pump.. thanks for the tip and saving me from so much yelling!
Sadly foam & pool pads are outrageously expensive now. I am putting my pool on leveled bricks with an outdoor carpet on top. Some pool pads are $47 for thin felt or tarp.
I just purchased one of these about a month ago and to get honest just now got my pad level. As someone who works in the construction industry for a living, I understood that prep is 80% of the project. How I did mine was set string lines 1” higher than the highest point in my property and added roughly 4.5 tons of sand to the slab. I rented a plate compactor wet down the sand really good to compact the sand let everything set up for the weekend and then went back out early in the week and ran my 4 foot level all the way down the pad both ways ensuring it was all level. I’m going to be setting up the pool tomorrow. Wish me luck! I think I’ll be placing wood on the poles as the directions say to keep them all solid. The pump is on a raised pad I poured a while ago. I do like the fact you put your pump on a pallet to keep it out of sitting water. Great video and thanks for sharing your mistakes honestly so we can all learn..
@@kidjeff4304 I don’t remember the brand but it was #20 silica sand that I got from my local pool store. It was about $10 for a 25lb bag but haven’t had any issues with it and the intex sand pump.
I so love your sincerity... I am getting ready to tackle an above ground. First one was professionally installed so the footprint is solid. I just need to rework it. Bless you for all of your patience. Thank you for this honest video.
This is a testament to how tough these pools are. Those photos you showed leave me baffled as to how your original pool didn't burst. Thanks for posting... not many people are willing to share mistakes.
RIGHT. We should NOT have left it that badly off level! And i still have 3 pavers poking into my liner..not good but not bad enough for me to drain until the end of the season. Thanks for the comment. Happy swimming!
The liner does the most work people think it’s the ring and the legs. That’s why you can get away with one of those pools that have a blown up ring of air and no supports. The top ring is just to lift the liner so it can do it’s job. There are fine woven threads in pvc pool liner.
great vid, most people don't show their mistakes, nothing in the pool package telling you it's 5 times harder leveling your ground than putting this pool up. I've work at a pool company 10 yrs telling everyone that pumping system isn't going to do you pool. Great job
Thanks for sharing. We all learn from each others mistakes. I made the same leveling mistake on a 16ft inflatable. But last year, I put up my first metal pool 16x32. A bosch laser level is the only way to go. Best 80 bucks i've spent on my pool. Good luck with your journey!
Laser level for the win. When we leveled our ground for a 12' x 22' pool, it required a LOT of excavating, which we did by hand. My Johnson laser level was invaluable during this process, as well as my 6' level laid atop an 8' screed board. The ground is maybe a 1/2" off at the most.
This is an absolutely perfect video. I love the fact that you’re showing what went wrong. My suggestion on your pavers because I just had to empty my pool. I can’t even imagine what my water bill’s gonna be like. It’s making me sick. This pool has cost me so much money, so on the pavers the reason I had to empty my pull out is because of the pavers being above the ground so it was making my pool liner, kind of rounded bottom versus it being flat on the ground and it started bulging really bad and the long side of the pool top rails started looking like they were gonna fold. I emptied it right away now I’ve I taken the pavers and put them into the ground level with the ground, and then put my polls on top of it. I’ve yet to put water in it, that will be maybe day after tomorrow because I don’t wanna make mistakes like that because it’s costly every mistake is so costly but that would be my suggestion to you sink those pavers next time Great Video loved that you mentioned not to fight with your spouse 💕💕
yes i had to drain too...i am glad you are taking your time on the re-fill to get it right..i wont say perfect cause mine is still 2 inches off level and i do not care haha. Thanks for commenting and let me know how it comes out ok! You are not alone in the pool struggle!!
I agree we put up our first above ground pool last year we put what blocks under the legs the pool wasn't level the blocks ended up pushing into the bottom of the pool I was out there with towels and outdoor carpeting and anything I could do to kind of put some padding in between the wood in the pool.. Now this year we got a little bit more level we're not using blocks but our pool has holes in it for storing it over the winter!!! Uhggggg
@@nikkistahr5908 dang on the holes in the pool liner we used gorilla waterproof tape when ours had holes after year 3 of moving it back and forth. It worked well!
You can use a small foundation jack, a 40” piece of 4+4, a 1’ piece of 2+4 on the pool railing and do one post at a time. Make sure you use the 2+4 on the pool rail or it will bend it. Take just enough wait off each post to work the paver back.
Great tips! Thank you for being brave enough to own your mistakes and share them with us. Personally, I like this better because it really shows it doesn't have to be done by a professional.
Great video. Have had many of the same issues. It's definitely a learning process. Had the same algae issues. Finally bought a sand filter. You are correct! The little paper filter ones cannot keep up. Sand filter and a Floater filled with 4 in 1 tablets keeps our pool crystal clear. No other chemicals to add.
Here's another handy tip: Get some 1 inch thick 4x8 sheets of Styrofoam insulation and tuck tape them together, then put on your tarp, then your pool. Super comfortable on the feet, an extra layer of protection, and keeps the heat in better!
@@mattluongo7763 I put those down and tuck taped them together, and it's been awesome both for your feet and for the liner. I've never taken the pool down or apart since putting it up as well, just leave it up all winter with about a 3rd of the water still in there all winter, and it's been perfect imo... I helped others around where I live do the same thing, and they love it as well.
@@tamilynedwards8388 No, it's -40c in the winter here. You just need to drain it to be about 6 inches or so below the ports that go to the pump. They are the lower ones. You just drain it down to that level, then remove the plastic ports and rubber gaskets and hoses. The pool will be a giant ice cube over winter, but never causes any problems. I should maybe mention that I never add any winter chemicals or anything either, but I also run salt water and a salt chlorinator in the summer for my pool, so maybe the salt water in there helps it in the winter or something??? Not sure... I have a Raypak natural gas heater and the intex pump and sand filter and intex salt chlorinator, and I hard piped all of these things with black ABS regular plumbing pipe, so I just undo those things and put them in the shed, but leave the heater where it is after wrapping it in poly and tuck taping it for a winter cover. The long ABS pipes just stay clamped to my deck, and I remove the hoses from the ends that connect to the pool. You need to use the hoses from the pool to the ABS, because the pool moves and sags in about foot or so at the top when drained that far, and when it's fill it will move a bit as well, so you need the hose flexing ability at the pool connections... But you remove those when you remove the ports for the winter, and just leave the pool in place and unconnected is all. I did have 1 problem in the last 8 or 9 years since I put this thing up, due to the giant ice cube left in the pool, and it was because I didn't have enough water in the pool I'm pretty sure. I only left about a foot and a half of water in it that one year, and it ended up pulling the hose drain port on the bottom away from the liner. It's like a rubber garden hose port for draining the pool, and it's attached to this bigger round pool liner piece that is merged with the pool liner, and that round patch like area pulled away from the pool liner because the ice was frozen to it and because of the height of the ice, it was pulling it or something... Anyway, some of these pools have those drain ports, and some don't, and if yours has 1 or 2 of these, and mine has 2, you definitely want more water in the pool so that area doesn't get effected at all by the freezing and or melting where it will put more strain on it. If the water level is higher, it freezes and melts in that area without any strain at all... It's hard to explain, but it's not an issue at all if the water level is higher in the pool during the winter... To fix that issue, I just caked it with "Marine Goo" or sometimes it's called "Pool Goo", from Canadian Tire or amazon... That stuff is awesome! Just be aware, it is clear at first, but eventually it discolors and gets golden brownish color, so try not to use too much or it will look ugly in time. Works awesome though, so it's a fair tradeoff. In fact, it works so well, it was about 7 years since I used it on that huge leak, and it's never been an issue since, and I have no worries about the giant ice cube effecting it either, as it's been about 7 years now already... I hope some of my naddering on here helps, and sorry for the novel...
I have a 20 ft long rectangular pool. I had a buddy dig up tge dirt and dump sand. My kids & I leveled the sand using a 2×4. Then placed the tarp down. There is a lower side only by 2 inches. I didnt use pavers under the legs. But my legs aren't the ones that go straight down. The design is the U shape which creates a more stable grounding. I bought a bigger filter. Its a sand filter and been great. Ive had my pool for 4 years & is still like new. We live & learn:) hope that you get the paver situation fixed. Its hard to think of everything. I went to open my pool and the water was full of tadpoles🤦♀️ had to drain almost 40 tons of water and have a semi truck deliver more water. Its a pain but worth it for our kiddos💗 God Bless you and your family!
Just got a pool and leveled out the ground to where I "thought" is level. Now watching these vids, especially this one, I'm very apprehensive on setting this thing up.
EEk. yeah...watch it close when you start the water...watch the legs...where the water flows. you will know quickly if it is off level..its hard. good luck! let me know ok? ~Dani
Your experience has given me relief. We leveled and now it’s about .5-1 inch off and I’ve been so panicked. But your videos show it’s not going to completely collapse.
Ohhh I’m sooo glad I found your video!! We have been trying to master this, this is our 3rd year and 2nd pool!! We used the darn wood blocks like told in our pool set up guide but now I’m wondering if we should have used what you did!! We stopped filling and have about 2-3 in of water in now so we wanna fix it before we fill! Ours is a 18’ by 48in I appreciate your honest videos !! Thank you!!
oh yes I used wood blocks once.. I have made all the mistake. Glad you caught yours before you are filled. I suggest digging the pavers to ground level, did that this year and its going great so far and no chance of them pushing into the liner. Good luck!
We bought a house that came with one of these pools. The previous owners didn't level at all. I almost just set it up the way they had done it before. I decided to do it right. We spent a ton of time leveling and then set out pavers. I had the thought that the edges may dig into pool so decided to go the extra mile and burry them. We will start setting up this weekend. I hope to get it close to right on my first shot. Fingers crossed! I have enjoyed your videos. Very helpful.
Congratulations on your new pool! It looks great! As far as the pavers, I take the thick pool noodles and cut them up and place between the pavers and liner. Works like a charm.
This is a good alternative to jacking up the pool but it will depend on if you have space to slide the pool noodle foam between the liner and the paver
@@hilarykershner9018 I just cut the pool noodles in several sections and then cut the sections in half. I have never had any issues with it not working. Keeps the liner off the pavers.
Wow thank you so much for this we just got our pool in the mail today! I was going to start setting it up missing so many things you said. No pavers, no tarp, not perfectly level. You saved me so much time. Thank you
YAY and BURY THE PAVERS to ground level so they won't poke into your pool. LMK if you have any issues. Leveling is hard but can be done. I have a full set up video I will link for you here: ruclips.net/video/LJG07Ez1iQc/видео.html
@@Bellavanacoffee I spent an extra day leveling and re-leveling the legs several times as it was filling up with water because they shift so much. everything is super level and looks great. thanks again!
One thing you may remember is that you have to continue walking around the pool while filling it be sure to check to top bar and make sure all leg stay level. We had to keep moving legs and pavers until the water was pass the strap that runs between the legs. Then we had a mole dig a tunnel all around and under the legs so we had to jack it up using a 2x4 and our truck jack.
I appreciate learn as you go videos that show how things can go wrong. They are real to life experiences that vicariously teaches me more about all the pitfalls to expect. Thanks bunches and bunches for sparing me the headaches.
Awesome, thank you for commenting. I am happy to help you avoid my mistakes. Good luck with your pool set up. mine is done for the summer and empty again!
The best tips I could give - check your local Home Depot for a "rotating laser level" to rent. This tool makes it a breeze to dig-in every patio block at the same exact level. Washed mason sand under the pool is also another good idea and ,again, the rotating laser level makes your final leveling SO much easier. Daily rental is something like $70.
Hi. I haven't read all of the comments. But I ran into the exact problem with the stones against the pool. If you take a big car jack with a 2x4. u can jack it up at the T just enough to slide the stone back
ours was super unlevel and we couldn't move it and spent a lot of money and time putting sand under it. Level was worst! Thankfully someone my husband told us was to put carpet pieces under each leg and boom! Leveled! Was so easy. Coming into our second season and its been amazing!!
Great video and so true. I have been putting up aboveground pools for my kids for years and went through all the same learning experiences. Kudos to you for putting this out, I wish I'd had something similar all those years ago when I started with my first intex pool.
aww thanks Matt. I have done all the mistakes. Let's hope this year I have nothing to report. I am burying the pavers to ground level to avoid rubbing on liner..Happy swimming.
Dani, you are so right about leveling. It takes time to get it right. Slow and steady wins the race. Take breaks step back see what's going on. Video the progress. Watch the videos and see something you might have missed. I liked your post here great info. None of us are professionals at this so no one beat yourself up about your progress. Imperfect instalation sometimes is perfect in itself.
Well thank you so much for the encouraging comment! I get so invested I feel like it’s proving my worth as a parent or some thing to be able to do this right ha ha I’m sure many people feel the same. Thanks again.
I learned a lot from this video. I'm putting up my first pool and there are a million details to know. I've watched several videos and everyone seems to have issues with the legs sinking. I'm putting pavers recessed in the ground with the top of the paver level with the soil. I also have nutgrass which can grow though the bottom of the liner. For this I applied SedgeHammer + Herbicide then put Liner Armor Shield under the pool. I'll know in a month if this worked.
Awe Lisa, I think that could be worth it, plus last longer. Thanks for watching and just so ya know, I got it right this year and have a new video out. :)
One tip to end all these leveling problems: Laser leveler. We set up a similar sized pool a month ago. We have a sloping lawn and had to shave off 10 inches at the high end. We were down to bare soil and set up a laser leveler outside of the pool area. Then we checked that every point was at the same level using a probing stick all around the pool area. The laser mark had to hit the reference point on the stick within 1/4 inch. (Actually we used two embedded water pipes and a board to shave the ground level). Our pool is dead level in the first try. Also you can get cheap pool foam mats to go under the pool instead of tarp.
@@dawnweaver2619 These, f.ex.: www.amazon.com/Wardmason-Interlocking-Swimming-Protective-Equipment/dp/B08KG59Q38/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=under+pool+mat&qid=1625577935&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVDFGUzgwVk1ETFNRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc0MzM4MzJGR1NOUjJFUTA5ViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODM3NzUyMVZJTkRTTkFLTTcwSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl These are quite expensive, though. I didn’t bother to search for cheap ones 😉
Thank you. Season 2 here. 1st was 6" unlevel, paid to have ground leveled and sand base added, a couple of good rains and the pool is as unlevel as last year. I'm at my wits end, may move to another location in yard, this isn't a house we'll be staying at. The expense and permanence of concrete is off the table. Thanks for showing the reality of these "cheap" pools and DIY setups.
right, concrete is so expensive to have done..thousands. thats terrible the sand moved on your pool. 6" is no good. mine was 5" the first time..now its staying steady at 2" off. Thanks for watching and commenting and good luck to you!
Thanks so much for the tips, have been following your videos. It's so hard as you invest so much money and time and you want to cut it off somewhere but can't. I'm setting mine up soon and getting ready to prep the ground. Going to get a compactor plate for flattening the sand and then put faux grass on top so in the winter it is a usable space. Greetings from England. P.s. don't be too hard on yourself, it looks great and you will love it. Next year will be perfect and lots of people won't have your trials and tribulations because you have shared your experience. Thanks for your video and happy swimming
Hey Rich, greetings from the Pacific Northwest! Take your time in every step. Don't rush it just to get it done. If the ground is level the it will help everything else. Go slow, take a few steps back to look at the bigger picture. Make videos of each step you complete. And go back and watch them again. In model rairoading we do this so we can see better than our naked eyes can see. Good Luck Peter PNWRR
Omg girl I am having so many problems I've had to empty and fill my my pool five times this year because I'm having the same exact problem you had with the unlevel the poles sinking in the ground the blocks going into the pool so I no the struggle and I'm having to do this all on my own because my husband is serving out of the area and I definitely appreciate any help you have to offer thank you
yes i understand your struggle. the pavers will help, just dig them to ground level so they don't push into your pool when you fill it up. as for leveling if you can get it 2" or less off level that is great, mine is and will always be 2" off level due to a pipe underground. Good luck dear!
I would recommend using a floor jack to move those pavers out a bit. You don't want them pushing into the liner or ripping out a seam. We had to do this with our pool last year. I am using an overlap liner this year but still want to be careful since we can't afford to replace it at the current prices.
I feel your pain I went through this my first time putting the pool up also. I have also bin In sticky situations with other projects… great job on the pool, you have my support!
Thank you 🙏🏽 soo much for your honesty !!! Everyone pretends like it’s so easy to do this it’s a big task and we all do it for our kids to be happy but it’s a lot of work !!
use a airbag pump to lift the liner they're really skinny and will slide just enough under the pool to lift only the water then you can slide the wood back. it's the same thing or concept as a blood pressure checker.
Tip dig hole and put pavers in the ground so that the top of the pavers are level with the top of the ground. This will lower the top rail and allow ladder to work. Also liner will not hit edge of pavers.
Installed over 2k above ground pools . #1 rule laser lever every upright with a block(2x8x16) broke in half works perfect underneath and use mason sand for your bottom it's 90% compaction. No need for concrete slab if the ground is leveled correctly hire someone with a bobcat and Lazer level....
Use a floor jack and a 2x4 to lift it up ever so slightly and move the pavers back. Get a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 insulation and cut off some strips to put between the block and the pool.
Thanks for showing the mistakes to avoid. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there but this tells me a lot on where to start. Hope you, & family, have a good time.
Use the pool noodles on the pavers to protect edges from distroying your pool. Not the best look but definitely will give you that extra cushion against the edges.
You can add foam to the pavers that way the pool liner is protected. Also I use gym rubber pad to protect fthe bottom of the liner and it provides a good cousioned feel when your in the pool.
I also used pavers for the frame polls. I had the same problem with the liner touching the pavers. I fixed the problem by using a dremel and cutting some old pvc I had laying around into strips and sliding between the liner and paver. Worked great last season and am using again this year. Hope this helps. Enjoy your vids.
You are so cool and encouraging. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your mistakes. It really inspired me to set up the sand filter and saltwater system.
Thank you for posting this. I’m not sure you’re still checking comments for this video or if someone suggested this already but a scissor jack and a piece of wood against the upper rail will allow you to relieve the pressure (lifting even 5 mm will usually work) on your pavers so you can move them away from your liner. I hope this helps.
thank you, yes many suggestions for that. we drained at the end of the season and the damage was minimal, yay. this year all good, just still 1.5 inches off level but I am happy with it. Thank you!!
Hope the pool turns out so well Dani, so sorry it's been so challenging to set up but I know it will be great, your pool videos are some of my fav videos on your channel❤❤❤✨!
Good video. I used and old trampoline mat instead of a tarp and then put a foam mat(2’x2’sq kids foam floor pad) on top of that then set the pool up. So soft of the feet.
Thank you so much for your videos! I thought I was the only one having so much trouble with my pool! It is definitely a learning process. Oh, and last year, I put some thick padding on the inside of the pavers because I was afraid of them puncturing the pool where a few touched.
Best video. Thank you. I'm just looking into getting a pool similar to this and I'm so blessed that your video came up. Thanks for being humble and honest.
Thank you kindly! I have other videos too, this season I finally got it almost perfect! (finally) good luck with your pool, and don't forget to get a sand filter it will save you so much headache fighting algae.
A few things we did last year that we’ll definitely do again this year. We levelled the area, and covered the dirt with a good tarp. We then added 3 layers of large cardboard pieces, we taped the pieces together and made sure all staples where cut off. This gave us a nice soft surface to walk on, and worked well. This works for us because we take our pool down at the end of the season and can recycle the cardboard. We also put pavers under the poles, but buried them to ground level so they wouldn’t touch the liner. I’m glad to see your new pool! I hope to get ours up soon, but it’s still too cold up here in Canada. Great video!
I just now cleared my ground its not level yet. Im wondering should I level the ground then put the pavers down and then level those. Im wondering what to do next. I wish someone would make a video from start to finish with the pavers. No one has done that. Everyone's video is there pool is already filled with water and they are telling you how to check the poles to see that they are level
@@bm3211 you definitely want to level the ground the best you can. This will be our 3rd season and the ground is still a bit off, but not as bad as the first year. We had to drain our pool the first year and re-level the area as it was 5-6” off. We go it down to about an inch or 2, and hoping to get it better this year. Are you putting pavers to cover the entire area of the pool or just under the poles?
@@PS2Steve just the poles. I've spent the last 3 days getting all the grass and weeds up. This is my first pool so everything im doing im doing from the start. LOL. My hands have blisters because I refused to pay someome $1000 to come do it for me. I'm just not sure how to do it like as in what order im leveling it out now but how do I start with the pavers. LOL. I haven't found any video actually installing pavers. I've Googled everything I can think of and nothing says anything about how to install them and how to go about leveling them
@@bm3211 I can tell you what we did if that helps at all. We measured out our pool circumference and spray painted the part that needed to be dug out. We started by removing as much of the grass as possible with shovels, but in the end we rented a rototiller to breakup the ground. Once all the grass was removed, and the dirt was softened enough to rake out. We used a 2x4x12 and a level to figure out the high points, then raked and raked and raked😂 once the ground seemed level, we rented a tampering machine and tampered the ground and watered it to make it solid again. We checked if it was level, and once it was dry and leveled, that’s when we added the tarp and layers of cardboard. We cut and taped the cardboard together and put the pool on top. Once we set up the pool (before adding water) that’s when the pavers came in. We cut through the cardboard until we hit dirt, then dug into the dirt with a small shovel the placed the paver in the hole. Then we used a hammer to pound down the paver to make sure the dirt was compact underneath. The poles will shift as you add water, so you need to watch them and adjust them before the pool gets too heavy. We also use the level to check every side of the pool as it fills to make sure it’s level. Not sure if this was the right way to do it, and the initial work was a pain, but the next year was a piece of cake to set up as I’m sure this year will be too.
Thank you I was going to put those exact bricks up under pool but because of the issue you went through now I am not you might have saved my pool and me a lot of extra time and money I normally don't watch women on here but I'm glad I watched you and will continue and follow you
Last bit of help, Never take down an above ground pool in the winter. Just remove the pump and the ladder and store the pump where it’s warm. Leave the rest of the water that doesn’t drain out the inlets in the pool for weight over the winter. Above ground pools only have an average life of 7 years anyway. If you try to take it down at the end of the season you will shorten the life span of the pool. The freezing cold weather does not hurt the pool. The plastic parts on these pools get brittle which is normal but if you take the pool down you can break these parts.
@@LPS-mh8kx correct! The guy Jay Bee is not understanding the 7 year average so I will elaborate. There are people who purchase these pools and if they have roughians for children the pool can be ruined in a week. I’ve seen it all…kids taking po go sticks and bicycles in the pools. There is also a guy I heard on line he has had his dough boy above ground pool for 30 years! So yes indeed the average life Span of an above ground pool is 7 years.
We used larger paver stones and my husband dug them into the ground level and used paver base under them making very careful to make sure they are All level. We also used large sheets of 4x8 foam insulation board and duct taped them together for base once the ground was level, then added the tarp
@@Bellavanacoffee ..I'm sure you did good and the best you could. We've been doing these pools since 2000. This is our first year with the 24x12x52 though, so I watched a LOT of videos of good bad and ugly lol
Thank you so much for your help! Mine was about 2 1/2 off but I jacked it up and add dirt to help with support on the low side and pavers! I’m about to fill it up again!
Love the saltwater but it does do some damage, went through 4 pump motor bearings and had to prep/ paint frame every year. The pavers seem like a risky move to me, but if you can soften the pavers edge it may work just fine. I put down a 4 inch base of sand, it works but not the greatest. I would definitely do something about the pavers to save the liner. Thanks for the upload.
Hey Duke, is it safe to rest the legs on the inner edge of the paver? The leg will start sliding back and I can just keep pulling the pavers back as it fills up.
Yes, i need something a little slimmer....but I do need something. I was able to ease a few of the pavers back from the pressure they were putting on the pool! You will see that in the full setup video coming soon. Thanks for the tip!
I’m getting ready to set up my pool and looking at some insight for setup. Thanks for your video. I came across this video that might help with moving those pavers into better position. ruclips.net/video/C7PLttDtgjc/видео.html
@@willi4ftramhagans303 thank you. If you click the link under this video there is a full set up video from this year. I was able to pull the pavers back and put padding.
@@ktclemons5569 hmm, I wonder... that might work? I wonder if they would break down from the water weight though? We thought about carpet scraps too. I wish someone had already tried this, so we knew for sure. Maybe I will try it... 😆
We’re in the process of putting one up. I came across you video bc we don’t have ladder instructions. Thanks for sharing bc overall you video is very helpful. 😊
Thank you so much for this! Perhaps cutting down some foam pool noodles from the Dollar Tree and placing on the edges of the pavers could ensure that even if they did rub the liner after settling it wouldn't puncture? Just a thought! Have you used chlorine in the past? I'm curious if salt water would preserve a liner to last longer.
Good ideas! Ours wasn't level last year and it drove me insane! We picked a different spot and now have to dig a big area... not to mention that it's so freaking hot!!!!!!! It will be September before I get thru this project! 🤣
girl you started late! ugh i do not envy you, but yes level ground is so hard to find, it seems level then it's not. best of luck to you, take it slow on the final set up don't rush and mess up at the end is my advice!
Thank you for this!! My husband and I just bought our first pool for our girls, and we can’t wait to set it up. We’ll make sure to not make those mistakes you mentioned. Thank you again❤
Yeah... before filling- there’s not enough space between the paper in the pool to put a pool noodle now if I did it again I would’ve dug the pavers down into the earth a little bit and I would’ve put padding just in case it touched the pool I was able to slip some padding in between the ones that I couldn’t pull completely out. Thanks for watching and commenting good luck with your pool
Nor sure if you did but a drain and fix is best. We have a 3/4 hp or you could go as far as a trash pump and fix. Well worth to just drain and pull them back slightly.
Grateful for your video. We are on our third official pool. I have seen so many videos and you have some things in your video that I have not seen in others
I can't imagine the unbelievable amount of time, energy and money you and your husband invested. Professional pool installers exist for a reason. Also, concrete slabs do not cost a couple hundred dollars. Like, not even close.
Thanks, that means I was right again..as usual hah. Yes we are still thinking we need to drain and fix this. It is my nemesis. But the kids are swimming and happy. :)
Can't speak for US, but in Sweden one cubic meter (35 ft3) concrete costs about $50 if you mix it yourself and about $300 if you buy it delivered ready by a truck... Depending on a lot of things of course.
Professionals don't always mean they are professional. I have first hand experience with it. Those professionals are just hired out contractors that bid to do the job and many of them do poor quality work. Our pool was set up by our already existing pool deck and they had it off by almost 2-3 inches and then used a saw to just cut into our deck on one side to force it to fit and the other side has a huge gaping hole where a small child can fall through it. They installed the skimmer and missed screws and it was leaking, they came out to fix it and sent some crackhead that literally just jumped in and unscrewed the skimmer while the pool was full and the liner got pulled down. When he tried to put it all back and tried to raise the liner he had to use duck tape to stick it to the liner and pull as hard as he can to try to get it up, still isnt perfect and now has duck tape stuck all on the liner by the skimmer. This is what we got for a $14,000 dollar pool. Smh..
I just ordered the Intex Ultra frame 24x24x52. This is my 3rd Intex. Yes this time around I will be getting a concrete slab place in my slopping back yard. I used brick paver stones last year, and I was constantly moving pavers every morning because of the pool moving and still sinking in the ground. I hope this summer is different. Definitely excited. Great videos
Thank you! Good luck! I have a full set up video linked under this, shows me "fixing" the pavers I messed up at the end. Also a full filter set up video coming out this week. Subscribe!
*** PLEASE READ: after being told multiple times, it is suggested that you dig your pavers into the ground so they are level with the ground. I have been able to dig a little in front of the pavers and get them to “slide” back a centimeter to relieve the pressure on the liner, you will see it in the set up video (in description) I still need to slide something in between to protect the liner. ALSO no you can’t get a CONCRETE SLAB FOR a couple hundred dollars. Husband was wrong 😅
I bought plastic cutting boards and cut them to fit between the pool liner and the pavers. They were thin enough to slide in most of them. www.google.com/search?q=plastic+cutting+board&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#oshopproduct=cid:15317513784541025088,pvt:a&oshop=apv I’m going to have to jack up at least one pole because it’s sliding off the paver. I’m afraid to do it myself so I’m checking around for someone to do it for me.
@@Bellavanacoffee Just an idea .... You could take a pool noodle and cut it in half or in 1/4 and then cut them just a little longer then the paver and wedge it in between the paver and the pool to protect the pool liner !
I would definitely recommend you do some research on using sand to level because it can settle out if possible it would be good to dig on the high side and spread sand all over it for softness on the feet but if you just add sand to level one side make sure you use pavers underneath The pole so they don’t sink into the sand and make sure they’re not poking into your pool like mine were
@@wolfgangwunschel-b4p right! That’s why we tried to do it ourselves multiple times. But good to have it done right. And make sure you get a good filter!
@@Bellavanacoffee i'll prepare the site loosening the compact stony soil. i got a 5 beam (4 directions + 1 underneath for leveling) laser device 2. hand, important to get it done professionally. filter 12v/ 65w included in its. price. next year we'll connect our thermosolar heaters (also possible DIY)
Great vid....thanks. One thing I could add....if you're getting algae and don't know how or why...take your ladder APART. If the ladder relies on being flooded at the bottom to weight it down, BAD things can live inside....
Yup, we bought one off Amazon that required water in the legs, other reviews stated they could not get rid of algae, took out the water filled ladder and algae problems went away.
we just got a 12' pool. First erection was like the leaning tower of piza. 2nd erection was near perfect, but rain softened the ground. We chocked three of the uprights with wood at the base, but now other poles are sinking into the garden, so we're going to bite the bullet this weekend and use the car jack to add more wooden chocks under each upright. The idea of a cutting board is quite good. Thanks for posting your video, very helpful..... I wonder at the end of it all, if it's just easier and less stress to get an in ground pool installed......! Cheers
Sounds JUSt like ours! sigh. good luck to you. My kids are swimming so I am happy. I hope you get it level, let me know how the jacking goes, I am afraid to bend my bars, I will fix the pavers at he end of the season. Its not ideal...but its too hot to mess with now !
@@Bellavanacoffee hey! I was able to jack the uprights and level out the pool;. I jacked them at the upright fitting using a car jack and length of 2" x 4". This lifted the foot of the leg out of the grass/mud (can't believe how much rain we had! in previous years this wouldn't have happened!), and allowed me to hammer in a wooden base place for the foot to rest on. I also made sure the leg was level in the vertical plane and then lowered the leg onto it's new rest. Voila! All legs for now, are level and the pool frame is pretty level too. For next year, I'll make sure to use level-flush-to-the-floor pads for the feet to sit on. This is a must! Kids are loving the pool! Enjoy!!!!
Hey I love your video not everyone is a professional and can afford to pay someone to do it we do our best just enjoy life in the end God bless you … and your pool looks great
im just about to install a 16x32 Intex pool. I am happy to see how tough they are to stand up to being filled off level. Wow. I've been in a pool when it broke. Its actually VERY dangerous. I've only been hurt worse in motorcycle accidents. In my case, it broke towards a 250lb sand filter. The filter won that fight and 5 ribs lost. Be careful around a bulging pool like that. Ton and tons of force waiting to hammer you into the ground or across whatever is in the way.
Put indoor - outdoor carpet that has a rubber backing under the pool. It will prevent any small rocks from touching the liner. Rent a tamper and thoroughly compact the soil around the perimeter for the support legs. The compacted soil will keep the leg supports from sinking into the ground. The support legs should be resting on a hard surface like cement pavers. Fill the pool a third full. Wait 48 hours. Check for movement or settling. The weight of the water will not be too much for you to make minor adjustments. Fill to another third. Wait 24 hours. Check for level , fill to full and enjoy. By the way, we have had our Intex 15 x15 x 48 pool for ten years. Hope to replace it next year with a bigger pool.
I had the same problem with my pool liner pushing against my paver blocks under the legs. I slid some stiff plastic material between the liner and the blocks to lessen the pressure points. On the algae, I found the most important thing was to make sure not to let your chlorine tablets run out. I use the ones with algicide( I think most of them are like that). The only time I had a problem was when I let my tablets run out for a week or 2. It’s very hard to fix after it gets out of control, much easier to prevent.
Good luck and another tip dig the pavers into the ground so they are not jacking your pool up like mine..best of luck. I have other videos too. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks for sharing with us .I finished putting my pool up yesterday . I built a solid decking to put pool on hard work b well worth it . Decking 2 foot wider than pool . Also carpet on top to protect liner . Not perfect level 1 square out . .
The ground in my yard is horrible. Lots of clay and debris plus tree roots etc. every single summer I’ve had to re level! So that means drain a pool take apart. Remove all landscape fabric and relocate all rocks that were put out for landscape. Last season I got smart!!! I hand dug a 4” deep trench that was 55’ diameter. I installed 4.5” tall dig in edging. Then I leveled the existing ground and hand tamp it best I could. I’ve upgraded in pool size over the years from 10x30 then 12x36, 14x42 to 15x42. Of course for the prev pools I dug out the higher side as suggested. So after installing the edge into the trench I dug I backfilled it so edging was stable. I decided to grab some paver base. Had some bags on hand so went with it. Spread it using the long deck board with rebar on one end and string on opposite end pulling it round and round got it spread then hand tamp watered tamp again water tamp again etc as you do that it hardens well. But also works as a good drainage too because this stuff is suppose to layer 4-6” thick below leveling sand when you make paver patio or walkway. Then once all tamp down and level placed some 3 tab asphalt shingles a neighbor was throwing out. Then came my landscape fabric. Usually triple lay it but if you don’t have foam under the pool don’t use landscape fabric pins as i have had holes in liner from yes a tiny 4” landscape fabric pin! Then came my heavy duty tarp. After tarp I laid my foam puzzle pieces from harbor freight I had used season prior still in great shape. This time I used threaded duct tape n taped all the seams to make sure they stayed in tact. Then installed pool directly over the foam. It left me approx 1’ of room from outer edge of pool and the dig in edging to be able to add some river rock for decor. I don’t use pavers under legs as my ground is super hard so I get craft wood have used oval and square pieces. Can always glue pieces together to make them thicker. I use liquid flex seal and paint it on them to add a water proof layer and I use those under my footings. As I fill I go around the entire pool nonstop pulling out each leg as I get to it. Once 2” water is inside pool I get in using squeegee and smooth the wrinkles then back to filling and pulling legs. If you happen to pull wrinkles in wrong direction which I’ve done n past it will make it seem like the pool isn’t level cause the liner in a spot will have extra amount at the bottom so it changes the water line in that area. I just left it tho wasn’t a major difference. Then at end of last season I broke my shoulder. Coming up on spring I was terrified but I got my level out and went around checking the top rails and the T pieces and legs and nothing was more than an inch off level so for first time ever I was able to just uncover my pool and open it! Also use in the swim winterizing kit for 7500 gallon pool They told me just use half the chemicals since my pool is smaller and I have clear water come spring. If you wait to long to open tho if weather has gotten hot you will probably have clear water but also mildew from water line to top of pool liner if so is ok use clr mold n mildew stain remover and rinse it cleans easily. Hope this helps. I also modify my pools all of them so far by cutting my liner to make the holes larger so I can use intex large pool fittings suction and clean water inlet can obtain parts from intex corp much cheaper than eBay. And I use intex 2500gph cartridge pump and the zx300 automatic pool vac by intex that has spinning brushes and climbs the walls and is a pressure side vac as far as Over side skimmer I’ve bought many of intex model but got fed up and grabbed a bestway brand last month which works so much better for me as I have bestway steel pro max pool and the top rail is oval so this attachment fits great and has stayed n place since day I got it. No more weatherstrip on the intex attachment part and having to babysit that skimmer the hose is stronger as well the intex model I’ve had 3 or 4 hoses collapse at both ends and then pump is running dry or the entire skimmer basket and all raises up out of the water but not once using this bestway model has it done anything like that and I found it on eBay seller spreetail “used” for 11.00. I also get the intex zx300 automatic vac from them on eBay “parts only” cause intex didn’t sell replacement parts at first but I’ve got 4 total and they have all been new n box and worked perfectly. A lot of people still can’t comprehend how they don’t attach to suction n they think they don’t work so they return them and spreetail isn’t gonna test them out. So even if didn’t work is cheaper than you can even get a replacement hose for the zx300 or a set of replacement spinning brushes. I paid 34.00 twice and then 29.00 then 25.00 and they retail for anywhere from 150-300 new. Also just got big pack of intex size B filters from Walmart seller spreetail pack of 8 for 52.00 usually buy from academy sports but they are 7.99 each there so this was so much cheaper. Just some of my experience and I’m disabled a single mom with special needs child and I’ve done this alone all these years if I can anyone can. Thanks to videos like these and also join Facebook groups for pools too they are helpful. Anyone can do this if they just do the research and take the time
Great video......I actually used a lot of your advice when installing mine yrs ago. First yr we were off by about 2.5 inches, last yr about 1.5inches so hoping we stick to that or less lol. It was a ton of work last yr to level and I cheated a bit with only having blocks on the low side of the pool. No idea if thats a good or bad thing but it worked and nothing broke. So now this yr I have the daunting task of leveling it properly....crossing my fingers. Thankyou again for your info....it was very helpful.
Oh this is an awesome comment. You know my struggles so well confession ours is not filled up yet this year. I’m waiting on some attachments for the new pump but I definitely have some. I don’t want to type feelings because of all that mess and it’s already hot outside.! Anyway, I hope you get a lot closer to level this time and just remember to keep those pavers at ground level so they don’t poke into your pool liner!
I’m a first time pool person. Thanks for a great, eye opening video. Ours is up but no water yet so we can do more prep work. It’s much more then I realized!! I didn’t realize you had to put pavers under the legs. I did see were you have to dig the pavers in the ground to keep the liner off of them.
YES! dig the pavers IN! I wish someone would have told me that. Good luck to you! remember if it starts filling off level...more than 1", start over. Thanks for the nice comment. I have a set up video linked below as well! Let me know how yours turns out! ~Dani
Dani I know this is a dumb question but how many hours a day do you run the filter? Is it 24/7 or less? I’ve read conflicting info And being a first timer I have many questions. Lol. Thanks for commenting back. Georgia
@@georgiagarrison8657 Hey, for sure. So I run mine for 8 hours a day right now (I have the 2800 GPH pump/filter. I used to run it at night, but after some talking with a pool friend, I run it from 6am until 2. If its dead of summer and sunny/hot lots of people in the pool, its good to run it more. Maybe 12 hours 6 and 6? I don't like to run mine for more than 8 hours at a time. There is a boost option on my filter, all that does is run it longer. I think I will also run it at night in the hot summer not all day, just to relieve the heat. Hope that helps.
Dani, thanks so much for all the info. I have a much better idea now how long to run it. I have a 1500 gal filter pump. I read that someone who has my pool upgraded to a bigger pump so I might do that. 🤑🤑 so we’ll see. Again thanks so much Georgia
all good advice ... I had the soft sand under the pool, then the tarp, and that feels great.. except now I'm noticing the sand shift slightly underneath and there are small "potholes" in various areas in the pool... this was my very first time owning a pool (got the Betterway 15' 48") and had a contractor friend set it up for me while i was dealing with back pain (another story for another time)... so he had put small patio stones for pavers, but I found them a little tall and didn't like the liner rubbing against them... so I got 1" thick wood slabs cut and placed them under the feet.. and it works well (I even putt small foam noodles to keep from rubbing)... one of the feet has sunk in a bit and that spot is totally not level, but not sure how to raise the full pool to add an extra piece of board under it, so for now since it's not really causing a big issue, I'll wait until next season. The other thing I'm not sure about is whether or not to disassemble it completely for the winter or not (living southern Ontario, Canada) ... learning as I go
if it gets really cold and frozen , for sure take your tubing and pump inside, and probably the whole pool....darn on the sinking leg..it happens. many folks tell me to "jack up" the leg but I never did it because I did not want to damage the liner by doing that. I always just deal with the imperfection until the next season. This year I got it right, no pavers poking in (dug them into the ground level) and almost level. Best of luck to you happy swimming (good for the back too)
@@Bellavanacoffee thanks for responding...yes, I've seen a RUclips video of someone jacking it up, and i thought of doing it too... it's just enough to slide a piece of board under, but I'm too scared the 2x4 might slip off and rip the liner or something lol i will wait till next season too (our summers are too short as it is to start messing with it). Yes, the pump and hoses will be disconnected and brought indoors, and the majority of the water will be drained, but wondering if i should disassemble the entire thing... we'll see, I'll have to ask some of the experts at the Pool Shop... I really enjoyed your video btw
@@sigmadeltahomevideo cool yes ask around, sometimes I think taking it all down and dragging it off can also damage it. we dont get super deep freezes down here in louisiana but I bring my motor and hoses in!
we are in the process of digging a level space now,,,thx so much for the info and tips. my wife wants it done now but after seeing you vid, she's backed off.
Take your time! For sure. Good luck to you guys. You can do it. It’s really hard to tell if it’s level. But once you get it set up and you start filling it up, you’ll know immediately if it’s too far off level by the way, the water runs once you get an inch or two in there you’ll know how far off you are. (Hopefully not at all! ) be sure to watch the other video I have called how we set up our pool that has some important steps as far as keeping your liner smooth and poles straight.
Tap a bar in center circle, tie loop on string with a string level and from center pull line and run the circle, would cut circle down a few inches to help support your frame legs, ensure you leave and outlet if you drop 3 inches for drainage
Best of luck to you and thank you for watching. I need to fill mine up this year so I will be filming and hoping I don't screw it up any worse. 4th times a charm.
Thanks for showing what mistakes you made. Much appreciated. Don't know how you ended up 5 inches off though. Lol. Always put pavers down just for future reference. Look into a water level. It's been used for thousands of years and is spot on. Thanks again.
Yes I dug the pavers this year! Thank you! haha the five inches I blame on the hubby who used some homemade levels and said it was level. LOL I got it really close to level this year!
![How we set up our pool [Intex Ultra Frame XTR]](/img/1.gif)
Everybody makes a video on how to put a pool up and everything looks perfect. But you’re the first one I’ve known to show the mistakes can be made and I like that better. You also show how to straighten out your mistakes. Cool video!!
I should have dug the pavers into the ground also....thank you for your kind words!
So true! The struggle of putting a pool up is real lol most people leave that part out..which could help others not make the same mistakes. This was a great and real video
We have a 26'×52", used pavers just like you. Our first set up, the pavers did puncture our liner. We thought we had them far enough out, but nope, we should have kept checking them. One was a pretty good tear. We ended up with a pretty drained pool, from it leaking overnight. We used flex seal tape on the outside and inside. I held my hand on the outside and hub pushed the inside tape flush against my hand that was over the tape on the outside using a credit card to seal it our best. That worked like a charm! We ended up sealing a half dozen holes this way too. We ditched the paver idea, but I am thinking, we may have no other recourse, so thinking we will prolly try pavers again, but bury them with a lot of sand to maybe add some cushion, under the liner, JUST IN CASE. We just had a pool party for our 22 year old. The kids were trying to make a whirlpool, I guess, sigh, our pool had been a bit unlevel for 2 years, but apparently the force of the whirlpool, snapped one leg outward, right in the middle. Fortunately the liner strap held it together long enough for us to get everyone out and brace it with a 2x4, it's still standing, but yeah, instant panic. Uuugh! I just ordered an entire new frame, for $100, ON SALE, because ONE leg cost $60! We have been trying to find anyone that levels ground for pools, but can't. We have hard clay soil, that's impossible to dig down into, we even rented equipment. I'm hesitant about using pavers again, but this is the only solution I'm finding. I have used a jack to lift a leg, and level on an 18'×42", that did work, but we are draining this one since its 7ft wider, and 10" deeper, also we have to replace a snapped leg. Think our swimming season is prolly over this year, so 😥. Thanks for the video, we have had our struggles too.
@@Bellavanacoffee I'm thinking if the ground is too low, burying a paver would be in vain. I'm wondering if placing the paver for height, and burying it, would make more sense?
@@cindygardner251 Yes if you are using the pavers to level...but I don't think that is recomended...not like I follow rules. best of luck, I am sorry I am not an expert to help you!
Your videos were instrumental for installing my above ground pool 12' x 34". I did the pavers like you said and put them in the ground. Yes the pools edges were over the pavers. With the pavers I hammered the ground flat and then hammered the pavers down (rubber mallet). I leveled the ground methodically and slow. Then put two bags of play sand and used a broom to spread them out. Because of these videos I was able to fully erect the pool without any difficulty or mismanagement . On that very day the cousins came over and played and it was HUGE for them as the parents needed a break. The kids got to be cool and all the excitement leading up paid off in the end. The family was impressed that I was able to level and support it so well.
Thank you for your PURE HONESTY, I've NEVER seen a video of all the mistakes, or DO NOT DO'S. and the husband and wife recommendation of NOT ARGUING. We're about to start a set up ourselves and your video was the BEST ONE YET. 😀
You are so welcome THANK YOU! also this year we got it very close to perfect, dug the pavers in...I have new vids so be sure to subscribe!
#6 - use pavers (yes) (make a cheap water level to ensure they are all the same height)
#7 - backfill with sand to the level of the pavers. (Tamp the sand!) if sand is the same height of pavers then no need to worry about rubbing on liner when water is in pool.
#8 - get IN the pool when filling. Kick the sides towards the uprights. get on hands and knees and work creases out towards the outer perimeter of the pool.
#9 - Cross you fingers :) its never going to be 100% level.
#100 - just a side note: As preparation, set up only the top ring of the pool (no liner) to guide where to place the pavers. from there you can see exactly where your posts will go, and if you need to make any height adjustments.
Just a friendly hint from a guy that has learned a lot the hard way!
great tips! yes I always get in the pool and "kick " the liner to get out wrinkles and feel the poles. Got it really close this year, video coming soon!
Beat comment ever!!!! Thanks
This comment was way better than entire video.
I have done the same thing..i put a pool noodle in between the paver and the pool...worked great for years..
I did the pavers last year (2023). I cut a pool noodle in half and put in between the paver and the pool to keep it from hopefully not puncturing the liner. It has worked so far.
thats good! i was able to re-set mine the following year and they are fine if in the right place. whew! happy swimming!
Same!!! I used pull noodles there too l. Year 3 so far
How did you raise the ladder to account for the pavers raising the pool 2 inches?
Just add the same thickness pavers under the ladder like a platform.
@@LittleHouseInThePineywoods I had to fix the pavers and dig them to ground level but like they comment said you could boost your ladder on one side with pavers but it may make it uneven and you definitely don’t want pavers in the pool 😂
Girl, let me tell you that you are not the only one having many mistakes with setting an above ground pool up. Ugh we have learned so many different things over the last 8 years of buying an Intex pool from Walmart and this year we bought a 24' from pool and spa depot. They set it up but even the contractors that set it up made plenty of mistakes too. One thing I am running into now is we wanted to protect our liner as much as possible because they are expensive. So we did a lot of research and bought extra from Amazon some foam rolls that you wrap around your pool wall inside before you put the liner on, we also had sand on the bottom and then laid strips of the foam roll on the bottom on top of the sand to give it even more soft cushion. Well now everything is said and done and I'm vacuuming with the regular triangle vacuum it comes with and as I roll across the floor of the pool I'm going over those lil gaps where we laid the foam down in strips and the suction keeps getting stuck to the liner and holding like the hulk. I forgot to mention we used duck tape to hold each foam section together so there wouldn't be any gaps. It apparently did not help. Anyway, I constantly have to run to the pump to shut it on and off just to unsuck it. On the low setting it doesn't even suck hard enough and the high is too much. We got a vacuum plate in hopes it would lessen the suction a bit but didn't. Then we thought maybe if we get the vacuum with wheels it will roll over gaps and not get stuck but it still does. So if anyone is reading this, just use sand on the bottom and unless you have one solid layer of foam or whatever you use. I definitely have had my share of curse words and yelling at my poor husband. I'm sorry this was long but hopefully it will help someone in the future to avoid this problem. Good Luck to all.
Thank you! It is a journey! poor husbands lol
@@Bellavanacoffee I definitely feel for them. lol
I was going to be laying those same strips down on the bottom of my pool after doing the sides. God, my wife would be so mad if she had to do what you had to with the pump.. thanks for the tip and saving me from so much yelling!
Sadly foam & pool pads are outrageously expensive now. I am putting my pool on leveled bricks with an outdoor carpet on top. Some pool pads are $47 for thin felt or tarp.
I just purchased one of these about a month ago and to get honest just now got my pad level. As someone who works in the construction industry for a living, I understood that prep is 80% of the project. How I did mine was set string lines 1” higher than the highest point in my property and added roughly 4.5 tons of sand to the slab. I rented a plate compactor wet down the sand really good to compact the sand let everything set up for the weekend and then went back out early in the week and ran my 4 foot level all the way down the pad both ways ensuring it was all level. I’m going to be setting up the pool tomorrow. Wish me luck! I think I’ll be placing wood on the poles as the directions say to keep them all solid. The pump is on a raised pad I poured a while ago. I do like the fact you put your pump on a pallet to keep it out of sitting water. Great video and thanks for sharing your mistakes honestly so we can all learn..
What kind of sand?
@@kidjeff4304 I don’t remember the brand but it was #20 silica sand that I got from my local pool store. It was about $10 for a 25lb bag but haven’t had any issues with it and the intex sand pump.
This si the best way ruclips.net/video/Id0QLIDs5IY/видео.html&ab_channel=EricC
@@kidjeff4304 masonry sand.
Are you in SC?
I so love your sincerity... I am getting ready to tackle an above ground. First one was professionally installed so the footprint is solid. I just need to rework it. Bless you for all of your patience. Thank you for this honest video.
Thank you Nick, and for your support on the negative comment too :) I wish you the best with your pool!
@@Bellavanacoffee You bet sister!
1. Level the ground
2. Get a better filter
3. Tarp underneath
4. Concrete slab or papers
5. Take your time
Pavers, not papers.
So there! 😂
@@ayoung17huang I was like concrete or papers? Those two are very different 🤣
The sand filter upgrade is definitely necessary. Those stupid paper cartridge filters should be discontinued world round.
@@njad713pmsl oh yes
After watching this video I'm officially returning my pool before I even begin lol
LOL
Lmaoooo
This is a testament to how tough these pools are. Those photos you showed leave me baffled as to how your original pool didn't burst. Thanks for posting... not many people are willing to share mistakes.
RIGHT. We should NOT have left it that badly off level! And i still have 3 pavers poking into my liner..not good but not bad enough for me to drain until the end of the season. Thanks for the comment. Happy swimming!
The liner does the most work people think it’s the ring and the legs. That’s why you can get away with one of those pools that have a blown up ring of air and no supports. The top ring is just to lift the liner so it can do it’s job. There are fine woven threads in pvc pool liner.
You’re awesome. Owning up to your mistakes so we can avoid them! Love it.
great vid, most people don't show their mistakes, nothing in the pool package telling you it's 5 times harder leveling your ground than putting this pool up. I've work at a pool company 10 yrs telling everyone that pumping system isn't going to do you pool. Great job
I appreciate your comment Steve. You are 100% right!
Thanks for sharing. We all learn from each others mistakes. I made the same leveling mistake on a 16ft inflatable. But last year, I put up my first metal pool 16x32. A bosch laser level is the only way to go. Best 80 bucks i've spent on my pool. Good luck with your journey!
Laser level for the win. When we leveled our ground for a 12' x 22' pool, it required a LOT of excavating, which we did by hand. My Johnson laser level was invaluable during this process, as well as my 6' level laid atop an 8' screed board. The ground is maybe a 1/2" off at the most.
This is an absolutely perfect video. I love the fact that you’re showing what went wrong. My suggestion on your pavers because I just had to empty my pool. I can’t even imagine what my water bill’s gonna be like. It’s making me sick. This pool has cost me so much money, so on the pavers the reason I had to empty my pull out is because of the pavers being above the ground so it was making my pool liner, kind of rounded bottom versus it being flat on the ground and it started bulging really bad and the long side of the pool top rails started looking like they were gonna fold. I emptied it right away now I’ve I taken the pavers and put them into the ground level with the ground, and then put my polls on top of it. I’ve yet to put water in it, that will be maybe day after tomorrow because I don’t wanna make mistakes like that because it’s costly every mistake is so costly but that would be my suggestion to you sink those pavers next time
Great Video loved that you mentioned not to fight with your spouse 💕💕
yes i had to drain too...i am glad you are taking your time on the re-fill to get it right..i wont say perfect cause mine is still 2 inches off level and i do not care haha. Thanks for commenting and let me know how it comes out ok! You are not alone in the pool struggle!!
So refreshing to see a genuine story of how to set up a pool like this. Plain truth, same time excellent showcase of how to do it and what not to do!
Thank you so much! Ah perfection is an illusion especially in the above ground pool world. Hope you stay tuned.
I agree we put up our first above ground pool last year we put what blocks under the legs the pool wasn't level the blocks ended up pushing into the bottom of the pool I was out there with towels and outdoor carpeting and anything I could do to kind of put some padding in between the wood in the pool.. Now this year we got a little bit more level we're not using blocks but our pool has holes in it for storing it over the winter!!! Uhggggg
@@nikkistahr5908 dang on the holes in the pool liner we used gorilla waterproof tape when ours had holes after year 3 of moving it back and forth. It worked well!
You can use a small foundation jack, a 40” piece of 4+4, a 1’ piece of 2+4 on the pool railing and do one post at a time. Make sure you use the 2+4 on the pool rail or it will bend it. Take just enough wait off each post to work the paver back.
Great tips! Thank you for being brave enough to own your mistakes and share them with us. Personally, I like this better because it really shows it doesn't have to be done by a professional.
Thanks to you! Happy swimming !
Great video. Have had many of the same issues. It's definitely a learning process. Had the same algae issues. Finally bought a sand filter. You are correct! The little paper filter ones cannot keep up. Sand filter and a Floater filled with 4 in 1 tablets keeps our pool crystal clear. No other chemicals to add.
Awesome and thank you for the comment!
Here's another handy tip:
Get some 1 inch thick 4x8 sheets of Styrofoam insulation and tuck tape them together, then put on your tarp, then your pool.
Super comfortable on the feet, an extra layer of protection, and keeps the heat in better!
dude that's a good idea I've been looking for an inexpensive option. I don't trust a tarp by itself.
@@mattluongo7763 I put those down and tuck taped them together, and it's been awesome both for your feet and for the liner. I've never taken the pool down or apart since putting it up as well, just leave it up all winter with about a 3rd of the water still in there all winter, and it's been perfect imo...
I helped others around where I live do the same thing, and they love it as well.
Nice!
@@slakjawnotsayin5451 Do you live in a warmer climate for winter?
@@tamilynedwards8388 No, it's -40c in the winter here.
You just need to drain it to be about 6 inches or so below the ports that go to the pump. They are the lower ones.
You just drain it down to that level, then remove the plastic ports and rubber gaskets and hoses.
The pool will be a giant ice cube over winter, but never causes any problems.
I should maybe mention that I never add any winter chemicals or anything either, but I also run salt water and a salt chlorinator in the summer for my pool, so maybe the salt water in there helps it in the winter or something??? Not sure...
I have a Raypak natural gas heater and the intex pump and sand filter and intex salt chlorinator, and I hard piped all of these things with black ABS regular plumbing pipe, so I just undo those things and put them in the shed, but leave the heater where it is after wrapping it in poly and tuck taping it for a winter cover.
The long ABS pipes just stay clamped to my deck, and I remove the hoses from the ends that connect to the pool. You need to use the hoses from the pool to the ABS, because the pool moves and sags in about foot or so at the top when drained that far, and when it's fill it will move a bit as well, so you need the hose flexing ability at the pool connections... But you remove those when you remove the ports for the winter, and just leave the pool in place and unconnected is all.
I did have 1 problem in the last 8 or 9 years since I put this thing up, due to the giant ice cube left in the pool, and it was because I didn't have enough water in the pool I'm pretty sure. I only left about a foot and a half of water in it that one year, and it ended up pulling the hose drain port on the bottom away from the liner. It's like a rubber garden hose port for draining the pool, and it's attached to this bigger round pool liner piece that is merged with the pool liner, and that round patch like area pulled away from the pool liner because the ice was frozen to it and because of the height of the ice, it was pulling it or something...
Anyway, some of these pools have those drain ports, and some don't, and if yours has 1 or 2 of these, and mine has 2, you definitely want more water in the pool so that area doesn't get effected at all by the freezing and or melting where it will put more strain on it. If the water level is higher, it freezes and melts in that area without any strain at all... It's hard to explain, but it's not an issue at all if the water level is higher in the pool during the winter...
To fix that issue, I just caked it with "Marine Goo" or sometimes it's called "Pool Goo", from Canadian Tire or amazon... That stuff is awesome! Just be aware, it is clear at first, but eventually it discolors and gets golden brownish color, so try not to use too much or it will look ugly in time. Works awesome though, so it's a fair tradeoff.
In fact, it works so well, it was about 7 years since I used it on that huge leak, and it's never been an issue since, and I have no worries about the giant ice cube effecting it either, as it's been about 7 years now already...
I hope some of my naddering on here helps, and sorry for the novel...
I have a 20 ft long rectangular pool. I had a buddy dig up tge dirt and dump sand. My kids & I leveled the sand using a 2×4. Then placed the tarp down. There is a lower side only by 2 inches. I didnt use pavers under the legs. But my legs aren't the ones that go straight down. The design is the U shape which creates a more stable grounding. I bought a bigger filter. Its a sand filter and been great. Ive had my pool for 4 years & is still like new. We live & learn:) hope that you get the paver situation fixed. Its hard to think of everything. I went to open my pool and the water was full of tadpoles🤦♀️ had to drain almost 40 tons of water and have a semi truck deliver more water. Its a pain but worth it for our kiddos💗 God Bless you and your family!
Aww thank you!
Just got a pool and leveled out the ground to where I "thought" is level. Now watching these vids, especially this one, I'm very apprehensive on setting this thing up.
EEk. yeah...watch it close when you start the water...watch the legs...where the water flows. you will know quickly if it is off level..its hard. good luck! let me know ok? ~Dani
Your experience has given me relief. We leveled and now it’s about .5-1 inch off and I’ve been so panicked. But your videos show it’s not going to completely collapse.
.5 to 1" you did AWESOME 2" is the factory recc most to be off level. HIGH FIVE!
Oh really? I thought it had to be completely level. Now I feel even better!
Ours is like 3 inches off and we've been panicking whether we should take it down early or not 🙄
Ohhh I’m sooo glad I found your video!! We have been trying to master this, this is our 3rd year and 2nd pool!! We used the darn wood blocks like told in our pool set up guide but now I’m wondering if we should have used what you did!! We stopped filling and have about 2-3 in of water in now so we wanna fix it before we fill! Ours is a 18’ by 48in I appreciate your honest videos !! Thank you!!
oh yes I used wood blocks once.. I have made all the mistake. Glad you caught yours before you are filled. I suggest digging the pavers to ground level, did that this year and its going great so far and no chance of them pushing into the liner. Good luck!
We bought a house that came with one of these pools. The previous owners didn't level at all. I almost just set it up the way they had done it before. I decided to do it right. We spent a ton of time leveling and then set out pavers. I had the thought that the edges may dig into pool so decided to go the extra mile and burry them. We will start setting up this weekend. I hope to get it close to right on my first shot. Fingers crossed! I have enjoyed your videos. Very helpful.
Oh my! I can't wait to hear from you. Best of luck sounds like you are doing things right. Thanks for the comment! ~Dani
Congratulations on your new pool! It looks great! As far as the pavers, I take the thick pool noodles and cut them up and place between the pavers and liner. Works like a charm.
This is a good alternative to jacking up the pool but it will depend on if you have space to slide the pool noodle foam between the liner and the paver
@@hilarykershner9018 I just cut the pool noodles in several sections and then cut the sections in half. I have never had any issues with it not working. Keeps the liner off the pavers.
I had the same problem last pool noodles work great did it last yr and this yr never had a problem 😊
Wow thank you so much for this we just got our pool in the mail today! I was going to start setting it up missing so many things you said. No pavers, no tarp, not perfectly level. You saved me so much time. Thank you
YAY and BURY THE PAVERS to ground level so they won't poke into your pool. LMK if you have any issues. Leveling is hard but can be done. I have a full set up video I will link for you here: ruclips.net/video/LJG07Ez1iQc/видео.html
@@Bellavanacoffee I spent an extra day leveling and re-leveling the legs several times as it was filling up with water because they shift so much. everything is super level and looks great. thanks again!
@@tommyvaughn2048 amazing!
One thing you may remember is that you have to continue walking around the pool while filling it be sure to check to top bar and make sure all leg stay level. We had to keep moving legs and pavers until the water was pass the strap that runs between the legs. Then we had a mole dig a tunnel all around and under the legs so we had to jack it up using a 2x4 and our truck jack.
I appreciate learn as you go videos that show how things can go wrong. They are real to life experiences that vicariously teaches me more about all the pitfalls to expect. Thanks bunches and bunches for sparing me the headaches.
Awesome, thank you for commenting. I am happy to help you avoid my mistakes. Good luck with your pool set up. mine is done for the summer and empty again!
The best tips I could give - check your local Home Depot for a "rotating laser level" to rent. This tool makes it a breeze to dig-in every patio block at the same exact level. Washed mason sand under the pool is also another good idea and ,again, the rotating laser level makes your final leveling SO much easier. Daily rental is something like $70.
Great tip!
Hi. I haven't read all of the comments. But I ran into the exact problem with the stones against the pool. If you take a big car jack with a 2x4. u can jack it up at the T just enough to slide the stone back
ours was super unlevel and we couldn't move it and spent a lot of money and time putting sand under it. Level was worst! Thankfully someone my husband told us was to put carpet pieces under each leg and boom! Leveled! Was so easy. Coming into our second season and its been amazing!!
Great video and so true. I have been putting up aboveground pools for my kids for years and went through all the same learning experiences. Kudos to you for putting this out, I wish I'd had something similar all those years ago when I started with my first intex pool.
aww thanks Matt. I have done all the mistakes. Let's hope this year I have nothing to report. I am burying the pavers to ground level to avoid rubbing on liner..Happy swimming.
Dani, you are so right about leveling. It takes time to get it right. Slow and steady wins the race. Take breaks step back see what's going on. Video the progress. Watch the videos and see something you might have missed. I liked your post here great info. None of us are professionals at this so no one beat yourself up about your progress. Imperfect instalation sometimes is perfect in itself.
Well thank you so much for the encouraging comment! I get so invested I feel like it’s proving my worth as a parent or some thing to be able to do this right ha ha I’m sure many people feel the same. Thanks again.
Ps rip city? My family is from Portland. I was born in bend ✌️
I learned a lot from this video. I'm putting up my first pool and there are a million details to know. I've watched several videos and everyone seems to have issues with the legs sinking. I'm putting pavers recessed in the ground with the top of the paver level with the soil. I also have nutgrass which can grow though the bottom of the liner. For this I applied SedgeHammer + Herbicide then put Liner Armor Shield under the pool. I'll know in a month if this worked.
keep us posted, sounds like you got it right!
Did it work?
As I'm watching this I've decided to look at having a real AGP professionally installed. My anxiety is at 11 now. Thanks!
Awe Lisa, I think that could be worth it, plus last longer. Thanks for watching and just so ya know, I got it right this year and have a new video out. :)
One tip to end all these leveling problems: Laser leveler.
We set up a similar sized pool a month ago. We have a sloping lawn and had to shave off 10 inches at the high end. We were down to bare soil and set up a laser leveler outside of the pool area. Then we checked that every point was at the same level using a probing stick all around the pool area. The laser mark had to hit the reference point on the stick within 1/4 inch. (Actually we used two embedded water pipes and a board to shave the ground level).
Our pool is dead level in the first try.
Also you can get cheap pool foam mats to go under the pool instead of tarp.
Yes! Laser level!! for sure! sigh....good for you though!! thanks for watching!
What are the foam mats you are talking about?
@@dawnweaver2619 These, f.ex.:
www.amazon.com/Wardmason-Interlocking-Swimming-Protective-Equipment/dp/B08KG59Q38/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=under+pool+mat&qid=1625577935&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVDFGUzgwVk1ETFNRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc0MzM4MzJGR1NOUjJFUTA5ViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODM3NzUyMVZJTkRTTkFLTTcwSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
These are quite expensive, though. I didn’t bother to search for cheap ones 😉
@@dawnweaver2619 insulation foam boards are great for a base instead of sand it's soft surface inside pool helps keep the pool insulated
Thank you. Season 2 here. 1st was 6" unlevel, paid to have ground leveled and sand base added, a couple of good rains and the pool is as unlevel as last year. I'm at my wits end, may move to another location in yard, this isn't a house we'll be staying at. The expense and permanence of concrete is off the table. Thanks for showing the reality of these "cheap" pools and DIY setups.
right, concrete is so expensive to have done..thousands. thats terrible the sand moved on your pool. 6" is no good. mine was 5" the first time..now its staying steady at 2" off. Thanks for watching and commenting and good luck to you!
Thanks so much for the tips, have been following your videos. It's so hard as you invest so much money and time and you want to cut it off somewhere but can't. I'm setting mine up soon and getting ready to prep the ground. Going to get a compactor plate for flattening the sand and then put faux grass on top so in the winter it is a usable space. Greetings from England.
P.s. don't be too hard on yourself, it looks great and you will love it. Next year will be perfect and lots of people won't have your trials and tribulations because you have shared your experience. Thanks for your video and happy swimming
Thank you so much! I wish you the best in your pool set up! England...awesome!
Hey Rich, greetings from the Pacific Northwest! Take your time in every step. Don't rush it just to get it done. If the ground is level the it will help everything else. Go slow, take a few steps back to look at the bigger picture. Make videos of each step you complete. And go back and watch them again. In model rairoading we do this so we can see better than our naked eyes can see. Good Luck
Peter
PNWRR
Omg girl I am having so many problems I've had to empty and fill my my pool five times this year because I'm having the same exact problem you had with the unlevel the poles sinking in the ground the blocks going into the pool so I no the struggle and I'm having to do this all on my own because my husband is serving out of the area and I definitely appreciate any help you have to offer thank you
yes i understand your struggle. the pavers will help, just dig them to ground level so they don't push into your pool when you fill it up. as for leveling if you can get it 2" or less off level that is great, mine is and will always be 2" off level due to a pipe underground. Good luck dear!
I would recommend using a floor jack to move those pavers out a bit. You don't want them pushing into the liner or ripping out a seam. We had to do this with our pool last year. I am using an overlap liner this year but still want to be careful since we can't afford to replace it at the current prices.
Agree 100% floor jack pull the bricks back few inches. This wood jig will help. ruclips.net/video/C7PLttDtgjc/видео.html
We put those dollor pool noodles as a buffer between pavers and pool it worked
That’s great!
I feel your pain I went through this my first time putting the pool up also. I have also bin In sticky situations with other projects… great job on the pool, you have my support!
Thank you kindly!
Thank you 🙏🏽 soo much for your honesty !!! Everyone pretends like it’s so easy to do this it’s a big task and we all do it for our kids to be happy but it’s a lot of work !!
You are right! I dug my pavers in to ground level this year and it is SO close to perfect, still almost 2" off level but its solid!
use a airbag pump to lift the liner they're really skinny and will slide just enough under the pool to lift only the water then you can slide the wood back. it's the same thing or concept as a blood pressure checker.
Thank you for sharing your story and experience. I hope your family is enjoying the pool this summer!
We are thank you! I finally got it really close to level and no pavers poking in! Very happy! thank you for watching.
Tip dig hole and put pavers in the ground so that the top of the pavers are level with the top of the ground. This will lower the top rail and allow ladder to work. Also liner will not hit edge of pavers.
This is great advice. I will pin it so others can see it easily. Thank you for watching!
I set out pavers and thought they could damage the liner. I burred them. I hope it works out.
Installed over 2k above ground pools . #1 rule laser lever every upright with a block(2x8x16) broke in half works perfect underneath and use mason sand for your bottom it's 90% compaction. No need for concrete slab if the ground is leveled correctly hire someone with a bobcat and Lazer level....
Use a floor jack and a 2x4 to lift it up ever so slightly and move the pavers back. Get a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 insulation and cut off some strips to put between the block and the pool.
Thanks for showing the mistakes to avoid. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there but this tells me a lot on where to start. Hope you, & family, have a good time.
Hey! thanks. Dig your pavers into the ground! and thanks again!
Use the pool noodles on the pavers to protect edges from distroying your pool. Not the best look but definitely will give you that extra cushion against the edges.
Did this last yr and worked great cut the pool noodles and put them in between the liner and pavers never had a problem
I wish I saw this yesterday!! I got a couple little holes in the liner now .. I’m currently patching them
You can add foam to the pavers that way the pool liner is protected. Also I use gym rubber pad to protect fthe bottom of the liner and it provides a good cousioned feel when your in the pool.
Hi Tony. I was going to try those interlocking gym rubber pads too. Did you use a tarp also?
I also used pavers for the frame polls. I had the same problem with the liner touching the pavers. I fixed the problem by using a dremel and cutting some old pvc I had laying around into strips and sliding between the liner and paver. Worked great last season and am using again this year. Hope this helps. Enjoy your vids.
You are so cool and encouraging. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your mistakes. It really inspired me to set up the sand filter and saltwater system.
you are so welcome thank YOU for commenting! I hope it goes well you've got this!
Thank you for posting your pool's progress with the years really have helped plan better for the pool I just ordered!!
I am very happy to hear that! Thank you for commenting. Set up video coming soon!
@@Bellavanacoffee can you tell me the measurements of the pavers? Does it matter a lot or can it be any thickness?
@Rose Garcia thinner is better! Mine are too thick. Mine are Probably about 1” tall.
Thank you for posting this. I’m not sure you’re still checking comments for this video or if someone suggested this already but a scissor jack and a piece of wood against the upper rail will allow you to relieve the pressure (lifting even 5 mm will usually work) on your pavers so you can move them away from your liner. I hope this helps.
thank you, yes many suggestions for that. we drained at the end of the season and the damage was minimal, yay. this year all good, just still 1.5 inches off level but I am happy with it. Thank you!!
Hope the pool turns out so well Dani, so sorry it's been so challenging to set up but I know it will be great, your pool videos are some of my fav videos on your channel❤❤❤✨!
Good video. I used and old trampoline mat instead of a tarp and then put a foam mat(2’x2’sq kids foam floor pad) on top of that then set the pool up. So soft of the feet.
Soft sounds nice! Good job! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for your videos! I thought I was the only one having so much trouble with my pool! It is definitely a learning process. Oh, and last year, I put some thick padding on the inside of the pavers because I was afraid of them puncturing the pool where a few touched.
YAY thank you. I am burying my pavers to ground level this year to avoid that issue cause it broke my heart!
Best video. Thank you. I'm just looking into getting a pool similar to this and I'm so blessed that your video came up. Thanks for being humble and honest.
Thank you kindly! I have other videos too, this season I finally got it almost perfect! (finally) good luck with your pool, and don't forget to get a sand filter it will save you so much headache fighting algae.
A few things we did last year that we’ll definitely do again this year. We levelled the area, and covered the dirt with a good tarp. We then added 3 layers of large cardboard pieces, we taped the pieces together and made sure all staples where cut off. This gave us a nice soft surface to walk on, and worked well. This works for us because we take our pool down at the end of the season and can recycle the cardboard. We also put pavers under the poles, but buried them to ground level so they wouldn’t touch the liner. I’m glad to see your new pool! I hope to get ours up soon, but it’s still too cold up here in Canada. Great video!
Great idea!
I just now cleared my ground its not level yet. Im wondering should I level the ground then put the pavers down and then level those. Im wondering what to do next. I wish someone would make a video from start to finish with the pavers. No one has done that. Everyone's video is there pool is already filled with water and they are telling you how to check the poles to see that they are level
@@bm3211 you definitely want to level the ground the best you can. This will be our 3rd season and the ground is still a bit off, but not as bad as the first year. We had to drain our pool the first year and re-level the area as it was 5-6” off. We go it down to about an inch or 2, and hoping to get it better this year. Are you putting pavers to cover the entire area of the pool or just under the poles?
@@PS2Steve just the poles. I've spent the last 3 days getting all the grass and weeds up. This is my first pool so everything im doing im doing from the start. LOL. My hands have blisters because I refused to pay someome $1000 to come do it for me. I'm just not sure how to do it like as in what order im leveling it out now but how do I start with the pavers. LOL. I haven't found any video actually installing pavers. I've Googled everything I can think of and nothing says anything about how to install them and how to go about leveling them
@@bm3211 I can tell you what we did if that helps at all. We measured out our pool circumference and spray painted the part that needed to be dug out. We started by removing as much of the grass as possible with shovels, but in the end we rented a rototiller to breakup the ground. Once all the grass was removed, and the dirt was softened enough to rake out. We used a 2x4x12 and a level to figure out the high points, then raked and raked and raked😂 once the ground seemed level, we rented a tampering machine and tampered the ground and watered it to make it solid again. We checked if it was level, and once it was dry and leveled, that’s when we added the tarp and layers of cardboard. We cut and taped the cardboard together and put the pool on top. Once we set up the pool (before adding water) that’s when the pavers came in. We cut through the cardboard until we hit dirt, then dug into the dirt with a small shovel the placed the paver in the hole. Then we used a hammer to pound down the paver to make sure the dirt was compact underneath. The poles will shift as you add water, so you need to watch them and adjust them before the pool gets too heavy. We also use the level to check every side of the pool as it fills to make sure it’s level. Not sure if this was the right way to do it, and the initial work was a pain, but the next year was a piece of cake to set up as I’m sure this year will be too.
Thank you I was going to put those exact bricks up under pool but because of the issue you went through now I am not you might have saved my pool and me a lot of extra time and money I normally don't watch women on here but I'm glad I watched you and will continue and follow you
yay. cool!
Last bit of help, Never take down an above ground pool in the winter. Just remove the pump and the ladder and store the pump where it’s warm. Leave the rest of the water that doesn’t drain out the inlets in the pool for weight over the winter. Above ground pools only have an average life of 7 years anyway. If you try to take it down at the end of the season you will shorten the life span of the pool. The freezing cold weather does not hurt the pool. The plastic parts on these pools get brittle which is normal but if you take the pool down you can break these parts.
7 years is not average, it’s more like 15 years
@@jaybee6477 no it’s indeed 7
Yes, my Intex lasted 13 years. Never took it down. New pool this year, going to use a pad and pavers, learned all the lessons.
@@LPS-mh8kx correct! The guy Jay Bee is not understanding the 7 year average so I will elaborate. There are people who purchase these pools and if they have roughians for children the pool can be ruined in a week. I’ve seen it all…kids taking po go sticks and bicycles in the pools. There is also a guy I heard on line he has had his dough boy above ground pool for 30 years! So yes indeed the average life Span of an above ground pool is 7 years.
Nice!!!!
Our pool is on the way. Thank you, your video will be so helpful before we start ♥
Wonderful! i have a set up video where i go step by step. Don't do it all in one day! keep me posted, you can do it.
We used larger paver stones and my husband dug them into the ground level and used paver base under them making very careful to make sure they are All level. We also used large sheets of 4x8 foam insulation board and duct taped them together for base once the ground was level, then added the tarp
You did good sounds like you did all the things right! Wish I would have dug the pavers in! Thanks for watching and happy swimming!
@@Bellavanacoffee ..I'm sure you did good and the best you could. We've been doing these pools since 2000. This is our first year with the 24x12x52 though, so I watched a LOT of videos of good bad and ugly lol
@@danakrassoi8671 I know there are a lot of bad videos out there lol. (mine some of them)
Thank you so much for your help! Mine was about 2 1/2 off but I jacked it up and add dirt to help with support on the low side and pavers! I’m about to fill it up again!
well awesome, i hope that works well for you! we are 2" off still but it's fine, just can't fill it up to the top. happy swimming!
Love the saltwater but it does do some damage, went through 4 pump motor bearings and had to prep/ paint frame every year. The pavers seem like a risky move to me, but if you can soften the pavers edge it may work just fine. I put down a 4 inch base of sand, it works but not the greatest. I would definitely do something about the pavers to save the liner. Thanks for the upload.
Hey Duke, is it safe to rest the legs on the inner edge of the paver? The leg will start sliding back and I can just keep pulling the pavers back as it fills up.
You’re brave but I’m grateful for your video. It made me see why each step in installation needs checking and triple checking. All the best!
Yes check and re-check and take your time, Yeah still messing things up but guess what, kids are swimming and loving it. Thanks and best of luck!
I would put pool noodles between the pavers and pool liner.
Yes, i need something a little slimmer....but I do need something. I was able to ease a few of the pavers back from the pressure they were putting on the pool! You will see that in the full setup video coming soon. Thanks for the tip!
@@Bellavanacoffee how about cutting the pool noodles in half long ways.
I’m getting ready to set up my pool and looking at some insight for setup. Thanks for your video. I came across this video that might help with moving those pavers into better position.
ruclips.net/video/C7PLttDtgjc/видео.html
@@willi4ftramhagans303 thank you. If you click the link under this video there is a full set up video from this year. I was able to pull the pavers back and put padding.
@@ktclemons5569 hmm, I wonder... that might work? I wonder if they would break down from the water weight though? We thought about carpet scraps too. I wish someone had already tried this, so we knew for sure. Maybe I will try it... 😆
We’re in the process of putting one up. I came across you video bc we don’t have ladder instructions. Thanks for sharing bc overall you video is very helpful. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this! Perhaps cutting down some foam pool noodles from the Dollar Tree and placing on the edges of the pavers could ensure that even if they did rub the liner after settling it wouldn't puncture? Just a thought! Have you used chlorine in the past? I'm curious if salt water would preserve a liner to last longer.
Good ideas! Ours wasn't level last year and it drove me insane! We picked a different spot and now have to dig a big area... not to mention that it's so freaking hot!!!!!!! It will be September before I get thru this project! 🤣
girl you started late! ugh i do not envy you, but yes level ground is so hard to find, it seems level then it's not. best of luck to you, take it slow on the final set up don't rush and mess up at the end is my advice!
The problem with those legs is they move once the water fills up, and expand too
Thank you for this!! My husband and I just bought our first pool for our girls, and we can’t wait to set it up. We’ll make sure to not make those mistakes you mentioned. Thank you again❤
You are so welcome!
Could you have cut a pool noodle in half and put it over the edge of the paver for it!
Yeah... before filling- there’s not enough space between the paper in the pool to put a pool noodle now if I did it again I would’ve dug the pavers down into the earth a little bit and I would’ve put padding just in case it touched the pool I was able to slip some padding in between the ones that I couldn’t pull completely out. Thanks for watching and commenting good luck with your pool
Nor sure if you did but a drain and fix is best. We have a 3/4 hp or you could go as far as a trash pump and fix. Well worth to just drain and pull them back slightly.
Grateful for your video. We are on our third official pool. I have seen so many videos and you have some things in your video that I have not seen in others
Oh yay! yes mistakes lol! best of luck to you!!
I can't imagine the unbelievable amount of time, energy and money you and your husband invested. Professional pool installers exist for a reason. Also, concrete slabs do not cost a couple hundred dollars. Like, not even close.
Thanks, that means I was right again..as usual hah. Yes we are still thinking we need to drain and fix this. It is my nemesis. But the kids are swimming and happy. :)
Can't speak for US, but in Sweden one cubic meter (35 ft3) concrete costs about $50 if you mix it yourself and about $300 if you buy it delivered ready by a truck... Depending on a lot of things of course.
Professionals don't always mean they are professional. I have first hand experience with it. Those professionals are just hired out contractors that bid to do the job and many of them do poor quality work. Our pool was set up by our already existing pool deck and they had it off by almost 2-3 inches and then used a saw to just cut into our deck on one side to force it to fit and the other side has a huge gaping hole where a small child can fall through it. They installed the skimmer and missed screws and it was leaking, they came out to fix it and sent some crackhead that literally just jumped in and unscrewed the skimmer while the pool was full and the liner got pulled down. When he tried to put it all back and tried to raise the liner he had to use duck tape to stick it to the liner and pull as hard as he can to try to get it up, still isnt perfect and now has duck tape stuck all on the liner by the skimmer. This is what we got for a $14,000 dollar pool. Smh..
Treat the metal with boet-9 spray to prevent rust prior to setting up
I just ordered the Intex Ultra frame 24x24x52. This is my 3rd Intex. Yes this time around I will be getting a concrete slab place in my slopping back yard. I used brick paver stones last year, and I was constantly moving pavers every morning because of the pool moving and still sinking in the ground. I hope this summer is different. Definitely excited. Great videos
Oh wow that's a big one!!! lots of water Yay for level pool no sinking!!! I am happy for you. Keep me posted and thank you for watching!
'We are humans, and that's what's beautiful.' That's the clue:-)
thank you for noticing that statement. I appreciate your view and comment! Subscribe...filter video coming soon!
5:55 the dog looks like he's in a time out. Great video. Thanks for sharing. My pool goes up this week.
Thank you! Good luck! I have a full set up video linked under this, shows me "fixing" the pavers I messed up at the end. Also a full filter set up video coming out this week. Subscribe!
How is your pool Rhonda?
@@Bellavanacoffee it's good! My son put it up. It's a tad uneven but not too bad. Thanks for asking. It sure is nice to have a pool.
*** PLEASE READ: after being told multiple times, it is suggested that you dig your pavers into the ground so they are level with the ground.
I have been able to dig a little in front of the pavers and get them to “slide” back a centimeter to relieve the pressure on the liner, you will see it in the set up video (in description) I still need to slide something in between to protect the liner.
ALSO no you can’t get a CONCRETE SLAB FOR a couple hundred dollars. Husband was wrong 😅
I bought plastic cutting boards and cut them to fit between the pool liner and the pavers. They were thin enough to slide in most of them. www.google.com/search?q=plastic+cutting+board&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#oshopproduct=cid:15317513784541025088,pvt:a&oshop=apv
I’m going to have to jack up at least one pole because it’s sliding off the paver. I’m afraid to do it myself so I’m checking around for someone to do it for me.
And you created the possibility of it collapsing by doing that. Those legs HAVE to be straight up and down.
The pavers should be level with the ground
@@donnyrodriguez7246 yep wish I would have known that, and I should have mentioned it, I did edit this comment to include it. thanks
@@Bellavanacoffee Just an idea .... You could take a pool noodle and cut it in half or in 1/4 and then cut them just a little longer then the paver and wedge it in between the paver and the pool to protect the pool liner !
i already mailed our gardeners for leveling our pool site. i guess they'll spread some sand bags on the ground for getting it leveled.
I would definitely recommend you do some research on using sand to level because it can settle out if possible it would be good to dig on the high side and spread sand all over it for softness on the feet but if you just add sand to level one side make sure you use pavers underneath The pole so they don’t sink into the sand and make sure they’re not poking into your pool like mine were
@@Bellavanacoffee i already see, that the pool's set up by leveling the ground will cost a multiple of its purchase price (119€)
@@wolfgangwunschel-b4p right! That’s why we tried to do it ourselves multiple times. But good to have it done right. And make sure you get a good filter!
@@Bellavanacoffee i'll prepare the site loosening the compact stony soil. i got a 5 beam (4 directions + 1 underneath for leveling) laser device 2. hand, important to get it done professionally. filter 12v/ 65w included in its. price. next year we'll connect our thermosolar heaters (also possible DIY)
Great vid....thanks.
One thing I could add....if you're getting algae and don't know how or why...take your ladder APART. If the ladder relies on being flooded at the bottom to weight it down, BAD things can live inside....
i should take my ladder out daily anyway. thanks for the tip
Yup, we bought one off Amazon that required water in the legs, other reviews stated they could not get rid of algae, took out the water filled ladder and algae problems went away.
we just got a 12' pool. First erection was like the leaning tower of piza. 2nd erection was near perfect, but rain softened the ground. We chocked three of the uprights with wood at the base, but now other poles are sinking into the garden, so we're going to bite the bullet this weekend and use the car jack to add more wooden chocks under each upright. The idea of a cutting board is quite good. Thanks for posting your video, very helpful..... I wonder at the end of it all, if it's just easier and less stress to get an in ground pool installed......! Cheers
Sounds JUSt like ours! sigh. good luck to you. My kids are swimming so I am happy. I hope you get it level, let me know how the jacking goes, I am afraid to bend my bars, I will fix the pavers at he end of the season. Its not ideal...but its too hot to mess with now !
@@Bellavanacoffee hey! I was able to jack the uprights and level out the pool;. I jacked them at the upright fitting using a car jack and length of 2" x 4". This lifted the foot of the leg out of the grass/mud (can't believe how much rain we had! in previous years this wouldn't have happened!), and allowed me to hammer in a wooden base place for the foot to rest on. I also made sure the leg was level in the vertical plane and then lowered the leg onto it's new rest. Voila! All legs for now, are level and the pool frame is pretty level too. For next year, I'll make sure to use level-flush-to-the-floor pads for the feet to sit on. This is a must! Kids are loving the pool! Enjoy!!!!
@@spadds yay!!!!! Great job! Wohooo thanks For telling me!
Hey I love your video not everyone is a professional and can afford to pay someone to do it we do our best just enjoy life in the end God bless you … and your pool looks great
I appreciate that!
im just about to install a 16x32 Intex pool. I am happy to see how tough they are to stand up to being filled off level. Wow. I've been in a pool when it broke. Its actually VERY dangerous. I've only been hurt worse in motorcycle accidents. In my case, it broke towards a 250lb sand filter. The filter won that fight and 5 ribs lost. Be careful around a bulging pool like that. Ton and tons of force waiting to hammer you into the ground or across whatever is in the way.
gosh! what a crazy story. we are all good and just 2 inches off level now. that was a bad choice for sure. Happy swimming to you!
Put indoor - outdoor carpet that has a rubber backing under the pool. It will prevent any small rocks from touching the liner. Rent a tamper and thoroughly compact the soil around the perimeter for the support legs. The compacted soil will keep the leg supports from sinking into the ground. The support legs should be resting on a hard surface like cement pavers. Fill the pool a third full. Wait 48 hours. Check for movement or settling. The weight of the water will not be too much for you to make minor adjustments. Fill to another third. Wait 24 hours. Check for level , fill to full and enjoy. By the way, we have had our Intex 15 x15 x 48 pool for ten years. Hope to replace it next year with a bigger pool.
nice advice!
I had the same problem with my pool liner pushing against my paver blocks under the legs. I slid some stiff plastic material between the liner and the blocks to lessen the pressure points. On the algae, I found the most important thing was to make sure not to let your chlorine tablets run out. I use the ones with algicide( I think most of them are like that). The only time I had a problem was when I let my tablets run out for a week or 2. It’s very hard to fix after it gets out of control, much easier to prevent.
Great video. I needed to hear all the problems b4 starting. I would have hated myself Bc I would have made all those mistakes. Thank you for sharing.
Good luck and another tip dig the pavers into the ground so they are not jacking your pool up like mine..best of luck. I have other videos too. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks for sharing with us .I finished putting my pool up yesterday . I built a solid decking to put pool on hard work b well worth it . Decking 2 foot wider than pool . Also carpet on top to protect liner . Not perfect level 1 square out . .
Nice work!
@@Bellavanacoffee thankyou ..shame I can't show .
The ground in my yard is horrible. Lots of clay and debris plus tree roots etc. every single summer I’ve had to re level! So that means drain a pool take apart. Remove all landscape fabric and relocate all rocks that were put out for landscape. Last season I got smart!!! I hand dug a 4” deep trench that was 55’ diameter. I installed 4.5” tall dig in edging. Then I leveled the existing ground and hand tamp it best I could. I’ve upgraded in pool size over the years from 10x30 then 12x36, 14x42 to 15x42. Of course for the prev pools I dug out the higher side as suggested. So after installing the edge into the trench I dug I backfilled it so edging was stable. I decided to grab some paver base. Had some bags on hand so went with it. Spread it using the long deck board with rebar on one end and string on opposite end pulling it round and round got it spread then hand tamp watered tamp again water tamp again etc as you do that it hardens well. But also works as a good drainage too because this stuff is suppose to layer 4-6” thick below leveling sand when you make paver patio or walkway. Then once all tamp down and level placed some 3 tab asphalt shingles a neighbor was throwing out. Then came my landscape fabric. Usually triple lay it but if you don’t have foam under the pool don’t use landscape fabric pins as i have had holes in liner from yes a tiny 4” landscape fabric pin! Then came my heavy duty tarp. After tarp I laid my foam puzzle pieces from harbor freight I had used season prior still in great shape. This time I used threaded duct tape n taped all the seams to make sure they stayed in tact. Then installed pool directly over the foam. It left me approx 1’ of room from outer edge of pool and the dig in edging to be able to add some river rock for decor. I don’t use pavers under legs as my ground is super hard so I get craft wood have used oval and square pieces. Can always glue pieces together to make them thicker. I use liquid flex seal and paint it on them to add a water proof layer and I use those under my footings. As I fill I go around the entire pool nonstop pulling out each leg as I get to it. Once 2” water is inside pool I get in using squeegee and smooth the wrinkles then back to filling and pulling legs. If you happen to pull wrinkles in wrong direction which I’ve done n past it will make it seem like the pool isn’t level cause the liner in a spot will have extra amount at the bottom so it changes the water line in that area. I just left it tho wasn’t a major difference. Then at end of last season I broke my shoulder. Coming up on spring I was terrified but I got my level out and went around checking the top rails and the T pieces and legs and nothing was more than an inch off level so for first time ever I was able to just uncover my pool and open it! Also use in the swim winterizing kit for 7500 gallon pool They told me just use half the chemicals since my pool is smaller and I have clear water come spring. If you wait to long to open tho if weather has gotten hot you will probably have clear water but also mildew from water line to top of pool liner if so is ok use clr mold n mildew stain remover and rinse it cleans easily. Hope this helps. I also modify my pools all of them so far by cutting my liner to make the holes larger so I can use intex large pool fittings suction and clean water inlet can obtain parts from intex corp much cheaper than eBay. And I use intex 2500gph cartridge pump and the zx300 automatic pool vac by intex that has spinning brushes and climbs the walls and is a pressure side vac as far as
Over side skimmer I’ve bought many of intex model but got fed up and grabbed a bestway brand last month which works so much better for me as I have bestway steel pro max pool and the top rail is oval so this attachment fits great and has stayed n place since day I got it. No more weatherstrip on the intex attachment part and having to babysit that skimmer the hose is stronger as well the intex model I’ve had 3 or 4 hoses collapse at both ends and then pump is running dry or the entire skimmer basket and all raises up out of the water but not once using this bestway model has it done anything like that and I found it on eBay seller spreetail “used” for 11.00. I also get the intex zx300 automatic vac from them on eBay “parts only” cause intex didn’t sell replacement parts at first but I’ve got 4 total and they have all been new n box and worked perfectly. A lot of people still can’t comprehend how they don’t attach to suction n they think they don’t work so they return them and spreetail isn’t gonna test them out. So even if didn’t work is cheaper than you can even get a replacement hose for the zx300 or a set of replacement spinning brushes. I paid 34.00 twice and then 29.00 then 25.00 and they retail for anywhere from 150-300 new. Also just got big pack of intex size B filters from Walmart seller spreetail pack of 8 for 52.00 usually buy from academy sports but they are 7.99 each there so this was so much cheaper. Just some of my experience and I’m disabled a single mom with special needs child and I’ve done this alone all these years if I can anyone can. Thanks to videos like these and also join Facebook groups for pools too they are helpful. Anyone can do this if they just do the research and take the time
book and a half here.
Great video......I actually used a lot of your advice when installing mine yrs ago. First yr we were off by about 2.5 inches, last yr about 1.5inches so hoping we stick to that or less lol. It was a ton of work last yr to level and I cheated a bit with only having blocks on the low side of the pool. No idea if thats a good or bad thing but it worked and nothing broke. So now this yr I have the daunting task of leveling it properly....crossing my fingers. Thankyou again for your info....it was very helpful.
Oh this is an awesome comment. You know my struggles so well confession ours is not filled up yet this year. I’m waiting on some attachments for the new pump but I definitely have some. I don’t want to type feelings because of all that mess and it’s already hot outside.! Anyway, I hope you get a lot closer to level this time and just remember to keep those pavers at ground level so they don’t poke into your pool liner!
TY so much for your help! i am doing one and getting impatient but i just want to pay someone to level and set up and be done.
That is the killer, impatience. It happens to us every season though. totally normal as its HOT. I wish you luck friend!
I’m a first time pool person. Thanks for a great, eye opening video. Ours is up but no water yet so we can do more prep work. It’s much more then I realized!! I didn’t realize you had to put pavers under the legs. I did see were you have to dig the pavers in the ground to keep the liner off of them.
YES! dig the pavers IN! I wish someone would have told me that. Good luck to you! remember if it starts filling off level...more than 1", start over. Thanks for the nice comment. I have a set up video linked below as well! Let me know how yours turns out! ~Dani
Dani I know this is a dumb question but how many hours a day do you run the filter? Is it 24/7 or less? I’ve read conflicting info And being a first timer I have many questions. Lol. Thanks for commenting back. Georgia
@@georgiagarrison8657 Hey, for sure. So I run mine for 8 hours a day right now (I have the 2800 GPH pump/filter. I used to run it at night, but after some talking with a pool friend, I run it from 6am until 2. If its dead of summer and sunny/hot lots of people in the pool, its good to run it more. Maybe 12 hours 6 and 6? I don't like to run mine for more than 8 hours at a time. There is a boost option on my filter, all that does is run it longer. I think I will also run it at night in the hot summer not all day, just to relieve the heat. Hope that helps.
Dani, thanks so much for all the info. I have a much better idea now how long to run it. I have a 1500 gal filter pump. I read that someone who has my pool upgraded to a bigger pump so I might do that. 🤑🤑 so we’ll see. Again thanks so much
Georgia
all good advice ... I had the soft sand under the pool, then the tarp, and that feels great.. except now I'm noticing the sand shift slightly underneath and there are small "potholes" in various areas in the pool... this was my very first time owning a pool (got the Betterway 15' 48") and had a contractor friend set it up for me while i was dealing with back pain (another story for another time)...
so he had put small patio stones for pavers, but I found them a little tall and didn't like the liner rubbing against them... so I got 1" thick wood slabs cut and placed them under the feet.. and it works well (I even putt small foam noodles to keep from rubbing)... one of the feet has sunk in a bit and that spot is totally not level, but not sure how to raise the full pool to add an extra piece of board under it, so for now since it's not really causing a big issue, I'll wait until next season. The other thing I'm not sure about is whether or not to disassemble it completely for the winter or not (living southern Ontario, Canada) ... learning as I go
if it gets really cold and frozen , for sure take your tubing and pump inside, and probably the whole pool....darn on the sinking leg..it happens. many folks tell me to "jack up" the leg but I never did it because I did not want to damage the liner by doing that. I always just deal with the imperfection until the next season. This year I got it right, no pavers poking in (dug them into the ground level) and almost level. Best of luck to you happy swimming (good for the back too)
@@Bellavanacoffee thanks for responding...yes, I've seen a RUclips video of someone jacking it up, and i thought of doing it too... it's just enough to slide a piece of board under, but I'm too scared the 2x4 might slip off and rip the liner or something lol i will wait till next season too (our summers are too short as it is to start messing with it). Yes, the pump and hoses will be disconnected and brought indoors, and the majority of the water will be drained, but wondering if i should disassemble the entire thing... we'll see, I'll have to ask some of the experts at the Pool Shop...
I really enjoyed your video btw
@@sigmadeltahomevideo cool yes ask around, sometimes I think taking it all down and dragging it off can also damage it. we dont get super deep freezes down here in louisiana but I bring my motor and hoses in!
we are in the process of digging a level space now,,,thx so much for the info and tips. my wife wants it done now but after seeing you vid, she's backed off.
Take your time! For sure. Good luck to you guys. You can do it. It’s really hard to tell if it’s level. But once you get it set up and you start filling it up, you’ll know immediately if it’s too far off level by the way, the water runs once you get an inch or two in there you’ll know how far off you are. (Hopefully not at all! ) be sure to watch the other video I have called how we set up our pool that has some important steps as far as keeping your liner smooth and poles straight.
Tap a bar in center circle, tie loop on string with a string level and from center pull line and run the circle, would cut circle down a few inches to help support your frame legs, ensure you leave and outlet if you drop 3 inches for drainage
Thank you for this. I’ve been looking at so many videos before I install my pool this season. Super helpful
Best of luck to you and thank you for watching. I need to fill mine up this year so I will be filming and hoping I don't screw it up any worse. 4th times a charm.
Beautifully explained.....Great job.. You are so talented,..
Thanks for showing what mistakes you made. Much appreciated. Don't know how you ended up 5 inches off though. Lol. Always put pavers down just for future reference. Look into a water level. It's been used for thousands of years and is spot on. Thanks again.
Yes I dug the pavers this year! Thank you! haha the five inches I blame on the hubby who used some homemade levels and said it was level. LOL I got it really close to level this year!