How to Install an Above Ground Pool in 16 Steps

Start your pool construction by marking out the pool area using stakes and string. The ideal location for an above ground pool is a flat surface that’s at least six feet away from a slope. Stake what will be the center of the pool, and tie a string to the stake. Make sure the string is half the diameter of your pool plus three inches. Use the string to measure the pool’s circumference and spray paint the pool outline. This is where you’ll lay the bottom track.

Once you’ve mapped out your pool area, clear away all debris. Get rid of any vegetation that could potentially grow through the pool liner, including roots from nearby plants. Remove grass and sod, which could make the bottom of your pool unstable. Make sure there aren’t any sharp rocks or twigs.

It’s extremely important that the bottom track of your pool is completely level—otherwise, your pool could collapse. Check the area with a leveler taped to a two-by-four board that’s longer than the pool diameter. If it’s not level, you’ll need to level the yard yourself. It’s simpler to dig out high spots with your shovel than to fill in low spots, but you can even level the ground for a pool without digging.

Once the ground is level, you can install the bottom ring. This is the ring that goes all the way around the bottom circumference of your pool and supports the walls. Your kit should include the key components—plates, stabilizers, and bottom rails—so assemble them per the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this involves spacing out the plates, sliding in the bottom rail, and attaching the stabilizer.

Once you have the bottom ring assembled, you’ll need to add some supports beneath the plates—this will keep your pool in place over the years. To do this, install patio blocks under each plate. Dig out a space for each block. Make sure the block is level with the rest of the ground, and that the track sits completely flush.

Sand is what supports the pool liner and protects it from damage (lest a foot kicks down and is met with a rock you missed during the land prep phase). Lay down a two- to four-inch layer of mason sand or playground sand inside the bottom ring, right over where you plan to install the pool liner.

This is where you need to bring in some extra hands. Pool walls come in a metal roll. You’ll need to unravel the roll while attaching the walls to the tracks along the bottom ring. 

Start with one person holding the roll in the center of your pool. Line it up so the cutout for the skimmer (the square cutout) and the cutout for the return (the round cutout) are where you plan to install your pool accessories. Have another person carefully unravel the roll while placing the walls inside the metal tracks. 

To prevent the walls from caving in, attach the top track as you go. You can also use landscape stakes as a temporary way to support the walls until they’re fully installed. Proceed until the whole roll is in place along the bottom ring.

Once the walls are in place, you’ll be left with a single seam down the side of your pool wall. If the two sides don’t meet, you may need to shimmy them together or adjust the wall along the bottom plates. This might be tough, but the walls will fit with some elbow grease. From here, install the bolts and tape over the seam with duct tape.

Install your wall supports. There should be one support for each metal plate. Once they’re installed, check to make sure that the supporting patio block is securely in place and won’t move—otherwise your pool will be unstable. If all looks good, install the top cap snugly on top of the pool wall.

Before you lay down your liner, level the sand. You can use a rake, starting in the center of your pool and pushing outwards. Gently wet the sand and tamp it down to create a solid base.

For extra support, create a cove along the inside edge of the bottom rail (where the rail meets the pool wall). You can either use angled foam (also called a foam pool cove) or sand. If you use sand, tamp it down with a hand tamp but don’t scratch the walls. This will take some stress off your liner when you fill your pool with water.

Since installing the liner is one of the last steps, check your measurements—then check again! Make sure the pool is the right shape and size and the sand under the pool is the right depth. Double-check that everything is level, and make any adjustments as needed.

Some liners snap into place using a separate track on the top of your pool wall. Others overhang the top of the wall and are secured using plastic coping strips. You’ll need to consult your manufacturer's instructions for the exact pool liner installation details. 

Either way, start by spreading the liner out in the center of your pool. Gently work out the wrinkles and bubbles, taking care not to tear the liner. You can use a vacuum in the return to pull out air bubbles. You may need a second set of hands to help, since the liner is generally pretty heavy.

After the pool liner is installed, fill the pool halfway with water. This will settle the liner and help you identify the remaining wrinkles, so you can smooth them out. You can use your own hose and well or city water, or order a water truck delivery from a local pool service company.

Before you can install your equipment, you’ll need to create a space for the filter and pump. This is known as a filter and pump bed. The simple way is to use a stack of cinder blocks near the corresponding cutouts. Just make sure the ground is level so the blocks are secure. 

When it comes to actual installation, it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, some types of pool filters use sand inside the body, while others don’t. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to install your skimmer, filter, pump, and return.

Finish your pool off by installing the top rail and the top plates above your support posts. From here, your pool should be totally stable. At this point, you can install steps or a ladder as long as they don’t rest on the top rail. Anything putting serious pressure on the top rail could collapse the pool wall.

The final step of pool construction is checking your work. Fill your pool halfway up to the skimmer mouth. Turn your pool on and check for leaks. If you notice a leak, you’ll have to troubleshoot. Sometimes the answer is as simple as tightening a hose. If you can’t figure out the problem, call a pool repair service near you. If your pool doesn’t have any issues, you can start adding pool cleaning chemicals and get ready to take your first dip.