What should I put down before installing an above ground pool?

• <div><p>Sometimes, homeowners choose to install their pool on concrete, foam tiles, or patio pavers. Leveled dirt is also fine, as long as it’s not sod or grass. Regardless, you’ll need to install sand as a buffer to prevent your liner from tearing. Some pool installers also use a protective foam pool pad.</p></div>

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Q: What should I put under my pool liner?

• <div><p>Some pool professionals recommend adding an extra layer of comfort and protection between your pool and the vinyl liner. Made from a range of plastic blends, these liners can absorb moisture, allow the pool liner to breathe, and act as an extra barrier for pests, burrowing animals, and mildew. They also provide an extra layer of comfort for swimmers.</p></div>

Q: Do you run a pool pump when adding salt?

• <div><p>Yes, you should keep your pool pump running when adding salt, and leave it running for 24 to 48 hours. This will help circulate the salt to ensure even distribution. You will want to turn off your pool&rsquo;s salt chlorine generator before adding salt and leave it off until it fully dissolves. Check your manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions for steps specific to your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/salt-water-pool-maintenance-checklist.htm">saltwater pool maintenance</a>.</p></div>

Q: How deep does a semi-inground pool go?

• <div><p>Just like a traditional in-ground pool, semi-inground pools can be between three and eight feet deep. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/lap-pool-cost.htm">Lap pools</a>, for example, are often an average of 4 feet deep, while a traditional pool may have both a shallow and deep end. The depth of your semi-inground pool depends on the liner you purchase, as well as how much excavation you plan to do before the installation. </p></div>

Q: How long does it take to drain a pool with a garden hose?

• <div><p>Draining a pool with a garden hose can take between eight and 14 hours depending on the depth of your pool and whether you use a sump pump. Be sure to stay close to the pool during this time to ensure the structure of your pool remains unharmed and that the water drains properly.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Above Ground Pool Installation pros in Ester, AK

*The Angi rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Ester, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Above Ground Pool Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Above Ground Pool Installation companies in Ester, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Above Ground Pool Installation needs.

Last update on June 01, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
What makes MacCheynes Carpets Plus stand out is their exceptional customer service in combination with superior products. When you call their office, you get right through to a friendly and knowledgeable person—you don’t go round in circles with automated messages, or get put on hold for hours....
MAC CHEYNE'S CARPETS PLUS INC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Installed front doors and stiffened front wall. Like the last time I hired Isaac, clean and minimally invasive. Exudes structural engineer proficiencies.
I. E. J., LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Caleb keenly listened to my specific requests and took initiative to complete overall project in a highly professional and skilled manner. I was impressed with his integrity and work ethic that superseded my expectations, Mr. Shoop communicated throughout remodeling project to explain and keep...
Agape Love LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
I highly recommend 8 Stars, Inc. They did drywall installation for me including drywall hanging, mudding, and taping. 8 Stars, Inc was very professional from the beginning. They were timely, asked good relevant questions during the project estimation, and did very high quality work in a...
8 Stars, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2024
After the drywall was installed and textured, it was perfect. The work was completed quickly; job cleaned up with no sign it had been done.
Armor Maintenance
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Reviewed in November 2023
Dan's and his team are amazing. They did wonderful work removing my old cedar shingle roof and installing a new architectural style shingle roof with all new associated roofing hardware. Prior to installing the new roof, they removed an old chimney chase. Every day they cleaned up and at the...
Great Pacific Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
These guys are a new small business and have been a pleasure to work with so far and know their stuff. We had a door installed and a deck / stairs repaired and we'll be moving onto our kitchen next. All in all, fantastic service and friendly people! A good option for interior Alaska.
A & A Services
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Reviewed in July 2021
The install went great...Materials were ordered in a timely manner as the install. The install went as weather permitted...Travis is focused on doing what you want and need for a professional end product...
Operation Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
The tile installation for the backsplash was challenging. The work was OK. But there was one section of the tile that was put in backwards. The tile around the outlets were not cut away enough so we the homeowners had to fix that ourselves. There were many many many air holes in the grout so we...
Steven Lucero
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"The tech was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to satisfy us. Our faucet was broken would not attach to the sink as the copper seal broke to the water lines."

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Install Above Ground Pools questions, answered by experts

Some pool professionals recommend adding an extra layer of comfort and protection between your pool and the vinyl liner. Made from a range of plastic blends, these liners can absorb moisture, allow the pool liner to breathe, and act as an extra barrier for pests, burrowing animals, and mildew. They also provide an extra layer of comfort for swimmers.

Yes, you should keep your pool pump running when adding salt, and leave it running for 24 to 48 hours. This will help circulate the salt to ensure even distribution. You will want to turn off your pool’s salt chlorine generator before adding salt and leave it off until it fully dissolves. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for steps specific to your saltwater pool maintenance.

Sometimes, homeowners choose to install their pool on concrete, foam tiles, or patio pavers. Leveled dirt is also fine, as long as it’s not sod or grass. Regardless, you’ll need to install sand as a buffer to prevent your liner from tearing. Some pool installers also use a protective foam pool pad.

Just like a traditional in-ground pool, semi-inground pools can be between three and eight feet deep. Lap pools, for example, are often an average of 4 feet deep, while a traditional pool may have both a shallow and deep end. The depth of your semi-inground pool depends on the liner you purchase, as well as how much excavation you plan to do before the installation.

Draining a pool with a garden hose can take between eight and 14 hours depending on the depth of your pool and whether you use a sump pump. Be sure to stay close to the pool during this time to ensure the structure of your pool remains unharmed and that the water drains properly.

The Ester, AK homeowners’ guide to above ground pool installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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